Can I become a Born Again?

[Blood_Angel]

I was wondering about, where I stand when it comes to my morality and legibility to become a Catholic, the reason I wish to become a Catholic is improve my life and well, at least try and find some good in this decaying and corrupt world. As a child I was surrounded by religion, only as a child, I remember going to a few different churches with school, and singing hymns. But it meant nothing to me, I didn’t really understand it at all. Even when an old friend died of cancer, at her funeral I couldn’t bring myself to feel anything, because I felt like an atheist.

I discovered my first signs of God recently, when smoking cannabis. I know how that sounds, but I’ve been doing it for years and only this time, I felt something in my heart, that I can only describe as the feeling I got when I had a crush on girls, as a younger person only not as painful!! I lived a life of sins, with the exception of maintaining my virginity. I have been drunk many times, addicted to pornography, the lot. Only I understand I can be better than that, but lacked the strength or will, I believe I can find that strength with God.

 

[FightingFat]

I was wondering about, where I stand when it comes to my morality and legibility to become a Catholic, the reason I wish to become a Catholic is improve my life and well, at least try and find some good in this decaying and corrupt world. As a child I was surrounded by religion, only as a child, I remember going to a few different churches with school, and singing hymns. But it meant nothing to me, I didn’t really understand it at all. Even when an old friend died of cancer, at her funeral I couldn’t bring myself to feel anything, because I felt like an atheist.

I discovered my first signs of God recently, when smoking cannabis. I know how that sounds, but I’ve been doing it for years and only this time, I felt something in my heart, that I can only describe as the feeling I got when I had a crush on girls, as a younger person only not as painful!! I lived a life of sins, with the exception of maintaining my virginity. I have been drunk many times, addicted to pornography, the lot. Only I understand I can be better than that, but lacked the strength or will, I believe I can find that strength with God.

Forgiveness is a lot of what Christianity is all about

[bibledrb]Luke 15:7[/bibledrb]

There is always repentance, there is always forgiveness.

What is your question here friend?

 

[Blood_Angel]

I read that Catholics baptise you, and then you become a Catholic, with salvation.

Some of the things I’ve thought, I’ve said are just plain wrong. I am concerned that if I were to become a Catholic, will I find the strength to resist the easy, immorality I’ve been engulfed in growing up??

And what happens if I fall again and maybe not excessively, but begin to commit sin again. That kind of thing scares me, though right now, I’m a long way off turning my life around.

 

[FightingFat]

I read that Catholics baptise you, and then you become a Catholic, with salvation.

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.

Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC 1213)

Some of the things I’ve thought, I’ve said are just plain wrong. I am concerned that if I were to become a Catholic, will I find the strength to resist the easy, immorality I’ve been engulfed in growing up??

It is a constant struggle for each one of us, but through our faith, and the strength we are given through the Sacraments, we can resist these temptations and live happy lives freed from the slavery of sin.

And what happens if I fall again and maybe not excessively, but begin to commit sin again. That kind of thing scares me, though right now, I’m a long way off turning my life around.

Then you go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation; “Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC1422)

 

[fhansen]

I read that Catholics baptise you, and then you become a Catholic, with salvation.

Some of the things I’ve thought, I’ve said are just plain wrong. I am concerned that if I were to become a Catholic, will I find the strength to resist the easy, immorality I’ve been engulfed in growing up??

And what happens if I fall again and maybe not excessively, but begin to commit sin again. That kind of thing scares me, though right now, I’m a long way off turning my life around.

The Church teaches that “falling” is almost a mandatory part of being human-we all struggle with sin-and that’s the main reason for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a sacrament where God gives us the grace of forgiveness and the power to overcome sin. Our faith is all about grace-God working with our own wills to help us become the beings He’s created us to be. IOW, He promises to give us the strength that we don’t have on our own if we turn to Him-He already knows our weaknesses, better than we do.

 

[Blood_Angel]

It is a constant struggle for each one of us, but through our faith, and the strength we are given through the Sacraments, we can resist these temptations and live happy lives freed from the slavery of sin.

The Church teaches that “falling” is almost a mandatory part of being human-we all struggle with sin

So once I am baptised, I become a Son of God. Then through prayer and devotion, I will battle against my temptation to sin?

 

[Myqyl]

Welcome!

God is calling to you! This will be the happiest journey of your life. Not the easiest certainly, but the happiest.

Don’t worry about stumbling along the Way. You’re in good company. Everyone here (in the Church) is a sinner. We have a Sacrament for that…

You didn’t ask for advice, but I never let that stop me before so… Attend a few Masses near where you live. Find a Parish that “feels like home”… There are many slight differences (Music, Homily, etc…) and it’s a good idea to “shop” a little.

Then, talk to the Parish priest. Ask if he has time during the week for some spiritual guidance. Internet forums are a nice way to meet folks and get opinions, but Spiritual Guidance is best gotten face to face, with a priest.

Becoming a Catholic is not simply a matter of walk in and accept an alter call, It can take about a year. Be patient… It’s a journey… Oh!!! And in case you aren’t aware… Don’t receive the Eucharist until you’re done with RCIA. It’s not just a piece of bread and you need to fully understand what you’re doing before you receive. Very important.

May God bless and guide you on your journey!

Mike

 

[FightingFat]

So once I am baptised, I become a Son of God. Then through prayer and devotion, I will battle against my temptation to sin?

Yeah. When you’re Baptised, the sin is washed away and you are made a new creation in Christ. If you stumble, you can go to Confession, in sorrow for your sins and seek forgiveness from God. You will gain grace from your penitence and slowly find yourself less interested in sin!

 

[Myqyl]

So once I am baptised, I become a Son of God. Then through prayer and devotion, I will battle against my temptation to sin?

No need to wait… You can start prayer and devotion and the battle against sin right now… I believe (and others might disagree) that you will gain allies in your battle through Baptism and the conversion process. A Heaven full of Saints will be in your corner. But you can start your battle today. Ask Mary to help you in your battle. She loves you as a Mother and will help whenever you ask.

RCIA is the first step… Go for it!

God bless

 

[Trishie]

Hi, the fact that you were surrounded by some sinful things in your early life will not mean you cannot become a truly beautiful and faithful and good Catholic.
There have been quite sinful people who became Catholic, and who became ardent Catholics, and even went on to become Saints.
Some weren’t very good people at first, like …you will have heard of St Francis, I think! He had a deep conversion, after an early life that was selfish and sinful…but all these centuries later, we still are inspired by him. There are many others.
Your heart is open to Jesus is it not? Then You will find Him in the Sacraments of the Church.

 

[Sum_Fidelis]

Of course you can become a Born Again. I guess you are baptized? If not,that is not a problem either. But you need to understand,and I don’t want to make you change your mind,that being a catholic,even one who don’t practice his/hers faith,live a “different” life because God is truly with us all the time. You must ask one important questions from your self,“why catholic?” I pray that you will find your place in this world,and what ever you may choose in the end,is your own. I think that the best you can do is to attend mass a couple of times,you can not receive any sacraments,but Gods grace is with all in the church,and before and after,God is everywhere,and see if you “like” it. To “shop around” for the “right” church is a bad approach,but without any connection to any church in a long time it is,and I am wrong often,so make up your mind on what you feel is OK,it helps to see where you feel at home. I will include you in my Rosary prayer tonight. God bless and may He lead you the road He want you to walk.:bible1:

 

[JRKH]

I read that Catholics baptise you, and then you become a Catholic, with salvation.

Some of the things I’ve thought, I’ve said are just plain wrong. I am concerned that if I were to become a Catholic, will I find the strength to resist the easy, immorality I’ve been engulfed in growing up??

And what happens if I fall again and maybe not excessively, but begin to commit sin again. That kind of thing scares me, though right now, I’m a long way off turning my life around.

Praise God for his encouragement of you and leading you here to CAF.
You obviously have many questions and not a great deal of knowledge about the faith. Not to worry - Christ will see the completion of the work He has started in you.

Yes, Water Baptism is the external form of initiation into the Church. The first step on the journey. But before one reaches that step. They need to be aware of what they are “signing up for” so to speak. This requires some education. A time of discernment. Which you have already embarked upon. Praise God.

In becoming Catholic you WILL find strength through grace and in the greatest gifts given to man by a Loving Father. The sacraments, culminating with The Holy Eucharist - God himself.

If you fall (as we all do) The Father will welcome you back, just liket he prodigal son. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as confession) is a wonderful, cleansing, revitalizing act that restores us, strengthens us and sets us back on the right path.

There is so much beauty in the Church. As you study, ask questions, learn and grow, I am sure that you will find that God has put you here for a very good and glorious reason.

I would also suggest that you make an appointment to speak to your local Catholic pastor. He can help you in ways that we would not be able to.

Peace
James

 

[Barbkw]

The most important thing to remember - the Sacraments are where we and Jesus intimately share with one another. The Sacraments are where Divinity touches humanity.

(Generally, we bring all of our sins & failures asking for forgiveness and Jesus in His mercy gives us His abounding love and forgiveness.)

As Catholics, we are able to be born again daily in Spirit and fire, through the continual receiving of healing from Reconciliation with Jesus and the receiving of the Jesus (Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Eucharist.

In the Catholic Church, Reconciliation and the Eucharist is tied in with the celebration of the Mass - the Wedding Supper of the Lamb - and there we also receive graces by hearing the Word of God through Scripture and through the priest’s homily.

Welcome to the fullness!

 

[fhansen]

So once I am baptised, I become a Son of God. Then through prayer and devotion, I will battle against my temptation to sin?

By being a member of the Church we have the the optimum resources at our disposal for fighting the battle. She knows the enemy better than anyone else. She guides and leads us with the sword of truth through the battleground. Through the Sacraments she gives succor-where God’s direct help for various needs throughout the battle is guaranteed. The goal is to regain the ground lost at the original fall, when man first sinned against God. IOWs, the goal is* Himself*, as we increasingly turn back to full faith in and love for Him, where an eternal life of happiness awaits. And by the New Covenant with the Church, the new Israel, He promises to help get us there:

**“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the LORD.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.” ** Jer 31

 

[Blood_Angel]

Thanks for the help and support. I believe there’s 3 Catholic churches in my local area, I think I will look at each of them and think some more about all of this.

 

[JRKH]

Thanks for the help and support. I believe there’s 3 Catholic churches in my local area, I think I will look at each of them and think some more about all of this.

Please do. And please bring any questions you wish here to the board. There are a lot of very good folks here.

Peace
James

 

[Blood_Angel]

Before I attend my first mass, before RCIA and baptism, I was wondering is there any other way to begin my journey. Such as praying, is the rosary for after baptism? Is there anything I can start doing, right now?
Also where do I look on this forum, for that kind of the thing?

 

[fhansen]

Before I attend my first mass, before RCIA and baptism, I was wondering is there any other way to begin my journey. Such as praying, is the rosary for after baptism? Is there anything I can start doing, right now?
Also where do I look on this forum, for that kind of the thing?

We can and should pray anytime. But seeking can involve many things, including study. I would suggest reading the the bible, beginning with the New Testament. Also get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There’s a version called the Catechism of the Catholic Church for Adults that might be best, or the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is more concise and presented in question and answer format.

 

[Myqyl]

Before I attend my first mass, before RCIA and baptism, I was wondering is there any other way to begin my journey. Such as praying, is the rosary for after baptism? Is there anything I can start doing, right now?
Also where do I look on this forum, for that kind of the thing?

The Rosary is for everyone. A good source (there are many) to learn about it is

theholyrosary.org/

Pray on this, and be assured that MANY of us are praying for you. Probably many more than posted.

God bless

 

[JRKH]

Before I attend my first mass, before RCIA and baptism, I was wondering is there any other way to begin my journey. Such as praying, is the rosary for after baptism? Is there anything I can start doing, right now?
Also where do I look on this forum, for that kind of the thing?

Things you can start doing now…

• Get on you knees and ask Christ to enter your heart and take posession of you. To lead you into his grace his church and his body.
• Pray the Rosary and/or the divine mercy chaplet.
• Get a Bible, and begin reading the Gospels (Matt Mark Luke and John) Don’t rush this. Take your time and reflect on the teachings. Matt and John ar particularly good.
• Begin attending mass - don’t worry about not understanding or feeling lost at first. Just sit near the back and let the grace flow over you. Of course you can’t receive communion yet, but just stand or kneel quietly in your pew during the communion procession.
• If possible, go to church during the day and just sit before the tabernacle and talk to Jesus.

Keep asking questions…

Oh - and one other thing… If you want to do some basic reading, I understand that the book “Catholicism for Dummies” is a good overview of the faith. Might be worth picking up.

Peace
James