How do I know if I should convert?

[Dorm_Mom]

I’m sorry if this isn’t the correct forum to put this question in. So if it needs to be moved, my apologies for the extra work.

This might be long, so bear with me please.

I grew up Protestant chuch of Christ (not mormon), which sprang from the anabaptist movement. I went to a Protestant school, baptised, the whole nine yards. I really didn’t learn anything about Catholicism until some of my religion classes in college (protestant), but was alway fascinated by Catholicism. I remember going to Quebec my sophomore year of hs and desperately wanting to listen to Saturday evening Mass, but no one wanted to stay with me.

At any rate, I recently read Rome Sweet Home. I’ve been listening to Catholic Classes’ Liturgy of the Hours several times a week and also using a Catholic based suggestions for Lenten readings. I love the peace that the readings give me, more peace than I think I’ve ever felt from any sermons or songs growing up, which while they have been edifying, haven’t filled the void. I want to know more though.

I’ll admit that some of my fear is for foresaking my up bringing. I’m terrified how my parents will react if I convert and the anger I will face (which is ridiculous that I’m not my own person at 26 years). I’m not sure what this will mean for my child or my husband, who doesn’t seem to feel the call to convert. And for that matter, I don’t know if I’ll agree with enough or every part of the doctrine, and if I don’t, does that mean that I shouldn’t convert?

How can I honor my husband and parents if I do decide to join the Catholic church?

Are there any book suggestions? What do I do? And how do I know if I’ll make the correct choice?

 

[GregoryPalamas]

Sit down with your husband and begin a spiritual journey of a life time. Let God lead you both home.

CDL

 

[HOPEFUL_IN_UK]

Try reposting your thread in another one of the boards, here. There are a lot of converts who have been there, done that (coming from Bible-based Protestant backgrounds and families, etc.) Try under the heading “Catholic Living” either “Family Life” or “Spirituality.”

Keep reading, keep praying. If you are able to attend a Mass at any time of the week, go check it out. Feel free to talk to the priest, who will probably be very happy to offer you more info.

There are a lot of good books on the subject. Scott Hahn is a great place to start. Karl Keating has written some books to address questions from hostile Protestants. Do you ever watch EWTN? They also have some fantastic programs, including one called The Journey Home, which is all about conversion.

I don’t have any specific advice for you regarding your family and their reaction, except not to worry about it, yet. Just explore the faith. If you come to believe that the Catholic Church has The Truth, you will find a way to overcome any obstacles in your desire to obtain it for yourself.

 

[Dorm_Mom]

Thanks, Hopeful. I don’t get any Catholic stations on my cable. I did watch the stations of the cross when we were at a hotel this weekend.

I don’t know the proper conduct for a non-convert at mass though. And what about my son? He’s a toddler and loud. I know I’m not supposed to partake in the Eucharist, but I don’t know what I’m allowed and not allowed to do in regards to everything else, when to kneel, am I allowed to participate in the response readings, etc.

I will cross post this though. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Rolltide]

As a non-Catholic, you are welcome to participate in every aspect of the Mass except receiving Communion. You will also find plenty of loud babies at Mass. You can either sit in the back where you can take your son out if necessary, or some churches have a “cry room” which is enclosed in glass so you can still see and hear everything, but the rest of the church be able to hear your son.

As far as the proper responses, you will usually find in the back of the pew a “missalette”, which contains the ordinary of the Mass (the parts that are the same every week) and the propers for the specific day (the readings and prayers that change). It is relatively easy to follow along. If you are interested, I’m sure that I can find you a sample Mass to watch on youtube if you’d like to get an idea beforehand.

 

[HOPEFUL_IN_UK]

You can watch EWTN live on the Internet if you have a high-speed connection.

 

[latinmasslover]

Is your husband religious or spiritual at all? If he is, sit down and have a long discussion about how you feel. In your prayers together, ask that the Lord reveal His will for you. God is calling you home, and the best thing you could do for your husband, child, and parents, is to be obedient to Him.

Find a holy and orthodox priest, I can’t stress this enough. He’ll likely recommend the Catechism and probably RCIA. The church near you may have a Bible study for Catholics…an excellent place to be.

The Catechism of the Council of Trent is my personal favorite, if you want to look into doctrine. It goes through the Creed and Our Father beatifully.

Read/listen to the conversions of others. You mentioned Rome Sweet Home…I love the Hahns! They’re awesome. Tim Staples is pretty fun to listen to. Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating, Scriptural Roots of Catholic Teaching by Chantal Epie, the Teaching of the Church Fathers by John Willis, SJ. You don’t have to get these specifically, these just happen to be some that I have. TAN is a good place to get sound, Catholic books. A Douay-Rheims Bible, the commentary is wonderful, and doesn’t take up half the Bible.

Be sure to share all this with your husband. Pray first, discuss, pray again. God Bless.

 

[joamyred]

You are off to a good start by doing reading and research. Keep praying!!! I spent a long time talking with God and asking Him to help me know the truth when I had questions or was having difficulty with an aspect of the Catholic faith.

Best thing to do about mass is just to go. There is a good book called “The How-To Book of the Mass” that explains what everythig means etc. Your first time you may want to just be there and watch and listen.

Praying for you!!!