I am scared to become a Catholic

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I will gladly pray for you.

But never be afraid of salvation. If we have anything we should fear it would be the alternative!

Peace and all good!
 
Congratulations on your decision. Welcome to the wonderful Catholic faith. Small steps at first. Make a call, then make an appt. then meet with the priest, then take the first RCIA class. Once there, you will be in company of like minded people who are all curious to learn more about the faith. You will no longer be a lonely “outsider”. YOu will be on the inside track to great joy and peace. No need to speak before you’re ready. Listen and learn. Gradually, you’ll feel at ease. We will all be praying for you.
 
agnes_therese said:
But I had known for most of my life that the Catholic Church was where I belonged. And the time finally came when I realized I had to take the plunge. I didn’t want to be on my deathbed someday, thinking “I should have . . .”
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This is a pretty good reflection of my experience. 😃 I even told myself at one point, “Hey. If in the future something happens, I can always leave.” But of course, I’ve only grown more and more sure that the Catholic Church is the Church that remains the closest to Christ.

Heck, after 4 years as a Catholic, I’m still scared to talk to my parish priest in Confession. I wait (with no mortal sins on my conscience, of course!) for monthly Vigil Praise meetings during the school year where priests from all around the archdiocese come in to hear confessions for two hours.
 
God and the Church will rejoice you entering the church.
Luke 15:7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
It is reason to be happy you are entering the church. You will come to love it.
 
Hello Andy,

Thank you for posting this. I am a 43 year old husband and father of two girls who is also afraid of re-becoming a Catholic. I was baptized and made my First Holy Communion many years ago. My parents began atttending a protestant church when I was a teenager and I simply left the Church. In fact, I’ve only attended Mass 4-5 times in the last 25 years. Your post, and the responses of others, have encouraged me to speak with a priest and perhaps even attend RCIA.

We’ll see.

Mike
 
As someone who went through RCIA just a year and a half ago, I would like to offer the following advice:
The best thing to do is remember that many Catholics feel confused and have anxiety. It is part of being a human. You are not alone. Also, do not worry about what others think of you. Catholics will understand that you are just learning. And most of all, ask Jesus to guide you during your entire conversion process. After all , His opinion is the one that really matters in the end :). Take advantage of this new period of discovery and learning about the Church that RCIA can offer you. Trust me, it will be the best thing you ever did!
 
Leyba30 said:
Hello Andy,

Thank you for posting this. I am a 43 year old husband and father of two girls who is also afraid of re-becoming a Catholic. I was baptized and made my First Holy Communion many years ago. My parents began atttending a protestant church when I was a teenager and I simply left the Church. In fact, I’ve only attended Mass 4-5 times in the last 25 years. Your post, and the responses of others, have encouraged me to speak with a priest and perhaps even attend RCIA.

We’ll see.

Mike
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Same here. I was away from the church for over 40 years. I still remember the day so clearly when I went back, I was shaking and my heart was pounding so hard I’m surprised no one else could hear it!

The beauty of RCIA, though, is that in the beginning it’s a no-strings-attached walk away any time period of inquiry. I needed that time to re-aquaint myself with the church and remind myself of what I already had learned. Many people in the class were converts.

Mike, your comment about having 2 little girls touched my heart. The absolute best thing you could do for those girls as a father is to come home to the church and bring them with you. God bless.
 
What a wonderful anticipation this can be for you! Try to see it as a challenge from God - can you make the committment to love Him faithfully? Will you really, truly try to grow closer to him? Ask yourself what you consider the hard questions. After you’re done, and ready to start RCIA, you’ll realize you’re not in it alone. First and foremost, Jesus will walk with you every single step of the way. Then your fellow Catholics will be cheering you on from start to finish. And last, but most certainly NOT least, your CAF family and friends will welcome you home as you make your journey!
God is calling you - don’t be afraid to answer. He will support you all the way home.
And for the record, if you ever come across me praying in church and practicing my faith, feel free to "intrude’ - all I’m going to do is invite you to pray with me. I wish I had intrusions like that all the time.
Welcome home Andy - may God bless you and keep during your journey home to him.
 
Dear Andy,
Welcome to the Catholic Church. I joined about a year and a half ago and I can’t believe how fast the time has flown. Becoming Catholic is a big decision therefore please feel free to take your time, read and pray if this is God’s will for your life. I joined the church through my local Newman Centre. The people I met were amazing. The people on staff were so helpful as they answered my various questions as I figured out if Catholicism was for me. They were very helpful and understanding. The one in Montreal is just amazing. I love the staff to bits. When you go, I know you will be in good hands. You can also speak to someone on staff there as well such as a chaplain who may or may not be a priest.
When I was exploring, I took advantage of being a student. The campus libraries generally have large collections of theological books that you can take out. Plus they also have interlibrary loans which came in handy with my own exploration. I ordered countless books from it because I was asking alot of questions about Catholicism. If there are chapters of the books that really spoke to me, I photocopied the sections. You can also do the same. I found a really cheap place to do my photocopies which again came in handy during my exploration.
The Newman centre is more than a place to go to for mass but it is a community where students gather from all around to learn about their faith in a safe, loving and caring environment. Some even have residences for their students. If you are going to be going to McGill, I know there is one place remaining in the men’s residence. The Newman centre is really a home away from home. I know many people who go and it’s literally their second home.
As you begin to explore the Catholic Church, please don’t feel as if you need to make a quick decision. I attended the Newman centre for about a year before I made my decision and it was another year before I joined the church. Even then, I knew I didn’t have to be Catholic in order to be part of the community. I was welcome regardless if I chose to become Catholic or not.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me. I’ve read a lot. There are many books I can recommend for you to read as well.

Sending you lots of prayers.

SG
 
I remember those days when I wanted to become Catholic but was afraid. I couldn’t even enter a church. It took me 2 years of thinking about it to actually make the step and start RCIA. I was 16 at the time. Guess what: it was so easy. The hardest part was making the decision and actually showing up that day. I met other people my age who were experiencing the same thing and that made me feel like a part of community. We grew in faith together that year. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I won’t lie: it is not easy to follow Christ, but it is so worth it.

Just make a call or send an email and take it from there. One step at a time.
 
For me, it was the thought that once I made the jump from Protestant to Catholic there was no going back. Although this shouldn’t be scary for some reason it was. I wanted to be 100% sure that God was calling me to the Church b/f I made the jump. Since joining the forum I’ve become friends with a gentleman who is just beginning his journey of conversion. In one of my 1st e-mails to him I laid all of my thoughts and feelings from when I was in his position. He was shocked and relieved that he wasn’t alone. He didn’t realize how common these feelings are for converts. He’s starting RCIA in 2 weeks.
 
Welcome to the faith, maltmom. I’ve been fortunate, insofar as I was raised Catholic, Catholic schools, etc. I think converts often appreciate our faith more than cradle Catholics because they have to take affirmative steps to become Catholic. They agonize over the decision, study the religion, consult with clergy and laity, etc., before making that crucial step into Catholicism. Congratulations!
 
Tampa_Dave said:
Welcome to the faith, maltmom. I’ve been fortunate, insofar as I was raised Catholic, Catholic schools, etc. I think converts often appreciate our faith more than cradle Catholics because they have to take affirmative steps to become Catholic. They agonize over the decision, study the religion, consult with clergy and laity, etc., before making that crucial step into Catholicism. Congratulations!
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Thank you so much. I didn’t know about RCIA. I studied on my own and prayed. I didn’t tell a soul b/c I didn’t want all of my Baptist friends to try to talk me out of converting. When I finally spoke to my priest I was brought into the Church 2 weeks later. I may attend this year to fill in the blanks of my studies. I’m sure I could study about my faith for the rest of my life and I’d still learn something new. I know some people who were raised Catholic and went to Catholic school who say that they’ve learned everything. I hate to think about how much they are missing out on.
 
Andyklein,

Congrats on wanting to join Catholicism! 🙂

I’d advise you to contact your local priest asap, as the RCIA programme will be starting soon.

Yes, there is a lot to learn about the hows and whys of Catholicism, but you’ll find that people you meet in church will be happy to tell you (hopefully they’ll know!) I don’t see it as something to be overwhelmed by (although I agree it’s a bit intimidating), as I see all the rituals etc as a result of the Church’s 2000 year history - this is something no other Church has!

There is no need to be afraid - you will be welcomed into the Church! 🙂 I am about to start RCIA and I’ve already made friends among the congregation 🙂
 
I work with my parish’s RCIA program, and we love to have people join the program to learn more about the faith. Do not be nervous. You should find that people at the church are welcoming to prospective converts.

Just remember, you don’t have to learn all 2,000 years of history in one year. 😃
 
=andyklein;9662975]Hello,
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This is my first post on this website, so I hope I am posting this in the right place. I am 19 years old, never been baptized, raised without a particular religion, and somehow I find myself wanting to be Catholic. I have spent a lot of time over a few years (but not enough) learning about the Catholic Church, its teachings, and what it means to be a Catholic, and I think I am finally ready to walk into my campus’s Newman Center, talk with a priest, and explicitly tell him that I want to enroll in its RCIA program.
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I had been thinking about becoming a Catholic for at least three or four years, but I have always been afraid to. I am a pretty independent, private person, so I feel a little uncomfortable spilling out my soul in conversations or standing in front of dozens, if not hundreds, of people and confessing what I believe. I am intimidated by walking into a Catholic church and I feel like I am intruding a little into practices that other people have been doing their entire lives. I love the aroma of a Catholic church. I know that I am being called back home into the Catholic Church. I believe in everything it is. Still, I have this childish fear of doing something so simple of telling somebody that I would like to join in on the Church’s sacred rituals and earn salvation.
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I know other people have been and will be in similar circumstances. So how should I overcome my selfish anxieties and realize what great rewards are awaiting for my soul if I can overcome them?
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Thank you
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The SOLUTION IS SIMPLE:)

Simply contact the priest and request a PRIVATE conversation with him. I can assure you it will not be the first time he has had such a request.This could be
  1. In person
  2. handing him a note to PLEASE contact you regarding a private discussion
  3. Call him
  4. e-mail him
In the mean time, I’ll pray for you,

God Bless,
 
Nigel7 said:
RCIA is not a commitment to join the Catholic Church. It is a place to learn and discern and grow in your faith so to be certain that if/when you finally do decide to be confirmed in the Church at Easter then it is the right decision for you.

I would encourage you to attend RCIA and immerse yourself in the Church for the next several months. It really gives you a chance to live your life as a Catholic (outside of the Sacraments) before making it official (with the Sacraments).

I am also a convert, andy, and had a great time throughout RCIA. I met a lot of great people, learned so much about the faith, and have never looked back. Joining the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is the best thing that ever happened to me. Praise God.

God’s grace be with you, andy. 👍
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Agreed ! There is no pressure. Go through RCIA, learn more about the church and the Holy Spirit will guide you. My wife went through RCIA and was not ready to convert. She then was ready a couple of years later, finished RCIA and joined. Today she is a wonderful Catholic and very happy with her decision. Go Blue!
 
Do not be scared! You are joining the holy family of the on true god! We have a most loving and just god so do not be afraid and sing in joy.

Since you have already taken some steps I am sure the angels have already celebrated your saving in heaven.

You have now gained eternal life (assuming you dont falter) and will be in the company of millions of other happy caring souls after your death. Not to mention JESUS!! 👍

Have Faith brother.
 
I too am afraid. I am in RCIA classes but no one knows but me. I can’t tell my family, they wouldn’t take me seriously and they would tease me. My grandmother might even stop talking to me.

But most of all I dearly love my current ACNA church. I can participate on a level I never before knew I could. Everyone there is very close and loving. I have received great gifts and fellowship from these people. I would be letting these good, kind people down in the worst way if I left them. They would probably feel used and disappointed. And I don’t want to hurt them. I don’t believe that Christians outside the RCC are damned - not in the least. I feel a great deal of confusion about this and seeing pros and cons on each side. Don’t know what to do.
 
Please continue your studies and don’t worry. the Lord will not let you down. Feelings don’t compare with knowing the truth and beauty of the church of Jesus Christ on earth. Jesus came to us in the flesh, he started the church and named it Himself. Read His own words. He talks about forming His church and that is what He gave us. He gave us His own body and Blood in the Eucharist and promised to be with us always, until the end of the age. There is no mortal man that can compare with Him, there is no truth but His own Words. Study and learn. Then you will be in a position to choose. Without knowledge, you cannot make a real choice. May God be with you on your faith journey.
 
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