Lutheran considering converting to Catholicism...

[Spike511]

Well, hey guys…

As my title implies, I’m a Lutheran…apparently theres beef between Lutherans and Catholics (this is at least what I hear and read…)…so please, erm, don’t hurt me. I was considering converting to Catholicism, and I have loads of questions, so if I could get some answers I’d be very appreciative. Sorry if some if it dosent make sense…i’m just scared and confused…

Anywho, I was born a Lutheran. Than one night after football I ran into a Catholic buddy of mine, and we discussed, well, Catholicism. The one part that really got to me was “When Jesus made the Church, he didn’t say run off and create your own if you dont agree with what is taught.” This made sense, so I did some more research, borrowing a copy of the Catheism of the Catholic Church from a friend and Catholicism for Idiots from the library. I found that I agreed with 95% of the Catholic teachings, and thought, well, maybe I needed to convert. However, i’m confused on a few things.

1. Does “No Salvation Outside the Church” imply that as a Lutheran im dammed? If I convert, will my family not be with me when I die? Im really worried about this one. I put the Lord above all, but I still dont want to be seperated from my family. Faced with the decision, I ofcourse choose the Lord, but will my family be damned? Im either getting A) Conflicting answers or B) I dont understand articles i’ve been linked.
2. The Saints…do you pray to them or what? My Catholic friend told me you asked them to meditate for you…right?
3. How long would it take me to Convert? Can someone outline the process?
4. Lutherans believe the Bible is the soul authority on Earth. Is it similar for Catholics?
5. I understand the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, but why is he important? If you get what i’m trying to say…
6. One of my Catholic Friends has a St. Michael medalion. Something about being confirmed as his Patron Saint? Whats this all about? I know he apparently watches over soldiers, police officers, fire/emt…etc. But why does he have a medalion?
7. I want to be an Army MP, and then go into Law Enforcement, preferably start as a patrol officer, move to SWAT, and then possibly go for a Federal 1811 position with the Marshals, FBI, or DEA, or be a trooper. Point being, I understand before death Catholics are read their “Last Rights”. What if I’m shot on duty and die before they could be read. Would I go to hell?
8. Can somebody explain Purgatory?
9. What are your stances on tattoos? I wanted to get two christian realted ones, if it makes a difference. One of our Lord, of course, and the other, well, if I converted, of St. Michael…
10. My mom is 100% hostile of me considering to convert. So…it looks like I wont be attending mass until college in a year and a half if I do convert…what if I die before then? Will Jesus understand my intentions? Or is it do or die? Would mass on TV work for now?

Gernerally, can someone point me in the right direction here? I’m so confused…after praying about it, the next day it hit me square in the face…go ask Christian Forums. So, here I am. I just want to do the right thing and make our Lord happy…and if that means converting, so be it. I’m just so confused on what to do…

–
Eric

 

[Truth_Seeker17]

Hey Spike. Are you merely trying to understand Catholicism better in order to facilitate your conversion, or are you also open to listening to reasons why you should remain Lutheran?

At any rate, good luck with your decision!

• TS17

 

[Spike511]

I guess im trying to understand. I cant confidently convert until I understand all the aspects, sort of like signing a contract without reading it…

I’m open for reasons why I should remain too, of course.

–
Eric

 

[Montalo]

Well, hey guys…

As my title implies, I’m a Lutheran…apparently theres beef between Lutherans and Catholics (this is at least what I hear and read…)…so please, erm, don’t hurt me. I was considering converting to Catholicism, and I have loads of questions, so if I could get some answers I’d be very appreciative. Sorry if some if it dosent make sense…i’m just scared and confused…

Anywho, I was born a Lutheran. Than one night after football I ran into a Catholic buddy of mine, and we discussed, well, Catholicism. The one part that really got to me was “When Jesus made the Church, he didn’t say run off and create your own if you dont agree with what is taught.” This made sense, so I did some more research, borrowing a copy of the Catheism of the Catholic Church from a friend and Catholicism for Idiots from the library. I found that I agreed with 95% of the Catholic teachings, and thought, well, maybe I needed to convert. However, i’m confused on a few things.

1. Does “No Salvation Outside the Church” imply that as a Lutheran im dammed? If I convert, will my family not be with me when I die? Im really worried about this one. I put the Lord above all, but I still dont want to be seperated from my family. Faced with the decision, I ofcourse choose the Lord, but will my family be damned? Im either getting A) Conflicting answers or B) I dont understand articles i’ve been linked.
2. The Saints…do you pray to them or what? My Catholic friend told me you asked them to meditate for you…right?
   We ask the saints to pray for us, it is similiar(but more powerful) to ask someone that is pure from sin to do so
   forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=366868&highlight=saints%2Bprayer
3. How long would it take me to Convert? Can someone outline the process?
   You would go through a modified RCIA, and someone else will explain it better than I
4. Lutherans believe the Bible is the soul authority on Earth. Is it similar for Catholics?
5. I understand the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, but why is he important? If you get what i’m trying to say…
6. One of my Catholic Friends has a St. Michael medalion. Something about being confirmed as his Patron Saint? Whats this all about? I know he apparently watches over soldiers, police officers, fire/emt…etc. But why does he have a medalion?
   I will not presume to konw the motives, but he could have the medallion to remind himself of the life of the saint, like how the crufix reminds us of the love God has for us
7. I want to be an Army MP, and then go into Law Enforcement, preferably start as a patrol officer, move to SWAT, and then possibly go for a Federal 1811 position with the Marshals, FBI, or DEA, or be a trooper. Point being, I understand before death Catholics are read their “Last Rights”. What if I’m shot on duty and die before they could be read. Would I go to hell?
8. Can somebody explain Purgatory?
   Purgatory is a place of temporal punishment, where we are purged for our sins before entering heaven. if we are in purgatory, we are bound for heaven.
9. What are your stances on tattoos? I wanted to get two christian realted ones, if it makes a difference. One of our Lord, of course, and the other, well, if I converted, of St. Michael…
   Tattoo’s are to the specific person, and as long as it is respectful and otherwise approiate, I personally see no issue
   i personally go against tatoos always, but that is my personal view
10. My mom is 100% hostile of me considering to convert. So…it looks like I wont be attending mass until college in a year and a half if I do convert…what if I die before then? Will Jesus understand my intentions? Or is it do or die? Would mass on TV work for now?

Gernerally, can someone point me in the right direction here? I’m so confused…after praying about it, the next day it hit me square in the face…go ask Christian Forums. So, here I am. I just want to do the right thing and make our Lord happy…and if that means converting, so be it. I’m just so confused on what to do…
Talk to a parish priest near you, and remember. While you must love and respect your parents, it is the Lord in the end that grants your salvation.​

Eric

my words in red

anymore question, ill be happy to elaborate

 

[Truth_Seeker17]

Okay, fair enough. Yeah, I would definitely try get an thorough understanding of the Catholic doctrine, its teachings, and its adherents. Catholicism is a rather complex religion (which I consider a good thing, since the simpler a religion is, the more likely someone just made it up), and it’ll take you a while before you comprehend their belief system. But most importantly, you should be studying that Bible more than anything right now. Consider the Catholic view on Mary, Saints, sins, purgatory, etc. and see how they measure up with the Bible. If, through personal study, you realize you believe in the vast majority of the Catholic doctrine, I’d say go for it. If you sincerely think that Jesus did found the Catholic Church, then go for it. Now I myself am admittedly Protestant, but the reason is not because I’m anti-Catholic or anything, but simply because I believe the Bible says something different from what Catholicism teaches. But if you think the Catholic Church Catechism lines up pretty well with the Bible, then I would definitely advise you to embrace Catholicism; they will surely welcome you with open arms. But take some time to think about your decision; pray that the Holy Spirit will give you guidance, and He will.

 

[the_hazel_nut]

I’m not 100% confident in answering all of these questions because I don’t want to give any incorrect information, but I’m going to do my best. Please someone correct me if I’m wrong.

1. As the doctrine is understood today, it does not mean that you or your family is automatically damned for being Lutherans. I’m not completely clear on the teaching but basically it means that you have to follow the Truth to the best of your ability. Since you are coming to realize that the Catholic faith is true, you have to keep pursuing knowledge about it. If in your heart you know it is true, you must join. You family is not coming to realize this and they are not seeking the church. That is between them and God. Only He knows if they are following Him to the best of their ability.
2. One definition of prayer is “to make an earnest petition to (a person)”. In that sense the phrase “pray to the saints” is true. Basically what we do is ask the saints to pray for us. They are in heaven, they are holy and close to God. It’s like asking someone on earth to pray for you, except the saints are already with God.
3. You have to go through RCIA (a class) I’m not sure how long it actually takes, but they are accepting new people all year round I believe. Contact your local catholic church. Since you are already baptized you wont have to go through that again, but as a (former?) Lutheran you would still have to do first communion /reconcilliation and then confirmation.
4. Haha This is going to take a while to explain… you need to read more of the apologetics on this website and read other sources. But I’ll take a crack at it. The bible needs an infallible interpreter, otherwise it’s useless. I know this is true becuase when I started reading the bible I got so confused… I didn’t know what it was saying. Jehova’s witnesses and Seventh day adventists read the bible and their interpretation is that after death we “go to sleep” until judgement day… baptists read the bible and they think after we die we go to heaven or hell. Both of these interpretations could be made if someone read the bible. However,only one of them can be right… and thats why the bible needs an infallible interpreter (the church). Catholics, as you know, believe Jesus established a church on earth… it wasn’t as though he wrote the bible and gave it to the early believers. In fact it was the church that determined which books were going to be in the bible in the first place!!! I urge you to read more about this.
5. This is another one that would take a really long answer…read up on the other sections of the website. Note that we believe Peter was the first pope (see Matt 16:18). I can try to elaborate later if no one else answers (but I’m sure people will lol)
6. I’ll leave this one for someone more qualified to answer.
7. No, receiving your last rites is not a prerequisite to going to heaven. To avoid going to hell you need to not die in state of mortal sin… that means if you commit a mortal sin, you need to go to confession as soon as possible.
8. Purgatory isn’t a second chance for people doomed to be damned, as some non -catholics think… its a place where people who are going to heaven go to first to be purified of their sins and desire to sin (some very holy people go straight to heaven however) The minute we die, most of us are still very sinful beings… we are not holy enough to be in heaven… we have to be purified in purgatory. There is scriptural evidence to support this (for example,in the book of Sirach, which protestants took out of their bible)…, and evidence to support that the early Christians believed in this and prayed for the dead (there’s no reason to pray for someone who is in heaven or hell!) again,there is much information on this website.
9. Catholics are allowed to have tattoos as long as they don’t have an immoral message.
10. Jesus will understand your intentions if you are not able to attend RCIA at this time. Since you are not a Catholic yet you don’t have a Sunday obligation to go to mass so you aren’t required to watch it on TV or anything, but it would probably be a good idea to.

You are asking great questions… you are at the right website…you are going in the right direction…God Bless.

 

[Rachel_1]

Well, hey guys…

As my title implies, I’m a Lutheran…apparently theres beef between Lutherans and Catholics (this is at least what I hear and read…)…so please, erm, don’t hurt me. I was considering converting to Catholicism, and I have loads of questions, so if I could get some answers I’d be very appreciative. Sorry if some if it dosent make sense…i’m just scared and confused…

First welcome! I have no 'beef" with others
I’m in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) currently, so please, if I get an answer wrong, someone please correct it ok. I’m going to try to answer all your questions the best I can being a “newbie”

Anywho, I was born a Lutheran. Than one night after football I ran into a Catholic buddy of mine, and we discussed, well, Catholicism. The one part that really got to me was “When Jesus made the Church, he didn’t say run off and create your own if you dont agree with what is taught.” This made sense, so I did some more research, borrowing a copy of the Catheism of the Catholic Church from a friend and Catholicism for Idiots from the library. I found that I agreed with 95% of the Catholic teachings, and thought, well, maybe I needed to convert. However, i’m confused on a few things.

It’s ok to be confused, and I’m glad you came here to ask questions, there are a LOT of very knowledgeable Catholics here that can help.

1. Does “No Salvation Outside the Church” imply that as a Lutheran im dammed? If I convert, will my family not be with me when I die? Im really worried about this one. I put the Lord above all, but I still dont want to be seperated from my family. Faced with the decision, I ofcourse choose the Lord, but will my family be damned? Im either getting A) Conflicting answers or B) I dont understand articles i’ve been linked.

I’m going to take a quote from someone else on another thread here (forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=70817) to clarify this:

Actually, here is the teaching of the Church, found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, of happy memory, as a “sure norm for teaching the faith:”

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."272 819 "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth"273 are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements."274 Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him,275 and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity."276

And further, from the Catechism:

838 "The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter."322 Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church."323 With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord’s Eucharist."324

(Continued)

 

[Rachel_1]

1. The Saints…do you pray to them or what? My Catholic friend told me you asked them to meditate for you…right?

We ask them to pray for us. For instance, you’ve probably heard of the Hail Mary right- If not, here it is:
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
**pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death. **
Amen.
As you can see, they intercede for us 

1. How long would it take me to Convert? Can someone outline the process?

Well, I’m in RCIA and what I did was joined RCIA in the fall, and I go to weekly meetings where I learn all that the Catholic faith teaches. This would be good for you no matter what, because there’s no pressure to join or anything. The first part of the classes is an inquiry period where you are just learning the basics. Some people go through the entire RCIA training (fall to Easter) and still aren’t sure, so they keep going. Generally though if you know you want to become Catholic, Easter is the time when you actually join.

1. Lutherans believe the Bible is the soul authority on Earth. Is it similar for Catholics?

You’re talking about Sola Scriptura. See here: catholic.com/thisrock/2004/0409fea3.asp

1. I understand the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, but why is he important? If you get what i’m trying to say…

Apostolic Succession- catholic.com/library/Apostolic_Succession.asp

1. One of my Catholic Friends has a St. Michael medalion. Something about being confirmed as his Patron Saint? Whats this all about? I know he apparently watches over soldiers, police officers, fire/emt…etc. But why does he have a medalion?

Medals are a Sacramental- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramentals
As far as being confirmed you choose a Saint that you would either like to model your life after and/or one that will be, I guess for lack of a better word, tied to you and will intercede for you while you’re on earth.

1. I want to be an Army MP, and then go into Law Enforcement, preferably start as a patrol officer, move to SWAT, and then possibly go for a Federal 1811 position with the Marshals, FBI, or DEA, or be a trooper. Point being, I understand before death Catholics are read their “Last Rights”. What if I’m shot on duty and die before they could be read. Would I go to hell?

No  I think you’re misunderstanding the Last Rights, which is now referred to as the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick and the Dying. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anointing_of_the_Sick_%28Catholic_Church%29
As long as you don’t die in mortal sin, you’re all good 

1. Can somebody explain Purgatory?

Sure, Purgatory is a place between here and Heaven. In order to go before God you must be pure, some of us die however, not so pure, and need a time of cleansing to go before God. That is what purgatory is, a place to get all washed up and clean before heading to God 

1. What are your stances on tattoos? I wanted to get two christian realted ones, if it makes a difference. One of our Lord, of course, and the other, well, if I converted, of St. Michael…

I don’t think I’ve heard the Church’s stand on tattoos… I know I have 3 myself.

1. My mom is 100% hostile of me considering to convert. So…it looks like I wont be attending mass until college in a year and a half if I do convert…what if I die before then? Will Jesus understand my intentions? Or is it do or die? Would mass on TV work for now?

Well, I guess it all depends on how old you are. If you’re under 18 you should obey your parents. If you’re over 18, the choice is yours if you attend Mass or not. It sounds to me like the Holy Spirit is drawing you to check out the Church so if you’re over 18, do it.
Myself, I converted with my entire family against me… literally. My husband threw a huge fit and nearly left me, my daughter (protestant) also threw a fit and told me I couldn’t talk to my grandkids anymore, my other kids just kind of blew me off. That was 6 months ago. I stood my ground and did what I knew God wanted me to do anyway. Guess what, my husband has since went to RCIA with me once, and Mass once, one of my daughters went to Mass with me once, and nobody is mad at me anymore. As a matter of fact, my daughter that wouldn’t let me see my grandkids and was completely anti Catholic said last week that it’s a good thing that I’m Catholic now. God turned it all around because I took a stand.

 

[TheosisM]

1. Does “No Salvation Outside the Church” imply that as a Lutheran im dammed? If I convert, will my family not be with me when I die? Im really worried about this one. I put the Lord above all, but I still dont want to be seperated from my family. Faced with the decision, I ofcourse choose the Lord, but will my family be damned? Im either getting A) Conflicting answers or B) I dont understand articles i’ve been linked.

There are multiple interpretations of “No Salvation Outside the Church”, whether it was infallible, etc. What is important for you to know is that the Catholic Church teaches that salvation is only through the Church, and that God can choose to save those that are not in visible full communion with it. Catholicism teaches beliefs such as “baptism of desire”. This belief states that those who, through no fault of their own, were ignorant of the Gospel and of the Church, may be saved, since it is supposed that they may have desired to have baptism if they knew of its necessity. Perhaps your family falls into that category. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1260 "Since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partakers, in a way known to God, of the Paschal mystery."63 Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved. It may be supposed that such persons would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity.

1. The Saints…do you pray to them or what? My Catholic friend told me you asked them to meditate for you…right?

Catholics believe that you can ask Heavenly saints to pray for us, since it is believed that they are still members of the Church, the Body of Christ. Catholics “pray to” the saints in the sense that “pray” means “to ask”. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the saints themselves answer prayers, nor does it mean that they are worshipped. Some Catholics will say that they pray “with” saints, but this is just semantics. In the same way that you may ask your mother, father, friend, etc. to pray for you, Catholics believe that you can ask Mary or St. Peter, etc. to pray for you.

1. How long would it take me to Convert? Can someone outline the process?

I’m not familiar with the conversion process for Lutherans. Normally, someone will go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) for a number of months, then be received through baptism, confirmation, and communion at Easter Vigil (the night before, i.e. Saturday, Easter). I believe I read somewhere that the process can be abbreviated for Anglicans and Lutherans. If you were baptized in a church using the Trinitarian formula and a church that believes in the Trinity (i.e. if you were baptized in your Lutheran church), you would not be baptized again, but instead would receive Confirmation and Communion (both after Confession).

1. Lutherans believe the Bible is the soul authority on Earth. Is it similar for Catholics?

No. Catholics believe that Public Revelation is found in both the Bible (Sacred Scripture) and Sacred Tradition. Catholics do not believe that the Bible is the sole or final authority on earth.

1. I understand the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, but why is he important? If you get what i’m trying to say…

Catholics believe that the Bishop of Rome, the Pope is the successor of the Apostle Peter. Catholics believe that the Bishop of Rome is the visible symbol of unity in the Church, and to be in full communion with the Church is to be in full communion with the Pope. Catholics also believe that in certain specific circumstances, when the Pope is defining matters of faith and morals, he is infallible.

1. One of my Catholic Friends has a St. Michael medalion. Something about being confirmed as his Patron Saint? Whats this all about? I know he apparently watches over soldiers, police officers, fire/emt…etc. But why does he have a medalion?

Catholics believe that certain saints are “patrons” of certain issues, such as what you mentioned above. Some Catholics also choose to wear a “medal” of a particular saint, just like how some may wear a cross or crucifix. Some medals also have certain prayers associated with them, as well as certain stories as to their origins.

1. I want to be an Army MP, and then go into Law Enforcement, preferably start as a patrol officer, move to SWAT, and then possibly go for a Federal 1811 position with the Marshals, FBI, or DEA, or be a trooper. Point being, I understand before death Catholics are read their “Last Rights”. What if I’m shot on duty and die before they could be read. Would I go to hell?

No, not necessarily. Catholics believe that those that die in unrepentant mortal sin go to Hell. If you’re not in mortal sin when you die, you don’t go to Hell. You don’t need “Last Rites” to go to Heaven. Last Rites is simply a ceremony that “prepares” you for the next step in your journey. It includes Confession, which of course is wonderful if you are in mortal sin (note that mortal sin is defined as a willful turning away from God. You must have full knowledge and consent to commit a mortal sin, i.e., you know that what you’re doing is very wrong).

 

[TheosisM]

1. Can somebody explain Purgatory?

Purgatory is a place/state for those that are already judged to Heaven, but need some sort of purification/cleansing. Latin theology (some say that this is going into Latin speculative theology, though it is widely accepted) states that Purgatory involves purification of something called “temporal punishment” for sins already forgiven. This is important to understand. I think that someone already mentioned that Purgatory is where one is purged of sins. This is not necessarily correct. If one dies in a state of mortal sin, it cannot be forgiven after death. Venial sins (small sins) do not cut one off from God as mortal sins do, and so some say that Purgatory can purge these sins.

The most important part of Purgatory theology (again part of Latin speculation according to some) is the “temporal punishment” aspect. Basically, Catholics believe that when sins are forgiven, there is still “temporal punishment” due for these sins. God forgives the “eternal punishment” for sin, which is damnation. One still needs to make “restitution”. One may do penance to get rid of temporal punishment. One may also obtain an indulgence, which also remits temporal punishment. Purgatory does the same thing. It purges one of temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven. The key here is to remember that the sin is already forgiven. This idea is also based on the Catholic concept of the “Treasury of Merits”.

1. What are your stances on tattoos? I wanted to get two christian realted ones, if it makes a difference. One of our Lord, of course, and the other, well, if I converted, of St. Michael…

Not sure.

1. My mom is 100% hostile of me considering to convert. So…it looks like I wont be attending mass until college in a year and a half if I do convert…what if I die before then? Will Jesus understand my intentions? Or is it do or die? Would mass on TV work for now?

Yes, Jesus will understand, as He is the only one that knows what is in your heart. Mass on TV is fine. God does not punish you for something that is not under your control.

Gernerally, can someone point me in the right direction here? I’m so confused…after praying about it, the next day it hit me square in the face…go ask Christian Forums. So, here I am. I just want to do the right thing and make our Lord happy…and if that means converting, so be it. I’m just so confused on what to do…

You should get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There are online copies available, such as here:

scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc.htm

The questions you have asked can each individually fill a whole thread. You should think of individual questions you have, and ask them one at a time in a separate thread. All of the topics have already been done on this forum, so you can also do a search.

 

[Rachel_1]

1. Catholics are allowed to have tattoos as long as they don’t have an immoral message.

Good deal, I didn’t know the answer to that, I’m happy now… none of mine have any immoral message I don’t think (a rainbow, heart, and a pegasus), I don’t plan on getting anymore, and I got them before I came to the Church.

 

[TheosisM]

No  I think you’re misunderstanding the Last Rights, which is now referred to as the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick and the Dying. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anointing_of_the_Sick_%28Catholic_Church%29

This is not correct. “Last Rites” is actually a group of sacraments given when someone is dying. Last Rites includes Confession, Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick.

“Anointing of the Sick” used to be called “Extreme Unction” since it was typically only done when someone was dying. Now, it can be done whenever a person is sick (not necessarily dying).

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament. “Last Rites” is a group of three sacraments, including Anointing of the Sick.

 

[po18guy]

Good deal, I didn’t know the answer to that, I’m happy now… none of mine have any immoral message I don’t think (a rainbow, heart, and a pegasus), I don’t plan on getting anymore, and I got them before I came to the church.

Tattoos? You could have committed murder, and if you repented and received absolution, you would be heaven-bound. As to tattoos, I think it is defacing God’s canvas. There is no spiritual reason to get one, and there are reasons not to, actually.

 

[Rachel_1]

This is not correct. “Last Rites” is actually a group of sacraments given when someone is dying. Last Rites includes Confession, Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick.

“Anointing of the Sick” used to be called “Extreme Unction” since it was typically only done when someone was dying. Now, it can be done whenever a person is sick (not necessarily dying).

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament. “Last Rites” is a group of three sacraments, including Anointing of the Sick.

Well, I haven’t gotten to that chapter yet in my Catechism, I went off of wikipedia for it and some other sites. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Rachel_1]

Tattoos? You could have committed murder, and if you repented and received absolution, you would be heaven-bound. As to tattoos, I think it is defacing God’s canvas. There is no spiritual reason to get one, and there are reasons not to, actually.

I got mine when I was like 18-20. I’m now 42. I hate them now lol. I wish I would have never gotten them. The only one I don’t hate is the little tiny heart. The rest, whenever I get some $ I’m getting removed.
And yea, I know I can received absolution for sins, although the tattoos according to the other poster, aren’t a sin, mine are just ugly LOL (except the little heart)

 

[Montalo]

also, i reccomend reading the baltimore catechism

catholicity.com/baltimore-catechism/

i like the format better, and its eaiser(in my view) to use than the CCC

 

[the_hazel_nut]

Tattoos: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=39833

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Hi Eric! Thanks be to God for your post and the Holy Spirit working in your life to bring the Catholic faith to you. We’d LOVE to have you, bud, so God bless you and I hope you’ll come home to Rome! I’ll try to answer your questions in blue below. Again, God bless you, friend!

Well, hey guys…

1. Does “No Salvation Outside the Church” imply that as a Lutheran im dammed? If I convert, will my family not be with me when I die? Im really worried about this one. I put the Lord above all, but I still dont want to be seperated from my family. Faced with the decision, I ofcourse choose the Lord, but will my family be damned? Im either getting A) Conflicting answers or B) I dont understand articles i’ve been linked.
   extra ecclesiam nulla salus is what you’re referring to. This statement really was coined by the holy St. Cyprian in the third century! It was later affirmed by the Catholic Church in numerous settings like those by Pope Innocent III and at the Fourth Lateran Council in the 13th century, etc. It means that the ultimate salvation of souls from Jesus Christ flows through His Church. All grace and sacraments, salvation and spiritual salvation flow through the Catholic faith. The Church has made it clear in modern times that those who are invinsibly ignorant of the Catholic Church can still be saved and find God’s peace and eternal salvation. It doesn’t mean everyone is going to fry but Catholics. It does affirm the unique salvific power of the Catholic Church and that we should all strive to be Catholic. Some cannot ever know Catholicism and some are made ignorant of it or prejudiced toward it by parents, society, or misconceptions. But it’s also not a free pass. The ultimate truth of extra ecclesiam is, if possible you really really really should become a Catholic!
2. The Saints…do you pray to them or what? My Catholic friend told me you asked them to meditate for you…right?
   I’m a Catholic, a revert, a learned one I like to think. There are MANY people on CAF far more intelligent and learned in Catholicism than yours truly, and I occasionally pray to saints. I mostly just pray to Jesus Our Lord and find that all I need. Occasionally I’ll pray to a particular saint in a real serious case or situation. Remember, we don’t really pray TO saints, but ask them to pray WITH US to Jesus. Mary is my favorite saint to ask to pray with me. We don’t put saints on the same plane as Jesus, never.
3. How long would it take me to Convert? Can someone outline the process?
   You go to RCIA, rite of Christian initiation for adults. It is not a long process really. It takes less than a year and you go to weekly catechesis in a group of fellow converts at your local parish. It’s a process. It has a period of inquiry in which you can just ask, inquire, find out facts, and then leave or stay. You are not pressured at all. I went through RCIA for my adult confirmation and found it VERY unthreatening! My best friend became Catholic and I sponsored him in RCIA. I learned a lot just going and I’m already Catholic! You will get received into the Catholic Church at Easter for RCIA.
4. Lutherans believe the Bible is the soul authority on Earth. Is it similar for Catholics?
   **Catholics believe the Church and the Bible are equal in stature and in inspiration. The Church actually came before the Bible was fully written and canonized. In fact, the Church canonized the Bible, not the reverse. Imagine how did the Church exist from the time of Jesus’ assention to the editing and compilation of the Bible!? Answer: the Church guided her. Go read about the Nicaea Council and other Ecumenical Councils that decided such things as Jesus’ nature, heresies, the Holy Trinity, etc. They are all the results of the prayerful decision-making of the Church. Sola Scriptura is not biblical in itself. And justification through faith alone is not scriptural either./**COLOR]
5. I understand the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, but why is he important? If you get what i’m trying to say…
   Matthew 16. Peter is the rock, given the keys to bind and loose and he is admonished by Our Lord to feed his sheep and tend to the fold. Peter is the supreme head of the Church and there is a wealth of history and solid theology pointing to not only his leadership role over the Church Universal but the common sense need for it. In ancient times the keys to the kingdom were given by kings and other royals to viziers and other nobles to rule over a kingdom in that king’s stead. Peter is given such keys by Christ for obvious reasons…to administer and guide infallibly the Church on earth.
6. One of my Catholic Friends has a St. Michael medalion. Something about being confirmed as his Patron Saint? Whats this all about? I know he apparently watches over soldiers, police officers, fire/emt…etc. But why does he have a medalion?
   Just an individual devotion. Not mandatory but healthy and helpful to him.
7. I want to be an Army MP, and then go into Law Enforcement, preferably start as a patrol officer, move to SWAT, and then possibly go for a Federal 1811 position with the Marshals, FBI, or DEA, or be a trooper. Point being, I understand before death Catholics are read their “Last Rights”. What if I’m shot on duty and die before they could be read. Would I go to hell?
   **This sacrament is helpful but there are many instances where last rites can’t be given. If you die in a state of grace being a frequent recipient of holy communion, prayer and devotion to Our Lord, have a Catholic heart and desire to please God as well as a frequent recipient of the sacrament of Confession, God willing you will find the peace of Christ. **

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

continued…

1. Can somebody explain Purgatory?
   Before we enter heaven, we must be made PERFECTLY free of sin and attachment to it. It’s like loading dirty laundry with clean laundry. Purgatory is not a third option but rather a TRANSITION zone into heaven. People who are damned go to hell, no stops along the way. But our sins do weigh us down and we die in attachment to those sins, staining us. They are purged in a mysterious way before we die in purgatory. It’s meant to prepare us for perfection and the presence of a God that is purely, totally unsinful and spotless. It really makes sense.
2. What are your stances on tattoos? I wanted to get two christian realted ones, if it makes a difference. One of our Lord, of course, and the other, well, if I converted, of St. Michael…
   As a personal choice, I wouldn’t and haven’t gotten them. We are given a body by Christ and we should respect it, not defame it or junk it up. The Jews have always maintained strict laws about tattoos and they believe God does not allow distortion of the flesh in such a manner. I concur with them on this. Doesn’t mean that you have an anchor on your arm will condemn you, though.
3. My mom is 100% hostile of me considering to convert. So…it looks like I wont be attending mass until college in a year and a half if I do convert…what if I die before then? Will Jesus understand my intentions? Or is it do or die? Would mass on TV work for now?
   Jesus knows your heart indeed. And don’t listen to mom, listen to your own journey, call, inspiration, and intellect. My mom, though Catholic, is so protestant in her thinking and so is my dad. We argue frequently about many Catholic things. I don’t care. I’m Catholic, period. The Catholic Church teaches that you will be considered Catholic if you have the INTENTION of becoming Catholic. It’s like Baptism of Desire (google that!)…if you die before becoming Catholic, Christ in his loving ways knows your desires, friend. Be at peace with that.
   Gernerally, can someone point me in the right direction here? I’m so confused…after praying about it, the next day it hit me square in the face…go ask Christian Forums. So, here I am. I just want to do the right thing and make our Lord happy…and if that means converting, so be it. I’m just so confused on what to do…
   You’re already doing the right thing. Keep reading Catholic Answers, listen to Catholic Answers radio, EWTN (watch it and listen to it), go speak with a priest at a local Catholic parish, ask about RCIA, attend Mass to visit and prayerfully think it over. And especially GO TO EUCHARISTIC ADORATION! You can do this without being Catholic! As Christ in the Eucharist exposed for help! Just be patient, talk to a priest, and things will work out great! Knowledge is power and inspiration. Go to a local Catholic book store and read up as well! Good luck! God bless!
   –
   Eric

 

[Nine_Two]

In relation to #10, and the feelings of your parents…

Family will always be a bit nervous about the conversion of someone close to them, no matter how accepting they may be of that culture itself. They will always have the fear that in carrying out the dictates of that religion they will somehow become seperated from their loved one. I still have to be careful to make sure I don’t alienate family members through following the tenets of my faith (going to important family events, etc.).