Where to start?

[PatienceAndLove]

No big deal. Just thought I’d let everyone know.

Catholig

I join the “I feel daft”

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi everyone,

I’m interested in Catholicism, but I really don’t know how to get started. I’m reluctant to go to Mass because I know nothing about Catholic liturgy, or even what to expect at Mass. I don’t want to make a fool of myself! I was actually thinking of buying “Catholicism for Dummies” just to gain some insight into what Catholicism is all about. I know a little, but not nearly enough.

If you have any advice on how to get started in Catholicism, I would be very grateful!

the book is terrific, and I can’t think of a better “cliff notes” to buy first. Hey, yeah, come on in to Mass, all are invited. Don’t feel bad, half the so-called Catholics don’t know what to do, either, and we are all still learning, still on a journey. You won’t meet any saints there, most likely, but you will rub shoulders with a lot of sinners. Sit in front where you can see, or sit in the back with the cradle Catholics, but come on in. If you feel comfortable you can stand, sit or kneel as others do, but if you do not feel comfortable kneeling you may sit. Of course you will not receive communion until you do decide to come home to the Church, but you will learn most from listening to the prayers of the Mass–the readings of course from scripture, but also the actual prayers, what the priest says, what the people respond. The Church prays as the Church believes, and there is no better way to learn what the Church teaches than by attending Mass. Welcome home.