Converting to Catholicism

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For two years, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. I’ve discussed this with two or three people, who are very dear to me and are Catholics themselves. I’ve been weary about being judged by others, or conversely being pounced on and pressured into converting too quickly too soon.

In three weeks, I am moving away from my family, to a new city, to a new school, and to a new life. I’m also* living right next to a Catholic church*.

I’m ready to “come out” about this so to speak. I’m ready to attach my real identity to my feelings, and would prefer not to be silent about it anymore to people I know and meet in real life. I feel like–if they judge me, or alienate me, they aren’t people I should know.

I would like to attend RICA classes. Or maybe even speak with a priest, first. But I don’t, I guess, want to be pressured into anything, once I show interest. I want to go into this slowly, as I’ve considered it slowly, too. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously–and I have this phobia that nobody will, once they learn my history.

At present, I’m Jewish. There’s nothing wrong with Judaism, but I personally feel very alienated by it, and in general, it’s only fulfilling to me in private contemplation. Once I attend services, the whole thing falls apart. I don’t think faith should function that way. I also find my general “theological/philosophical” beliefs about God aligning more with Christianity than Judaism. I want to learn more.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kate
katiemcginnis.wordpress.com
 
I wish I had advice for you. I love your thoughtful approach to all of this.

I can’t speak for all priests or all RCIA programs, of course, but the ones that I know of do not pressure people. Some people attend RCIA a few times before making a decision. My priest, in fact, likes to play a bit of “devil’s advocate” to make sure that people are coming into the Church for the right reasons. I hope that most are like him.

The most I could suggest is that you attend Mass at the parish next door a few times. It will make it easier for you to develop a comfort level with the priest to talk to him later.

I will pray for you. Keep us posted!
 
Welcome to CAF!

Don’t be afraid of people pressuring you. RCIA isn’t like that. They understand people come from different backgrounds and are at different stages of their spiritual journey towards Catholicism. Even if you start RCIA and decide you are not ready to convert, you can easily leave it and wait a bit longer. There is no obligation whatsoever for you to continue. Take your time but I do encourage you to start attending mass and to start praying. There are many good sources for praying, both in terms of books and online sites dedicated to prayer.

Best of luck on your journey to Christ and God bless.
 
You are about to enter into an exciting new venture. By all means, go slowly. You will never be sorry. RCIA is the way to begin. Any prior knowledge you gain before starting the class will allow you to participate in a more meaningful way. I would suggest reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church before joining RCIA, if time allows. EWTN.com has a large variety of Catholic reading that will help you to understand the faith. Good luck and God bless.
 
As others have said, the Catholic Church is not a place you are generally going to feel too much pressure. From what I’ve heard, you are more likely to suffer the opposite problem–people saying things like, “You’re Jewish, you don’t have to convert” or something else silly. 🙂 If you do encounter that, please ignore it. Frankly, Catholics could be a little more pushy sometimes. Protestants tend to take our reticence as coming from a lack of confidence in our own beliefs, but really I think it’s mostly cultural.

The only one who is likely to pressure you to join the Church is Christ, and that is from the inside out. God bless you on your journey, wherever He leads you!

–Jen
 
Welcome Kate and thank you for having the courage to undertake this journey.

I just want to let you know that RCIA is not a commitment to the Church. It is designed to explain and teach the Church’s teachings not to pressure people into the Church without fully understanding what they are saying they agree to. However, that is not to say that there are not a few random RCIA programs that may give the impression that they are pressuring you. I would suspect it is just because the people running it are excited to see you make that decision. Although I can argue that it is not the right thing to do, it is with the best intentions, but ultimately, and I’m sure they would agree, it is completely up to you.

The Church herself will not allow you to join unless you FREELY choose to and you agree to ALL of the Church’s teachings. In fact these are things you will need to say on the day you enter the Church if you make that decision. And coming from Judaism I can see how from your position it is a major decision and should not be made without much prayer and discernment. Remember that it is the Holy Spirit, not the RCIA people, or a priest, or a friend who will talk to your heart and allow you to experience the Truth of the Faith.

Best of luck in your journey.
 
katiemcginnis said:
For two years, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. I’ve discussed this with two or three people, who are very dear to me and are Catholics themselves. I’ve been weary about being judged by others, or conversely being pounced on and pressured into converting too quickly too soon.

In three weeks, I am moving away from my family, to a new city, to a new school, and to a new life. I’m also* living right next to a Catholic church*.

I’m ready to “come out” about this so to speak. I’m ready to attach my real identity to my feelings, and would prefer not to be silent about it anymore to people I know and meet in real life. I feel like–if they judge me, or alienate me, they aren’t people I should know.

I would like to attend RICA classes. Or maybe even speak with a priest, first. But I don’t, I guess, want to be pressured into anything, once I show interest. I want to go into this slowly, as I’ve considered it slowly, too. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously–and I have this phobia that nobody will, once they learn my history.

At present, I’m Jewish. There’s nothing wrong with Judaism, but I personally feel very alienated by it, and in general, it’s only fulfilling to me in private contemplation. Once I attend services, the whole thing falls apart. I don’t think faith should function that way. I also find my general “theological/philosophical” beliefs about God aligning more with Christianity than Judaism. I want to learn more.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kate
katiemcginnis.wordpress.com
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Check out Taylor Marshall’s “The crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity” and anything by Roy H. Schoeman. Also, check out all of the videos that come up on google when you search for his name “Roy Schoeman”. I hope this helps. I’m looking into matters of this sort as well.
 
Kate, welcome to the forums! Your is a journey that I have seen several Jewish people make. It seems that their calling came out of nowhere, and kept nudging, or nagging them, until they investigated. You might be more comfortable learning about the faith anonymously at first. You may do that via reading material, as well as right here. One book that I can highly recommend as a primer is Catholicism for Dummies. It is written by two very well educated Priests, and is used in quite a few RCIA programs. It is as thorough as it can be, considering that it must synopsize almost 2,000 years of Church history. Many other books can build on that foundation, but that is as good a starting point as any.

I know also the difficulties with family and friends when you make such a daring announcement. Here is such a story of one man’s conversion. He also did his research here at CAF before converting.

Since you are the contemplative type, there is a Catholic practice that you might find fascinating: It is called adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Here is a link to a site which explains it and provides additional links. Basically, at the sacrifice of the mass, our Lord Jesus is made present to us under the appearance of bread. A portion of the consecrated bread is placed in an ornate fixture and set on the altar for our devotion.

Some of the greatest Christians in history have devoted an hour per day to adoring our Lord in this form. I spent an hour already today, and am going back during the late night hours. Some parishes offer this blessing perpetually, while others offer it for 24 hours, or a portion of the day. You are free to participate in this devotion right now, as you are. Our Lord invites all seeking hearts. You may check and see when your local parish offers this. If they do not, another nearby undoubtedly will.

What I can assure you of is that, your availability to Christ, and your open heart, will dispose you to receive incredible graces from Him. The first grace is that of simple faith in Him. One may simply sit and contemplate Him, read scripture, pray, or ask Him to reveal His presence to you. What I can also assure you of is that, in His presence, you might be amazed sooner, or you might be amazed later. But, when He reveals His presence to you, you will be changed. Miraculous things occur before him. I can attest to that.

But, take it slowly, and I sincerely doubt that you will be rushed or pressured. The Catholic Church is quite the opposite of many others - it can be difficult to join and very easy to leave. I found that comforting and consider it one mark of a true faith. However, once you know that He is there, you will desire to go nowhere else. That is why we commonly refer to that state as “being home.” It is an incomparable spiritual comfort.

Peace be with you on your journey, and you are not alone.
 
My first contact with the Catholic Church was 20 years before I converted. Never felt any pressure. I am also a Jew. Contact me privately if you wish.
 
To everyone: thank you so much for your support!

I feel so much better. Both because people are so welcoming, and because for the first time I’ve been upfront about this issue. There will be no more hiding.

I tried to submit an online form to the church next to me, inquiring about RICA classes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. So I am going to call tomorrow, explain my situation, and ask over the phone. Since it is right in the middle of university housing, I’d be very surprised if it didn’t offer classes!

I’m very excited about this.

At the end of the day, I really can’t narrow down one specific reason as to why I want to convert to Catholicism. Yes, I feel that, in general, my philosophy about God and life aligns more with Christianity than the very strict mitzvah-“follow the rules and we’re good” philosophy of Judaism. Not that I can’t have a relationship with God in Judaism–I can, and do–but I’ve always felt like there must be more to pleasing God than these very antiquated and unreasonable rules one must follow, and maybe this is why I’ve never taken great pleasure in the “organized religion” side of Judaism. At the same time, I’ve always felt that God loves anyone who attempts to have a relationship with Him, and He loves equally. This is not what Orthodox Judaism teaches. And this is why I’m so drawn to Catholicism: even though Catholicism has its morality clauses and rules, it’s literally a sin to pass judgment on another, and even if you’re the worst person in the world, God *still *doesn’t give up on you.

I’ve compared myself a friend as “a horse being led against its will.” I’ve distanced myself, considered things, but keep being led back to the same point. I mean, this isn’t easy–this will easily be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Judaism and the God of the Old Testament are very dear to me. But I feel as though I won’t have peace until I figure this out.
 
As Jesus said, “Salvation is of the Jews” and this remains eternally true. As I see it, the only reason to become Catholic is because you have come to know and love the Jewish Messiah. You are a daughter of the Kingdom of God. Most of the rest of us have been adopted (for which we will be eternally thankful).
 
I will pray for you. I am also a Jewish convert to Catholicism. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for her. +JMJ+
 
katiemcginnis said:
For two years, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. I’ve discussed this with two or three people, who are very dear to me and are Catholics themselves. I’ve been weary about being judged by others, or conversely being pounced on and pressured into converting too quickly too soon.

In three weeks, I am moving away from my family, to a new city, to a new school, and to a new life. I’m also* living right next to a Catholic church*.

I’m ready to “come out” about this so to speak. I’m ready to attach my real identity to my feelings, and would prefer not to be silent about it anymore to people I know and meet in real life. I feel like–if they judge me, or alienate me, they aren’t people I should know.

I would like to attend RICA classes. Or maybe even speak with a priest, first. But I don’t, I guess, want to be pressured into anything, once I show interest. I want to go into this slowly, as I’ve considered it slowly, too. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously–and I have this phobia that nobody will, once they learn my history.

At present, I’m Jewish. There’s nothing wrong with Judaism, but I personally feel very alienated by it, and in general, it’s only fulfilling to me in private contemplation. Once I attend services, the whole thing falls apart. I don’t think faith should function that way. I also find my general “theological/philosophical” beliefs about God aligning more with Christianity than Judaism. I want to learn more.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kate
katiemcginnis.wordpress.com
Click to expand...
Kate in Christ,

Pray as much as possible to grow closer to the Lord. Any encouragement you get from Catholics to enter the Church is just that “encouragement.” Try not to look at such things negatively, but think of them as blessings. We all need encouragement. Take your time, learn the faith, and love the Lord.

I will pray for you.

God bless.
 
katiemcginnis said:
I mean, this isn’t easy–this will easily be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Judaism and the God of the Old Testament are very dear to me. But I feel as though I won’t have peace until I figure this out.
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You are not leaving even a tiny bit of the God of the Old Testament - rather, you will be embracing Him fully as He has revealed Himself through His Son.
 
katiemcginnis said:
For two years, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. I’ve discussed this with two or three people, who are very dear to me and are Catholics themselves. I’ve been weary about being judged by others, or conversely being pounced on and pressured into converting too quickly too soon.

In three weeks, I am moving away from my family, to a new city, to a new school, and to a new life. I’m also* living right next to a Catholic church*.

I’m ready to “come out” about this so to speak. I’m ready to attach my real identity to my feelings, and would prefer not to be silent about it anymore to people I know and meet in real life. I feel like–if they judge me, or alienate me, they aren’t people I should know.
Click to expand...
Maybe you have this backwards. You are ready to come in.

Your perspective is from the outside. When you enter your perspective will be from the inside.

It is much more beautful from the inside.

God bless you.
 
Congrats on starting RCIA! I am also beginning this September.

My priest told me that people are under no pressure to convert - that some people have gone through RCIA multiple times before deciding they were ready to become Catholic; and that some people decided not to go through with it. Once you’ve started doesn’t mean you must then become Catholic. If you feel things are going too fast for you, then explain your reasons and drop out (at some point, in January I think, if you continue, you will have to declare your intent to become a Catholic; until then you are free to leave).

Hope this helps.
 
Welcome to the forums! I hope you stick around and participate in lots of discussions!

When I converted and went through RCIA, I never felt any pressure at all. It was simply a class for learning about the Catholic faith and, in my case, getting my previous marriage annulled (easy since neither my first husband nor I had been baptized).

One thing I can honestly say about my class is that I certainly only learned the bare bones of Catholicism. My advice to you is simply this: if you do decide to convert, do not let RCIA be the end of your learning. Take it upon yourself to continue to learn through Bible study, studying the Church Fathers, the Catechism, the saints and just plain old Church history. Not all at once of course, but just don’t expect that the RCIA can teach you everything.

I see some people have recommended some books for you. Schoeman’s book “Salvation is from the Jews” is excellent. I would also recommend “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” by Brant Pitre. Simply outstanding in my opinion. And, I think that as a Jew, you may find it fascinating.
 
katiemcginnis said:
For two years, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. I’ve discussed this with two or three people, who are very dear to me and are Catholics themselves. I’ve been weary about being judged by others, or conversely being pounced on and pressured into converting too quickly too soon.

In three weeks, I am moving away from my family, to a new city, to a new school, and to a new life. I’m also* living right next to a Catholic church*.

I’m ready to “come out” about this so to speak. I’m ready to attach my real identity to my feelings, and would prefer not to be silent about it anymore to people I know and meet in real life. I feel like–if they judge me, or alienate me, they aren’t people I should know.

I would like to attend RICA classes. Or maybe even speak with a priest, first. But I don’t, I guess, want to be pressured into anything, once I show interest. I want to go into this slowly, as I’ve considered it slowly, too. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously–and I have this phobia that nobody will, once they learn my history.

At present, I’m Jewish. There’s nothing wrong with Judaism, but I personally feel very alienated by it, and in general, it’s only fulfilling to me in private contemplation. Once I attend services, the whole thing falls apart. I don’t think faith should function that way. I also find my general “theological/philosophical” beliefs about God aligning more with Christianity than Judaism. I want to learn more.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kate
katiemcginnis.wordpress.com
Click to expand...
Welcome Kate,

I totally understand how you feel. I began my journey to the Catholic Church back in 2000. I was blessed to have a very patient priest who aided me in my journey. This doesn’t mean that he didn’t attempt to “tug” me into the Church, but when I made it very clear to him that I wanted to be sure of my decision when I made it, he respected my wishes and just continued to be there when I had questions.

I did go through all of the RCIA material, but I found it to be less comprehensive than I wanted. I purchased books and I came to the Catholic Forums a lot. My journey took me years - I entered in 2008. I was previously very involved in my Pentecostal church and I knew that there would be many questions to answer - I wanted to be prepared. It did come as a shock to many and I think some thought it was just a “phase”. I sometimes feared the repercussions of my decision.

Do your research and educate yourself - ask lots of questions -even if you think they’re stupid. Your questions are valid and don’t be put off by anyone else’s lack of virtue. The more you see the Truth, the more sure you will be when you do decide. I personally love the Jewish faith - our Catholic faith finds it’s roots in it. When you dig deeper in the Catholic faith, you can’t help but see how very Jewish it is. When we celebrate the Mass, it all points back to the Last Supper (Seder meal). Our Eucharist has explicit Jewish roots.

Enjoy and savor your journey - it is a very exciting time even if it is filled with apprehension and questions. That’s what makes it an adventure.

God Bless you and feel free to PM me anytime and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.

CSJ
 
I can’t think of anything else to add other than welcome to CAF and welcome on your journey, and you will be in my prayers, with special intercession from St. Theresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) and St. Alphonse Rattisbonne (both converts from Judaism, the former a martyr at Auschwitz)
 
Welcome home, what a unique and fantastic journey you must be on! Because of your history, you will get to see the fulfilment and affirmation of your birth faith!
katiemcginnis said:
For two years, I’ve been considering converting to Catholicism. I’ve discussed this with two or three people, who are very dear to me and are Catholics themselves. I’ve been weary about being judged by others, or conversely being pounced on and pressured into converting too quickly too soon.

In three weeks, I am moving away from my family, to a new city, to a new school, and to a new life. I’m also* living right next to a Catholic church*.

I’m ready to “come out” about this so to speak. I’m ready to attach my real identity to my feelings, and would prefer not to be silent about it anymore to people I know and meet in real life. I feel like–if they judge me, or alienate me, they aren’t people I should know.

I would like to attend RICA classes. Or maybe even speak with a priest, first. But I don’t, I guess, want to be pressured into anything, once I show interest. I want to go into this slowly, as I’ve considered it slowly, too. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously–and I have this phobia that nobody will, once they learn my history.
Click to expand...
More than there being nothing wrong, Christianity is the ultimiate fulfilment of your jewish background. How can there be anything wrong with the root of God’s faith?
katiemcginnis said:
At present, I’m Jewish. There’s nothing wrong with Judaism, but I personally feel very alienated by it, and in general, it’s only fulfilling to me in private contemplation. Once I attend services, the whole thing falls apart. I don’t think faith should function that way. I also find my general “theological/philosophical” beliefs about God aligning more with Christianity than Judaism. I want to learn more.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kate
katiemcginnis.wordpress.com
Click to expand...
I would say be open with your family, be understanding of their feelings. I’m afraid there isn’t a whole lot more pratcial advice I can give you, however here is something I can provide. Links to two episodes of the Journey Home which deal with Jewish converts. One is a woman who converted in college, and comes from a Orthodox Jewish background. The second is a man from the Reformed background

Orthodox Jewish woman
  1. youtube.com/watch?v=9F1m9bnv1ks
Reformed Jewish Man
2) youtube.com/watch?v=uc-U2SHkuOk

May Christ be close with you on your walk, and may you be comforted knowing you are not leaving the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, nor the God of Abraham.
 
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