I wasn't raised in any particular religion so

[Bishop93]

If I decided to join the Catholic Church do I have to convert?

I’d think converting would be going from one religion to another but I’ve never had a religion or been a member of any Church so would I have to?

Also,where can I get rosary beads?

Thanks

 

[Rachel_1]

If I decided to join the Catholic Church do I have to convert?

I’d think converting would be going from one religion to another but I’ve never had a religion or been a member of any Church so would I have to?

Also,where can I get rosary beads?

Thanks

Hi,
The first step is to talk to your local parish and tell them you’re interested in possibly joining the Church.
As far as getting a Rosary here are several options:

mostholyrosary.org/universal_rosary.html

familyrosary.org/main/rosary-rosaries-contact.php?org=4

rosaryarmy.com/?page_id=52

 

[Dorothy]

If I decided to join the Catholic Church do I have to convert?

I’d think converting would be going from one religion to another but I’ve never had a religion or been a member of any Church so would I have to?

Also,where can I get rosary beads?

Thanks

Hi! Welcome to the forum.

Well, you would be converting from not believing in any particular religion to the Catholic religion.

You can get rosary beads from a Catholic store…but if you have any friends who are Catholics one of them, if asked, may have several rosaries and would be glad to give you one.

Have you done any reading about what Catholics believe? And how and why there are differences between Catholics and other Christian religions?

A good book to start with understanding Catholicism for a beginner would be “Catholicism for Dummies”.

 

[Wampa]

OP, I can agree with your contention. You wouldn’t be converting, you’d just be joining

Although I don’t disagree with Dorothy: you could consider it converting from non-belief to Catholicism. And often those of us who come to Catholicism as adults are called “converts” to distinguish us from those that were raised in the religion, so that would apply regardless of where you come from.

Either way, I don’t think the word really makes any difference to the process.

 

[kay2]

Welcome, Yes I guess you would be converting and joining. I agree that any of your Catholic friends should even have an extra Rosary. I’ll be praying for your journey.

 

[dmccormack]

If I decided to join the Catholic Church do I have to convert?

I’d think converting would be going from one religion to another but I’ve never had a religion or been a member of any Church so would I have to?

Also,where can I get rosary beads?

Thanks

First I would like to say welcome to the forums. Like you, I did not have any religious background before I converted to the Catholic Church. All you have to do to start you glorious journey is to go to your local parish and sign up for the RCIA program.

For your second question, there are several different options. My first rosary was given to me by the Deacon of my church, but I am sure you could find one at a catholic book store.

 

[seanflynn]

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian *Initiantion *for Adults. It is what any person, regardless of previous religioius experience is to go through to receive the sacraments, or “become Catholic.” Conversion is not always used as a word for switching religions, but mostly as a new decision to live for Jesus.

 

[Bishop93]

Thank you guys for all the responses…I appreciate it

 

[LilyM]

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian *Initiantion *for Adults. It is what any person, regardless of previous religioius experience is to go through to receive the sacraments, or “become Catholic.” Conversion is not always used as a word for switching religions, but mostly as a new decision to live for Jesus.

RCIA classes are in fact for everyone who wants to learn about the Catholic faith, including those who are curious but not intending to convert, and even Catholics who may feel lacking in their understanding of their faith.

 

[oldsinnner]

If I decided to join the Catholic Church do I have to convert?

I’d think converting would be going from one religion to another but I’ve never had a religion or been a member of any Church so would I have to?

Also,where can I get rosary beads?

Thanks

I don’t think there is the concept of ‘joining’ in the Catholic church. You either are Catholic and can take communion, or you can’t. If you want to become Catholic you must go through the RCIA classes. If you simply choose to attend a Catholic church service and Mass, you are not entitled to take communion.

 

[puzzleannie]

If I decided to join the Catholic Church do I have to convert?

I’d think converting would be going from one religion to another but I’ve never had a religion or been a member of any Church so would I have to?

Also,where can I get rosary beads?

Thanks

to be precise, converting would be turning away from a pagan or non-believing or sinful life to accept Christ and enter his Church. Some people who have already come into relationship with Christ through baptism in another Christian denomination, want to seek full communion with the Catholic Church to have the fullness of all he has promised, and they are candidates. Yes anyone who wishes to enter the Catholic Church prepares through a formation process called RCIA–Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults. If you inquire at your closest Catholic parish they can get you started, and new classes should form right after Easter if they are on the ball. they can also get you a rosary and a guide on how to pray it. Nothing will move you along faster than praying with Our Blessed Mother in the rosary.
Welcome HOme