How do I know?

[NewToFaith]

My grandmother was a devout Christian and I attended Church with her when I stayed with her. She’s the only family member I had a huge connection with and she sadly passed away. Since then, religion has always been at the back of my mind and I’ve often sat and thought about my directions and how God could change my life.

I have took no real action until recently. I attended a family Christening in a Roman Catholic Church and listened intently to the Baptist? as he spoke. This makes me feel daft but, I felt something inside me. Like… Well, it’s indescribable! Lol

I’ve been reading a lot about Roman Catholicism and it’s like I know everything I’m reading is correct and I believe in my heart and mind that it is correct (I have also read into others.) I feel like it’s right but coming in to a faith is very intimidating as well, as I want to feel like I’m doing it ‘properly.’

My question is, at what point will I know I have true ‘faith’ and how do I know when I can or should make it part of my life? How do I know if I’m ready?

 

[CB_Catholic]

My grandmother was a devout Christian and I attended Church with her when I stayed with her. She’s the only family member I had a huge connection with and she sadly passed away. Since then, religion has always been at the back of my mind and I’ve often sat and thought about my directions and how God could change my life.

I have took no real action until recently. I attended a family Christening in a Roman Catholic Church and listened intently to the Baptist? as he spoke. This makes me feel daft but, I felt something inside me. Like… Well, it’s indescribable! Lol

I’ve been reading a lot about Roman Catholicism and it’s like I know everything I’m reading is correct and I believe in my heart and mind that it is correct (I have also read into others.) I feel like it’s right but coming in to a faith is very intimidating as well, as I want to feel like I’m doing it ‘properly.’

My question is, at what point will I know I have true ‘faith’ and how do I know when I can or should make it part of my life? How do I know if I’m ready?

Call the parish nearest you and ask to speak to someone about RCIA classes. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or ask to make an appointment with a priest or the Pastor of that parish. Be patient, sometimes it takes a little while to get back to you, but be persistant. They will help you.

Or, you could start to attend Mass at a Catholic Church and become familiar with it. Just don’t take Communion, but you can participate in everything else. Then see if you can speak to the priest about taking classes. Most parishes use the RCIA format, some do not, esp. if one is already baptized in another Christian church. You need to contact the Pastor in any case.

If you attend the classes, there is no obligation involved. You will learn about the Cathoilc faith, but there is no pressure to join the Church. I also recommend a book called Catholicism for Dummies which explains things very nicely. You can find it online or at most bookstores or the library. Others here, I am sure, will also answer your questions.

 

[Julian0404]

My grandmother was a devout Christian and I attended Church with her when I stayed with her. She’s the only family member I had a huge connection with and she sadly passed away. Since then, religion has always been at the back of my mind and I’ve often sat and thought about my directions and how God could change my life.

I have took no real action until recently. I attended a family Christening in a Roman Catholic Church and listened intently to the Baptist? as he spoke. This makes me feel daft but, I felt something inside me. Like… Well, it’s indescribable! Lol

I’ve been reading a lot about Roman Catholicism and it’s like I know everything I’m reading is correct and I believe in my heart and mind that it is correct (I have also read into others.) I feel like it’s right but coming in to a faith is very intimidating as well, as I want to feel like I’m doing it ‘properly.’

My question is, at what point will I know I have true ‘faith’ and how do I know when I can or should make it part of my life? How do I know if I’m ready?

Your statements reflects that the Power of the HOLY SPIRIT is working in your life. “If you seek ME, you will find ME” as spoken by JESUS.
Do not worry to much on the “ready” part just keep pursuing the truth of JESUS and you will find HIM. And as for the “proper” part there is the RCIA instructions.
As to knowing that you have “true faith”, your heart will tell you. After reading and pursuing and studying you will reach a moment that given the weight of the evidence/information the HOLY SPIRIT will quietly convince you that what you have learned is true, and at that point, it is up to you to take the last step or walk away.
It is intimidating, because if you love JESUS, you will follow JESUS, which means you have to stop following the world - which is very transitory and temporary - but does contain a lot of friends and activities that you will lose.
I think GOD put your grandmother into your life to help call you to HIM. I hope you continue the journey.

 

[flower_lady]

When you feel that something you said you felt. LOL! Didn’t that tell you something? I think you felt the presense of the Holy Spirit.:yup: