Going to Convert!

[Elizabeth_Rose]

I am so excited! I will try to post without rambling…but no promises! lol We have been attending the local Catholic church the past month. We love everything about the Catholic faith! Our teen daughter also loves it. There are ‘Inquiry Classes’ that started 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have bad ear infections and too dizzy to attend. We will be going this Thursday though. We are all 3 baptisted Christians. What is appropriate for us to do during the Mass. I know we don’t take part in the Communion, but is it offensive to the other members of the church or disrespectful in any way if we do everything else? Like kneeling, saying prayers, responses, using the Holy Water, crossing our selves, bowing, etc… We want to do everything but we deeply respect the church and members and do not want to offend. I am also very anxious!! I have spoken to the Priest and told him we plan to convert and he told me about the classes. I know I will get answers then, but couldn’t wait! lol How long do you think it will be before we can convert? We were all raised in a missionary baptist church. we have been studying several good catholic sites online and have learned alot about the views of the church and agree with everything.
Sorry! Long Post!!

 

[kristie_m]

I am so excited! I will try to post without rambling…but no promises! lol We have been attending the local Catholic church the past month. We love everything about the Catholic faith! Our teen daughter also loves it. There are ‘Inquiry Classes’ that started 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have bad ear infections and too dizzy to attend. We will be going this Thursday though. We are all 3 baptisted Christians. What is appropriate for us to do during the Mass. I know we don’t take part in the Communion, but is it offensive to the other members of the church or disrespectful in any way if we do everything else? Like kneeling, saying prayers, responses, using the Holy Water, crossing our selves, bowing, etc… We want to do everything but we deeply respect the church and members and do not want to offend. I am also very anxious!! I have spoken to the Priest and told him we plan to convert and he told me about the classes. I know I will get answers then, but couldn’t wait! lol How long do you think it will be before we can convert? We were all raised in a missionary baptist church. we have been studying several good catholic sites online and have learned alot about the views of the church and agree with everything.
Sorry! Long Post!!

I love posts from new converts–y’all are so full of joy having found the fullness of the Christian faith.

As far as the Mass goes, you are welcome to take part in the whole Mass. In fact, you are encouraged to!! When it comes to commuion, until you have gone through RCIA and are able to partake in the Body and Blood of our Lord, you can ask Him to be present in a “spiritual communion”. It’s basically just another way for you to pray that He remain present in your life as He would if you were to receive the Sacrament.

I’m so glad you’re here! Welcome home!!!

 

[vee8]

Welcome home from me too!

Yes you can and should do everything else in the mass except receive the Holy Eucharist. Dont forget to genuflect on your way in and out too. Other than that you excitement is palpable through your post and I pray that some loved ones of mine would sound like you one day.

Oh and one more thing even Catholics, me included, have had to sit out communion sometimes because we arent in a state of grace so you arent the first and wont be the last to feel that way. Making a spritiual communion is a great suggestion and a big help.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Welcome!

… is it offensive to the other members of the church or disrespectful in any way if we do everything else? Like kneeling, saying prayers, responses, using the Holy Water, crossing our selves, bowing, etc.

Not offensive at all! I wish everyone else in church shared your enthusiasm.

How long do you think it will be before we can convert?

I think of “conversion” as an ongoing process, a turning to Christ. We do it every day of our lives. As for being formally received into the Catholic Church, in most parishes this is done at the Easter Vigil Mass. But there are sometimes exceptions. Your RCIA director or pastor can tell you more.

 

[Elizabeth_Rose]

Thank you all so much for your replies! They were all very helpful! One more question…What are we? We are not offically Catholic. Right? I’m confused. Are we considered ‘Catholics’ since we are going to convert? If we aren’t actually ‘Catholic’ then what are we? I do not consider myself ‘baptist’ anymore. I feel stuck somewhere in the middle.

 

[scylla]

Thank you all so much for your replies! They were all very helpful! One more question…What are we? We are not offically Catholic. Right? I’m confused. Are we considered ‘Catholics’ since we are going to convert? If we aren’t actually ‘Catholic’ then what are we? I do not consider myself ‘baptist’ anymore. I feel stuck somewhere in the middle.

You can say in your heart you are Catholic, as God knows your heart and you can profess the faith. Say in your heart you are Catholic and are actively converting to the the Church, I will officially profess the faith on so and so date.

The Church just moves slowly as you should make an informed profession of faith. It is better to present the faith to the person and have them examine and accept it so that when they publically profess the faith they do it honestly and fully.

It takes a bit of time for inquiry, presentation and scrutiny so that the person has time to accept it and profess it.

Welcome to the Church.
In Christ
Scylla

 

[Cordelil]

I was wondering if when everyone goes for communion if the non-baptised & confirmed participant can go up and get a blessing? it has been a long while but I think I did this before becoming a Catholic. That’s where you approach the priest and put your right hand on your left shoulder and vice versa and he gives you a short blessing. Perhaps, someone here can clarify this if it’s allowable or not.

John

 

[Jenny_Z]

Welcome home!

 

[KJS]

I’m in the same boat at the moment - starting RCIA this week!

@Cordelil - It’s technically not part of the Mass, and I guess it depends on how your parish operates. A lot of people on here said it wasn’t kosher, so I stopped doing it. I just pray this prayer in my pew (among other things) -

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/blsac4.htm

 

[rwoehmke]

Thank you all so much for your replies! They were all very helpful! One more question…What are we? We are not officially Catholic. Right? I’m confused. Are we considered ‘Catholics’ since we are going to convert? If we aren’t actually ‘Catholic’ then what are we? I do not consider myself ‘baptist’ anymore. I feel stuck somewhere in the middle.

Having been Baptized, assuming your missionary church had valid Baptism, you would be called a Candidate. Candidates are persons already baptized and therefore Christians. Candidates are those receiving instruction in the Catholic Faith and preparing to receive the Sacraments of Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Having made the decision to join the Church, you are in a very true sense already Catholic, and like younger Baptized Catholics are receiving the necessary preparation for receiving those Sacraments.

 

[Cordelil]

KJS,

I think it was allowable in Los Angeles where I live. This is going back about 30 years ago so my memory is sketchy.

I am happy to see the enthusiasm with the people who are becoming Catholics. I did it due to my ex-wife being a Catholic and it was more of a thing to get along on my part; hence, my faith then was lukewarm at best. Over the years with disappointments and the like I have grown in the faith to a considerable degree and now considerable myself fully a Roman Catholic.

John

 

[AngelRose81]

Welcome home!!!

 

[Layp3rs0n]

Welcome to your new Home! I am so excited for you and your family and I praise God with my whole heart for your conversion. I will keep you in prayer. Get into RCIA as soon as you can. Stay strong, and grow in faith and love.

 

[JRKH]

I am so excited! I will try to post without rambling…but no promises! lol We have been attending the local Catholic church the past month. We love everything about the Catholic faith! Our teen daughter also loves it. There are ‘Inquiry Classes’ that started 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have bad ear infections and too dizzy to attend. We will be going this Thursday though. We are all 3 baptisted Christians. What is appropriate for us to do during the Mass. I know we don’t take part in the Communion, but is it offensive to the other members of the church or disrespectful in any way if we do everything else? Like kneeling, saying prayers, responses, using the Holy Water, crossing our selves, bowing, etc… We want to do everything but we deeply respect the church and members and do not want to offend. I am also very anxious!! I have spoken to the Priest and told him we plan to convert and he told me about the classes. I know I will get answers then, but couldn’t wait! lol How long do you think it will be before we can convert? We were all raised in a missionary baptist church. we have been studying several good catholic sites online and have learned alot about the views of the church and agree with everything.
Sorry! Long Post!!

Praise God and Welcome Home!!!

I’m sure you’ve already been told, but you may certainly participate in every prayer, posture, and hymn at mass - with the obvious exception of Holy Communion.
Thank you so much for sahring and may God continue to belss your family.

Peace
James

 

[KathleenElsie]

Thank you all so much for your replies! They were all very helpful! One more question…What are we? We are not offically Catholic. Right? I’m confused. Are we considered ‘Catholics’ since we are going to convert? If we aren’t actually ‘Catholic’ then what are we? I do not consider myself ‘baptist’ anymore. I feel stuck somewhere in the middle.

Welcome. You are Christians. My husband last year called himself a “Catholic-in-Waiting” he was also a former baptist. I don’t think many people will ask you “what” you are. People might ask you who you are and you can tell them a member of this years RCIA class waiting to cross the Tiber.

Again welcome and God Bless.

 

[KarenElissa]

Welcome home! I’m excited for you all and you are in my prayers. Just a year ago I was where you are and every day I’m more and more thankful that I get to be Catholic! You won’t regret it!

 

[Lief_Erikson]

Praise God you will be joining us, Elizabeth . Amen! Praise God!

 

[CB_Catholic]

Welcome to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!!! May all God’s blessings be upon you all the days of your life.