What Should I Do/Expect?

[Nellie87]

I’ve been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and praying, and I feel that I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to convert to Catholicism. For the record I’m 21 years old and I was definitely baptised as a baby, but I don’t know in what denomination.

My question is, what should I do now? I’ve been reading about the RCIA and also reading the Catechism, but I feel nervous about just going to the local church specifically to talk to a priest. I’d sort of like to drop by to a mass to get a feel for the church and then perhaps approach a priest afterwards, would that be acceptable? Also, what would be expected of me during mass, as I’m not a catholic and don’t know what to do?

I’m really nervous about being accepted and worried I will be looked down on (I don’t have a specific reason, perhaps just a fear that as a young woman I might not have any like-aged peers at the church, or that because I’m young older people might dismiss me), so please help me take this next step.

 

[Eucharisted]

Catholicism is about Jesus Christ. We go to Mass and we pray and we work and we love for Jesus, not for creatures or acceptance or any vain things. Keep your gaze on Jesus and do and bear all things for Him, and He will give you the strength and love and graces you need to do and bear all things.

 

[survive]

My question is, what should I do now? I’ve been reading about the RCIA and also reading the Catechism, but I feel nervous about just going to the local church specifically to talk to a priest. I’d sort of like to drop by to a mass to get a feel for the church and then perhaps approach a priest afterwards, would that be acceptable? Also, what would be expected of me during mass, as I’m not a catholic and don’t know what to do?

I’m really nervous about being accepted and worried I will be looked down on (I don’t have a specific reason, perhaps just a fear that as a young woman I might not have any like-aged peers at the church, or that because I’m young older people might dismiss me), so please help me take this next step.

You have the right idea. Drop in on a couple of Masses and see what you think. It’s ideal to be on time, of course. You follow someone in and bless yurself when s/he does, genuflect, kneel etc. when s/he does, and just watch and listen. Don’t go up for Communion. Just sit it out prayerfully. Don’t leave until after the last song. if the person you’re imitating doesn’t like your doing so switch to someone else, as with any crowd. Of course, you can ask someone, too.
As for approaching the priest afterward, you have to wait for him to leave and come back, and he may have to go somewhere. Ask someone afterward when you can catch up to him. When you talk to him, ask for an idea of his schedule. Then pray, write out what you want to ask about most and ask him any questions.
Don’t worry about age issues. There’s Life Teen, and a wide mix of ages goes to a typical Sunday morning Mass as well.

 

[quiet52]

If you lived near my parish, this is what I’d suggest you do:

• Call the parish office during its office hours, and ask that the RCIA leader call you.
• Meet with the RCIA leader, ask questions about the RCIA process, and ask if the RCIA leader knows a parishioner who can attend Mass with you sometime. Perhaps the RCIA leader himself/herself will attend with you!

And unless you paste a sign on your forehead that says “I’m not Catholic,” 99% of the parishioners wouldn’t even notice that you might not be Catholic, and those who suspect, would rejoice!

I’ve known people who’ve attended Mass regularly who weren’t Catholic (some not even Christian) by the way. And some have finally made the leap.

It’s all about Jesus and His Body - enjoy!

 

[Joe_5859]

Congratulations on your faith journey!

You should definitely talk to a priest. It is fine to go to Mass first, but it is something you’re going to have to do eventually!

Many parishes have books called misallettes that allow you to follow along with what is happening at Mass. And you can just follow the crowd as to when to sit, stand, or kneel. A previous poster was right: unless it is an extremely small parish where everyone knows everybody, no one will know you’re not Catholic. The only thing you won’t be able to do is receive Communion.

Although I was raised Catholic, I have known a number of converts, so I can at least partially understand how nerve-wracking your situation can be. Most parishes, though, are full of good people. They more than likely will not look down on you, but would share your joy. When I was in my early 20’s and would go to daily Mass, I would feel out of place being the only young one there. But the older parishioners were always happy to see me. I think it does there hearts good to see young people there.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’ve been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and praying, and I feel that I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to convert to Catholicism. For the record I’m 21 years old and I was definitely baptised as a baby, but I don’t know in what denomination.

My question is, what should I do now? I’ve been reading about the RCIA and also reading the Catechism, but I feel nervous about just going to the local church specifically to talk to a priest. I’d sort of like to drop by to a mass to get a feel for the church and then perhaps approach a priest afterwards, would that be acceptable? Also, what would be expected of me during mass, as I’m not a catholic and don’t know what to do?

I’m really nervous about being accepted and worried I will be looked down on (I don’t have a specific reason, perhaps just a fear that as a young woman I might not have any like-aged peers at the church, or that because I’m young older people might dismiss me), so please help me take this next step.

You would be more than welcome to attend any Mass and observe. A daily or weekday evening Mass would be less crowded then a Sunday. You do not need to do anything but watch if that is what you feel comfortable with. Do you know any Catholics? Ask if they would go with you. Call the church office during business hours and ask about speaking with someone about becoming Catholic.

 

[PJM]

=Nellie87;4837747]I’ve been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and praying, and I feel that I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to convert to Catholicism. For the record I’m 21 years old and I was definitely baptised as a baby, but I don’t know in what denomination.

My dear friend in Christ, WELCOME HOME!

You can expect to be welcomed with open arms, hearts and minds! Not to worry You will likely be “conditionally baptized” if it cannot be confirmed that you have definetly have received a Chrsitian baptism. Conditional only means, in case you have not all ready received a Christian Baptism, and there is very litle difference in the administration of the Sacrament.

My question is, what should I do now? I’ve been reading about the RCIA and also reading the Catechism, but I feel nervous about just going to the local church specifically to talk to a priest. I’d sort of like to drop by to a mass to get a feel for the church and then perhaps approach a priest afterwards, would that be acceptable? Also, what would be expected of me during mass, as I’m not a catholic and don’t know what to do?

 Really good questions:tiphat: 

 Sure, attend a Mass (and just do what everyone else is doing.) But know that you can't receive Catholic Holy Communion until you become a Catholic. Nothing to be worried about. You might wish to sit towards the rear of the Church until your moe comfortable? You can, at your option sit, when the others kneel if you so desire.

I’m really nervous about being accepted and worried I will be looked down on (I don’t have a specific reason, perhaps just a fear that as a young woman I might not have any like-aged peers at the church, or that because I’m young older people might dismiss me), so please help me take this next step.

Luke Chapter 15: verse "4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance

This bible verse explains how Jesus feels about you comming home. And, dear friend, we feel the same way!:) 

 I will ease your path by praying for you! Your making the right decission, go for it:D 

 I have taught RCIA for three years. We can't wait for you to join us.

 Love  and prayers my friend!

 Lord please grant courrage, wisdom and fortitude to this young soul that you have brought into this world precisely, to know you, to love you and to find peace and joy on you. Amen!:clapping: :extrahappy: