How to be a Catholic from Protestant teachings

[TemperanceOfGod]

If this isn’t the correct area to post this, please move this; It’s my first thread started.

I was baptized Catholic as a baby. Never learned Catholic from home. Always knew there was God, tried to find Him most of my life. Searched in Buddhism, Nature, Islam, Jewish, Messianic Jewish, then found a church I liked that was non-denominational. I chose it because I didn’t want a label, only to be a ‘Christian’ who followed Christ. There was already so much fighting between denominations, I couldn’t stand it. Learned everything from that church and was baptized again. Found out after going through a Pastor’s training course from the Pastor of that church, it was a Pentecostal Holiness church. I was supposed to give my tithes to that group. So, I never got the license because I didn’t believe in being tagged with a label. Fast forward…

About 23 years ago we moved to a small town. Tried all the churches and nothing suited me. I didn’t know what to do. I read and studied for years everything I could on-line and in books about Christianity. I didn’t think to try Catholic because I thought it was just another name of a denomination (something I abhorred) {being labeled something other than a follower of Christ, not the Catholic church}.

The past few years my sister (a devout Catholic) would talk to me about things, I would question, she would answer. I’ve prayed these past few years, prayed the rosary, slowly read a little Catholic stuff. Then my sister told me Jesus started the Catholic Church. So I read about the line of Popes coming from St Peter. Then I joined this group to read and see what Catholicism is all about.

So far, what I have read is to my liking and I can agree with a lot of it (still issues on some things but I need lots of further study). A few months back I checked on the Catholic Church in my tiny town and the Priest was arrested (sigh) and they were going through changes and no Catholic training program in place. So I’ve been hesitant to go ask questions.

Anyway, I’m here to learn and study. Been reading a lot. Bought 2 books, one from each: David B. Currie and Tim Staples and reading those. I have a feeling I won’t get the training I would need at this church for a time so I’m relying on this forum to understand what I need to grow in the Catholic Church.

I have a chronic illness that keeps me house-bound a lot of the time so it’s hard to get out. Otherwise I would go to daily mass and find out from others. I feel that every time I try to do good, the enemy puts a road block up and I have to fight through it. Right now I’m studying all I can about being a Catholic, praying the rosary every night before bed, then reading ‘The Word Among Us’ a daily Mass Readings and Devotionals, so I can get a feeling of belonging and being on-track with the Catholic Teachings. Then read a bit of the Douay–Rheims Bible that my sister said to get.

Where do I go from here? What should I do/what do I need to know to join the Catholic Church or to be called a Catholic. I want all that God has and I want His Blessings. I don’t need to start from scratch, I know most of the basics, I believe I’m a strong Christian now. I just need guidance to become Catholic in the eyes of God. I’m thinking to myself, I just may be proud to call myself a Catholic. I think I have a year before being confirmed in the Catholic Church next Easter-time? So that gives me plenty of time to gain lots of knowledge.

Thank you for any help ~ Blessings in Christ

 

[Jon_S_1]

If your reading Currie’s Born fundamentalist Born again catholic, I think you will get a ton out of it.

I would recommend going to wordonfire.org and reading, listening and watching the material there. Fr Barron is an awesome evangelist and theologian. His 10 part video series called Catholicism is very good. He has hundreds of YouTube videos on tons of topics.

That will help your self study, but to return to the church you will need to go through a program called RCIA. This will prepare you for your sacraments (confession, first Eucharist, and confirmation). You will need to do this at a local parish so contact one and they will set you up. RCIA is not standardized so the amount of meetings, and structure varies from parish to parish…if you can, try and find a good one with a faith filled leader.

God Bless you on your journey!

 

[ChibiViolet]

You should attend Mass on Sundays (or Saturday vigil Mass) and Mass on holy days of obligation–possibly more, if at all possible. I like to go every day myself. You’re baptized so I think you can go to Confession and that that would be a very good thing to do as well. You should find out about RCIA classes in a church in your area by early September, as that is when they start. When the class is over, you will be able to receive Communion for the first time and be confirmed during an Easter Vigil Mass.

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

If your reading Currie’s Born fundamentalist Born again catholic, I think you will get a ton out of it.

I just ordered it to my Kindle ereader. I’ll start reading this asap.

I would recommend going to wordonfire.org and reading, listening and watching the material there. Fr Barron is an awesome evangelist and theologian. His 10 part video series called Catholicism is very good. He has hundreds of YouTube videos on tons of topics.

Woot! I’ve been listening to him the past 2 weeks on Youtube when I found him. Awesome God!

That will help your self study, but to return to the church you will need to go through a program called RCIA. This will prepare you for your sacraments (confession, first Eucharist, and confirmation). You will need to do this at a local parish so contact one and they will set you up. RCIA is not standardized so the amount of meetings, and structure varies from parish to parish…if you can, try and find a good one with a faith filled leader.

God Bless you on your journey!

I pray by Sept our CC will have RCIA and I will join it. I’ll call and ask the priest how much I can do now. I was scared to call and talk to him, I didn’t want to be a burden with him starting at his new church here. I also do have a fear of the CC, all of the rituals, everything I have no idea about…it’s kept me from going there.

Thank you very much for your insight, Blessings~

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

You should attend Mass on Sundays (or Saturday vigil Mass) and Mass on holy days of obligation–possibly more, if at all possible. I like to go every day myself. You’re baptized so I think you can go to Confession and that that would be a very good thing to do as well. You should find out about RCIA classes in a church in your area by early September, as that is when they start. When the class is over, you will be able to receive Communion for the first time and be confirmed during an Easter Vigil Mass.

I’m so scared to confess…I have a whole lifetime to deliver to the priest. As protestant, we have believed that we ask for forgiveness and take our prayers to God the Father, I do that every night before bed. It’s going to feel so different saying them to a flesh and bones person.

No matter, I’m excited to start. I’ll call the parish this week and find out when I can speak with the priest. I just need a b̶̷i̶̷g̶̷ ̶̷p̶̷u̶̷s̶̷h̶̷ little nudge. LoL Thank you, Blessings

 

[Jon_S_1]

I just ordered it to my Kindle ereader. I’ll start reading this asap.

Woot! I’ve been listening to him the past 2 weeks on Youtube when I found him. Awesome God!

I pray by Sept our CC will have RCIA and I will join it. I’ll call and ask the priest how much I can do now. I was scared to call and talk to him, I didn’t want to be a burden with him starting at his new church here. I also do have a fear of the CC, all of the rituals, everything I have no idea about…it’s kept me from going there.

Thank you very much for your insight, Blessings~

As you learn more you will begin to see the true reason for the rituals…reception of Gods grace. You will feel it first hand and experience it. The rituals aren’t empty. They have deep meaning and purpose and are designed as real tangible ways to help us grow closer to God.

If you haven’t been to mass I would suggest going. Sit in the back and just soak it in.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I’m so scared to confess…I have a whole lifetime to deliver to the priest. As protestant, we have believed that we ask for forgiveness and take our prayers to God the Father, I do that every night before bed. It’s going to feel so different saying them to a flesh and bones person.

No matter, I’m excited to start. I’ll call the parish this week and find out when I can speak with the priest. I just need a b̶̷i̶̷g̶̷ ̶̷p̶̷u̶̷s̶̷h̶̷ little nudge. LoL Thank you, Blessings

My first reconciliation experience: findingthecatholicchurch.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-sacrament-of-reconciliation.html?m=1

 

[spedteacherita]

I’m so scared to confess…I have a whole lifetime to deliver to the priest. As protestant, we have believed that we ask for forgiveness and take our prayers to God the Father, I do that every night before bed. It’s going to feel so different saying them to a flesh and bones person.

No matter, I’m excited to start. I’ll call the parish this week and find out when I can speak with the priest. I just need a b̶̷i̶̷g̶̷ ̶̷p̶̷u̶̷s̶̷h̶̷ little nudge. LoL Thank you, Blessings

Don’t be afraid because what I’ve heard and read in these forums that the priests have virtually heard everything! If I had the opportunity I would do it myself but I’m not ready to become Catholic. I also have a chronic illness that keeps me home bound a lot. There are many Sundays that I cannot make it to worship because it takes a long time in the morning to get my body under control to get out and move.

If you have the opportunity to go to confession - go and be free of the sins. If you can’t make it you know from the years as a protestant that God does forgive us in our confessions to Him.

Take heart! God will reveal His will for you.

btw EWTN.com is a good place to learn as well and they stream TV and radio from the website as well. Good Catholic teaching on there.

God bless,

Rita

 

[7_Sorrows]

Try finding some books by Scott Hahn. Also Matthew Kelly has a good book called Rediscovering Catholicism. I have also heard Catholicism for Dummies is good. (Don’t take offense at the title).
Find a good book of Catholic Prayers. Look for a Roman Missal.

 

[AKDee]

Like you, for many years I shunned denominations. I didn’t even attend church, I felt closer to God when out hiking than ever I did in a church. I read the scriptures daily, and prayed often (multiple times a day).

A few years ago I began to feel a pull. Part of it started when I began to get donation requests from a certain Catholic charity. I like to say that the Catholics knew I was Catholic long before I did, because they kept sending me Rosaries and prayer cards and saint medals. And the more I read scripture, the more I began to feel that there was something there, something that “sola fide” wasn’t covering.

A couple years ago I started joining in on Lent, and would watch Mass on CatholicTV.com.

Then last September I contacted our local Parish and got involved in RCIA. The RCIA director told me to come in on this one Sunday and I did, and was shocked to find out that I’d essentially just signed up for 8 months of instruction- but it was worth it! And now that I’m going to the Church that Jesus started, and where He is physically present in the Mass, I do feel Him there- in a way I never did at any other church.

Some of my favorite books during my journey have been:
Rome Sweet Home - Scott Hahn (another protestant convert, like David Currie)
The Protestant’s Dilemma - Devin Rose
Catholic Christianity- Peter Kreeft
Reasons to Believe- Scott Hahn

I also enjoy talks/videos by Mathew Kelly, Fr. Robert Barron, Patrick Madrid, Fr. Larry Richards. If your Parish has the “Lighthouse Catholic Media” kiosk, check that, because there’s a lot of great CD’s there. Or you can order direct off their website.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

Call your Parish office and enquire about RCIA classes. First and most important step. You need to rediscover the beauty of your faith.

 

[Memaw]

If this isn’t the correct area to post this, please move this; It’s my first thread started.

I was baptized Catholic as a baby. Never learned Catholic from home. Always knew there was God, tried to find Him most of my life. Searched in Buddhism, Nature, Islam, Jewish, Messianic Jewish, then found a church I liked that was non-denominational. I chose it because I didn’t want a label, only to be a ‘Christian’ who followed Christ. There was already so much fighting between denominations, I couldn’t stand it. Learned everything from that church and was baptized again. Found out after going through a Pastor’s training course from the Pastor of that church, it was a Pentecostal Holiness church. I was supposed to give my tithes to that group. So, I never got the license because I didn’t believe in being tagged with a label. Fast forward…

About 23 years ago we moved to a small town. Tried all the churches and nothing suited me. I didn’t know what to do. I read and studied for years everything I could on-line and in books about Christianity. I didn’t think to try Catholic because I thought it was just another name of a denomination (something I abhorred) {being labeled something other than a follower of Christ, not the Catholic church}.

The past few years my sister (a devout Catholic) would talk to me about things, I would question, she would answer. I’ve prayed these past few years, prayed the rosary, slowly read a little Catholic stuff. Then my sister told me Jesus started the Catholic Church. So I read about the line of Popes coming from St Peter. Then I joined this group to read and see what Catholicism is all about.

So far, what I have read is to my liking and I can agree with a lot of it (still issues on some things but I need lots of further study). A few months back I checked on the Catholic Church in my tiny town and the Priest was arrested (sigh) and they were going through changes and no Catholic training program in place. So I’ve been hesitant to go ask questions.

Anyway, I’m here to learn and study. Been reading a lot. Bought 2 books, one from each: David B. Currie and Tim Staples and reading those. I have a feeling I won’t get the training I would need at this church for a time so I’m relying on this forum to understand what I need to grow in the Catholic Church.

I have a chronic illness that keeps me house-bound a lot of the time so it’s hard to get out. Otherwise I would go to daily mass and find out from others. I feel that every time I try to do good, the enemy puts a road block up and I have to fight through it. Right now I’m studying all I can about being a Catholic, praying the rosary every night before bed, then reading ‘The Word Among Us’ a daily Mass Readings and Devotionals, so I can get a feeling of belonging and being on-track with the Catholic Teachings. Then read a bit of the Douay–Rheims Bible that my sister said to get.

Where do I go from here? What should I do/what do I need to know to join the Catholic Church or to be called a Catholic. I want all that God has and I want His Blessings. I don’t need to start from scratch, I know most of the basics, I believe I’m a strong Christian now. I just need guidance to become Catholic in the eyes of God. I’m thinking to myself, I just may be proud to call myself a Catholic. I think I have a year before being confirmed in the Catholic Church next Easter-time? So that gives me plenty of time to gain lots of knowledge.

Thank you for any help ~ Blessings in Christ

If you have been already Baptized a Catholic, and you have learned all the basics, then I think if you talk to a priest and you understand the Sacraments etc, you should be able to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion. You can take the classes this fall to be Confirmed but in the meantime you could be receiving Our Lord. That will give you so much Grace for your journey. You will spend the rest of your life learning. You are on an amazing path and it will continue on into Eternity. catholic answers.com has a treasure of information you can trust. A very interesting program to watch on EWTN Catholic Cable Network is “Journey Home” on Monday nights at 7 PM (CST) Prayers and God Bless, Memaw

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

My first reconciliation experience: findingthecatholicchurch.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-sacrament-of-reconciliation.html?m=1

You write beautifully. I can understand and relate. There are some sins that I repeatedly ask for forgiveness, I just never feel cleansed or forgiven no matter how many times, over the years, I continue to give it then to God. Maybe this is what is lacking… It does make sense.

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

Don’t be afraid because what I’ve heard and read in these forums that the priests have virtually heard everything! If I had the opportunity I would do it myself but I’m not ready to become Catholic. I also have a chronic illness that keeps me home bound a lot. There are many Sundays that I cannot make it to worship because it takes a long time in the morning to get my body under control to get out and move.

I totally understand. I have RA and am bed-ridden a lot when it hits hard. I may not be able to keep some appts or mass when it’s bad.

If you have the opportunity to go to confession - go and be free of the sins. If you can’t make it you know from the years as a protestant that God does forgive us in our confessions to Him.Take heart! God will reveal His will for you.

There is a Friday night confession here so I’ll try to make that one as soon as possible. I guess I can ask the priest questions there on how to become a full-fledged Catholic.

btw EWTN.com is a good place to learn as well and they stream TV and radio from the website as well. Good Catholic teaching on there.

God bless,

Rita

I’m a bit ‘gung-ho’ when it comes to doing something, I jump right in. I already play EWTN on my computer as I do other things. Watch Catholic Youtube videos and am reading Catholic books to fully submerge myself into Catholicism. Thank you so much for your insight. Blessings in Christ

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

Try finding some books by Scott Hahn. Also Matthew Kelly has a good book called Rediscovering Catholicism. I have also heard Catholicism for Dummies is good. (Don’t take offense at the title).
Find a good book of Catholic Prayers. Look for a Roman Missal.

I’ve seen the Catholicism for Dummies, I laughed. I’ll pick it up. No offense taken…when you don’t know something, you don’t know it.

Amazon.com is my friend along with my Kindle…going to pick up the books when I can afford them. I’ll look online for the Roman Missal prayers. Thank you, Blessings

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

Call your Parish office and enquire about RCIA classes. First and most important step. You need to rediscover the beauty of your faith.

I went about 6-8 weeks ago. They hadn’t any bible studies or classes for anything and didn’t know when they would. The priest was arrested, everything is being sorted out and I guess it’s a mess there until things get settled. I’m praying for the church that leadership and the hurts of the people are healed quickly.

Another CC would be too far to travel to. I’m doing all I can now on my own until I can get guidance from the CC here.

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

Like you, for many years I shunned denominations. I didn’t even attend church, I felt closer to God when out hiking than ever I did in a church. I read the scriptures daily, and prayed often (multiple times a day).

A few years ago I began to feel a pull. Part of it started when I began to get donation requests from a certain Catholic charity. I like to say that the Catholics knew I was Catholic long before I did, because they kept sending me Rosaries and prayer cards and saint medals. And the more I read scripture, the more I began to feel that there was something there, something that “sola fide” wasn’t covering.

A couple years ago I started joining in on Lent, and would watch Mass on CatholicTV.com.

Then last September I contacted our local Parish and got involved in RCIA. The RCIA director told me to come in on this one Sunday and I did, and was shocked to find out that I’d essentially just signed up for 8 months of instruction- but it was worth it! And now that I’m going to the Church that Jesus started, and where He is physically present in the Mass, I do feel Him there- in a way I never did at any other church.

Some of my favorite books during my journey have been:
Rome Sweet Home - Scott Hahn (another protestant convert, like David Currie)
The Protestant’s Dilemma - Devin Rose
Catholic Christianity- Peter Kreeft
Reasons to Believe- Scott Hahn

I also enjoy talks/videos by Mathew Kelly, Fr. Robert Barron, Patrick Madrid, Fr. Larry Richards. If your Parish has the “Lighthouse Catholic Media” kiosk, check that, because there’s a lot of great CD’s there. Or you can order direct off their website.

I am the same, put me in nature and there is God. I can feel Him alive in me and see Him all around His creation. I can relate to your story. I feel the pull. The more I read and understand, the more it seems right.

I’ll find the books on Amazon and send samples to my Kindle so I’ll have them ready when I can afford them. Thank you for your insight, Blessings in Christ

 

[TemperanceOfGod]

If you have been already Baptized a Catholic, and you have learned all the basics, then I think if you talk to a priest and you understand the Sacraments etc, you should be able to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion. You can take the classes this fall to be Confirmed but in the meantime you could be receiving Our Lord. That will give you so much Grace for your journey. You will spend the rest of your life learning. You are on an amazing path and it will continue on into Eternity. catholic answers.com has a treasure of information you can trust. A very interesting program to watch on EWTN Catholic Cable Network is “Journey Home” on Monday nights at 7 PM (CST) Prayers and God Bless, Memaw

Oh, Memaw…I pray it will be this easy! I would hate to wait until next Easter to have Holy Communion…what if I die before then? As a protestant I was assured of salvation and a place with God. As a Catholic, that all seems to be up-in-the-air until next Easter. Now I don’t know if I am really saved from hell or if I’m really going to heaven…before I was so sure of it since I did everything I was supposed to do, as I knew it. Now I’m scared I am not in God’s Grace. I do try to live a holy life…my one biggest sin is I over-eat (gluttony)…it’s my last big hangup and the hardest to over-come. Food has master over me. :imsorry: I need to get to confession asap. I’ll look specifically for “Journey Home”. Thank you for the prayers, I need them. Blessings to you~

 

[Jon_S_1]

Oh, Memaw…I pray it will be this easy! I would hate to wait until next Easter to have Holy Communion…what if I die before then? As a protestant I was assured of salvation and a place with God. As a Catholic, that all seems to be up-in-the-air until next Easter. Now I don’t know if I am really saved from hell or if I’m really going to heaven…before I was so sure of it since I did everything I was supposed to do, as I knew it. Now I’m scared I am not in God’s Grace. I do try to live a holy life…my one biggest sin is I over-eat (gluttony)…it’s my last big hangup and the hardest to over-come. Food has master over me. :imsorry: I need to get to confession asap. I’ll look specifically for “Journey Home”. Thank you for the prayers, I need them. Blessings to you~

DOnt be scared trust in Gods mercy…the thief on the cross was saved and he did not make it to baptism, confession etc… God is not constrained by the sacraments.

Your desire to confess at your first opportunity, even if its a year from now, is sufficient for salvation. Just be sure you are contrite and ask God for forgiveness now (or in the past as you probably have) and go when the church tells you to go to confession. You are simply being obedient to the church by following the program they set out for you.

Again, don’t be afraid. Catholicism is not God’s game of “Gotcha” where he is looking for any opportunity to send you to hell on a technicality…instead it is about laying out a path for your holiness and to help you walk in obedience…keep doing what you are doing.

 

[7_Sorrows]

I’ve seen the Catholicism for Dummies, I laughed. I’ll pick it up. No offense taken…when you don’t know something, you don’t know it.

Amazon.com is my friend along with my Kindle…going to pick up the books when I can afford them. I’ll look online for the Roman Missal prayers. Thank you, Blessings

I read the Idiot’s Guide to Catholicism (or something like that), but have heard that Catholicism for Dummies is better. The book will give you a fairly good overview of the Catholic faith. It sounds like you were baptized and that was pretty much it so you have a lot of catching up to do.