Thinking about converting...

[BlueinSD]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Thanks for the help folks!

 

[Monica4316]

Hi,

I became Catholic in 2009. I used to be Protestant as well. I typed up my conversion story that year and it’s on my blog… feel free to visit it totus-tuus2009.blogspot.com/

I recommend a lot of prayer and research… also if you ever get the chance to visit Eucharistic Adoration in a Catholic Church, - it’s a great opportunity to pray about all this! we believe that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, and Adoration is when the Eucharist is displayed for the faithful to visit and adore/pray to. We believe it’s actually Jesus. Many miracles have happened in Adoration, and people have received much grace from it. Also, read as much as you can about the Church, for example in the Catechism… and maybe read some Catholic books like writings by the Saints

Also it’s a good idea to speak with a Catholic priest.

I have found for myself, I never felt truly free of my sins as I did after my first Confession even though I regularly asked God for forgiveness as a Protestant.

God bless

 

[William_Pitts]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but** I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs** and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Thanks for the help folks!

You raised some very valid issues. As far as coming to believe the tenets of the Catholic Church I would suggest you get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It will explain what the Church believes and teaches. There is a Catechism for young people call “Youcat” that was just published. It is written for high school and young adults. It may be easier to grasp.

You may never find a Church that matches your beliefs exactly. We are always changing and growing. We also have to learn to obey the Magisterium. The Magisterium has the teaching authority of the Church. I may not agree but I am still compelled to obey. Things that may be an issue for you now may simply not be important to you six months from now.

You made a very insightful observation when you said your beliefs may be in error. Many people don’t realize they have some beliefs in error. Certainly those can be corrected with the Holy Spirit’s help.

Look at Psalms 19:12 “But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.”

Also Confession is really a very good thing. You will feel free from the burden of sin.
For me the two most important Sacraments are the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Study and pray. Do not be discouraged. It may be difficult at times and you may feel abandoned but be of good cheer.

May God bless you and keep you.

 

[Juliebug108]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Thanks for the help folks!

Hi there! I think we are in a similar boat - I am also Lutheran, and I too am considering conversion. I’m struggling with similar things as well. I just started a thread a couple days ago asking about conversion:
So why did you convert??

If you haven’t looked at it yet, I’d recommend checking it out. There are many interesting conversion stories there!

Peace and blessings,
Julie

 

[fred_conty]

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism?

On the website search for: catholic churches in (your city and state)
Then call one up near you and ask when the next RICA class starts.

The RICA classes explain the Catholic faith.
Usually held once or twice a week in the evening.
It’s usually free and there is no obligation attached.

You wont know unless you investigate.

 

[novusCatholic]

I knew very little about Catholicism and even held some negative preconceptions, but something sparked my interest. I decided to learn what I could about the Catholic Church and also research the history of Christianity. The more that I learned, the more I became convinced that the Catholic Church is in fact the original church. Once I realized that, then there was no point in considering anything else.

I attended a few masses (with a critical eye) and bought a copy of the Cathechism (to see what they really taught). I had issues with Mary, the Pope, the Saints, etc. I didn’t even know about the Church’s teachings concerning the True Presence in the Eucharist or on other important issues such as contraception. I prayed that God would open my eyes to the truth, either way. Before long, I was signed up for RCIA.

I absorbed as much information as I could from every source that I could find. This website and forum has been a great source of information. I also browsed the web for other Catholic oriented sites, purchased several apologetics books, and watched a lot of videos on YouTube and Gloria.TV.

I’ll always be thankful for the church that I grew up in. They taught me to love God. That being said, the Cathoilc Church has such depth, history, beauty, and truth.

It’s been a great trip to this point, and I’m only just beginning. I’ll come into full communion this Easter Vigil!

 

[po18guy]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

First, welcome! As a Christian, something for us to keep in mind is that all aspects of our behavior can be fixed - all it takes is an act of the will. Think of our Lord in the garden at Gethsemane. He submitted to the Father’s will, even unto death. He stands as our life-long example in this regard. As to wondering about Catholicism, I can heartily suggest Catholicism for Dummies. I have my own copy and learn from it each time I pick it up. It is great for exploring and inquiring. Not only your house, but every Catholic household should have a copy.

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

It is very easy to buy the book and read it at your leisure. Questions that are not answered by the book can be addressed right here. You can also check into “inquiry” classes at your local parish office. These are a series of classes, usually held weekly and beginning in the fall, that teach the basics of the Catholic faith for those who are interested in converting, or simply interested. There is zero obligation.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness. Thanks for the help folks!

This is one of the sticking points of non-Apostolic Christian Churches - how to resolve the after effects of sin. Sure, you can just ask God for forgiveness, but will you ever hear the words that Jesus spoke to those He forgave: “Your sins are forgiven…”? Not likely. This is exactly why Jesus gave the Apostles the power over sin. They passed it on and Catholic Priests have authority to either bind or loose sin, just as Jesus gave them. When you hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness spoken to you, you can feel the weight of sin being lifted. It is a cleansing Sacrament, and a cleansing feeling. It is common to feel as if your feet are not touching the floor when you leave the confessional. Our only struggle should be against the temptation to sin - there should not be a struggle to deal with sin once confessed. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance, or confession) handles all of this exactly as Jesus intended. Once your sin is forgiven, it is destroyed - gone. Take your time and ask questions. Members here will be delighted to help you through your concerns.

Christ’s peace be with you.

 

[guanophore]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else.

Welcome to CAF, BlueinSD. I trust you will get all of your answers here.

What makes you think God is leading you somewhere else?

I'm interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I'm afraid that I wouldn't believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn't follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves.  I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can't be fixed :(

I commend you for your attitude of faithful obedience. Clearly it is very important to you that you practice your faith truthfully and earnestly.

I postulate that it is not the best approach to “find a church that perfectly matches” up to our own beliefs. Instead, we need to be searching for the Church that was founded by Christ, and is protected by His promise to lead them “into all Truth”.

As far as our beliefs being in error, probably all of us are in need of constant correction in the faith, are we not? How under heaven would it be possible that any errors you might have “can’t be fixed”?!?!?!

Surely He who began a good work in you is faithful, and can complete it.

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

I have not read up on the thread, but I am sure you have gotten some good advice already. I suggest that you go to a Catholic Church during adoration, and just sit with the Blessed sacrament. The best way to develop a profound relationship with someone is to speand time alone with them.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

I think you will find the refreshment of this sacrament may change you at the very core of your being.

Thanks for the help folks!

Thanks for your authentic search for Truth. It is inspiring.

 

[Bianconeri]

I think everyone who is learning about religion has some interest in the Catholic religion.
So did i, wasnt really raised religious but at the age of 18(a year ago) i started looking into religion.

What i did was just to look around and found out what are the believes of any of the christian religions, including Catholics. Compared that to the Bible and that will make a religion your religion. It has to be the truth according to the Bible.

And with all respect to everyone here, i will never ever become a Catholic simply because it has sooooo many non-biblical believes. Also never had good experience with catholics, was for example trying to talk with several but the only thing they do is attack you personally, they never use the bible on anything. He even mentioned that the Bible wasnt important!!! (and he had some sort of position or so, not sure what)

Religion isnt really something personal, its something that should be based on the Bible! Some points i would like to throw into the game on that part is for example:

-The cross, its a fact that Jesus didnt die on a cross but on a stake(just search around on internet)
Also the massive use of the cross, does nobody sees you kinda worship a statue?
Does nobody remembers that God has forbidden the use of statues in your worshipping?

That is the most negative point i have against Catholics, i seriously always wonder why the hell do they use statues while even the dumbest non-christian knows statues are forbidden? And yes, i do have catholics in my family.

Several other points are:
-Mary (overrated person, worshipping her has no use and even is forbidden)
-Hell(The word hell is mentioned in the Bible 0!! times, Its Sjeool or Gehenna not hell)
-Trinity(Bible doesnt mentions it, Jesus himself even says God is great then he is)
-Heaven(Bible learns just a number of christians will go to heaven, not everyone. The others will live forever on a paradise on earth)

But that is something everyone for himself has to study. I studied pretty much all sub parts of the Christian religion. Catholic though was the first to be kicked out of my possible truth list. Make sure to use several bible version, not a catholic version only, not a protestant version only or any sort of versions alone.

A tip on how i did it:
Just find a list of believes. Sometimes even with bible text that so called prove it.
Pass them all, if even 1 of them is false you can pretty much cross the name of the list.

Greetings,
Bianconeri

 

[Bob_Crowley]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Thanks for the help folks!

In my case I just felt a sort of push towards the Catholic Church, similar to what I felt when I first became Christian. I’d been baptised Presbyterian, and to cut a long story short, when I did become Christian at around the age of 28, I first went to a local Presbyterian Church as I had a couple of years of Sunday School years before. However I also think God wanted to me to meet a particular pastor (of Methodist training) and his family at that time. So it was His timing really.

Similarly I felt a push towards the Catholic Church some years later. The above pastor was dead by this time, but he had predicted I’d become Catholic, which I did.

I resisted for a while, but an argument with a Protestant pastor pushed me over the edge, so I went. I can’t say I knew a great deal about the Church at the time, and I put stuff like Mary etc. into the too hard basket at the start. I just ignored it, until I started reading up on it. In other words, I sort of jumped in the deep end, and then set about learning.

My own attitude is that the Catholic Church is “closest” to the truth. I have two issues I don’t agree with - one is the contraceptive pill, which as far as I’m concerned was God’s gift, given largely through Catholic researchers, at the very time population pressures were becoming a real problem (viz. it took all of recorded history for the population to reach 2 billion in the 1930’s, but only 80 years for that to triple to 6 billion and is now nearly 7 billion. it’s doubled in my lifetime alone. Apparently if we all use NLP, we won’t have to worry about an expanding population, along with the requirement for fossil fuels, infrastructure, food, water supplies, massive cities, ultra industrialisation etc.

So I’m cynical about that one. And I don’t have much admiration for the Papal Infallibility dogma. The church got along without it for 1850 years, but thanks to ultramontanism, modernism and a dishonest method of getting it endorsed, it suddenly decided it needed it.

Other than that I think the church is “closest” to the truth. I’ve been criticised by the purists for not believing every word that comes from the magisterium’s collective mouths, but I’m afraid that’s how I see it. In fact my old pastor above turned up in a vision and said, “The Catholic Church is closest to the truth” (and he was obviously a protestant). That’s where I actually got the term from. If I hadn’t had the specific vision, I wouldn’t quote it.

If you’re going to go Catholic, to some extent, you also will have to jump in the deep end. Just do it, and then find out all the rest of the facts later.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Thanks for the help folks!

A lot of things I wasn’t sure about…I just prayed about and expected that I would find the truth in a matter of time.

As Catholics…we should never stop learning about our faith.

I hated reconciliation at first…was scared to death of it…but there is something so healing about that outward, physicial sacrament…and the words of absolution that help me to “get” it…and I now am able to appreciate the sacrament!

Bottom line…I have never been more in love and on fire for God then I am in the Catholic Church.

 

[wisdomseeker]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I was baptized into a Lutheran Church a little over a year ago, but feel as though God is leading me some place else. I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism, but I’m afraid that I wouldn’t believe all of the tenets of Catholicism and that I wouldn’t follow the faith as truthfully and earnestly as it deserves. I have fears that I might not find a church that perfectly matches up to my own beliefs and as a result I am afraid that my own beliefs are in error and that they can’t be fixed

Can someone talk to me about the process of learning more about Catholicism? I’ve just felt a little incomplete faithfully lately and I’m trying to find a place where I can develop a relationship with God that is more profound and with a group of believers who is more uniform in what they believe and loving in the way they treat each other.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. The church I go to has a quiet, private time during the sermon where we confess our sins to God, but nothing where we confess to the pastor or reverend at the church. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Thanks for the help folks!

would like to hear some sermons?

audiosancto.org/

 

[icamay]

I started with “Catholics Come Home”. As I became more comfortable with the teachings of the Church, I started reading articles by popular apologists who had also converted. I then purchased two books: first, David Currie’s “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” (just finished it, excellent read for those well versed in scripture), and am now reading “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott and Kimberly Hahn.

My favorite part of the Catholic church is that no one expects me to commit overnight. It’s going to take about a year for me to fully come into communion, and I’m free to question everything along the way.

 

[pismopal]

Hi
My conversion story is too long to be told entirely but my epiphany was mainly Holy Communion. I had been associated with a Baptist group and I had a nagging feeling that Holy Communion was not being given proper respect and attention. I began reading John 6 with an open mind and the Holy Spirit seemed to be telling me that the bread and wine should not be considered as a memorial service or whatever it is that Baptists consider it. In other words I knew that the CC had a true Holy Communion…I was not sure then if they had exclusive access or not but I knew they were on track.
I also was tiring of the freedom that various “preachers” of any non Catholic denomination had to interpret scripture. They could not all be correct but they all claimed that what they believed came from the Bible. My last “preacher”, who did not use alcohol told the congregation that he could not believe that Christ drank wine. That little tid bit was only important because it was so patently and demonstrably false…but it did not embarrass him in the least to repeat it over and over again, even after being corrected by members.
I told my brother in law, who is an important leader in his particular denomination, that I wanted to know more about the CC. I will never forget his response…" …read their Catechism man…it is beautiful." Well…I found a Catechism (CCC) and read almost all of it along with the supporting Bible verses over a period of about 2 years. I took so long because I did it in bed before I went to sleep as this was the quietest time available. To sum up my feelings as succinctly as possible…I found no error there. What I did find was this…what I had thought was complete Christianity was a rough charcoal sketch as compared to a beautiful wall sized tapestry hanging at the museums at the Vatican. Two thousand years of Church history and continuity. No blowing in the wind caused by individuals who hang onto a Biblical verse, taken out of context, to make theology.
OK…I will try to shorten this…I was brought into the Church in 1998. I left my wife and 5 children behind and it is lonesome sometimes but I have never looked back…because I never could look back. Either the Church is the Church founded by Christ and the place I need to be or it is all bunk and I would not waste my time. God is not the author of confusion…I think not. I hope your study brings you enlightenment and many blessings.

 

[Hboggs]

I started with “Catholics Come Home”. As I became more comfortable with the teachings of the Church, I started reading articles by popular apologists who had also converted. I then purchased two books: first, David Currie’s “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” (just finished it, excellent read for those well versed in scripture), and am now reading “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott and Kimberly Hahn.

My favorite part of the Catholic church is that no one expects me to commit overnight. It’s going to take about a year for me to fully come into communion, and I’m free to question everything along the way.

I would suggest watching “Journey Home” on EWTN 8pm on Mondays. You can also go to their website and watch previous episodes. These are people who have converted and they give their reasons. Very good:thumbsup:

 

[Readunderstand]

IN YOUR BIBLE

**Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
**

Even Jesus said not to worship him, worship God.
So what you guys been doing ???

 

[Cvimson]

To the Catholics on the board and those who have converted, what’s it like trying to convert to Catholicism? I’m interested in knowing more about Catholicism.

A personal issue that I have is that I have a hard time internalizing and accepting God’s forgiveness after I sin. I had a conversation recently with a guy where he talked about coming out of confession and feeling great because it helped him internalize and understand God’s forgiveness.

Though baptized Catholic I never understood what it was to be Catholic. So to me I never was Catholic, until recently. A few months ago a fire was ignited in me and I read all I could about the Catholic church. The more I learned the deeper I fell in love with God and with the Church herself. I am very sorry if I repeat anything, with that said. I will give you 3 main reasons why I am Catholic when I can be anything else.

1. I am Catholic because God intended only to be one Church. He tells Peter" And so I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it,"(Matthew 16;18). Catholic meaning universal, it is for everyone who seeks and loves God, and that is all He ask is for us to try. Peter was our first pope, and we can trace back every pope from our current Pope Benedict and our Bishops to the 12 apostles. And remember that Peter denied Jesus three time!!! He betrayed Jesus 3 times, and Judas only betrayed him once. BUT the difference is that Peter repented and because God loves Peter he absolved him and from his sins. If that’s not amazing I don’t know what is. God is Love, forgiveness is a perfect act of Love, perfect act of God. He told Peter that no evil shall prevail. The Catholic church is the only church that has not been started by any human ideology. It was started by Jesus Christ in the year 33. Through 2 thousand years of having bad popes, bishops, etc (the Reformation is a perfect example)in the Church, Catholicism is still around today.
2. John 6:53-56," “Jesus said to them, " Amen, amen I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day…Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” and later in John 6:66"As a result of this many of his disciples returned to their former way and no longer accompanied him," To me, only the 12 apostles were the only people who drank His blood and ate His body, now He can not only mean that only his 12 disciples are the only ones who are going to heaven. Since I am Catholic I believe that the Eucharist IS, not like, God. I can receive Him everyday. twice a day actually. How much closer can anyone be to God than receiving His body and blood. And I can come to church everyday and adore Him and be in His presence, love Him as He loves me.
3. Confession. I love confession though waiting in line everyone is quiet, to me it is a time to rejoice. Rejoice because again he knows my faults before I enter that room and confess my sins, but He forgives me and loves me for who I am. The key to confession is to repent, to know what I have done wrong and to the best of my abilities not sin again. I may fall once in a while but He know I am trying, and one day I will no longer confess that same sin. In confession the priest is not forgiving me, God is forgiving me. Yes, only God has the power to forgive sins, He is the only creator, the only teacher, but yet he shares his gifts to us. He gives us the power to create another human, he tells to teach, " I urge you to be imitators of me," ( I Cor 4:15). The priest is just physically standing for God. In confession I am humbled.( 2 Chronicles 7:14)," and if my people, upon whom my name is pronounced, humbled themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." ( 1 Peter 5:6), “So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” " Matthew 18:18, " Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." When we are forgiven of our sins it is forgotten. Only saints go to heaven, right now forget all you hear about Catholics worshiping saints which in NOT true. We are all called to be saints, " Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (I Cor 11:1). Before we enter heaven, where salvation awaits, we must first be worthy. We must be cleansed, as we were in baptism. Confession is another way of cleansing, then there is purgatory which is a whole different topic. So ill leave that alone, for now.

I highly recommend reading Home Sweet Rome by Scott Hahn, a Presbyterian minister who converted to Catholicism, and I’m currently reading Where is That in the Bible by Patrick Madrid. I have learned a lot about my faith and where it came from scripture.I am also currently in the RCIA program and its a wonderful program. I would advise to attend at least 4 times to really get the feel of it. Because Good Friday is this week I HIGHLY recommend going to Veneration of the Cross at your local Catholic church, it is a wonderful experience to see how much people love Christ. I don’t believe you have to be Catholic to appreciate it. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
I’ll pray for you and good luck.