Overwhelmed and not sure what to do

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TwinMommy

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I am Protestant. I attend a non-denominational church. We are getting ready to move so I started the search for a new church. I have looked into many and just different red flags would come up. As I have proceeded along this journey I have felt God moving to Catholicism.Not what I expected but I am very open to it.
I have been reading up on this site and others and learning the things I thought were one way, have an amazing explanation and I don’t see how they could be wrong.

All of this is scary in a way because it is so different than Baptist and non-denominational, the two denominations I have been a part of. I am overwhelmed with all the information, with all the traditions, and on and on.

I don’t know where to go on from here. The idea of walking into Mass makes me uneasy because I wouldn’t know what to, I would probably end up looking like a fool.

Any suggestions? How do I figure out where I need to focus right now? I am use to contacting Protestant Pastors and asking questions about the church. I have no clue what to ask a Priest about the church, or is it parish? HELP!!!
 
Hi and welcome to the forum 🙂
First things first, you might want to read the catechism to get an idea about the catholic church, here is a link:

vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

This will give you a good idea what it is about.
Also, I would talk to a priest, they are used to this type of thing when people approach them for the first time. Dont be scared, they are there to help.
You can turn up to church and just observe from the back. But you cannot take the bread as you have not been baptised.
We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the church.
God bless you on your path to home :gopray2:
 
I had the exact same concerns my first time. It is pretty easy to follow along. I also told people I was new and they were very helpful.

Good luck
 
TwinMommy said:
I am Protestant. I attend a non-denominational church. We are getting ready to move so I started the search for a new church. I have looked into many and just different red flags would come up. As I have proceeded along this journey I have felt God moving to Catholicism.Not what I expected but I am very open to it.
I have been reading up on this site and others and learning the things I thought were one way, have an amazing explanation and I don’t see how they could be wrong.

All of this is scary in a way because it is so different than Baptist and non-denominational, the two denominations I have been a part of. I am overwhelmed with all the information, with all the traditions, and on and on.

I don’t know where to go on from here. The idea of walking into Mass makes me uneasy because I wouldn’t know what to, I would probably end up looking like a fool.

Any suggestions? How do I figure out where I need to focus right now? I am use to contacting Protestant Pastors and asking questions about the church. I have no clue what to ask a Priest about the church, or is it parish? HELP!!!
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Do this: Go to 1 mass on Sunday. Dont analyze with your mind just try to listen to what your inner self feels about it, what your gut says. If i were you i’d also try and visit why is now called the extraordinary form of mass (Latin Mass, Tridentine Mass) if it is available near you. I havent yet but it was the sayings about this Mass (most beautiful thing this side of Heaven) that took me to my first catholic mass, but infortunately for me it was not available anywhere near me.
Anyway, i’d really try to not analyze anything (ramifications for my personal life if joining catholicism, accepting dogmas etc) but just try to feel what my heart tells me. Your heart and soul will know exactly where you will be closest to Christ.
 
First: WELCOME!!! 🙂

Second: It’s the same for everyone.

I’m a “cradle Catholic,” no one told me anything, they just splashed some water on me, then some oil and a white garment and my parent’s brought a candle home for me. No Problem.

[kidding]

; )

I highly recommend speaking with any priest who will direct you to either their parish’s RCIA (adult Catholic education) or the diocesan one.

BUT, you’ve already done the ‘hard’ part, you asked.

Again, WELCOME.
 
dolphinlove said:
Hi and welcome to the forum 🙂
First things first, you might want to read the catechism to get an idea about the catholic church, here is a link:

vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

This will give you a good idea what it is about.
Also, I would talk to a priest, they are used to this type of thing when people approach them for the first time. Dont be scared, they are there to help.
You can turn up to church and just observe from the back. But you cannot take the bread as you have not been baptised.
We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the church.
God bless you on your path to home :gopray2:
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the link. I have been listening and watching videos on somethings here at this site and it is really helping. A book was mentioned, Rome Sweet Home, and I just called my library and only one library in the state had it, and it is missing 😦
 
TexanKnight said:
I had the exact same concerns my first time. It is pretty easy to follow along. I also told people I was new and they were very helpful.

Good luck
Click to expand...
I think sitting in the back would be a good way for me to see how things are done. A new experience is always a little strange.
 
Shamati said:
Do this: Go to 1 mass on Sunday. Dont analyze with your mind just try to listen to what your inner self feels about it, what your gut says. If i were you i’d also try and visit why is now called the extraordinary form of mass (Latin Mass, Tridentine Mass) if it is available near you. I havent yet but it was the sayings about this Mass (most beautiful thing this side of Heaven) that took me to my first catholic mass, but infortunately for me it was not available anywhere near me.
Anyway, i’d really try to not analyze anything (ramifications for my personal life if joining catholicism, accepting dogmas etc) but just try to feel what my heart tells me. Your heart and soul will know exactly where you will be closest to Christ.
Click to expand...
I rely on my heart a lot because the good things that come from my heart, come from God. I am trying to stay clear of a lot of stuff that right now I don’t need to worry about. I have been searching things I know about and finding out why they are done. I figured I would find off the cuff answers but finding solid information based on Scripture and it is making sense.
 
Least said:
First: WELCOME!!! 🙂

Second: It’s the same for everyone.

I’m a “cradle Catholic,” no one told me anything, they just splashed some water on me, then some oil and a white garment and my parent’s brought a candle home for me. No Problem.

[kidding]

; )

I highly recommend speaking with any priest who will direct you to either their parish’s RCIA (adult Catholic education) or the diocesan one.

BUT, you’ve already done the ‘hard’ part, you asked.

Again, WELCOME.
Click to expand...
Oh you mentioned candles. On tv shows and in movies, you see a lot of candles being used. My husband’s best friend’s mother is Catholic. My husband at one point said she was always lighting a candle and saying a prayer when she did so. Prayer I know LOL Prayer is a huge part of my life and from what I have been reading, it seems it is very important in the Catholic faith. Where do candles fall into it all?

Yes, I did take the first big step and it honestly came easier than I thought it would.
I feel like something is about to change in a huge way for me and I don’t know how to figure out all my emotions right now.

Every negative thought I had or negative outlook on is changing with each fact I read as to why things are done the way they are. I am getting more excited at the thought of being able to go visit a church and go to Mass. Just have to figured out which one out of the two in the area I will visit first.
 
TwinMommy said:
I am Protestant. I attend a non-denominational church. We are getting ready to move so I started the search for a new church. I have looked into many and just different red flags would come up. As I have proceeded along this journey I have felt God moving to Catholicism.Not what I expected but I am very open to it.
I have been reading up on this site and others and learning the things I thought were one way, have an amazing explanation and I don’t see how they could be wrong.

All of this is scary in a way because it is so different than Baptist and non-denominational, the two denominations I have been a part of. I am overwhelmed with all the information, with all the traditions, and on and on.

I don’t know where to go on from here. The idea of walking into Mass makes me uneasy because I wouldn’t know what to, I would probably end up looking like a fool.

Any suggestions? How do I figure out where I need to focus right now? I am use to contacting Protestant Pastors and asking questions about the church. I have no clue what to ask a Priest about the church, or is it parish? HELP!!!
Click to expand...
Welcome ^^ We are glad that you are listening to God’s call; that is the first step! You should never be uneasy to go to mass; even at my worst I knew that God welcomed me; he is pure love and he will not turn you away!

As to approaching the priest; maybe you could talk to him after a mass and see if he had some time to answer your questions. If he doesn’t immediately, I’m sure he’d be able to set something up. As others have said, RCIA classes and the Catechism are probably your best bets; just make sure you approach them with humility, rather than the “I know what’s right, not what some Church says” approach, which is a trick of pride. (Not saying you would be that way, I just know a few protestants who were >_>) You mention that, as you learn about why we do things how we do, they stop seeming so… odd. I am glad to hear that you are actually interested in -why- we do what we do, rather than simply what we do. I’ve never know anyone who actually listened to our reasoning that didn’t come to understand and accept it ^^

Most of all, pray! God is calling you home, now it’s up to you to decide if you’re willing to heed his call!

God Bless, I hope your search for Truth is fruitful.
 
You don’t have to sit in the back. You can sit in the front to get a better view of the altar. There are booklets called missalettes in the pews that you can use to follow along with the readings. Non-Catholics go to Mass all the time. As noted earlier, you should not take Communion until you become Catholic.
 
TwinMommy said:
I am Protestant. I attend a non-denominational church. We are getting ready to move so I started the search for a new church. I have looked into many and just different red flags would come up. As I have proceeded along this journey I have felt God moving to Catholicism.Not what I expected but I am very open to it.
I have been reading up on this site and others and learning the things I thought were one way, have an amazing explanation and I don’t see how they could be wrong.

All of this is scary in a way because it is so different than Baptist and non-denominational, the two denominations I have been a part of. I am overwhelmed with all the information, with all the traditions, and on and on.

I don’t know where to go on from here. The idea of walking into Mass makes me uneasy because I wouldn’t know what to, I would probably end up looking like a fool.

Any suggestions? How do I figure out where I need to focus right now? I am use to contacting Protestant Pastors and asking questions about the church. I have no clue what to ask a Priest about the church, or is it parish? HELP!!!
Click to expand...
Theres a book by Patrick Madrid called Why is That in Tradition. Its pocket sized and very useful. To become Catholic you have to go through RCIA classes (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adullts. You can’t take communion unless you have gone through RCIA, just a heads up on that one.
 
ProdglArchitect said:
Welcome ^^ We are glad that you are listening to God’s call; that is the first step! You should never be uneasy to go to mass; even at my worst I knew that God welcomed me; he is pure love and he will not turn you away!

As to approaching the priest; maybe you could talk to him after a mass and see if he had some time to answer your questions. If he doesn’t immediately, I’m sure he’d be able to set something up. As others have said, RCIA classes and the Catechism are probably your best bets; just make sure you approach them with humility, rather than the “I know what’s right, not what some Church says” approach, which is a trick of pride. (Not saying you would be that way, I just know a few protestants who were >_>) You mention that, as you learn about why we do things how we do, they stop seeming so… odd. I am glad to hear that you are actually interested in -why- we do what we do, rather than simply what we do. I’ve never know anyone who actually listened to our reasoning that didn’t come to understand and accept it ^^

Most of all, pray! God is calling you home, now it’s up to you to decide if you’re willing to heed his call!

God Bless, I hope your search for Truth is fruitful.
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Oh I know some protestant people like that too LOL Is is sad to know that right now I can not say anything to my church family about this journey that God is leading me on. I have heard more than enough bad talk about Catholics there. It is sad but from my experience a lot of protestant Christians are very judgmental and if it is not their way, it is not the right way. I wouldn’t say I have been judgmental, just ignorant and until now I have not tried to change that.

When God moves in our heart, we must listen. He does not lead us astray.
 
PaulfromIowa said:
You don’t have to sit in the back. You can sit in the front to get a better view of the altar. There are booklets called missalettes in the pews that you can use to follow along with the readings. Non-Catholics go to Mass all the time. As noted earlier, you should not take Communion until you become Catholic.
Click to expand...
Oh that is great to know something is there to follow along with. That sets my mind a little more at ease. I know Communion is a lot different than protestant churches, well at least the ones I have been at.
 
TwinMommy said:
Oh I know some protestant people like that too LOL Is is sad to know that right now I can not say anything to my church family about this journey that God is leading me on. I have heard more than enough bad talk about Catholics there. It is sad but from my experience a lot of protestant Christians are very judgmental and if it is not their way, it is not the right way. I wouldn’t say I have been judgmental, just ignorant and until now I have not tried to change that.

When God moves in our heart, we must listen. He does not lead us astray.
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I’m sorry to hear that your family would not be supportive. I hope that you will find the members of this forum supportive in their place until they are willing to accept the choice you have made.

I also commend you on having the courage to follow God’s calling, despite the fact that it was / will not be and easy journey.

again, God bless!
 
bobbyhillisabro said:
Theres a book by Patrick Madrid called Why is That in Tradition. Its pocket sized and very useful. To become Catholic you have to go through RCIA classes (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adullts. You can’t take communion unless you have gone through RCIA, just a heads up on that one.
Click to expand...
I will have to look for that, thank you 🙂 I think having classes is something every church of every denomination should have. Being more educated on why we are doing something like Communion is very important.
 
TwinMommy said:
I am Protestant. I attend a non-denominational church. We are getting ready to move so I started the search for a new church. I have looked into many and just different red flags would come up. As I have proceeded along this journey I have felt God moving to Catholicism.Not what I expected but I am very open to it.
I have been reading up on this site and others and learning the things I thought were one way, have an amazing explanation and I don’t see how they could be wrong.

All of this is scary in a way because it is so different than Baptist and non-denominational, the two denominations I have been a part of. I am overwhelmed with all the information, with all the traditions, and on and on.

I don’t know where to go on from here. The idea of walking into Mass makes me uneasy because I wouldn’t know what to, I would probably end up looking like a fool.

Any suggestions? How do I figure out where I need to focus right now? I am use to contacting Protestant Pastors and asking questions about the church. I have no clue what to ask a Priest about the church, or is it parish? HELP!!!
Click to expand...
Same “procedure” 🙂 Walk into a Catholic Church (the building is usually called “Rectory”) and mention you’d like to speak to a priest and that you are interested in inquiring about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

As for going to Mass, as the priest says: “Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb"”, so you won’t look bad…not at all!! 👍 All you need to do is to sit, stand, and kneel with the congregation (as s. Augustine of Hippo once said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” :D). Make sure to not receive Holy Communion (you may remain seated, it is perfectly fine, and many do so for many different reasons). And probably this can help if you want to pray along 😉

With regards to the time of preparation you will undergo as a Catechumen, the best thing to do (in my humble opinion) is to begin by reading the Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and keep close either a copy or the link to the full Catechism which is a summary of the whole Catholic doctrine and a solid reference for anything you may ever be wondering about.

Personally, I’d recommend the reading I was told to read for RCIA: Ecclesia de Eucharistia.

Other such encyclical letters can be found f. ex. here and here, and they are truly beautiful readings, because they speak of our ancient traditions through the eyes of and applied to the present day.

To find out more about the Catholic love for the sacred liturgy, there are some great books that you may want to read at some point. A few are mentioned here.

Remember: the right place to go for information about Catholic belief is the Catholic Church herself. Seek out a Catholic priest and put you questions to him. You will find him a very understanding person.

May Christ bless you in your journey, dear sister in the faith!!
 
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