Looking for direction

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Fragglerock

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Hi there,

This is my very first post here and I’m not sure if it’s in the right spot. I apologize if it’s not. I’m a 39 year old protestant. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having this yearning to look into the catholic faith. I’m not sure why. :hmmm:The feeling and interest just came out of nowhere. So I wanted to ask what should I do about it? I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone? I guess I’m not sure where exactly to start. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
“I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone?”

Bingo. You’ve got it. At the same time, I’m sure you’ve been starting to study it a little if you’re interested. May I suggest picking up and reading a copy of the Baltimore Catechism, perhaps the most user-friendly and clearest of all guides to the Catholic faith?
 
Wow, the catechism is a long read. Are there specific parts that are more important for me to read and understand first?
 
First, is it the Baltimore Catechism you are reading? That’s designed for schoolchildren, so that would make the best introduction, and is very easy to read and understand. The official CCC can wait for later.

Go through the Baltimore Catechism chapter by chapter. It’s not too long or challenging, and chunking any book out into chapters or sections makes it far less daunting (trust me, I’m a teacher).
 
Also visiting the Catholic.com website is
great for learning about issues Catholic,
if you want to research a topic, do a
“search” of the site and you will see
lot’s a articles of interest!!
 
Actually, start with “Catholicism for Dummies” – leave the Catechism until you actually know you want to join the Church.

You can find out what parish you’re in here: www.parishesonline.com
 
Magdalen2013 said:
Actually, start with “Catholicism for Dummies” – leave the Catechism until you actually know you want to join the Church.

You can find out what parish you’re in here: www.parishesonline.com
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Catholicism for Dummies is great.

Most churches have a welcome class where you can ask some questions about the faith that you might have. The next step would then be to join an RCIA class, (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). This class would really get into the catechism of the church.

I was brought up southern Baptist and on October 11th, I receive my first communion and confirmation. It has been such a wonderful journey. I wish you all the blessings while you are researching the rich history and traditions of the Church.
 
Thanks for the kind words and help. It’s quite bizarre really. I had never really even thought about the catholic church till now. I started listening to the catholic channel on sirius radio about a month ago and all of sudden this deep rooted interest and curiosity started developing inside. I didn’t really know what to make of it. So I’m just trying to find out if this ‘stirring’ is from God or not. We shall see…🙂
 
All good advice; if I may offer one more: go to Mass. You do not need to be Catholic to attend for all are welcome in His house (but please do not go up to receive communion) and you might want to sit in the back so you can take it all in. There should be a Missal in the pew (a booklet with the parts of the Mass) and we do a fair amount of Catholic calisthenics (sit-stand-sit-stand-sit-stand-kneel-stand-kneel-sit-stand) but don’t let either of those throw you. Please come worship with us and ask Jesus to lead you where He wants you to be.
 
Fragglerock said:
Hi there,

This is my very first post here and I’m not sure if it’s in the right spot. I apologize if it’s not. I’m a 39 year old protestant. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having this yearning to look into the catholic faith. I’m not sure why. :hmmm:The feeling and interest just came out of nowhere. So I wanted to ask what should I do about it? I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone? I guess I’m not sure where exactly to start. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
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You got this interest out of nowhere because it is a grace God has given you in order to bring you to the fullness of Christianity. And you are responding to the grace promptly rather than ignoring it. Advice to get to know the faith quickly:

1.) Start saying the Rosary every day (AT MINIMUM). This will bring grace down to you and expedite your ability to grasp the faith both spiritually and intellectually. Smartphones have a free Catholic app called Laudate and it has a Rosary step by step since you probably don’t know how to pray it yet. I use the interactive Rosary.

2.) Get a Catholic Catechism, and authentic Bible containing all 73 books (the app has these also)

3.) YouTube Father John Corapi’s Catechism videos. There are 50 parts. If you want to hear what a true Apostle sounds like then he’s your man.

4.) Also a GOOD spiritual director may help. However that person is still a fallible man. Don’t use them as your only source. They are only an aid. And how effective they are depends on their level of loyalty to God. You must learn the faith and those Cathechism videos will help you do that.

5.) Enjoy learning this precious gift of faith for the rest of your life and don’t give into any doubts from the devil against the faith along the way. If you don’t understand something simply pray for understanding and humbly accept the teachings. Eventually your mind will be unlocked and furnished with the information you seek. Seek and you will find. Ask and you’ll receive.

God Bless you
 
Louman127 said:
You got this interest out of nowhere because it is a grace God has given you in order to bring you to the fullness of Christianity. And you are responding to the grace promptly rather than ignoring it. Advice to get to know the faith quickly:

1.) Start saying the Rosary every day (AT MINIMUM). This will bring grace down to you and expedite your ability to grasp the faith both spiritually and intellectually. Smartphones have a free Catholic app called Laudate and it has a Rosary step by step since you probably don’t know how to pray it yet. I use the interactive Rosary.

2.) Get a Catholic Catechism, and authentic Bible containing all 73 books (the app has these also)

3.) YouTube Father John Corapi’s Catechism videos. There are 50 parts. If you want to hear what a true Apostle sounds like then he’s your man.

4.) Also a GOOD spiritual director may help. However that person is still a fallible man. Don’t use them as your only source. They are only an aid. And how effective they are depends on their level of loyalty to God. You must learn the faith and those Cathechism videos will help you do that.

5.) Enjoy learning this precious gift of faith for the rest of your life and don’t give into any doubts from the devil against the faith along the way. If you don’t understand something simply pray for understanding and humbly accept the teachings. Eventually your mind will be unlocked and furnished with the information you seek. Seek and you will find. Ask and you’ll receive.

God Bless you
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Thank you so much. I have been praying the rosary once a day. It’s definitely new to me and it does take a while to pray through but I’m doing it. I also downloaded that app you were talking about. I was able to get in touch with a local parish nearby and am scheduled to meat with an RCIA leader or priest next week some time. My work schedule seems to conflict with all the RCIA times thus far. So hopefully things work out. Here goes nothing…😛
 
Fragglerock said:
Thank you so much. I have been praying the rosary once a day. It’s definitely new to me and it does take a while to pray through but I’m doing it. I also downloaded that app you were talking about. I was able to get in touch with a local parish nearby and am scheduled to meat with an RCIA leader or priest next week some time. My work schedule seems to conflict with all the RCIA times thus far. So hopefully things work out. Here goes nothing…😛
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That’s awesome! Glad I could help! I’m so glad to hear you’re taking the next step. Feel free to pm me anytime. God Bless!!!
 
I would start praying the Rosary. I was baptized Catholic, turned away from The Lord, started returning to my faith by going to a baptist church now I’m back into Catholicism.
 
mattd327 said:
I would start praying the Rosary. I was baptized Catholic, turned away from The Lord, started returning to my faith by going to a baptist church now I’m back into Catholicism.
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I’ve been doing this. It’s different for me though because I normally just talk to God the same way I would talk to you or anyone else. So the rosary feels very scripted and robotic to me. I understand it’s importance though and I do recognize converting to catholicism will be quite a change from what I’m used to. 🙂
 
Fragglerock said:
I’ve been doing this. It’s different for me though because I normally just talk to God the same way I would talk to you or anyone else. So the rosary feels very scripted and robotic to me. I understand it’s importance though and I do recognize converting to catholicism will be quite a change from what I’m used to. 🙂
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simplicityhumilitytrust.org/Prayers/Images/Prayers/Rosary-Luminous.jpg

🙂

Praying the Rosary can feel very robotic if you are reading the prayers without feeling the prayers. The meditative process is very important to try to “Feel” the meaning of the mysteries. Most of us do a lot better with some visual help during the Rosary or Chaplet (Interactive Rosary and Interactive Chaplet). Computers and smartphones/tablets have made it easier to get that visual meditative experience. Praying from the heart and imagine putting yourself in the setting of the mystery is helpful also.

🙂
 
=Fragglerock;13306708]Hi there,
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This is my very first post here and I’m not sure if it’s in the right spot. I apologize if it’s not. I’m a 39 year old protestant. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having this yearning to look into the catholic faith. I’m not sure why. :hmmm:The feeling and interest just came out of nowhere. So I wanted to ask what should I do about it? I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone? I guess I’m not sure where exactly to start. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
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First WELCOME to CAF:thumbsup:

We are delighted to have you join us.🙂

Know friend that “out of nowhere” is the Holy Spirit trying to reach your mind and heart.

SO…
PRAY MUCH for God’s guidance [end every prayer with NOT MY will; by THY will be done Lord.

Secondly: ASK a lot of questions; but be careful too. NOT everyone here is equally competent to give you good and safe advice.

We’re delighted to have you join us!

God Bless you,
Patrick [PJM] here on CAF
 
Fragglerock said:
Hi there,

This is my very first post here and I’m not sure if it’s in the right spot. I apologize if it’s not. I’m a 39 year old protestant. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having this yearning to look into the catholic faith. I’m not sure why. :hmmm:The feeling and interest just came out of nowhere. So I wanted to ask what should I do about it? I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone? I guess I’m not sure where exactly to start. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Welcome to CAF. We are happy to have you. I suggest starting in RCIA if you can. As a former sponsor, I can tell you that you will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions and don’t hesitate to do so. No question is silly and may be what others in the group would like to ask but are afraid to do so. You will not be required to join the church at any time until you feel ready to do so. I will pray for you during your journey.
 
Fragglerock said:
Hi there,

This is my very first post here and I’m not sure if it’s in the right spot. I apologize if it’s not. I’m a 39 year old protestant. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having this yearning to look into the catholic faith. I’m not sure why. :hmmm:The feeling and interest just came out of nowhere. So I wanted to ask what should I do about it? I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone? I guess I’m not sure where exactly to start. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
That’s great news!

Phone up the local parish priest, or go round and knock on his door, or go up to him and speak to him after one morning after he says Mass. Priests tend to stand outside their church just after Mass saying goodbye to people, why not catch him there? Then arrange an appointment to have a longer chat with him.
 
Fragglerock said:
Hi there,

This is my very first post here and I’m not sure if it’s in the right spot. I apologize if it’s not. I’m a 39 year old protestant. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having this yearning to look into the catholic faith. I’m not sure why. :hmmm:The feeling and interest just came out of nowhere. So I wanted to ask what should I do about it? I mean do I just call a local catholic church and talk to someone? I guess I’m not sure where exactly to start. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
What you are experiencing, my friend, is the Holy Spirit knocking on your front door.

After one-too-many ‘lay-person sermons’ at the local AoG Church, I began looking into the other two options: Anglicanism or Catholicism.
I wanted to be close to the original Church, and the Catholic Church seemed to be it - although I had some concerns (being very new to Christianity as a whole). As I slowly got to know these concerns, it became like a magnetic draw.

If you’re like me: The Telephone is a daunting option and best reserved for an emergency(!). That said, E-Mail seems neglected in this day and age. My email fell on deaf ears, it seemed.

Going to Mass and trying to contact the Priest in-person is your best opportunity to discuss RCIA classes (some Parishes run them after Easter and finish by the end of the year), Spiritual Direction and learning resources.

Also, I would suggest getting a Crucifix at the very least to remind you of your journey and faith at all times.

Keep Praying the Rosary daily. Its a GREAT spiritual weapon against the Devil.

You may also wish to get yourself a Catholic Book of Prayer - which includes a prayer for most occasions. I found they work quite nicely 🙂

Be careful not to immerse yourself too quickly. But remember to KEEP GROWING even after RCIA in the Mystagogy of the Church (I think thats the right way to put it).
 
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