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On an intellectual level, the Church is very welcoming. 🙂 Apologetic books, websites, and internet forums offer stimulating and challenging arguments. The weight of evidence seems to favor the Catholic perspective, but I am still inquiring and reading as much as possible.

However, on a personal level, I am feeling a little intimidated over some practical aspects of the Catholic Church. For me, entering a Catholic church is like traveling to a foreign country. Different language, different customs. Very scary. :eek: How does an Evangelical Protestant* like myself even begin to enter into the life of the Catholic Church?
I bought a missal, and so that will help me understand what’s going on during the Mass.
But still…

HUNDREDS of people at the Mass. I feel overwhelmed, just like I feel overwhelmed in large Protestant churches and their huge crowds. How can I walk up to a priest (intimidating, for someone who’s never ever even *talked *to a priest) and introduce myself in a huge crowd like that? :confused:

Certainly, I could drop by the church. Oh yeah…Church office hours: 9 to 3, Monday through Fridays. I work full time. Actually, much *more *than full time. So much for that. :nope:

Oh yeah… I could call and make a special appointment: Hello, I’d like to meet and introduce myself to the priest. No, I don’t have any questions…Well, none that can be answered in a brief “hello, nice to meet” you. Besides, my apologetic books are doing an excellent job answering my intellectual questions.

But even if I had introduced myself to the priest, then what? Oh yeah, RICA. RICA runs September to May. (Actually I didn’t even see a notice for RICA in the bulletin.) I’m too late for this cycle. I guess I have to wait until September.

In the meanwhile I can attend the mass. Well, I do indeed consider this a privilege. But that’s it? See you in September? In the meanwhile… enjoy my books? :confused:

Why in the world can’t Catholic Churches offer home Bible studies and/or home “Fellowship Groups” and/or Sunday School or other classes for adults (on any topic–not just for those in RICA)? Would it be terribly against tradition (small "t’) to open up more avenues for people to get to know one another and to challenge one another to GROW in their faith???
Oh yeah…service in the church. I’m all for it. Let’s see… in another 18 months, after I finished RICA, then I could be allowed to help out in CCD classes. (I hope I have the right initials?)

Sigh.
Incidentally, while I’m busy posting, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you “on-fire” Catholics who take the time to answer questions, and do so in such a charitable manner. You have been a good influence on me! :thankyou:

–Idaho

*Perhaps it’s time for me to change thought patterns and begin to think of myself as a *possible *future Catholic?
 
Idaho said:
On an intellectual level, the Church is very welcoming. 🙂 Apologetic books, websites, and internet forums offer stimulating and challenging arguments. The weight of evidence seems to favor the Catholic perspective, but I am still inquiring and reading as much as possible.

However, on a personal level, I am feeling a little intimidated over some practical aspects of the Catholic Church. For me, entering a Catholic church is like traveling to a foreign country. Different language, different customs. Very scary. :eek: How does an Evangelical Protestant* like myself even begin to enter into the life of the Catholic Church?
I bought a missal, and so that will help me understand what’s going on during the Mass.
But still…

HUNDREDS of people at the Mass. I feel overwhelmed, just like I feel overwhelmed in large Protestant churches and their huge crowds. How can I walk up to a priest (intimidating, for someone who’s never ever even *talked *to a priest) and introduce myself in a huge crowd like that? :confused:

Certainly, I could drop by the church. Oh yeah…Church office hours: 9 to 3, Monday through Fridays. I work full time. Actually, much *more *than full time. So much for that. :nope:

Oh yeah… I could call and make a special appointment: Hello, I’d like to meet and introduce myself to the priest. No, I don’t have any questions…Well, none that can be answered in a brief “hello, nice to meet” you. Besides, my apologetic books are doing an excellent job answering my intellectual questions.

But even if I had introduced myself to the priest, then what? Oh yeah, RICA. RICA runs September to May. (Actually I didn’t even see a notice for RICA in the bulletin.) I’m too late for this cycle. I guess I have to wait until September.

In the meanwhile I can attend the mass. Well, I do indeed consider this a privilege. But that’s it? See you in September? In the meanwhile… enjoy my books? :confused:

Why in the world can’t Catholic Churches offer home Bible studies and/or home “Fellowship Groups” and/or Sunday School or other classes for adults (on any topic–not just for those in RICA)? Would it be terribly against tradition (small "t’) to open up more avenues for people to get to know one another and to challenge one another to GROW in their faith???
Oh yeah…service in the church. I’m all for it. Let’s see… in another 18 months, after I finished RICA, then I could be allowed to help out in CCD classes. (I hope I have the right initials?)

Sigh.
Incidentally, while I’m busy posting, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you “on-fire” Catholics who take the time to answer questions, and do so in such a charitable manner. You have been a good influence on me! :thankyou:

–Idaho

*Perhaps it’s time for me to change thought patterns and begin to think of myself as a *possible *future Catholic?
Click to expand...
Hello and welcome.

I am the RCIA(Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) coordinator for my local parish, and while our program does run from Sept. to the Easter Vigil, there are other options.

Our parish does offer private instruction with a priest, or properly trained catechist, for people that have odd/difficult work schedules, or for whatever valid reason can’t attend a regulary scheduled class. But this can vary between parishes.

In this day and age, not everyone has a 9-5, Monday through Friday schedules, and alot of parishes realize that.

Call your parish center, speak to a priest, and ask about private instruction. The worst they can do is say no.

If there is anything I can do to help you in this process, please don’t hesitate to send me a message.
 
If you don’t call the parish or the priest you don’t actually know what they have to offer you.

Some parishes, unfortunately, run RCIA on a school-year schedule. But I wouldn’t assume that’s what your parish does because while it may happen, it’s not ideal. In my parish we start inquiry sessions quarterly – our newest group will start this week.

Make an appointment to see the pastor or RCIA director to see what they suggest. It may also turn out that your parish has small faith communities or some other kinds of activities that you could get involved in even if you do have to wait to start RCIA.
 
Idaho said:
Why in the world can’t Catholic Churches offer home Bible studies and/or home “Fellowship Groups” and/or Sunday School or other classes for adults (on any topic–not just for those in RICA)? Would it be terribly against tradition (small "t’) to open up more avenues for people to get to know one another and to challenge one another to GROW in their faith???
Oh yeah…service in the church. I’m all for it. Let’s see… in another 18 months, after I finished RICA, then I could be allowed to help out in CCD classes. (I hope I have the right initials?)
Click to expand...
Yes, parishes nowadays have various so-called faith communities. One or more of these faith communities could fill-up what you feel missing in the personal level.
 
Call the church office on your free time, leave a message explaining your needs, tell them when it would be a good time for someone to call you back, and have your phone on the hook at that time.
 
Idaho said:
On an intellectual level, the Church is very welcoming. 🙂 Apologetic books, websites, and internet forums offer stimulating and challenging arguments. The weight of evidence seems to favor the Catholic perspective, but I am still inquiring and reading as much as possible.

However, on a personal level, I am feeling a little intimidated over some practical aspects of the Catholic Church. For me, entering a Catholic church is like traveling to a foreign country. Different language, different customs. Very scary. :eek: How does an Evangelical Protestant* like myself even begin to enter into the life of the Catholic Church?
I bought a missal, and so that will help me understand what’s going on during the Mass.
But still…

HUNDREDS of people at the Mass. I feel overwhelmed, just like I feel overwhelmed in large Protestant churches and their huge crowds. How can I walk up to a priest (intimidating, for someone who’s never ever even *talked *to a priest) and introduce myself in a huge crowd like that? :confused:

Certainly, I could drop by the church. Oh yeah…Church office hours: 9 to 3, Monday through Fridays. I work full time. Actually, much *more *than full time. So much for that. :nope:

Oh yeah… I could call and make a special appointment: Hello, I’d like to meet and introduce myself to the priest. No, I don’t have any questions…Well, none that can be answered in a brief “hello, nice to meet” you. Besides, my apologetic books are doing an excellent job answering my intellectual questions.

But even if I had introduced myself to the priest, then what? Oh yeah, RICA. RICA runs September to May. (Actually I didn’t even see a notice for RICA in the bulletin.) I’m too late for this cycle. I guess I have to wait until September.

In the meanwhile I can attend the mass. Well, I do indeed consider this a privilege. But that’s it? See you in September? In the meanwhile… enjoy my books? :confused:

Why in the world can’t Catholic Churches offer home Bible studies and/or home “Fellowship Groups” and/or Sunday School or other classes for adults (on any topic–not just for those in RICA)? Would it be terribly against tradition (small "t’) to open up more avenues for people to get to know one another and to challenge one another to GROW in their faith???
Oh yeah…service in the church. I’m all for it. Let’s see… in another 18 months, after I finished RICA, then I could be allowed to help out in CCD classes. (I hope I have the right initials?)

Sigh.
Incidentally, while I’m busy posting, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you “on-fire” Catholics who take the time to answer questions, and do so in such a charitable manner. You have been a good influence on me! :thankyou:

–Idaho

*Perhaps it’s time for me to change thought patterns and begin to think of myself as a *possible *future Catholic?
Click to expand...
it all depends. in my parish is all year around as people come they can enter the initiation process, then they go on to the next step process which is more about deepening your faith.

this did wonders for me

zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~vgg/rc/aplgtc/hahn/m3/4mrkc.html

Tertullian

In the third century, “If we desire indeed to act the part of open enemies, not merely of secret offenders, would there be any lacking of strength, whether of numbers or resources?” “We are but of yesterday and we have already filled every place among you – cities, islands, fortresses, towns, marketplaces, the very camp, tribes, companies, palace, senate and forum. We have left nothing for you but the temples of your idols, for now it is the immense number of Christians which make your enemies so few, almost all the inhabitants of your various cities being followers of Christ.”
 
Idaho said:
On an intellectual level, the Church is very welcoming. Apologetic books, websites, and internet forums offer stimulating and challenging arguments. The weight of evidence seems to favor the Catholic perspective, but I am still inquiring and reading as much as possible.

However, on a personal level, I am feeling a little intimidated over some practical aspects of the Catholic Church. For me, entering a Catholic church is like traveling to a foreign country. Different language, different customs. Very scary. How does an Evangelical Protestant* like myself even begin to enter into the life of the Catholic Church?
I bought a missal, and so that will help me understand what’s going on during the Mass.
But still…

HUNDREDS of people at the Mass. I feel overwhelmed, just like I feel overwhelmed in large Protestant churches and their huge crowds. How can I walk up to a priest (intimidating, for someone who’s never ever even *talked *to a priest) and introduce myself in a huge crowd like that? :confused:

Certainly, I could drop by the church. Oh yeah…Church office hours: 9 to 3, Monday through Fridays. I work full time. Actually, much *more *than full time. So much for that. :nope:

Oh yeah… I could call and make a special appointment: Hello, I’d like to meet and introduce myself to the priest. No, I don’t have any questions…Well, none that can be answered in a brief “hello, nice to meet” you. Besides, my apologetic books are doing an excellent job answering my intellectual questions.

But even if I had introduced myself to the priest, then what? Oh yeah, RICA. RICA runs September to May. (Actually I didn’t even see a notice for RICA in the bulletin.) I’m too late for this cycle. I guess I have to wait until September.

In the meanwhile I can attend the mass. Well, I do indeed consider this a privilege. But that’s it? See you in September? In the meanwhile… enjoy my books? :confused:

Why in the world can’t Catholic Churches offer home Bible studies and/or home “Fellowship Groups” and/or Sunday School or other classes for adults (on any topic–not just for those in RICA)? Would it be terribly against tradition (small "t’) to open up more avenues for people to get to know one another and to challenge one another to GROW in their faith???
Oh yeah…service in the church. I’m all for it. Let’s see… in another 18 months, after I finished RICA, then I could be allowed to help out in CCD classes. (I hope I have the right initials?)

Sigh.
Incidentally, while I’m busy posting, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you “on-fire” Catholics who take the time to answer questions, and do so in such a charitable manner. You have been a good influence on me! :thankyou:

–Idaho

*Perhaps it’s time for me to change thought patterns and begin to think of myself as a *possible *future Catholic?
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum, and glad to try to help you with your questions. I am a revert after having been gone quite awhile and yes it can seem overwhelming.
Can I suggest you attend daily Mass as often as possible. I started going to funerals too as you might meet someone there you know as it is a small world really.
Stop into to pray during adoration time as ours is in a chapel nice quiet time you can get a lot of peace and reflection and I keep a small notebook of my prayer intentions and read my prayer books.
If you have time watch EWTN you can pick up a lot of learning there.
Attend some of the dinners that go towards fund raising and then you won’t have to plan a meal. Our dinners are always homemade and if you like to donate time volunteer to help at the funeral dinners or other dinners. You will find that lots of protestant familiy members attend these and you won’t feel so alone. Afterall we bring our family members as well as Catholics and I attend some of my protestant family members dinners.
By the time September comes you will maybe know a lot more than you think.
We have two bible study groups at our parish but I don’t go to ither but I do belong to a club we have. You may have a book club we don’t now but did last year.
I pray the rosary with a group after daily whenever I can.
Yes introduce yourself to the priest and even visit the rectory office and meet the secretary. If there is a school you can find out if they need rocking chair readers for the grades.
You may like joining in the choir, this is usually a great group. We sing also at the funerals sometimes.
If you get involved you may find you are not so alone.
The priest will want to know your background, where and how were you baptised? and how your marriage if so status?
Just feel free to tell him all about yourself. Priests like to be personal more than just how are and I’m fine kind of thing.
Our priest is at the church quite often and they seem to never be off duty really. He has a lot of sick calls and people passing away. I hope this has helped.
I’m glad to hear you bought a missal and you can quietly ask the person sitting next to you in church to explain it to you when you have a question.
Ask any questions here. We are going to be coming up to lent Ash wednesday is Feb 25 so that would be a good beginning, for questions.
🎉 :blessyou: :yup:
What a nice post you wrote:)
 
Thanks to each of you for your valuable replies.

I think the gist of what you are saying is this:
Just because I didn’t see something printed in the bulletin, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist; there might be much more going on at the church than shows up in a bulletin.
Good point. I should not have assumed things aren’t happening just because they aren’t mentioned in the bulletin.

So yes, I will indeed make inquiries.
And thank you again for your suggestions.
–Idaho
 
I’ll be praying that you will find all that you could hope for in the Catholic faith and in the Catholic community. I just wanted to add my welcome to the Church, and simply, my welcome even if you don’t follow through. God be with you and your loved ones always.

Warm regards, Trishie
 
Welcome Idaho :hug3:

If you want to get to know your priest, how about inviting him over for dinner or Saturday lunch or something? Or just to drop by for a coffee or something?

Most priests won’t say no.
 
Hello Idaho. 🙂 I have been where you are.

Mass was very intimidating for me at first, but also, no where else that I would have rather been. Keep going, and focus on the things that bring you there to begin with. I also went to a few different parishes around my area, trying them out.

I found a few online resources to be invaluable. The Catechism. The old Catholic encyclopedia at newadvent.org. The online New American Bible at usccb.org. The Vatican website…papal encyclicals, Vatican II documents, etc.

When I started RCIA (finally) we used “The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults”. It goes through the doctrines of the church, point by point. It is a very good resource that I recommend.
 
Idaho said:
On an intellectual level, the Church is very welcoming. 🙂 Apologetic books, websites, and internet forums offer stimulating and challenging arguments. The weight of evidence seems to favor the Catholic perspective, but I am still inquiring and reading as much as possible.

However, on a personal level, I am feeling a little intimidated over some practical aspects of the Catholic Church. For me, entering a Catholic church is like traveling to a foreign country. Different language, different customs. Very scary. :eek: How does an Evangelical Protestant* like myself even begin to enter into the life of the Catholic Church?
I bought a missal, and so that will help me understand what’s going on during the Mass.
But still…

HUNDREDS of people at the Mass. I feel overwhelmed, just like I feel overwhelmed in large Protestant churches and their huge crowds. How can I walk up to a priest (intimidating, for someone who’s never ever even *talked *to a priest) and introduce myself in a huge crowd like that? :confused:

Certainly, I could drop by the church. Oh yeah…Church office hours: 9 to 3, Monday through Fridays. I work full time. Actually, much *more *than full time. So much for that. :nope:

Oh yeah… I could call and make a special appointment: Hello, I’d like to meet and introduce myself to the priest. No, I don’t have any questions…Well, none that can be answered in a brief “hello, nice to meet” you. Besides, my apologetic books are doing an excellent job answering my intellectual questions.

But even if I had introduced myself to the priest, then what? Oh yeah, RICA. RICA runs September to May. (Actually I didn’t even see a notice for RICA in the bulletin.) I’m too late for this cycle. I guess I have to wait until September.

In the meanwhile I can attend the mass. Well, I do indeed consider this a privilege. But that’s it? See you in September? In the meanwhile… enjoy my books? :confused:

Why in the world can’t Catholic Churches offer home Bible studies and/or home “Fellowship Groups” and/or Sunday School or other classes for adults (on any topic–not just for those in RICA)? Would it be terribly against tradition (small "t’) to open up more avenues for people to get to know one another and to challenge one another to GROW in their faith???
Oh yeah…service in the church. I’m all for it. Let’s see… in another 18 months, after I finished RICA, then I could be allowed to help out in CCD classes. (I hope I have the right initials?)

Sigh.
Incidentally, while I’m busy posting, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you “on-fire” Catholics who take the time to answer questions, and do so in such a charitable manner. You have been a good influence on me! :thankyou:

–Idaho

*Perhaps it’s time for me to change thought patterns and begin to think of myself as a *possible *future Catholic?
Click to expand...
I HIGHLY recommend that you attend daily mass a few times. It will be much less crowded and you will have a much better opportunity to speak to a priest.

It is a beautiful experience. Check the mass schedules in your town.

Just so you know, I’m a convert and I have no doubt that I made the right choice.
 
Idaho said:
However, on a personal level, I am feeling a little intimidated over some practical aspects of the Catholic Church. For me, entering a Catholic church is like traveling to a foreign country. Different language, different customs. Very scary. :eek: How does an Evangelical Protestant* like myself even begin to enter into the life of the Catholic Church?
I bought a missal, and so that will help me understand what’s going on during the Mass.
But still…

HUNDREDS of people at the Mass. I feel overwhelmed, just like I feel overwhelmed in large Protestant churches and their huge crowds.
Click to expand...
In addition to using a good missal, I might suggest practicing with it by watching some Masses on EWTN (available online if you don’t get the channel). You could even tape it and pause to review the different sections for clarity.

You can also try this DVD set, which explains the Mass really really well:

catholicmass.org/
 
Welcome!

It sounds as if you’d prefer a smaller parish. Is there a chance there are multiple churches in your city? Another might have a smaller parish and you could attend there. Sometimes there is a set group of people who attend a parish connected to a convent or monostary - maybe that’s an option?

As others have said - just because it’s not listed, doesn’t mean it’s not there!

And finally, no, don’t just wait till September! Start living as a Catholic now! Pray the Rosary, develop a devotion to saint, celebrate the Liturgical Year. Just because you’re not a registered parishoner yet, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Catholic life!
 
I see that there are a few more posts since I last responded.

Very good advice. Thank you to each of you who took the time to post. 👋

I am grateful for your support. :blessyou:

–Idaho
 
hello idaho-welcome home. ewtn has a program hosted by marcus grodi who used to be a protestant minister. he has a website www.chnetwork.net designed for those who have questions about their journey home. i’ll pray for you.🙂
God bless.
 
The Catholic Home Study Service offers just the courses that you are looking for. Get started and if you have questions I still have all my books and stuff and will be happy to help out. Just shoot me a PM or an e-mail through CAF here.🙂

BTW, call the church and talk to the priest. We all (priests and laity) put our pants on one leg at a time.👍
 
Welcome! To see what some parishioners struggle through just to get in, here’s a very interesting read from This Rock magazine, coincidentally published byCatholic Answers:

catholic.com/thisrock/2007/0707dr.asp

I trust that you will have a much easier journey!

Christ’s peace be with you.
 
Hi Idaho!
I too, have been where you are. Sometimes it feels unwelcoming when you go to Mass and that feels like all there is.

While a lot of parishes have welcoming committees and such, there’s not always scheduled fellowshipping (for lack of a better term) stuff.

There’s always one group or another that is doing a Bible study in the church. There’s always someone who is looking for someone else for something. 😉

What I think I’m hearing from you is that you are studying and have many resources to pull from… but it’s the interpersonal human touch that you’re missing, right?

My suggestion would be come early to Mass. Walk up to groups of people hanging around the Narthex and introduce yourself. Stay after Mass as well. Speak to people and usually they are more than happy to befriend you.

I think a lot of us don’t know who is investigating and who is visiting from out of town or whatever. As soon as some people know you and know what you’re looking for, you’ll be introduced to more people.

We may seem standoffish, but we’re not. 👍

We actually care deeply about each other and in my own life, I have come to rely on my parish family and they rely on me.

in Christ
Steph
 
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