Does this sound like a good approach for exploring Catholicism?

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aemt1169

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Hello! I’m hoping you could provide some insight to me regarding the course of action I might take.

I started RCIA several years ago, but ended up dropping out, feeling I was not ready to convert to Catholicism, and stopped attending Mass as well. In the 6 years since, I have attended church at the denomination of my membership (Episcopal) only sporadically, and the more I explore my heart and mind on this issue, I am not even sure I consider myself a Christian at this point.

In spite of that, I have never stopped feeling drawn to the Catholic Church. If I were faithful, I would say God is drawing me there, but faith is not something I claim to possess at this point in my life.

In the hope of reaching some kind of closure, whether that be actually converting or ridding myself of this feeling of being drawn to Catholicism, I am considering a couple of options.

The first option is simply to attend Mass when I feel moved and have an opportunity to do so, and also Eucharistic Adoration (which is offered in my parish on the first Friday of each month) with an open mind and heart, and simply see where that leads. This is the option I feel would be the best choice for me now.

The other option is to see when the parish is offering RCIA this fall, and if it hasn’t already begun, planning to attend. My main concern about this is since I tried it once and dropped out, I’m concerned I might put too much pressure on myself to make a decision, which will cause me once again to drop out. I have in the past had a tendency to rush headlong into things, and then freak out and run the opposite direction, and would like to avoid that if at all possible this time.

I’m shy and awkward in new situations, and making an appointment to speak with the priest isn’t something I feel ready to do at this point. Just in case that was something someone was planning on suggesting. I know it’s an excellent idea, and hopefully I will get there at some point; I’m just not sure I have the courage to do it yet, which is why I’m on an internet forum instead 🙂

Would there be any harm in taking my time and sort of “easing” into this, going to Mass, praying, doing some reading about Catholicism? I know you don’t have to be planning to convert to take RCIA, but I think I would rather wait until I am at least strongly considering converting, rather than just *possibly *thinking about *maybe *converting someday 🙂

Also, if there is a forum specifically for people considering converting, could someone point it out to me? I have looked but haven’t found one, and I want to make sure I am posting in the most appropriate places with my questions.

Thanks!

Amy
 
Welcome Home! The Holy Spirit is calling you into the Catholic Church, but He is not shoving you there! Take your time and learn as much as you can about the Church before you make any commitments or feel so overwhelmed that you back off even longer. Some reading about the lives of the saints or conversion stories might help you and also a good copy of the catechism. Keep asking us questions here: NO PRESSURE!! LOL :grouphug:
 
I would suggest you get a copy of YOUCAT (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church), published in 2011.
 
I have a non-believing friend. He also claims not to have faith. So, I’ve been praying about this for some time. I don’t normally go to a fire and brimstone mentality, but still I’ve thought that no one would be justified in being sent to hell if God didn’t give each of us the grace to become faithful to Him or willfully reject Him.

Now more about your case specifically:
From His grace we grow in faith. This draw you feel is not only telling you the right way to go, but also telling me He is slowly giving you the faith through grace to overcome your doubts and shyness. Don’t oppose it, but go with it. If it goes away God may have given you enough and your answer to Him has for now been no. It’s never to late until death, but it is easier to say yes and be Catholic when your grace is growing rather than withering. Later if dry times come you will have the faith to stay steadfast in it.
 
hi amy, welcome

yes, your ideas sound good to me

the others suggestions are good as well.

may I suggest reading the bible as well and perhaps early Christian writings.

and just try to pray about it and dont’ worry too much. the fact that you’re even on this forum is a sign that you’re not as faithless as you might think.

and if you have any questions, you can always send me a private message to ask. or post a forum thread.

God bless
 
Since you are a thoughtful, contemplative person, the Catholic faith is actually tailored to you. Before one can grant assent to any teachings, one must contemplate them - their source and content. At the basic level, a good, solid, easily read and understood guide to the faith can be crucial. I highly recommend Catholicism for Dummies. It is a resource which you may rely upon for years to come.

While that may address an intellectual aspect, what about the spiritual? There is the opportunity to go and spend time in Christ’s true presence. Call (or check the web) local parishes and find out when they offer adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament (Holy hour). You need not register, sign up or otherwise formalize this action. Simply go to the chapel when our Lord is being adored and sit in His presence.

Lay your thoughts and doubts before Him. Ask Him to reveal to you that He is present. Then, simply be as patient with Him as He has been with you. This may take some time, as the Lord works at His own, perfect pace, but once you are aware that He is there, you will be changed. After that, nothing will keep you away from the faith.
 
Hi there, don’t put pressure on yourself but rather go at your own pace, joining RCIA once again is a good idea, don’t worry about dropping out before, the OP suggested YOUCAT excellent as a Convert myself but from the Jewish faith so I had to start from the very beginning with no Christian ideas in my head at all, what I found amazing was reading
“The Church Fathers” which there is a lot but to get started, may I suggest " Ignatius of Antioch," also Clement of Rome, two among many it certainly helped me, Catholic book shop, Amazon, or EWTN catalogue on books, If found it great reading on what the early Christians thought and practised after Our Lord’s Resurrection .

Read the Bible, do up a List of questions to ask at RCIA, and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament for an open heart and a desire to do what the Lord wants you to do.

Lord help my unbelief.

Catholicism is Christianity at its fullest expression
Catholicism is pre denominational . We are the originals.

Walk with the Lord on your faith journey.
 
Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement and (name removed by moderator)ut. All of the replies are appreciated!
 
Try browsing this website: www.logosensarkos.com . Look in particular at the second page (Audio-Visuals and Essays) which has free material you can download, including a number of presentations originally designed for an RCIA class.
 
aemt1169 said:
Hello! I’m hoping you could provide some insight to me regarding the course of action I might take.

I started RCIA several years ago, but ended up dropping out, feeling I was not ready to convert to Catholicism, and stopped attending Mass as well. In the 6 years since, I have attended church at the denomination of my membership (Episcopal) only sporadically, and the more I explore my heart and mind on this issue, I am not even sure I consider myself a Christian at this point.

In spite of that, I have never stopped feeling drawn to the Catholic Church. If I were faithful, I would say God is drawing me there, but faith is not something I claim to possess at this point in my life.

In the hope of reaching some kind of closure, whether that be actually converting or ridding myself of this feeling of being drawn to Catholicism, I am considering a couple of options.

The first option is simply to attend Mass when I feel moved and have an opportunity to do so, and also Eucharistic Adoration (which is offered in my parish on the first Friday of each month) with an open mind and heart, and simply see where that leads. This is the option I feel would be the best choice for me now.

The other option is to see when the parish is offering RCIA this fall, and if it hasn’t already begun, planning to attend. My main concern about this is since I tried it once and dropped out, I’m concerned I might put too much pressure on myself to make a decision, which will cause me once again to drop out. I have in the past had a tendency to rush headlong into things, and then freak out and run the opposite direction, and would like to avoid that if at all possible this time.

I’m shy and awkward in new situations, and making an appointment to speak with the priest isn’t something I feel ready to do at this point. Just in case that was something someone was planning on suggesting. I know it’s an excellent idea, and hopefully I will get there at some point; I’m just not sure I have the courage to do it yet, which is why I’m on an internet forum instead 🙂

Would there be any harm in taking my time and sort of “easing” into this, going to Mass, praying, doing some reading about Catholicism? I know you don’t have to be planning to convert to take RCIA, but I think I would rather wait until I am at least strongly considering converting, rather than just *possibly *thinking about *maybe *converting someday 🙂

Also, if there is a forum specifically for people considering converting, could someone point it out to me? I have looked but haven’t found one, and I want to make sure I am posting in the most appropriate places with my questions.

Thanks!

Amy
Click to expand...
Meanwhile, these online helps might be of interest to you.
The Baltimore Catechism is straight forward and simple. If you need more explanation of what it says then you can search for the topic in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Catholocism 101 is another approach to help learn the faith.

And the last one is just plain good reading.

May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.​

Baltimore Catechism
catholicity.com/catechism/

Search the Catechism of the Catholic Church
scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

Catholocism 101
catholic.net/index.php?option=channel&canal=Catholicism 101&id=1&grupo=Church Teaching Q%26A

Good for general questions.
davidmacd.com/catholic/mary_in_the_bible.htm
 
aemt1169 said:
Hello! I’m hoping you could provide some insight to me regarding the course of action I might take.

I started RCIA several years ago, but ended up dropping out, feeling I was not ready to convert to Catholicism, and stopped attending Mass as well. In the 6 years since, I have attended church at the denomination of my membership (Episcopal) only sporadically, and the more I explore my heart and mind on this issue, I am not even sure I consider myself a Christian at this point.

In spite of that, I have never stopped feeling drawn to the Catholic Church. If I were faithful, I would say God is drawing me there, but faith is not something I claim to possess at this point in my life.

In the hope of reaching some kind of closure, whether that be actually converting or ridding myself of this feeling of being drawn to Catholicism, I am considering a couple of options.

The first option is simply to attend Mass when I feel moved and have an opportunity to do so, and also Eucharistic Adoration (which is offered in my parish on the first Friday of each month) with an open mind and heart, and simply see where that leads. This is the option I feel would be the best choice for me now.

The other option is to see when the parish is offering RCIA this fall, and if it hasn’t already begun, planning to attend. My main concern about this is since I tried it once and dropped out, I’m concerned I might put too much pressure on myself to make a decision, which will cause me once again to drop out. I have in the past had a tendency to rush headlong into things, and then freak out and run the opposite direction, and would like to avoid that if at all possible this time.

I’m shy and awkward in new situations, and making an appointment to speak with the priest isn’t something I feel ready to do at this point. Just in case that was something someone was planning on suggesting. I know it’s an excellent idea, and hopefully I will get there at some point; I’m just not sure I have the courage to do it yet, which is why I’m on an internet forum instead 🙂

Would there be any harm in taking my time and sort of “easing” into this, going to Mass, praying, doing some reading about Catholicism? I know you don’t have to be planning to convert to take RCIA, but I think I would rather wait until I am at least strongly considering converting, rather than just *possibly *thinking about *maybe *converting someday 🙂

Also, if there is a forum specifically for people considering converting, could someone point it out to me? I have looked but haven’t found one, and I want to make sure I am posting in the most appropriate places with my questions.

Thanks!

Amy
Click to expand...
I had to comment on this thread, I wanted to thank you for putting this question on here, this is how I have been feeling for some time, going backwards and forwards about the Catholic Church, although I come from a place within the Church of England, although not a regular practitioner of it. I have been asking similar questions and getting frustrated as well. 🙂

Just wanted you to know your not alone in your search and to thank everyone for there comments as I found them very interesting, and to wish you luck in your spiritual search. 🙂
 
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