Progress in learning about Catholicism

  • Thread starter Thread starter dsully
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dsully

Guest
Greetings,

I joined this forum about a month ago after the Lord seemed to be leading me to investigate Catholicism again (I thought about becoming Catholic ten years ago or so but didn’t go through with it). Since that time I have read several good books, including: Catholicism by Barron, The Crucified Rabbi by Marshall, and If Protestantism is True by Rose. I have started praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary, rather than just spontaneous prayers. I even prayed a few times to St. Paul (since he has always been my favorite New Testament author). Finally I did some research on the life and work of John Paul II (who was Pope while I was growing up). Pretty soon I would like to get my hands on a Catechism and a summary of the decisions of Vatican II.

All in all, I’d say that’s pretty good progress for a month, don’t you think? My only concern is that I would alienate myself from all my friends, etc. if I became Catholic. But all in all, from what I’ve seen, it would be worth it.

In Christ,

Dan
 
dsully said:
Greetings,

I joined this forum about a month ago after the Lord seemed to be leading me to investigate Catholicism again (I thought about becoming Catholic ten years ago or so but didn’t go through with it). Since that time I have read several good books, including: Catholicism by Barron, The Crucified Rabbi by Marshall, and If Protestantism is True by Rose. I have started praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary, rather than just spontaneous prayers. I even prayed a few times to St. Paul (since he has always been my favorite New Testament author). Finally I did some research on the life and work of John Paul II (who was Pope while I was growing up). Pretty soon I would like to get my hands on a Catechism and a summary of the decisions of Vatican II.

All in all, I’d say that’s pretty good progress for a month, don’t you think? My only concern is that I would alienate myself from all my friends, etc. if I became Catholic. But all in all, from what I’ve seen, it would be worth it.

In Christ,

Dan
Click to expand...
Hi, Dan. I will be praying for you. You’ve read alot of good books, high five! Have you read any lives of the saints? What attracted you to the Church? Are you thinking of starting RCIA in the fall? Happy Eastertide!! 🙂
 
Hi Dan, welcome! Here is a link to the catechism at the Vatican’s website. vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

I am a recent protestant convert. There are a number of conversation books that will help you. The 1st one I read is Born Fundamentalist…Born Again Catholic. I haven’t read it yet, but Rome, Sweet Home by Scott Hahn is also good. There is also a forum group called RCIA and Converts. There are a very helpful group of people.

Feel free to ask any question. We are here to help and pray for each other.
 
Welcome, Dan! The Catholic Church is the place to be if you truly love our Lord Jesus Christ. After reading about Him in the bible, and seeing portrayals of Him in movies, just imagine being in His presence. You can do that at each Catholic parish, either by sitting before the Tabernacle, or at adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. To believe that the bread is now Christ (as He said) takes a leap of faith, but we are rewarded for that leap with supernatural peace and reassurance.

As to an easily read explanation of Catholic beliefs and practices, I don’t think you’ll find a better book than Catholicism for Dummies. I learn something each time I open my copy.
 
maltmom said:
Hi Dan, welcome! Here is a link to the catechism at the Vatican’s website. vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

I am a recent protestant convert. There are a number of conversation books that will help you. The 1st one I read is Born Fundamentalist…Born Again Catholic. I haven’t read it yet, but Rome, Sweet Home by Scott Hahn is also good. There is also a forum group called RCIA and Converts. There are a very helpful group of people.

Feel free to ask any question. We are here to help and pray for each other.
Click to expand...
Welcome home to you! Despite all that we see in the popular media about the Church, it is a very exciting time to be Catholic, as the Church is undergoing an internal reformation. And, none of us will live long enough to fully explore the depths of spirituality in the Church. It took me many years to realize, but I know now why they call it “home.”
 
po18guy said:
Welcome home to you! Despite all that we see in the popular media about the Church, it is a very exciting time to be Catholic, as the Church is undergoing an internal reformation. And, none of us will live long enough to fully explore the depths of spirituality in the Church. It took me many years to realize, but I know now why they call it “home.”
Click to expand...
Thank you! I’ve been very blessed.
 
I have gone through the same experience my friend! I am a former hardcore Southern Baptist. It ain’t easy, converting, but it is worth it! The Catholic Church was established by The Christ. She is One, She is Holy, and She is Apostolic. She is the Catholic Church.👍
 
dsully said:
Greetings,

I joined this forum about a month ago after the Lord seemed to be leading me to investigate Catholicism again (I thought about becoming Catholic ten years ago or so but didn’t go through with it). Since that time I have read several good books, including: Catholicism by Barron, The Crucified Rabbi by Marshall, and If Protestantism is True by Rose. I have started praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary, rather than just spontaneous prayers. I even prayed a few times to St. Paul (since he has always been my favorite New Testament author). Finally I did some research on the life and work of John Paul II (who was Pope while I was growing up). Pretty soon I would like to get my hands on a Catechism and a summary of the decisions of Vatican II.

All in all, I’d say that’s pretty good progress for a month, don’t you think? My only concern is that I would alienate myself from all my friends, etc. if I became Catholic. But all in all, from what I’ve seen, it would be worth it.

In Christ,

Dan
Click to expand...
Hi Dan,

I encourage you to continue reading. I was struck by how we have similar stories although it was a dozen years that I felt drawn to the Catholic faith but resisted. Now I can honestly say for the first time in my life I know I am where God wants me to be. I also hope you will give serious thought to RCIA in the fall. I went that route and the few issues that I had remaining that prevented me from converting evaporated quickly during that experience. God bless you.
 
dsully said:
Greetings,

I joined this forum about a month ago after the Lord seemed to be leading me to investigate Catholicism again (I thought about becoming Catholic ten years ago or so but didn’t go through with it). Since that time I have read several good books, including: Catholicism by Barron, The Crucified Rabbi by Marshall, and If Protestantism is True by Rose. I have started praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary, rather than just spontaneous prayers. I even prayed a few times to St. Paul (since he has always been my favorite New Testament author). Finally I did some research on the life and work of John Paul II (who was Pope while I was growing up). Pretty soon I would like to get my hands on a Catechism and a summary of the decisions of Vatican II.

All in all, I’d say that’s pretty good progress for a month, don’t you think? My only concern is that I would alienate myself from all my friends, etc. if I became Catholic. But all in all, from what I’ve seen, it would be worth it.

In Christ,

Dan
Click to expand...
Dan. First off congratulations! The Holy Spirit has lead you home. I can understand the caution about jumping in with both feet for fear of ostracizing yourself from family/friends. But if they judge you for following Christ then they aren’t really following Christ themselves am I right? Besides, your conversion might lay the groundworks for them to discover the same Truth you found through your honest study and presumed prayer life. If they did make a fuss about it and it came down to a choice, I personally would choose to obey God over obeying my friends (it seems like an easy decision). But what I really wanted to say, was that in terms of a Catechism, simply go to your nearest Catholic Parish and ask the Priest for one. It shouldn’t cost you a penny. Welcome home! God Bless
 
Hi all,

Thanks for your encouragement. I’m definitely more confident moving forward now than I was ten years ago. My former pastor (now a trainer of missionaries) even sent me an email that encouraged me to follow the leading of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, even though he himself (the pastor) would have reservations about the Catholic Church.

If RCIA usually begins in the fall, then I will continue reading and praying and see where things stand at that time. I may be moving to a different city at some point during the summer–but that’s another nice thing about the Catholic Church: there’s a parish in every city!

I will definitely take up your suggestions on getting a Catechism and looking into the lives of the saints. For now, I don’t think I’ve found a better guide than Father Barron. He is phenomenal. And I will try to update you as things move along.

Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement.

Glory to God!
Dan
 
dsully said:
Hi all,

Thanks for your encouragement. I’m definitely more confident moving forward now than I was ten years ago. My former pastor (now a trainer of missionaries) even sent me an email that encouraged me to follow the leading of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, even though he himself (the pastor) would have reservations about the Catholic Church.

If RCIA usually begins in the fall, then I will continue reading and praying and see where things stand at that time. I may be moving to a different city at some point during the summer–but that’s another nice thing about the Catholic Church: there’s a parish in every city!

I will definitely take up your suggestions on getting a Catechism and looking into the lives of the saints. For now, I don’t think I’ve found a better guide than Father Barron. He is phenomenal. And I will try to update you as things move along.

Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement.

Glory to God!
Dan
Click to expand...
Very true, Fr. Barron is awesome!! Bless you. 🙂
 
dsully said:
Greetings,

I joined this forum about a month ago after the Lord seemed to be leading me to investigate Catholicism again (I thought about becoming Catholic ten years ago or so but didn’t go through with it). Since that time I have read several good books, including: Catholicism by Barron, The Crucified Rabbi by Marshall, and If Protestantism is True by Rose. I have started praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary, rather than just spontaneous prayers. I even prayed a few times to St. Paul (since he has always been my favorite New Testament author). Finally I did some research on the life and work of John Paul II (who was Pope while I was growing up). Pretty soon I would like to get my hands on a Catechism and a summary of the decisions of Vatican II.

All in all, I’d say that’s pretty good progress for a month, don’t you think? My only concern is that I would alienate myself from all my friends, etc. if I became Catholic. But all in all, from what I’ve seen, it would be worth it.

In Christ,

Dan
Click to expand...
Good for you! Hey, you’ll make new friends!
 
dsully said:
Hi all,

Thanks for your encouragement. I’m definitely more confident moving forward now than I was ten years ago. My former pastor (now a trainer of missionaries) even sent me an email that encouraged me to follow the leading of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, even though he himself (the pastor) would have reservations about the Catholic Church.

If RCIA usually begins in the fall, then I will continue reading and praying and see where things stand at that time. I may be moving to a different city at some point during the summer–but that’s another nice thing about the Catholic Church: there’s a parish in every city!

I will definitely take up your suggestions on getting a Catechism and looking into the lives of the saints. For now, I don’t think I’ve found a better guide than Father Barron. He is phenomenal. And I will try to update you as things move along.

Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement.

Glory to God!
Dan
Click to expand...
May God bless you on your journey. You are correct, there is a Catholic Church any place you go, and they all teach the same thing.
 
Hi Dan!
My congratulations to you! Searching for answers in the books you´ve read, and joing groups like this is very intelligent, keep on reading. Rome sweet home by Scott Hahn is an excelent testimonial, easy reading and may help you.
Forget about the friends, if you lose them because of spiritual needs they´re not worth it. But maybe you´ll find the arguments for them to convert also!
 
I know this is kind of “jumping the gun,” but I was looking at some websites today for contemplative monastic orders. Before I became a Christian, I was interested in “spirituality” and thought I’d might like to become a Buddhist monk. Then, when I started attending an evangelical church, I was discouraged from looking at monasticism, for the reasons that it is unbiblical, not conducive to sharing the gospel, etc. However, I see that monasticism is alive and well in Catholicism. I am not saying that I am called to the monastic life, but I will admit that I would be attracted to extended opportunities for prayer, study, etc. In any case, way to go Catholics for having an excellently developed doctrine of vocation!

Dan
 
mary_bobo said:
May God bless you on your journey. You are correct, there is a Catholic Church any place you go, and they all teach the same thing.
Click to expand...
Which demonstrates the fulfillment of Christ’s command to “make disciples of every nation” (Matthew 28:19), as well as the further realization of Saint Irenaeus’ recognition (in the year 107) of the “universal” Church.
 
I recommend getting a copy of the Baltimore Catechism #3, probably the best English-language catechism produced for the laity. You can also read all 16 constitutions of the Second Vatican Council on the Vatican’s website. I’ll say a pray for your journey home.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top