How can I learn more about the faith?

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Rickyy101

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Good morning, all.

The short side of my story is that I, in my 22 years on this Earth, decided to ignore the teachings of God, and in doing so, my life has taken a turn for the worst. I have been extremely lazy, gluttonous, lied, cheated, stole, done drugs and taken alcohol. I am done with that. I have been ready for a while to turn my life over to God and get myself on the right path, and into that narrow gate.

The thing is, I have no idea how. I was baptized as an infant but that was the extent of my religious life. I recently went to Confession (where I had no idea what to do) and went to my first Mass (also had no idea what to do.)

I bought a Catholic copy of the New Testament and a set of Rosary beads, which I am almost done memorizing the prayers for, but I feel like I am missing out on SO much.

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

God bless.

Yours truly,

Richard.
 
I commend you for changing your life style and wanting to know more about God. The Holy Spirit is working in you!

I have heard of Catholics who were baptized Catholic and were not well-schooled in the faith, nor did they make their first confession and Holy Communion. They go through RCIA and learn about the faith in community with others.

There are also great resources to read on: catholic.com that can answer questions that you may have now.
 
I think you need preparation to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Call your parish office and ask about enrolling in their RCIA program, it should be starting up in the early fall. If you are a college student, away from home, check and see if your campus has a Newman Center, they can also assist you in your faith journey. In the meantime, you might want to get a copy of “Catholicism for Dummies”. It does a pretty job of explaining the faith and is easy to read.
 
Well, I would read a lot of Catholic books and get in an RCIA program. That’s what I did. 👍
 
Dorothy said:
I commend you for changing your life style and wanting to know more about God. The Holy Spirit is working in you!
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Amen! 🙂
There are also great resources to read on: catholic.com that can answer questions that you may have now.
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From that link, check out this page: Faith Tracts.

There are many sites online that offer guidance.

I suggest also reading the Catechism. I believe the Compendium is not very expensive.

The Catechism is online here: vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

The Compendium looks like this: amazon.com/Compendium-Catechism-Catholic-Cardinal-Ratzinger/dp/1574557203

There are also many over-views/introductions of the faith. I particularly like We Believe.

I’ve seen this recommended a lot: Catholicism for Dummies.

Enjoy the journey of your life! 🙂
 
First of all, congratulations on turning your life around and wanting to embrace the faith. You definitively need to call the the Parish that you are attending Mass at and talk to either the priest or to the person who in charge of the RCIA process. They will guide you and assist you in the journey. RCIA is for someone like you, who was baptized Catholic and never completed your initiation ( Eucharist and Confirmation ) and Reconciliation. It takes time, but with their guidance, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, you will complete your initiation . Continue to pray to Our Lady, for she will assist you . I recommend reading “Catholicism for Dummies” getting the Catechism and reading about the faith. Go to your local Catholic Bookstore and tell them that you are interested in the Catholic faith and they will assist you beyond measure. Good luck on your faith journey and please keep us informed as to how your journey is going.
Peace
 
Rickyy101 said:
Good morning, all.

The short side of my story is that I, in my 22 years on this Earth, decided to ignore the teachings of God, and in doing so, my life has taken a turn for the worst. I have been extremely lazy, gluttonous, lied, cheated, stole, done drugs and taken alcohol. I am done with that. I have been ready for a while to turn my life over to God and get myself on the right path, and into that narrow gate.

The thing is, I have no idea how. I was baptized as an infant but that was the extent of my religious life. I recently went to Confession (where I had no idea what to do) and went to my first Mass (also had no idea what to do.)

I bought a Catholic copy of the New Testament and a set of Rosary beads, which I am almost done memorizing the prayers for, but I feel like I am missing out on SO much.

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

God bless.

Yours truly,

Richard.
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God Bless you, which is what He is Doing. Most of us have been where you are: I was gone 40 Years from The Church, until (1) I started watching EWTN (now Online and All Media Sources) (I found greatest Wisdoms, Ideas, Solutions and Humor.) :hey_bud: (2) This Site: Hit any site that interests you; ask any more Questions you have. You have begun the best way!. I’m still discovering ideal new things, In The Faith. (3) The Most Helpful and Important thing is to take [SIGN] RCIA [/SIGN]in your Parish in September; The Church has always taught the Faith to the unknowing since the Catacombs of 1800 years ago. Many great Organizations, like The Knights Of Columbus for Full Catholics.
 
mcrow said:
Well, I would read a lot of Catholic books and get in an RCIA program. That’s what I did. 👍
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Maybe watch a Lot of EWTN? That’s what got me Back to The Church: Mother Angelica reruns, “Journey Home”, Chaplet Mass 4 times shown daily, etc., etc. EWTN is now All Media Sources, even Smartphones!, and very worldwide seen. :compcoff: Jesuit College Graduate, but always been scaaaaared o’books :whistle:; maybe to lazy too. :yawn:
 
One if the things I always notice: EWTN Mass, at Mass, anywhere, is that The real He Men get the Most Devout after receiving The Eucharist, or Adoration Chapel, alone with The Lord. Best bumper-stickers on Big Pickups, with Rifle mount in back window: My Boss: The Carpenter; and At Adoration Chapel, Real Men get on Both Knees, Bow; I’ve seen 2 Lie on the Carpet briefly. (I notice a few one-things) :hey_bud: :onpatrol:
 
how lucky are you. your poverty of Spirit means the wealth of grace is yours. Seek, ask, knock. Thanks be to God.

peace
 
I would also recommend picking up a copy of two different books:
  1. “Catholicism for Dummies”, by Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Kenneth Brighenti
    This book is an excellent and quite thorough introduction to the faith. It is an easy read, but doesn’t skimp on either details or orthodoxy to the faith. (Let me also mention that you should NOT get the similarly named “Idiot’s Guide to Catholicism”, which contains several major factual errors, and is written from such a liberal perspective that several of its explanations are simply wrong.)
  2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church.
    If you don’t want to splurge for this one, it’s available online for free here:
usccb.org/catechism/text/

This book is the official book from the Catholic Church that summarizes everything that it teaches. It covers almost every conceivable topic, but at a very advanced level. In other words, while you can read it cover-to-cover, you’ll probably find it better as a reference book if you want more information on what the church believes on this or that. There is also a “Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church”, which presents exactly the same information, but in a question and answer format. Some people find it easier to understand.
 
Hi,
Get signed up for RCIA for sure.

For now, read a half page, or a full page of the Bible every day whatever time permits…
Start with the 4 Gospels, Matthew, John, Luke and Mark.

Start praying at meal time, bed time, and getting up in the moring.
At night, say that your sorry for anything you did wrong.
In the morning, say that you will try this day to do everything in Jesus’ honor.
At meal times, at least say “Thanks for you kindness Lord.”
And during the daytime, say often, “thank you for being with me, I love you.”

Grace has been given to you. Use it well and bless Him for it.
This is a great thing for you! He has looked with love upon you.
 
fred_conty said:
Hi,
Get signed up for RCIA for sure.

For now, read a half page, or a full page of the Bible every day whatever time permits…
Start with the 4 Gospels, Matthew, John, Luke and Mark.

Start praying at meal time, bed time, and getting up in the moring.
At night, say that your sorry for anything you did wrong.
In the morning, say that you will try this day to do everything in Jesus’ honor.
At meal times, at least say “Thanks for you kindness Lord.”
And during the daytime, say often, “thank you for being with me, I love you.”

Grace has been given to you. Use it well and bless Him for it.
This is a great thing for you! He has looked with love upon you.
Click to expand...
Fred, Ricky, Catholics don’t Start learning from the Bible, only Bible Only Protestants do. Praying as one can do best, no formula: ‘God, if you’re there, help me find the real You’, or similar. Hopeful to become Catholic start by learning, seeing what Catholics Do: Attend Catholic Mass, just kneel/stand like everybody; No communion, but watch how people back from Communion are Very different: Devout. Watch EWTN, Cable or Online: [SIGN] EWTNlive.com[/SIGN], and on All media sources., 24/7 worldwide, always interesting, very informative Before the Most Interesting Free [SIGN]RCIA[/SIGN] begining Sept, every Parish. Your other suggestions are great ideas, Fred, but ‘getting religious’ is Personal, and done by The Holy Spirit (God’s ‘influence’)
“Catholicism for Dummies”, as recommended by RollTide above, is a Really Great Paperback overview!!!
👍 It’s not what Catholics do, but WHY > learned in RCIA.
 
I too would like to reaffirm the previous answers that suggest RCIA. This year I have been on our RCIA team 4 years and I still learn something new every year. We have 2,000 years of history in our Church. There is always something to learn. I gave a presentation last year and afterwards our Deacon said that he learned something from me that he never knew. So, if an ordained Deacon can learn new things in RCIA, we can all benefit from it.
 
Good evening I want to thank you for the Testimony you gave, its not always easy letting
others know your sins. but remeber were all Human and have stumbled and fell on our journey toward God. my name is Mike im a Catholic Catechist FYI a Catechist is a religious education teacher. may I advise you to to find a Catholic book store or go online and look for The Catechism of the Catholic Church. also check into Catholic Resources.com and out the Catholic Evangelists such as Jesse Romero , Scott Hahn
heres my email if you have any questions ccddad@yahoo.com also go to St Mary’s Press and order ( The Catholic Youth Bible ) third edition
 
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