I'd be lying...

[cathopologist]

O and I have another question. Would it be wrong of me to purchase a rosary and start praying it, even though I’m not Catholic? I do already wear a St. Mary and St. Jude Medallion around my neck. I chose St. Jude because he is the patron of desperate and seemingly lost causes.

Not at all. And you chose the right saint to help you along the way.

 

[OneTrueCathApos]

Can’t a person become a Catholic without RCIA? in my part of the world, am not aware of RCIA. Those who convert, even from Islam, seek a priest to guide them.

To the OP, Jesus already knows what you want…you can go to Mass and ask Jesus for a spiritual communion and give the issue some time to resolve all the while living as a Catholic-to-be. God bless you.

And, no drinking as it solves nothing but damages your health.

I teach RCIA and a person cannot become Catholic without it because it teaches you everything about the church. You cannot especially receive the Eucharist as you are not Catholic. You must be baptized in the Catholic church and educated in RCIA before you can receive the Eucharist. You cannot just “ask Jesus” for a “spiritual communion” and take it upon yourself to receive the Eucharist without the Sacraments.
If I were you, you are age 22, old enough to make up your own mind, I would call the church you love and speak to the priest, set up RCIA so you may learn about what exactly you want to do and how to do it, take a stand against your father for you have the truth and just do it. Obviously you are being called for Christ’s church.

And please, don’t wake up with a hangover and say “what have I said”? The truth always comes out when you’re drunk.

 

[GodsPrincess]

I don;t have a lot of advice for you – everyone has really provided that, but the Rosary for your father was a really good idea. I will be praying for you… I hope you find comfort and peace with God.

 

[Highwayhound]

Thank you again for all for all of your responses. It’s so nice to have some support somewhere.

I have to say, one of the single biggest influences on me to look into the Catholic Church was the quote by John Henry Newman “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”

I steeped myself in the history of the church, and I really have no other choice. It’s still just a matter of timing.

I go to a strictly protestant university as well, and the reactions I get from people here when I try to engage** in dialogue about the history of the Church are just shocking sometimes**. I can’t believe how ignorant even most of the students engaged in Christian Studies (pastoral etc.) are. Fortunately, I have been blessed with apartment mates who’s opinions range from apathetic to very supportive (even though none are Catholic).

Anyway, I appreciate all of the advice so far, and any further advice is always welcome.

Most people historical perspective begins a few years after they are born. (My first big historical memory is President Nixon and Watergate.) Why is this? Because what happens in one’s lifetime is what affects people the most. It is easy to grasp and understand.

So do not be too shocked. Instead be a light for those others. Example: At last year’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner I sponsored a table. My guests were a mix of Christians. At each place setting I had a biography of a Saint. Not too much info, but just enough to be intriguing to my guests. By the way if you have never read about St. Daniel the Stylite:

catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=219

Also, I learned that the “Good Thief” is St. Dismas:

tanbooks.com/doct/good_thief.htm

From what I have read you have your work cut out for you.

God bless you and your family.

 

[fbl9]

hi pollsfriend: in regards to the rosary,yes get one,then have it blessed(by a catholic priest):but if you have it blessed by all means you then need to keep your father from seeing it,if he beleives Jack Chick he will destroy your rosary,which after it being blessed is a big sin…akin to destroying something that is sacred…someone mentioned prayering the rosary for your father,which is good,however i think you should pray it for yourself,for awhile first,till you have built up a spiritual “reserve” so to speak…

 

[jen_fla]

hi pollsfriend,

it’s rough going against what your parents want, but you are on the right path. try to get a copy of Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating. read it, say a prayer and try to have a reasonable conversation with your dad. pass on the book to him and let him know how much it would mean to you if he read it.

amazon.com/Catholicism-Fundamentalism-Attack-Romanism-Christians/dp/0898701775

praying the rosary, attending Mass and reading will give you strength for the journey.

you’re in my prayers.

cheers!

http://www.pic4ever.com/images/banana_smiley_16.gif

 

[guanophore]

good i thought it was obligatory. So our brother can ask for a priest’s help without jeopardising his relationship with his father, for the time being. I interfered in this thread because i see that converting to Catholicism brings some problems to some in America, specifically the RCIA issue, when in here the only problem is death threats.

Oh, is that all?

 

[guanophore]

Thanks for the kind replies everybody. I apologize for the original post. I was in a bad state of mind. But what I said still holds true.

Long story short, I was well on my way to becoming Eastern Orthodox when I took my dad to the divine liturgy. Within ten minutes we stormed out, he berated me for going to a “catholic” church, told me that he saw idolatry running rampant there (I guess referring to the icons) and basically told me if I attend one again the rug will be pulled out. I cannot afford this at this point. So I just stopped going to church altogether (apparently he’d rather have me do this than be Catholic).

The more I study now, for various reasons, I am convinced that I will become Catholic eventually, although probably try to attend and Eastern parish, simply because I love the beauty of the Divine Liturgy.

I have tried to discuss this with my dad, but it’s useless. He has taken everything Jack Chick and Dave Hunt say hook, line, and sinker, and refuses to listen to or read opposing viewpoints. He has never even been to a Catholic Church, and has been to ten minutes of an Orthodox Divine Liturgy. Anyway that’s my situation, and thanks for the advice.

You have done what you can to honor your father in this. Now, honoring him means that you accept his position, even though you may not agree with it. He has a right to his opinion, and it is up to the HS to change his mind. You should pray, and take the steps you need to take to follow God’s leading in your life.

It is more respectful not to bring this up with him, or put him in a position to have to accept or reject your actions.

 

[guanophore]

Thank you again for all for all of your responses. It’s so nice to have some support somewhere.

I have to say, one of the single biggest influences on me to look into the Catholic Church was the quote by John Henry Newman “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”

I steeped myself in the history of the church, and I really have no other choice. It’s still just a matter of timing.

This is actually a very good answer to give if you are confronted by your parents on this. I would recommend that you avoid bringing it up with them for now, pursue your life with God quietly and privately, just as the early Christians did, who were under the death sentence every day for their faith. If the subject comes up, you can comment that you are studying the history of the Church, then change the subject.

I go to a strictly protestant university as well, and the reactions I get from people here when I try to engage in dialogue about the history of the Church are just shocking sometimes. I can’t believe how ignorant even most of the students engaged in Christian Studies (pastoral etc.) are. Fortunately, I have been blessed with apartment mates who’s opinions range from apathetic to very supportive (even though none are Catholic).

Anyway, I appreciate all of the advice so far, and any further advice is always welcome.

Sadly, most Catholics are not any better educated, but clearly God is leading you. I am sure, if for some reason, your parental financial support were removed or you had to change schools, that God has a bigger plan.

Have you considered transferring to Ave Maria University?

 

[Pixie_Dust]

I teach RCIA and a person cannot become Catholic without it because it teaches you everything about the church. You cannot especially receive the Eucharist as you are not Catholic. You must be baptized in the Catholic church and educated in RCIA before you can receive the Eucharist. You cannot just “ask Jesus” for a “spiritual communion” and take it upon yourself to receive the Eucharist without the Sacraments.

“Spiritual communion” is when you do NOT physically receive the Eucharist. There is nothing wrong or sinful for a non-Catholic to make a spiritual communion, in fact, it is encouraged until the day comes when they can physically receive.

Also, for an already baptized Christian, RCIA is not always necessary. It’s up to the priest, on an individual basis, to determine the person’s readiness for Confirmation. This is mentioned in the RCIA guidelines. I’m just guessing from the OP’s description that they are already a baptized Christian.

 

[happymommy]

Thank you again for all for all of your responses. It’s so nice to have some support somewhere.

I have to say, one of the single biggest influences on me to look into the Catholic Church was the quote by John Henry Newman “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”

I steeped myself in the history of the church, and I really have no other choice. It’s still just a matter of timing.

I go to a strictly protestant university as well, and the reactions I get from people here when I try to engage in dialogue about the history of the Church are just shocking sometimes. I can’t believe how ignorant even most of the students engaged in Christian Studies (pastoral etc.) are. Fortunately, I have been blessed with apartment mates who’s opinions range from apathetic to very supportive (even though none are Catholic).

Anyway, I appreciate all of the advice so far, and any further advice is always welcome.

You will get that attitude from some people forever. I had someone tell me this week that Catholics aren’t Christians. She then realized who she said it to and told me that my husband and I were the exceptions, please. And we have been friends for 13 years. I joined the church 7 years ago. It was one of the best things I have ever done! But it did upset my parents. They came around, but it took time.
I don’t know your entire story as to why you are still dependent on your father, but maybe it is time to stop that. If he sees you stand up for yourself and take on all of your responsibilities on your own, maybe he will come to respect your choice with Church. Also it might make it easier for you to join. You won’t have the feeling that you owe it to him not to join. Just something to think about. God Bless,

 

[OneTrueCathApos]

“Spiritual communion” is when you do NOT physically receive the Eucharist. There is nothing wrong or sinful for a non-Catholic to make a spiritual communion, in fact, it is encouraged until the day comes when they can physically receive.

Also, for an already baptized Christian, RCIA is not always necessary. It’s up to the priest, on an individual basis, to determine the person’s readiness for Confirmation. This is mentioned in the RCIA guidelines. I’m just guessing from the OP’s description that they are already a baptized Christian.

Pixie Dust, show me in the guide lines where a non-Catholic does not have to belong to RCIA to be received in the church. It won’t be there. If you are NOT a Catholic, you MUST go through RCIA to be confirmed or even converted into the Catholic church.

 

[pollsfriend]

In response to Pixie Dust, yes I was baptized at the age of 16. And it has been something I have wondered about. With the Bible saying baptism is “once and for all” would I have to be baptized again? Does anyone know?

 

[inJESUS]

Oh, is that all?

yea, negligible problem, isn’t it?

 

[inJESUS]

I teach RCIA and a person cannot become Catholic without it because it teaches you everything about the church.

a priest can do the same. if am mistaken, i kindly ask you to support your answer, to better my references. Thank you.

You cannot just “ask Jesus” for a “spiritual communion” and take it upon yourself to receive the Eucharist without the Sacraments.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

It’s your life, not your father’s. If he would allow you to be in drunken sadness, I’m sure a conversion to Catholicism wouldn’t be that bad.

I’d ask details for the blackmailing scheme, but I don’t want to be noisy.

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

 

[Highwayhound]

In response to Pixie Dust, yes I was baptized at the age of 16. And it has been something I have wondered about. With the Bible saying baptism is “once and for all” would I have to be baptized again? Does anyone know?

Sr. Juanita visited class last Monday. She explained baptism to my high school students. She compared baptism making a mark on them just as a rancher puts a brand on his cows.

Sr. Juanita is orginally from Texas and has been for 46 years a member of Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon or SSMO as she joked with the kids. My class is largely kids of families that have emmigrated from Mexico. We do have a token Anglo in the class, but that is beside the point. The point is she knew her faith.

I hope this helps

God bless

 

[Ruthie]

With the Bible saying baptism is “once and for all” would I have to be baptized again? Does anyone know?

If you were baptized with the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit), then you are validly baptized. If not, (for instance, if you were baptized “in the name of Jesus”) we will give you a valid baptism.

Yes, baptism is once for all - but it has to be done right! (Mt 28:19)

If you are NOT a Catholic, you MUST go through RCIA to be confirmed or even converted into the Catholic church.

Nope. RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, and is technically meant for catechumens (i.e. non-baptized persons) only. The rest of us take it as a matter of convenience, because there, we learn what we need to learn. Mainly it’s because most parish priests are way too busy to give private instruction, and most catechists are busy, too. Instead of giving two sets of classes that teach the same thing, they combine them.

RCIA is a great way to learn about the Church, but it is neither the only way, nor the only acceptable way.

I’m with inJesus. Prove me wrong with chapter and verse, from Canon Law or the Catechism. (You could start with looking for your “rule” in CCC 1248.)

God bless us all,

Ruthie

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Pixie Dust, show me in the guide lines where a non-Catholic does not have to belong to RCIA to be received in the church. It won’t be there. If you are NOT a Catholic, you MUST go through RCIA to be confirmed or even converted into the Catholic church.

From the This Rock article, How to Become a Catholic:

The American bishops note, “The term ‘catechumen’ should be strictly reserved for the unbaptized who have been admitted to the order of catechumens . . . and never used of those baptized Christians who are received into the full communion of the Catholic Church” (NSC 2).

“Those who have already been baptized in another church or ecclesial community should not be treated as catechumens or so designated. Their doctrinal and spiritual preparation for reception into full Catholic communion should be determined according to the individual case, that is, it should depend on the extent to which the baptized person has led a Christian life within a community of faith and been appropriately catechized to deepen his or her inner adherence to the Church” (NSC 30).

For those who have been instructed in the Christian faith and have lived as Christians the situation is different. The bishops say, “Those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate” (NSC 31). For this reason they should not share in the same RCIA programs that catechumens undertake.

(NSC=National Statutes for the Catechumenate by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops is found in Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1988], pp. 391-396.)

 

[OneTrueCathApos]

When I said non-Cathlolics, I meant the ones who were not baptized in the Catholic church. You must or should enter the RCIA program in order to become a Catholic.
Furthermore, because my husband was healed by a Catholic priest a few months ago, he wanted to give back to the church so he enrolled in RCIA to receive confirmation. He is a Catholic, baptized at birth, received Communion but hasn’t been a practicing Catholic in 30 years. Today is his last session for RCIA. He only had to take 6 classes since he was already baptized and received the Eucharist, but he had to take classes to be confirmed.