Friend considering converting

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I am not sure if this is the right forum for this thread, so my apologizes if it is the wrong spot.

Anyway I have a friend who is considering converting to Catholicism. She is 28 years old and does not know a ton about the Catholic faith. Does anyone know any good books that can help/inspire her.Thanks
 
I’ve read several recommendations to read Catholicism for Dummies here on this fora. 🙂
 
The CCC is something we all need to read, but, frankly, it is difficult reading. I would suggest that the Catholicism for Dummies is an easier read that summarizes the CCC very well. Also, in our parish at least, we have sessions for people who are “interested” in learning more about the faith and they are very well received, does your parish do this?
 
mountee said:
The CCC is something we all need to read, but, frankly, it is difficult reading. I would suggest that the Catholicism for Dummies is an easier read that summarizes the CCC very well. Also, in our parish at least, we have sessions for people who are “interested” in learning more about the faith and they are very well received, does your parish do this?
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Yes, I’m not sure if being presented with the entire CCC is necessarily the best way to get everyone thinking about the Catholic Faith even amongst those who read a lot - although obviously it does for some. Imagine if missionaries in far flung rainforests started sharing the faith by reading out the entire Catechism?

I’ve had a look at some of it (there’s a website that emails you an excerpt of it in more manageable chunks a day, for instance), and think without understanding some underlying theological concepts it may go over some people’s heads a bit - particularly for someone with little knowledge of Christianity in general.

Maybe the Youcat or more introductory texts such as Catholicism for Dummies are a better start for some people? Or Catholic Answers seems to even be selling a comic book aimed at evangelising those (especially those who are younger).
 
I am a brand new Catholic and have a different opinion about Catholicism for Dummies. I bought it a few months ago when I was just starting to meet with my priest to prepare to be received and it completely threw me. To me it just ended up being a huge lists of rules and regulations, with no sense of the LOVE the undergirds the faith. I found it’s tone to be brusque and intimidating.

For me, a far better way to draw someone into the faith is to share the writings of someone who lived the faith in an incredible way. Maybe the writings of a saint, for example, or a convert. For me, the heart of the faith is what pulled me. And the Eucharist. Take her to adoration! Let her read St. Therése. (If that is her style.)

And incidentally, I LOVE the CCC. I have loved it long before becoming a Catholic. I also love the encyclicals, especially of JPII.

Really, the best advice is to listen to your friend and find out how God is drawing her. If it through her intellect, go in that direction. If it is a heart thing, head that way. God is speaking to her in the exact way she needs… all you need to do is follow His lead.

Blessings,
 
This is the Faith by Canon Francis Ripley. And second the suggestion of the CCC. It’s pretty simple reading to me and it’s broken up well into the different subjects.
 
A possible convert may enjoy reading about other modern day converts. I may suggest “Rome sweet Home” by Scott Hahn. Another modern convert and gifted writer and speaker is Alan Hunt.
 
Just a thought, and since no one that I’ve seen has mentioned it, I would recommend having them join the upcoming RCIA class. They usually start sometime in Aug. or Sept. RCIA is wonderful and she’ll learn so much from it. And there is no pressure to actually go through with baptism if the person doesn’t want it.
 
I’ll pray for her conversion, and a book I’d recommend is Rome Sweet home. its something I read when i was converting, but something I did to find lots of my info was going to CAF, recommend your friend to come here.

God bless,
 
Quaesitor said:
Just a thought, and since no one that I’ve seen has mentioned it, I would recommend having them join the upcoming RCIA class. They usually start sometime in Aug. or Sept. RCIA is wonderful and she’ll learn so much from it. And there is no pressure to actually go through with baptism if the person doesn’t want it.
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I think the OP is trying to fill the gap so she’s not sitting around for the next 4 months.
 
mountee said:
The CCC is something we all need to read, but, frankly, it is difficult reading. I would suggest that the Catholicism for Dummies is an easier read that summarizes the CCC very well. Also, in our parish at least, we have sessions for people who are “interested” in learning more about the faith and they are very well received, does your parish do this?
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To my knowledge my parish only offers RCIA, I am not sure if she is there yet. That’s why I wanted to get her familiar with our teachings or find a book on our faith that will inspire her much the way “Mere Christianity” did for me before I truly believed and loved God. Also she lives about a half hour away in a different city. I may go online and look up her parish to see if they offer anything that may be of help.
 
The best all around book I have read is The Faith Explained by Leo Trese. It is short, to the point, does an excellent job of explaining our faith, and is less than ten dollars. I’m glad this thread came up because there is someone very special for whom I need to order a copy. Thanks for the reminder.

The Faith Explained is an all-in-one handbook to help you understand, explain, and defend the great truths of the Catholic Faith. In brief and readable chapters, it explains the purpose of human existence, God and His perfections, the creation and fall of man, the Incarnation, the redemption, the sacraments, sacramentals, prayer, the importance of the Bible, and much more. Perfect for RCIA classes, this book is also a magnificent refresher course on the Faith for Catholics and an illuminating resource for non-Catholics with questions about the Church.

scepterpublishers.org/product/pictures/6899.jpg

-Tim-
 
aemcpa said:
I think the OP is trying to fill the gap so she’s not sitting around for the next 4 months.
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Exactly 👍 Plus what was previously mentioned she is younger with not a solid Christian background. I will use the CCC for any questions she may have. I am just looking for something for her to start thinking about the wonderful truths found within the Catholic Church and hopefully something that will touch her heart. I have never read “Rome, Sweet Rome” but that may be a book I buy for her. Thanks everyone for your (name removed by moderator)ut. The more the better I say. Also I will be meeting her later tonight after I pray the rosary at my parish. Hopefully I will get a little more info on where “she is” and if you don’t mind I will ask for advice from you guys after the weekend. I really do appreciate all of your help, and prayers if you are so inclined 👍
 
TimothyH said:
The best all around book I have read is The Faith Explained by Leo Trese. It is short, to the point, does an excellent job of explaining our faith, and is less than ten dollars. I’m glad this thread came up because there is someone very special for whom I need to order a copy. Thanks for the reminder.

The Faith Explained is an all-in-one handbook to help you understand, explain, and defend the great truths of the Catholic Faith. In brief and readable chapters, it explains the purpose of human existence, God and His perfections, the creation and fall of man, the Incarnation, the redemption, the sacraments, sacramentals, prayer, the importance of the Bible, and much more. Perfect for RCIA classes, this book is also a magnificent refresher course on the Faith for Catholics and an illuminating resource for non-Catholics with questions about the Church.

scepterpublishers.org/product/pictures/6899.jpg

-Tim-
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Thanks Tim,

I just bought a copy. I will read it over before giving it to her in case she has any questions that pop up. Also this might be a good book for my dad who is not a practicing Catholic.
 
You could try Father Baron’s Catholicism series as a starter if you have a copy or can borrow one. “Rome Sweet Home” by the Hahn’s or “Surprised by Truth”. There is a “Why I am Catholic” website with conversion stories. She can visit the coming home network site as well.
 
AndyP2010 said:
You could try Father Baron’s Catholicism series as a starter if you have a copy or can borrow one. “Rome Sweet Home” by the Hahn’s or “Surprised by Truth”. There is a “Why I am Catholic” website with conversion stories. She can visit the coming home network site as well.
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I was going to mention watching EWTN when she has free time. I really like the “Journey Home” show. Even though I was never a protestant that show always touches me on how beautiful our faith is.

Has anyone read “Catholicism” by Father Baron? That is another book I have been thinking about.
 
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