Converting to Catholicism

[seafaring]

I just joined and want to learn how I might, or if I can, become a Catholic. No doubt this question has been asked many times before, so if someone could direct me where I should go or tell me the appropriate place to post my question I would be grateful.

 

[JerryZ]

I just joined and want to learn how I might, or if I can, become a Catholic. No doubt this question has been asked many times before, so if someone could direct me where I should go or tell me the appropriate place to post my question I would be grateful.

Well first let me welcome you to CAF, no doubt you will get a plethora of advise.
I guess the best place to start would be at your local Catholic church, find the priest there and surely he will do his best to help you achieve your goal!

Have a blessed Sunday and may your journey to Catholicism start right away.

 

[MaryT777]

I just joined and want to learn how I might, or if I can, become a Catholic. No doubt this question has been asked many times before, so if someone could direct me where I should go or tell me the appropriate place to post my question I would be grateful.

Welcome to the forums. The above poster has great advice to seek out a parish priest.
That’s the best way in my opinion. You’re always welcome to ask questions here or search the forums for your answers.

Blessings this Palm Sunday.

Mary.

 

[marcaevans]

I am also on the path to being Catholic. My advice would be to take it day by day. Engage in this forum, I have found it to be incredibly helpful. Start attending Catholic Mass and speak to parishioners who have been Catholic for decades. If you can, speak to Nun’s and let them guide you, speak to a Priest let him guide you. I have also found it helpful to get hold of literature, some has come from Nun’s or the Priest some I have purchased myself.

Books that are really useful are Catholicism for Dummies and Catholic Mass for Dummies. They have really helped me take my first steps. I have also purchased a Missal to help me with prayers and Mass, its from CTS and is not that expensive. I went with the daily Missal which I will be getting from Amazon tomorrow. I would also recommend investing in a Catholic Bible so you have access to the deuterocanonical books.

You can also ask in a Parish if there are any free Rosaries available, although its probably only your first steps too, I have found it incredibly helpful in developing a steady prayer life outside of Mass. It takes a little bit of time to learn the prayers of the Rosary but it becomes so incredibly rewarding once you are able to pray using it.

As I said above, engage fully in these forums as this has been perhaps my biggest resource in becoming Catholic. All in all, enjoy it! I hope this helps.

 

[MaryT777]

I am also on the path to being Catholic. My advice would be to take it day by day. Engage in this forum, I have found it to be incredibly helpful. Start attending Catholic Mass and speak to parishioners who have been Catholic for decades. If you can, speak to Nun’s and let them guide you, speak to a Priest let him guide you. I have also found it helpful to get hold of literature, some has come from Nun’s or the Priest some I have purchased myself.

Books that are really useful are Catholicism for Dummies and Catholic Mass for Dummies. They have really helped me take my first steps. I have also purchased a Missal to help me with prayers and Mass, its from CTS and is not that expensive. I went with the daily Missal which I will be getting from Amazon tomorrow. I would also recommend investing in a Catholic Bible so you have access to the deuterocanonical books.

You can also ask in a Parish if there are any free Rosaries available, although its probably only your first steps too, I have found it incredibly helpful in developing a steady prayer life outside of Mass. It takes a little bit of time to learn the prayers of the Rosary but it becomes so incredibly rewarding once you are able to pray using it.

As I said above, engage fully in these forums as this has been perhaps my biggest resource in becoming Catholic. All in all, enjoy it! I hope this helps.

Marc:
I’ve read many of your posts and also meant to welcome you to the forums many posts ago.
Sometimes the best thoughts come from those who are studying the Catholic faith and also on their journey. I have a special place in my heart for those who convert
for they bring great renewal to my Faith with their knowledge and appreciation for the Faith.
Also for those who study Catholicism with an objective mind.
Peace in Christ this Palm Sunday
Mary.

 

[marcaevans]

Marc:
I’ve read many of your posts and also meant to welcome you to the forums many posts ago.
Sometimes the best thoughts come from those who are studying the Catholic faith and also on their journey. I have a special place in my heart for those who convert
for they bring great renewal to my Faith with their knowledge and appreciation for the Faith.
Also for those who study Catholicism with an objective mind.
Peace in Christ this Palm Sunday
Mary.

Thank you Mary, that is very kind. God Bless you.

 

[KathleenGee]

God bless you, and we pray especially for all converts at this time.

My great-grandmother, who was Catholic and who met and married the Irishman Brady she met on the boat, immigrated here. She said she could not rest in her grave if any of her children left the Church. She had 14 children and only 5 made it to adulthood. She suffered alot about this, and died fairly young at 54.

My grandmother carried on her faith, and was the same. During WWII, my uncle, an Air Force Lt., in the barrack, would get on his knees every night and pray. I am the same way about mine, although some have lost the faith and I am praying all the time for their return.

The little known, but great strength of faith of the Welsh Catholics!

May you have a strength of faith like her.

 

[landon13]

Welcome to CAF!

It is wonderful that you are seeking out the Faith and wanting to find the Truth that is in the Catholic Church. You have come to the right place with this website! I, personally, was raised very devout in the Protestant faith but have searched for the truth and have found it in the Catholic Church. I am receiving my Sacraments next year after the R.C.I.A. program.

What you need to do is to find a local Catholic parish around you and go in and find someone to talk to there about the Church. They will be more than willing to help you along your journey and to answer any questions that you may have.

You will want to join a class called R.C.I.A. or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is for anyone who wishes to join the Catholic Church even if you have already been baptized Protestant.

I will keep you in my prayers as you seek out the truth of the Catholic Church.

If you have any questions about the Church I will be more than willing to help you along this path. Just PM me or email me.

God bless!

 

[seafaring]

I have been reading most of the day today and am very troubled. I have been married three times. The first marriage ended because I was unfaithful. The second marriage ended because my wife was unfaithful. I have been married to my third wife for 15 years. Both previous wives are living and remarried. From what I understand, it does not appear I would be accepted in the Catholic Church. Am I correct in my understanding?

 

[Christy_Beth]

Talk with a priest. It may be that you’ll need to apply for annulments for both prior marriages. I was married and divorced before becoming Catholic, but since I hadn’t remarried, it wasn’t requird that I get an annulment. But I applied for one anyway. It takes some time, I think mine was about a year of waiting once I sent in the paperwork. Or course, you will also need to give contact info for both prior wives and anyone who was a “witness” to what was going on in the marriages.

 

[seafaring]

It appears at first glance that my first marriage was valid. The second one may not have been.

If the first marriage was a valid marriage that failed, yet, I married a second and third time and am currently married and living with my third wife, what should I do?

I’m very troubled about this.

 

[jerrysrollin]

Don’t stop reading your Bible. Many Catholics do not. Read the book and do what it says. [its not easy] lol. Keep coming and welcome.

 

[bzkoss236]

It appears at first glance that my first marriage was valid. The second one may not have been.

If the first marriage was a valid marriage that failed, yet, I married a second and third time and am currently married and living with my third wife, what should I do?

I’m very troubled about this.

Whether your first marriage is valid or not will depend on the tribunal for your annulment. No matter what you think about your first marriage, or second, talk with a local priest and begin the annulment process.

 

[pablope]

I have been reading most of the day today and am very troubled. I have been married three times. The first marriage ended because I was unfaithful. The second marriage ended because my wife was unfaithful. I have been married to my third wife for 15 years. Both previous wives are living and remarried. From what I understand, it does not appear I would be accepted in the Catholic Church. Am I correct in my understanding?/QUOTE]

The CC turns no one away…for after all, it is a hospital for sinners, like we all are…

Anyway, the first step is to discuss your situation with a parish priest in the parish nearest you. He is the best one to give you advice, there are probably many more details that we do not know.

A one on one talk is the best way.

The most important thing is…obedience.

1Sam15:
22 But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king.”

 

[seafaring]

Whether your first marriage is valid or not will depend on the tribunal for your annulment.

I understand that it’s not something I decide, but suppose the first marriage is determined to be valid. Then what?

 

[pablope]

I understand that it’s not something I decide, but suppose the first marriage is determined to be valid. Then what?

The circumstances will be considered in the annulment process…and your current situation.

Let me say this, the process is not to judge you…it is intended to make you in good standing in the eyes of God and the Church.

The best thing is to consult a priest for advice. This site has an canon lawyer on staff, as I understand. He is most likely the best one to talk to…I just do not know how to make contact…try the ask a question section of the forum.

 

[seafaring]

The circumstances will be considered in the annulment process…and your current situation.

Let me say this, the process is not to judge you…it is intended to make you in good standing in the eyes of God and the Church.

The best thing is to consult a priest for advice. This site has an canon lawyer on staff, as I understand. He is most likely the best one to talk to…I just do not know how to make contact…try the ask a question section of the forum.

Thanks - I will.

The CC turns no one away…for after all, it is a hospital for sinners, like we all are.

That is comforting, but I am very troubled that I may not be able to get in good standing with God and the Church if I do not leave my wife of 15 years and become celibate. And then what of the vows I made concerning her? I am very confused and troubled.

 

[bzkoss236]

I understand that it’s not something I decide, but suppose the first marriage is determined to be valid. Then what?

You can always file again, because there may have been something they missed before. I would prefer to look to the hope that it is not. I would only deal with the first marriage being valid if it is found to be.

Just take it a step at a time, and do not get ahead of yourself. Or you will douse yourself in anxiety. Focus on Christ, pray, and hope.

 

[pablope]

Thanks - I will.

Quote:
The CC turns no one away…for after all, it is a hospital for sinners, like we all are.

Well…that is why there is a process…to get you in good standing. The priest will give you advice, counsel…and it is intended to lead to this good standing.

The best thing…is consult the priest, pray…and put your complete trust in God’s mercy and divine providence…don’t get too far ahead of yourself…take one step at a time. Meantime…pray…I would suggest the Divine Mercy…praydivinemercy.com/

 

[seafaring]

I’ve posted my concern in the “Ask an Apologist” forum and have put in a call to a local Priest.

I also found this:

One final situation is that of those who have repented of their illicit union, but remain together for a serious reason, such as for the sake of their children. Catholic pastoral practice allows that IF their pastor judges that scandal can be avoided (meaning most people are unaware of their remarriage and consider them a married couple), then they may live together as “brother and sister” (without any sexual relations), and be admitted to the sacraments. If scandal can not be avoided, then they must either separate or refrain from the sacraments.

ewtn.com/expert/answers/communion_of_divorced_and_remarr.htm

If either of my marriages were found to be valid, then the marriage to my third wife is invalid . Am I really to leave my wife of 15 years?