Conversion?

[JBottero]

As much as I can expect (which of course is very little - this is a public forum), I expect a little respect…

I’ve given it a lot of thought, yet you might think I’m either “not ready” or “not serious”. Why? Because I really know very little about the Christian Bible. I’ve not done a lot of “bible study”. I’m a little turned off by “evangelicals”.

I’m not terribly “enamored” with the traditional King James, which is unquestionably filled with terrible translation idioms from the God-awful period that it was translated from original text - but I suppose it’s what we have…

But…

I’m very interested in the possibility - possibility as in thinking about it, not having made a decision - in becoming an Catholic.

My son converted so as to be able to marry his wonderful wife in a beautiful church in West Seattle, though I suspect he’s not particularly religious.

My own reasons relate to being attracted to the ritual, and wanting “more” spiritually. I spent four weeks in Italy on a unstructured random “vacation”, I started in Rome and simply drove around… a week in Rome, a week in Florence, and the rest in other places. I spent a day at the Vatican, both in the church itself and the Necropolis. I visited the church of St Sebastian (very moving), I visited the monastery San Marco in Florence (and I think it is a shame that monks no longer live there)… I’ve started to wonder if this is what I should do.

Should I go see a priest? Will he blow me off as not a serious prospect, as some guy who isn’t serious, or is serious for the wrong reasons?

I’ve thought about it, and I have solid reasons. Though I’m worried about what my family might say.

My attraction is to traditional Catholicism, I’m a “by the book” guy, and I’ve see and heard the differences between “modern” or “liberal” views, I like the Latin mass, it is something that speaks to my soul.

Opinions?

I feel a bit - STRIKE THAT - very silly for asking.

 

[JBottero]

You can reply here, or directly to Jake@BotteroNet.net

 

[Tietjen]

As much as I can expect (which of course is very little - this is a public forum), I expect a little respect…

I’ve given it a lot of thought, yet you might think I’m either “not ready” or “not serious”. Why? Because I really know very little about the Christian Bible. I’ve not done a lot of “bible study”. I’m a little turned off by “evangelicals”.

I’m not terribly “enamored” with the traditional King James, which is unquestionably filled with terrible translation idioms from the God-awful period that it was translated from original text - but I suppose it’s what we have…

But…

I’m very interested in the possibility - possibility as in thinking about it, not having made a decision - in becoming an Catholic.

My son converted so as to be able to marry his wonderful wife in a beautiful church in West Seattle, though I suspect he’s not particularly religious.

My own reasons relate to being attracted to the ritual, and wanting “more” spiritually. I spent four weeks in Italy on a unstructured random “vacation”, I started in Rome and simply drove around… a week in Rome, a week in Florence, and the rest in other places. I spent a day at the Vatican, both in the church itself and the Necropolis. I visited the church of St Sebastian (very moving), I visited the monastery San Marco in Florence (and I think it is a shame that monks no longer live there)… I’ve started to wonder if this is what I should do.

Should I go see a priest? Will he blow me off as not a serious prospect, as some guy who isn’t serious, or is serious for the wrong reasons?

I’ve thought about it, and I have solid reasons. Though I’m worried about what my family might say.

My attraction is to traditional Catholicism, I’m a “by the book” guy, and I’ve see and heard the differences between “modern” or “liberal” views, I like the Latin mass, it is something that speaks to my soul.

Opinions?

I feel a bit - STRIKE THAT - very silly for asking.

Welcome and you have my respect. You can and absolutely should pursue this with a priest. He will NOT “blow you off.” I would however; call in advance and try to make an appointment as most priests today find that there is barely enough time in a day to accomplish everything needing to be accomplished in a parish.

Chances are the priest will suggest that you look at joining an RCIA class (they usually start up during the mid-summer to mid-fall. The classes usually meet once a week and are comprised of other adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic Church, her dogmas, etc. with the possible end being entering the Church. Of course you will be encouraged to attend Mass and continue to learn as much about the Church as you wish until then.

I think that it’s fantastic that you are interested in learning more and are considering entering the Church! I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers.

 

[Phemie]

You are in what is called the ‘enquiry period’. No, a priest should not blow you off as not being serious, that’s what the enquiry period is for, you have to start somewhere. You may never get past that, or you may decide to become Catholic.

As for a Bible, I don’t think there is a Catholic edition of the King James. If you don’t like the language of the King James you should look for the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition.

 

[JRKH]

As much as I can expect (which of course is very little - this is a public forum), I expect a little respect…

Sir, you have my respect and admiration for your courage in posting.
Welcome to the forums and I can assure you that you will not be blown off. This is a wonderful place for personal inquiry.

I’ve given it a lot of thought, yet you might think I’m either “not ready” or “not serious”. Why? Because I really know very little about the Christian Bible. I’ve not done a lot of “bible study”. I’m a little turned off by “evangelicals”.

I’m “turned off” by the evangelicals too. I’m not saying that there aren’t many good Christians among them, but their style and approach is just not for me.
As for Bible study and such, that is something that is ongoing…Some people spend their whole lives in bible study. Others very little. Don’t worry - in the Catholic Church there won’t be a “pop quiz” on bible verses.

I’m not terribly “enamored” with the traditional King James, which is unquestionably filled with terrible translation idioms from the God-awful period that it was translated from original text - but I suppose it’s what we have…

Actually there are a number of very good translations. The Catholic church does not use the KJV because it does not contain a complete canon. It is missing books that were originally included in the Bible.
The Translation used at the Mass is the “New American Bible”. Other good ones include the Revised Standard (RSV) and the “Duoay-Rheims”. The most important thing in acquiring a Bible is to look in the front, on the copyright page, for the “Nilil Obstat” and the “Imprimatur”. These indicate that it has been reviewed and found to be free of error and has been approved for printing by the Catholic Church.

But…

I’m very interested in the possibility - possibility as in thinking about it, not having made a decision - in becoming an Catholic.

Welcome…Come on in, kick off your shoes, get comfortable and start asking questions.

My son converted so as to be able to marry his wonderful wife in a beautiful church in West Seattle, though I suspect he’s not particularly religious.

My own reasons relate to being attracted to the ritual, and wanting “more” spiritually. I spent four weeks in Italy on a unstructured random “vacation”, I started in Rome and simply drove around… a week in Rome, a week in Florence, and the rest in other places. I spent a day at the Vatican, both in the church itself and the Necropolis. I visited the church of St Sebastian (very moving), I visited the monastery San Marco in Florence (and I think it is a shame that monks no longer live there)… I’ve started to wonder if this is what I should do.

The Church is indeed rich in such history and beauty. It sounds like a wonderful vacation.

Should I go see a priest? Will he blow me off as not a serious prospect, as some guy who isn’t serious, or is serious for the wrong reasons?

No - the priest will not “blow you off”. He will talk with you and will likely recommend some reading for you and perhaps direct you to the parish Director of Religious Education (DRE). Everyone’s journey starts somewhere…Where and what the initial reasons are don’t matter as much as just getting started.

I’ve thought about it, and I have solid reasons. Though I’m worried about what my family might say.

These kinds of worries are normal…Don’t let this deter you from inquiring. Like you said, you have made the decision to become Catholic yet.

My attraction is to traditional Catholicism, I’m a “by the book” guy, and I’ve see and heard the differences between “modern” or “liberal” views, I like the Latin mass, it is something that speaks to my soul.

Opinions?

As I have already said, the Church is very rich. It is also very diverse and accommodating. One can find very good, very solid Catholics in communities from heavily Traditional to heavily charismatic - from the deeply "logical and “reasoned” to the deeply mystical - from those highly involved in social issues to those deeply secluded in lives of secluded prayer.
So - fear not on this score. The Church has a place for you.
Though you might find Catholics as individuals to be something of a “pesky bunch”.

I feel a bit - STRIKE THAT - very silly for asking.

No need. You have made our day just by coming and asking.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

Just a couple of quick thoughts to add.

Since you say that you are a “by the book” type. May I offer a couple of reading options?

The first, to give you an easy to read overview, is a book in the “Dummy” series.
“Catholicism for Dummies”. I have not read it personally, but I many here have recommended it as being quite correct in it’s presentation of the faith. However, do not confuse it with another - similar book - called "idiots guide to Catholicism. my understanding is that book contains some rather significant errors.

The second, and certainly more detailed, is the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”.
There is a very good one on-line HERE. I like this one because at the bottom of the page is a search engine for for the Catechism.

And of course - We will be happy to try to answer any questions, concerns, confusions etc that you might have.

Peace
James

 

[CB_Catholic]

I would also like to suggest that if you are unsuccessful at contacting a priest and making arrangements at this time, it is most likely because it is Lent, and the closer we get to Easter, the busier priests become. Don’t give up–try again after Easter, when things in the parish have settled down a bit.

 

[JRKH]

I would also like to suggest that if you are unsuccessful at contacting a priest and making arrangements at this time, it is most likely because it is Lent, and the closer we get to Easter, the busier priests become. Don’t give up–try again after Easter, when things in the parish have settled down a bit.

Good thought CB.

Peace
James

 

[Netty1]

I’m very interested in the possibility - possibility as in thinking about it, not having made a decision - in becoming an Catholic.

I’m a convert and the hardest part was that initial plucking up the courage to actually contact a priest for a chat. But once I did it, the rest was easy. I was welcomed like an old friend, nutured by the Catholics running the RCIA, nutured and encouraged by my priest, a wonderful man. I guess there have to be people who were not as fortunate as me in finding such a welcome, but in the main the opinions I have heard from other converts echo my own.

I’m a “by the book” kind of person too and I find great comfort in the solid history of the RCC, nothing is thought up or dreamed up, it all has a history, a pedigree going back to the hands of our Lord Himself, and that I like. Turning the pages of history, seeing the rows upon rows of those faithful who have gone before, down through the centuries, and on whose shoulders we stand.

I agree with CB Catholic in saying that this time of the liturgical year is massively busy for our wonderful priests, so it may be best to wait until after Easter to try for an appointment.

But in the meantime, just find yourself a church where you feel at ease and just go along to the Mass. No-one will mind you going along, you will be welcomed and if you make it known to the greeter at the doors that you are new, they will most likely help you out with a missalette or something to help you follow the Mass. Just sit right down and drink it in. That’s what I did, long before I finally made the leap and spoke to the priest.

The occasional grumpy person aside , we are a welcoming bunch. Come on in and pull up a pew and welcome.

 

[jesuspsr]

Sir, you have my out most respect. Welcome to CAF.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you.

Jesus g