Questions about Converting

[StMichael88]

I am sorry if this has already been discussed, but i am a new member of the forums and have not had an opportunity to read all the existing posts. However, this is a very important subject for me.

I was born and baptized into The Church of Christ. And that is were all of my family is members of…however I realized that I was not getting a closer relationship with God…so i moved to the Baptist church. There i became an active member who attened Sunday School and the Wensday night services. (Basically every time the doors open). However, recently i had some friends intorduce me to the Catholic religion, and have loved every minute of it. I agree with everything that i know about the religion so far (especially the bread and wine being changed into the actual body and blood of christ *)

Anyway, last Sunday was The Fifth Sunday (the day the baptist church takes communion). And before we take communion the preacher gives a sermon…this Sunday the sermon was about the communion…he said that the communion that we were about to take was only a symbol and was nothing more. I, however, could not accept that, for the first time, the church that i was attending actually said it…“it is only a symbol”…a view that I did not agree with. So, during that service, i truly beleive that I received a calling from God to convert and become a Catholic.

My questions are:

1: Is my reasoning for converting valid or is it just superficial?
and
2: What is the process for me to convert? What must I go through to convert? Because I am willing.

I have been a Christian and I am 16 years old. (I put my age because i have heard that at certain ages you must have a sponsor…Is this true?)

Thank you*

 

[alyssa]

I can only answer some, but I am sure others will soon be here who can give you more info.

Contact your local Catholic Church, and inquire about RCIA classes. these are for anyone interested in the learning about he Chruch- you do not have to know you want to convert to attend. These classes teach you about the Church, and why we believe what we believe. usually classes begin in the fall, and those who decide to enter into the Chruch are accepted at the Easter Vigil.

This may help explain it a little: members.aol.com/tombecket/ts_rcia.htm

 

[Jermosh]

StMichael88:

My questions are:

1: Is my reasoning for converting valid

Yes you are intuned with your born ability of what a true Sacrament is. The Eucahrist has to be the most powerful and deep of all sacraments, and one that Catholics hold completly, the others can be construed as ture or close o true in other denominatons. Also the act of Confession is a wonderful event, there is a great amount of feeling loved by being forgiven.

2: What is the process for me to convert? What must I go through to convert? Because I am willing.

I have been a Christian and I am 16 years old. (I put my age because i have heard that at certain ages you must have a sponsor…Is this true?)

Thank you

You need to go thru RCIA. Find a parish that you like. Ask the priest questions, then setup a time with him and go over it. Also talk to the RCIA coaches. Once you find a parish you feel comfrontable ask about joining the RCIA group. The signup dates vary, some parishes have till Dec, others are over already. But you will most likely be confirmed in Easter. In a jist you need to understand and believe in the Nicene Creed and the sacraments.
Yes you will also need a sponser regardless of age, it could be a Deacon, CCD teacher, or even a priest if he has the time.
Have you been baptised in the trinity formula?

Good luck and I am glad you are looking into this Journey. I converted this last Easter as well.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

StMichael88:

I am sorry if this has already been discussed, but i am a new member of the forums and have not had an opportunity to read all the existing posts. However, this is a very important subject for me.

I was born and baptized into The Church of Christ. And that is were all of my family is members of…however I realized that I was not getting a closer relationship with God…so i moved to the Baptist church. There i became an active member who attened Sunday School and the Wensday night services. (Basically every time the doors open). However, recently i had some friends intorduce me to the Catholic religion, and have loved every minute of it. I agree with everything that i know about the religion so far (especially the bread and wine being changed into the actual body and blood of christ *)

Anyway, last Sunday was The Fifth Sunday (the day the baptist church takes communion). And before we take communion the preacher gives a sermon…this Sunday the sermon was about the communion…he said that the communion that we were about to take was only a symbol and was nothing more. I, however, could not accept that, for the first time, the church that i was attending actually said it…“it is only a symbol”…a view that I did not agree with. So, during that service, i truly beleive that I received a calling from God to convert and become a Catholic.

My questions are:

1: Is my reasoning for converting valid or is it just superficial?
and
2: What is the process for me to convert? What must I go through to convert? Because I am willing.

I have been a Christian and I am 16 years old. (I put my age because i have heard that at certain ages you must have a sponsor…Is this true?)

Thank you*The Catholic Eucharist is many times THE reason people decide to become Catholic. Being 16 you will have to have your parents permission. Everyone who wishes to become Catholic who are not Baptized or Baptized in another faith will go through RCIA to some extent. Ask your parents if you can make an appointment to meet with the Catholic Church pastor, and ask your Catholic friends to go with you. One of them could possibly be your sponsor.

 

[MikeB]

StMichael88:

My questions are:

1: Is my reasoning for converting valid or is it just superficial?

Your reasoning is completely valid and know that the reasoning came from the Holy Spirit. You have been called to something special. Contact the priest at the church you have been going to and talk to him. He will have the answers you need.

 

[jimmy]

What a coincidence, your name, StMichael88, is the same as the patron of the Eucharist and that is the reason you are converting. St. Michael the Archangel is the patron of the Eucharist.

the7archangels.com/st_michael.htm

Maybe you have had help from Michael.

 

[Greg_McPherran]

1: Is my reasoning for converting valid or is it just superficial?

Jesus calls us to believe in His real presence in communion. If your belief is sincere and you seek to follow Jesus and that is your motivation, then yes, you certainly have valid reasons.

StMichael88:

2: What is the process for me to convert? What must I go through to convert? Because I am willing.

Call a priest and he will have you meet him and explain from there. I suggest you do a bit of research to ensure the parish embraces the teachings of the Magisterium. This is very important.

If you decide to go forward, we welcome you!!!

Greg

 

[George2]

Wow. If you are only 16 and you are this curious about the faith, we welcome you with open arms. You are going to be a great addition to the Church.

I hope you find a great RCIA program and a good sponsor. If I could may I recommend reading about Catholic converts. www.ewtn.com has a bookstore. It might have such books.

Welcome home.

Kevin

 

[StMichael88]

Thank you all for your support and answer of my questions. Its been a few years. I have since become catholic, and am trying my best to live the faith. I took a while because a lot happened to prevent it, so i didn’t get to joint the faith until i was 19. Im 20 now.

StMichael88

The end must be known before the beginning can be written

 

[1ke]

Thank you all for your support and answer of my questions. Its been a few years. I have since become catholic, and am trying my best to live the faith. I took a while because a lot happened to prevent it, so i didn’t get to joint the faith until i was 19. Im 20 now.

StMichael88

The end must be known before the beginning can be written

Thank you for writing to update us. Congratulations!

 

[ruslan]

Thank you all for your support and answer of my questions. Its been a few years. I have since become catholic, and am trying my best to live the faith. I took a while because a lot happened to prevent it, so i didn’t get to joint the faith until i was 19. Im 20 now.

StMichael88

The end must be known before the beginning can be written

Thanks for letting us know!

:harp: :heaven:

 

[puzzleannie]

I amMy questions are:

1: Is my reasoning for converting valid or is it just superficial?
and
2: What is the process for me to convert? What must I go through to convert? Because I am willing.

I have been a Christian and I am 16 years old. (I put my age because i have heard that at certain ages you must have a sponsor…Is this true?)

Thank you

duh, did not see the date
but thank; you Michael, for coming back to tell us your story.
Welcome Home!