Prayerfully Considering Catholicism

[lindseynicole]

I am a member of a Baptist church and I love it. I was recently saved, last summer, and I was baptized in October. A good friend of mine is Catholic and he’s been talking to me about it. He wants me to consider conversion because marriage is a possibility for us in the future. I have been looking into it, just to see what it’s all about, what the real differences are.

If someone could counsel me or give me some advice on this situation, I would appreciate it!

 

[Lisa1967]

I converted from Methodism to Catholicism in my late teens and now I am an inactive Catholic currently going to an Episcopal church. I enjoyed my time as a Catholic but left due to social issues and disagreements with the Church.

I would suggest that you see if your local Catholic parish has an RCIA Inquirers class. This is a place for you to get your questions answered and learn more about the Church.

I would highly suggest that you not convert just because you might marry a Catholic. I think you should only convert if you come to believe that the Catholic church is where God wants you.

 

[rfournier103]

I am a member of a Baptist church and I love it. I was recently saved, last summer, and I was baptized in October. A good friend of mine is Catholic and he’s been talking to me about it. He wants me to consider conversion because marriage is a possibility for us in the future. I have been looking into it, just to see what it’s all about, what the real differences are.

If someone could counsel me or give me some advice on this situation, I would appreciate it!

Ask yourself WHY are you considering this? Is it for your boyfriend, for you, or for Christ?

Your first step should be learning what Catholics really believe in, and why we believe what we do. Original Sin, the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Pennance, Sacred Tradition, Purgatory, Apostolic Succession, and the intercession of saints are things EVERY Catholic should understand.

I didn’t list all these things to overwhelm you, or discourage you. Quite the opposite. I encourage you to investigate them because the Catholic Church and the Baptists have different views on them.

I recommend visiting your local Catholic priest (your friend should be able to help you find him), and also visit us here regularly

 

[Polycarp1]

I am a member of a Baptist church and I love it. I was recently saved, last summer, and I was baptized in October. A good friend of mine is Catholic and he’s been talking to me about it. He wants me to consider conversion because marriage is a possibility for us in the future. I have been looking into it, just to see what it’s all about, what the real differences are.

If someone could counsel me or give me some advice on this situation, I would appreciate it!

Read “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn and “Surprised by Truth” by Patrick Madrid

 

[ybkookoo]

I believe your first step of “prayerful consideration” is a real key.

This a wonderful site with great information.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

I’ll be praying for you.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Ask yourself WHY are you considering this? Is it for your boyfriend, for you, or for Christ?

Your first step should be learning what Catholics really believe in, and why we believe what we do. Original Sin, the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Pennance, Sacred Tradition, Purgatory, Apostolic Succession, and the intercession of saints are things EVERY Catholic should understand.

I didn’t list all these things to overwhelm you, or discourage you. Quite the opposite. I encourage you to investigate them because the Catholic Church and the Baptists have different views on them.

I recommend visiting your local Catholic priest (your friend should be able to help you find him), and also visit us here regularly

Add this one: “Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces”. Google it and read several viewpoints.

 

[Siena29]

Adding to what other have already mentioned, I would suggest a few things:

*as others have stated, and most importantly, prayerful discernment as to your reasons for considering becoming Catholic,
*read and review the Catechism of the Catholic Church and/or the Baltimore Catechism 3
*make an appt to see a parish priest, perhaps at your friend’s parish to ask questions,
*attend Mass with your friend frequently and ask questions,
*attend any bible studies that a local parish offers,
*keep reading questions here
*decide if you want to take the next step and enroll in an RCIA program (they begin after Easter, for full communion in the Church the following Easter)

The Catholic faith is so beautiful, simple, and yet extraordinarily complex. The decision should not be made lightly or without much discernment and knowledge of the fundamental beliefs of the Church that were highlighted in previous posts.

Prayers for your journey!

Pax

 

[CB_Catholic]

You are always welcome to attend Mass and read and ask questions. Also to enroll in the RCIA classes to study the faith, and there is no obligation or pressure to convert.

In my personal experience with family and friends, it is inadvisable to convert because of marriage alone. One should really have the desire to be a Catholic, and be convinced God wants them to convert. I have seen family and friends who converted just because of marriage end up leaving the Church, or worse, not practicing any religion at all, and their children floating in a sea of doubt about their religion.

But it is admirable that you want to investigate the Catholic Church and get to know for yourself rather than depend on others’ opinions. Welcome.

 

[LINVS]

The thing about the Catholic Church is that it is so diverse. Worship varies so much; you’ll find services that seem very Pentacostal and others that seem very Orthodox, and everything in between. So many have found that after some study, the Catholic Church is the True Faith.

I was baptised a Catholic but my family didn’t practice. As a teen I attended an Evangelical Church then after college I became an Episcopalian. Once I had an opportunity to really study Christianity, I learned that the Catholic Church is the only way to find Salvation. I’m sure if you listen to your heart, mind, and soul, you’ll come to the same realization.

 

[thunderboom]

Add this one: “Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces”. Google it and read several viewpoints.

Not doctrine. Not required for Catholics to believe. I won’t believe it myself until the Holy Father officially and infallibly defines it as doctrine (currently, it is occasionally used as a title).

 

[sirach2v4]

There is a great leap of faith from the Baptist version of Christianity to the Catholic version.

The essence of Protestantism is that the Bible alone is the source of authority, versus Catholicism, wherein both scripture, sacred tradition (e.g. how to interpret or understand the Bible), and the teaching authority (“magisterium”) of the Catholic Church are the sources of authority for Catholic doctrine (teaching).

That may be the first issue to decide, on the road to becoming a Catholic.

To a life-long informed Catholic, the issue of authority is settled. Two Protestant churches can interpret scripture differently and each feel comfortable with the differences. But, ultimately, Catholics submit to the authority of the magisterium. Jesus says, he who hears you hears me. He didn’t say, he who interprets (understands) the Bible any way he wants to, hears me.

St Augustine said, many centuries ago, I believe because the Church assures me of the truth [which is to say, not scripture alone].

There is a program called The Journey Home, about conversion to the Catholic church, on the EWTN cable network. Each episode is usually the story of one convert and how they found their way to (or back to) the Catholic faith.

There have been turbulent times in the Catholic Church, with notorious sinners causing scandal inside and outside the Church, such as the current ongoing sex abuse scandal.
We have a lot of sinners in the Church – as scripture says, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Would you expect it to be otherwise?

Many converts who tell their story on TJH program say when they really took a look at Catholic teaching (rather than simply follow what others have said ABOUT Catholicism), they couldn’t find anything that they had to disagree with.

Take all the time you need to decide. IF you find a problem that you are concerned about, hop back on this website and ask your question. God bless you. Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.