Converting to Roman Catholicism, I have a few questions? :3

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Catmonzon

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These may be silly questions, I’m going to be 17 on the 18th this month and I’m trying to convert to Roman Catholicism. I have been praying every night since an incident I had not too long ago. I can really feel God listening to my prayers, however I have a few concerns.

I recently found a church VERY close to my house, that I plan on attending starting next Sunday. Eventually, soon, I’d like to be baptized into the religion, as I strongly feel it is the right thing to do. However, I’m a pregnant teenager (I DO plan on marrying the father, but at the church I’d be attending, I must be baptized [note:This is NOT why I want to become a Catholic, it just so happens :P]) Would they look down upon me? I’m just nervous and scared, and it would mean a lot to me if I could be baptized before my child is due (December 30th).

Also, what bible should I try to get? I’m probably going to be going to get one tomorrow, but there are just SO many, and I’m not sure which is the right to choose. I used to have a New Testament, but I’m not sure what happened to it.

I’m learning my prayers; praying every night and even during the day, everytime I think about it really; I plan on getting a rosary and am learning the six basic prayers and 20 mysteries; and since I’ve started this wonderful transformation I have not purposely indulged in any sins (and those that I have, I have prayed to God for forgiveness)

Any tips or anything else I should look into? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you <3
 
Dear sister,
Congratulations on moving in the right direction! And congratulations on your coming baby; a baby is always a blessing, regardless of circumstances.
The Bible I like best is the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. The Catholic edition has books that the protestant Bibles leave out, so I would recommend it. Other, more knowledgeable people may recommend other Bibles. The King James is very poetic, but hard to understand at times.
Have you talked to a priest yet about your desire to become a Catholic? That would be your first step. Have you not been baptized previously, even in a protestant church? The Catholic church recognizes the baptisms of other denominations as valid, as long as they are done with the correct form (in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) and using water.

Most people go through RCIA before they join the church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It usually begins in the fall and goes until Easter, when people join. But a priest may be able to give you private instruction; best to talk to one close to you.
I’m a little confused about what you are saying: “(I DO plan on marrying the father, but at the church I’d be attending, I must be baptized”. Is this a Catholic church? It sounds like you may already have talked to the priest; if not, it’s your next step.
People should not look down on you. Of course you will always find a few sourpusses here and there, but most will realize that we are all sinners, saved only by God’s grace, and will welcome you with Christ’s love.
It’s wonderful that you are planning to pray the Rosary; it will keep you close to Our Lady and Jesus. You can pray the rosary on your fingers until you get one.(I do it when I’m driving.)
God bless.
 
Many of us will never look down on you.

We are none of us perfect.

I’m sure you will do your best to be a good mother to your baby.

Welcome to the Catholic church 🙂

God bless you+
 
Catmonzon said:
Any tips or anything else I should look into? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you <3
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Welcome, Catmonzon!

My suggestion relates to your membership here at CAF. It is not a good idea to start two absolutely identical threads. You are likely to get duplicate replies and have to read through double information and it is very confusing for people who respond to your threads.

The other one is found here: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=796806

Perhaps you can contact the mods to close one of the threads, or to merge them for you.
 
Dear OP,

Happy birthday!

You do not need to be baptized to be married in the Catholic Church (and I am presuming that your fiance is Catholic).

You and he will need to fulfill the marriage preparation requirements of your diocese. Some bishops require a six-month preparation period, some require longer (up to one year). The bishop would need to give permission for your Catholic fiance to marry a non-Catholic. The permission is given if it is demonstrated that the Catholic spouse’s faith would not be at risk because of the non-Catholic spouse’s faith (or lack of it). Obviously, your desire to learn about the faith and to join the Church would mean there is no risk! If the two of you haven’t met with a priest yet about marrying in the Church, please do so now.

The pastor or his delegate would work with the two of you to help you discern your readiness for marriage to each other, and help both of you develop a solid understanding of what marriage is. Pastors are generally very careful about allowing couples who are expecting a baby to “rush” their wedding date – they need to know that both partners have full and informed consent of will to marry each other, not because they are pressured to be parents.

As far as preparing to become a Catholic is concerned, not every pastor is available to meet one-on-one in rushed conditions to prepare a person for the sacraments by a specific date, and not every parish has RCIA leaders able to do so. It varies from parish to parish, because some pastors are in charge of a school, or have more responsibilities than other pastors. RCIA leaders are usually volunteers and can only give so much time to the parish. Please discuss this with the pastor – he may want you to prepare with other RCIA participants, and want you to be baptized, confirmed, and receive first Eucharist (Holy Communion) next Easter. Maybe someone can provide some special sessions for you for the sessions you miss.

Here is a Catholic Bible on the Internet:
usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm

If you’re going to buy a Catholic Bible, I suggest you buy one of the following:

New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) Personal Study Edition - the readings during Mass come from this edition. (There are several publishers, but I like Fireside)
[Discounted Catholic Bibles - Up to 50% off retail | ComCenter.com - Cathol…]](Discounted Catholic Bibles - Up to 50% off retail | ComCenter.com - Cathol…])

or the Revised Standard Version - 2nd Catholic Edition
[amazon.com/The-Ignatius-Bible-Standard-Catholic/dp/0898708338/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371283173&sr=8-1&keywords=holy+bible+rsv+-+CE]](http://www.amazon.com/The-Ignatius-...371283173&sr=8-1&keywords=holy+bible+rsv+-+CE])

I also recommend that you buy the YOUCAT
[comcenter.com/search/?q=Youth+CAtechism]](Youth CAtechism Search Results | ComCenter.com - Catholic Religious Educat…])

or the Catechism of the Catholic Church (I prefer the green paperback)
[comcenter.com/category/BC040/Catechisms]](Discounted Catholic Catechisms | ComCenter.com - Catholic Religious Educat…])

You asked: “Would they look down upon me? I’m just nervous and scared, and it would mean a lot to me if I could be baptized before my child is due.” This is all so new to you and it’s understandable that you’re nervous and scared. Your most important duties right now are to take care of your baby and you health-wise and emotionally, and to continue to work on your relationship with God (which is a wonderful lifetime adventure!). It doesn’t matter what people think about you. You are a precious child of God – He made you in His image, with a capacity to love – remember this, and do not minimize the dignity and sancity (holiness) that God has given you. When you celebrate your birthday in a few days, really celebrate, because God has special plans for you! Also, you have decided to help bring one of God’s unique creations into the world – enjoy treasuring this little person growing inside of you, and enjoy your pregnancy and preparing for parenthood the best you can, with lots of joy! I think the pastor will be happy to meet with you and support you on your journey of faith, and if you participate in RCIA, you will receive support from the leaders and participants also.

I’m glad to hear you are praying every day. Encountering our Lord is the most important thing we do in our lives, and daily and constant prayer is essential. Has your fiance helped to explain the liturgy of the Mass (our highest form of prayer) to you?

Don’t get stressed about deadlines – if you’re not baptized by your delivery date, the most important thing is that you’re preparing, you are desiring to be baptized, and that you are trying to be holy every day, as we are all called to be.
 
Catmonzon said:
These may be silly questions, I’m going to be 17 on the 18th this month and I’m trying to convert to Roman Catholicism. I have been praying every night since an incident I had not too long ago. I can really feel God listening to my prayers, however I have a few concerns.

I recently found a church VERY close to my house, that I plan on attending starting next Sunday. Eventually, soon, I’d like to be baptized into the religion, as I strongly feel it is the right thing to do. However, I’m a pregnant teenager (I DO plan on marrying the father, but at the church I’d be attending, I must be baptized [note:This is NOT why I want to become a Catholic, it just so happens :P]) Would they look down upon me? I’m just nervous and scared, and it would mean a lot to me if I could be baptized before my child is due (December 30th).

Also, what bible should I try to get? I’m probably going to be going to get one tomorrow, but there are just SO many, and I’m not sure which is the right to choose. I used to have a New Testament, but I’m not sure what happened to it.

I’m learning my prayers; praying every night and even during the day, everytime I think about it really; I plan on getting a rosary and am learning the six basic prayers and 20 mysteries; and since I’ve started this wonderful transformation I have not purposely indulged in any sins (and those that I have, I have prayed to God for forgiveness)

Any tips or anything else I should look into? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you <3
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Wow, this is really exciting! 😃 Congratulations on your decision to be baptized! :clapping:

I don’t think people in a Catholic parish will particularly look down on you. Some of them will, but many will not, because Catholics love and greatly value children. If anything, everyone ought to just be happy for you. 👍

You’ll probably want a Bible that specifically says “Catholic” in the name. Otherwise, you’ll most likely be missing some books.

I don’t know if you plan to stay active on this forum, but if you do, feel free to join the social group Catholic Teenagers! by clicking on this handy >link< and clicking “join group”. 🙂
 
Catmonzon said:
These may be silly questions, I’m going to be 17 on the 18th this month and I’m trying to convert to Roman Catholicism. I have been praying every night since an incident I had not too long ago. I can really feel God listening to my prayers, however I have a few concerns.

I recently found a church VERY close to my house, that I plan on attending starting next Sunday. Eventually, soon, I’d like to be baptized into the religion, as I strongly feel it is the right thing to do. However, I’m a pregnant teenager (I DO plan on marrying the father, but at the church I’d be attending, I must be baptized [note:This is NOT why I want to become a Catholic, it just so happens :P]) Would they look down upon me? I’m just nervous and scared, and it would mean a lot to me if I could be baptized before my child is due (December 30th).

Also, what bible should I try to get? I’m probably going to be going to get one tomorrow, but there are just SO many, and I’m not sure which is the right to choose. I used to have a New Testament, but I’m not sure what happened to it.

I’m learning my prayers; praying every night and even during the day, everytime I think about it really; I plan on getting a rosary and am learning the six basic prayers and 20 mysteries; and since I’ve started this wonderful transformation I have not purposely indulged in any sins (and those that I have, I have prayed to God for forgiveness)

Any tips or anything else I should look into? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you <3
Click to expand...
The Student Bible for Catholics is very good (New American Bible) it has a nice introduction that is geared towards teens and young adults, although is helpful for all:

amazon.com/International-Catholics-Straight-Standard-Procedure/dp/0785209778/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371303336&sr=1-10&keywords=the+student+bible+for+Catholics

Also The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament 2nd edition is very good and has a lot of commentaries that are excellent:

amazon.com/Ignatius-Catholic-Study-Bible-Testament/dp/1586172506/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371303432&sr=1-1&keywords=ignatius+catholic+study+bible

Also a helpful companion, Inside The Bible, An Introduction To Each Book of The Bible by Kenneth Baker, SJ is excellent and highly recommended:

amazon.com/Inside-Bible-Introduction-Each-Book/dp/0898706653/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371303509&sr=1-1&keywords=inside+the+bible+by+kenneth+baker
 
Catmonzon said:
These may be silly questions, I’m going to be 17 on the 18th this month and I’m trying to convert to Roman Catholicism. I have been praying every night since an incident I had not too long ago. I can really feel God listening to my prayers, however I have a few concerns.

I recently found a church VERY close to my house, that I plan on attending starting next Sunday. Eventually, soon, I’d like to be baptized into the religion, as I strongly feel it is the right thing to do. However, I’m a pregnant teenager (I DO plan on marrying the father, but at the church I’d be attending, I must be baptized [note:This is NOT why I want to become a Catholic, it just so happens :P]) Would they look down upon me? I’m just nervous and scared, and it would mean a lot to me if I could be baptized before my child is due (December 30th).

Also, what bible should I try to get? I’m probably going to be going to get one tomorrow, but there are just SO many, and I’m not sure which is the right to choose. I used to have a New Testament, but I’m not sure what happened to it.

I’m learning my prayers; praying every night and even during the day, everytime I think about it really; I plan on getting a rosary and am learning the six basic prayers and 20 mysteries; and since I’ve started this wonderful transformation I have not purposely indulged in any sins (and those that I have, I have prayed to God for forgiveness)

Any tips or anything else I should look into? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you <3
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If possible, you should go and speak to the priest at the parish you are planning to attend. It can take as long as a year to prepare to become a Catholic, but sometimes exceptions are made for individual circumstances. You need to explain your situation to him.

How do your parents feel about your attraction to the Catholic Church? I hope they are supportive of your decision.

Welcome Home!

🙂
 
Wow, you are going through many changes right now!
You already have received some good advice, but I just want to extend my best wishes for everything. God bless you and your precious baby.
You are going in the right direction. As others have said, speak to the parish priest as soon as you can. You might need to make an appointment with him to begin to sort everything out.

Just know that if anyone looks down on you for your circumstances, they are wrong. Our Church is welcoming to everyone looking to follow Christ. I hope you come back and let us know how your situation is coming along.
 
God Bless you on your journey! I am 16 and a convert to Roman Catholicism as well! Message me if you have any questions about the faith!

God Bless,
BVMFatima
 
I would advise you against joining any religion.

You are young and at your age should keep your mind as open as possible before closing it to a specific religions’ dogma.

There have been 1,000s of Gods and Religions over the years and no doubt there will be many more created in the future.

They all believe different things, but all have one thing in common - they were created by men.

They are works of fiction - despite protestations that ‘their religion’ is ‘the one’.

They have good points and bad points, but remain as independent and free as you can. In particular free to think for yourself.

Never believe, in someone who asks you to believe in something as ‘a matter of faith’ - look for evidence. Believing in something with no evidence is what leads, to intolerance, bigotry, sectarianism and at extremes, suicide bombings and flying planes into buildings.

If you are unable to think for yourself, you will find many people willing to think for you.
 
I would chose to follow the One who’s message is love, love of God and our fellow people especially those in need.

See Matthew 5,6 & 7.

To join such a religion is to join in healing the World.
 
aprilfloyd said:
I would advise you against joining any religion.

You are young and at your age should keep your mind as open as possible before closing it to a specific religions’ dogma.

There have been 1,000s of Gods and Religions over the years and no doubt there will be many more created in the future.

They all believe different things, but all have one thing in common - they were created by men.

They are works of fiction - despite protestations that ‘their religion’ is ‘the one’.

They have good points and bad points, but remain as independent and free as you can. In particular free to think for yourself.

Never believe, in someone who asks you to believe in something as ‘a matter of faith’ - look for evidence. Believing in something with no evidence is what leads, to intolerance, bigotry, sectarianism and at extremes, suicide bombings and flying planes into buildings.

If you are unable to think for yourself, you will find many people willing to think for you.
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You need to be respectful of our faith if you expect to remain on this forum. If not, you will be reported to the mods for further action.
 
TheRealJuliane said:
Then stop trying to undermine people wanting to convert or who have recently converted by telling them this nonsense about religion being a fiction.
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I am not trying to undermine him. I am offering a different perspective from someone who was raised a catholic. There are plenty of Catholic proponents on this forum who are more than capable of championing the Catholic perspective and drowning out my own, if so desired.

It is not a ‘nonsense’ that religions are fictitious. In the wider, more popular community, that is a common understanding. I am confident that there are many religions you hold to be fictitious, just as others believe Catholicism is fictitious. I can certainly state that all religions are held to be fictitious, by many people. It is self-evident.

I am suggesting that the OP become a critical thinker and question why people have certain believes and most importantly, draw his own conclusions.

You can chose any religion and more people do not believe it than do.
 
aprilfloyd said:
I would advise you against joining any religion.

You are young and at your age should keep your mind as open as possible before closing it to a specific religions’ dogma.

There have been 1,000s of Gods and Religions over the years and no doubt there will be many more created in the future.

They all believe different things, but all have one thing in common - they were created by men.

They are works of fiction - despite protestations that ‘their religion’ is ‘the one’.

They have good points and bad points, but remain as independent and free as you can. In particular free to think for yourself.

Never believe, in someone who asks you to believe in something as ‘a matter of faith’ - look for evidence. Believing in something with no evidence is what leads, to intolerance, bigotry, sectarianism and at extremes, suicide bombings and flying planes into buildings.

If you are unable to think for yourself, you will find many people willing to think for you.
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This is terrible advice!
 
aprilfloyd said:
I am not trying to undermine him. I am offering a different perspective from someone who was raised a catholic. There are plenty of Catholic proponents on this forum who are more than capable of championing the Catholic perspective and drowning out my own, if so desired.

It is not a ‘nonsense’ that religions are fictitious. In the wider, more popular community, that is a common understanding. I am confident that there are many religions you hold to be fictitious, just as others believe Catholicism is fictitious. I can certainly state that all religions are held to be fictitious, by many people. It is self-evident.

I am suggesting that the OP become a critical thinker and question why people have certain believes and most importantly, draw his own conclusions.

You can chose any religion and more people do not believe it than do.
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I’ll pray for you. I feel sorry for you. Please go to the Non-Catholic forum and post all you want there. Otherwise stop inserting your atheistic viewpoint into random threads.
 
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