I was not born a Catholic, however as I get older I find myself identifying with the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic church. Would I be able to become Catholic, or is this not the done thing?
2006-10-30 00:21:33 · 38 answers · asked by Chickette 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hi there, quite brave to ask this question, with so much animosity about these days.
I feel that you are asking this more from your heart than your head therefore in that respect it`s quite important to you, and you should ignore the be on our team or else brigade.
It is of course your right to become a Catholic, and you should approach a Catholic Priest who will instruct you on the procedure, my Mum was a convert to Catholicism and I know that the procedure is not too difficult.
Remember also, you will still be a Christian, that wont change, so do what you believe is right for you, and close your ears to what I call the armchair critics, it`s your life not there`s.
God bless you, whatever you do.
2006-10-30 00:40:06 · answer #1 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes. I know quite a few people who weren't born Catholic but are now. Here is what you do when you decide to become Catholic.
1. Go to the nearest Catholic church. This will most likely be the one you will attend afterwards. It's best if the church is close. Go to a few masses to see if this is the church for you. If not (and remember, this advice is if you are becoming Catholic) find another Catholic church in your area. I know for my area, there are four for me choose from.
2. Talk to the priest about becoming Catholic. There are classes to help you prepare for the necassary sacraments. RCIA is the adult course I took. It lasts about three months (once a week) and will cover the Catacasm (a book of doctrines. Don't worry, you won't have to memorize it all) and some common prayers.
3. After your classes, you will attend a special mass. Normally held around Easter (though some are held at any time of the year). This mass is for those entering the church. It's very beautiful (and long, just to warn you). Adults are baptized, given first communion and confirmation, depending on what level they are. I was in one just for confirmations, but that all depends.
4. They will ask that you go to church once a week and on holy days of obligation. Don't worry, they don't hunt you down if you don't. They don't hunt you down if you don't follow the rules. You can decide when you attend mass and if you do.
5. It is concidered rude to leave a mass before the priest does. Confession is good for the soul (and you do feel better afterwards. It's going in thats scary).
6. Have fun!
And if you decide to not be Catholic, I suggest at least steps one and two for any religion you decide. After that, steps vary.
2006-10-30 00:37:15 · answer #2 · answered by sister steph 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Over a million adults entered the Holy Catholic Church during the past year. The mission of the Catholic Church, given to it by its founder Jesus Christ, is to "make disciples of all peoples".
Call the rectory (the priests' residence) at any Catholic parish and make an appointment to meet with a priest. He will help you get started. The process is simple. You would participate in an informal series of instructional classes called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program, which provides basic information on all essential aspects of the Holy Catholic Faith. At the conclusion of the program you would be baptized (if you are not already validly baptized), receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time, receive the sacrament of Confirmation, and be accepted as a member of the Catholic Church. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your quest for truth.
2006-10-30 01:03:21 · answer #3 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is absolutly possible to become a Catholic at any time in life.
You will find that the catholic Church is a faith filled community of believers in which the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, teh love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is ever present. The catholic Church has many Sacraments in which a person can participate and receive grace from God. Where else can a person receive teh Body and Blood of Christ EVERY DAY of the year and develop a strong personal relationship with Christ.
As others have said, the first step is to go to the parish office and tell them that you are interested in bedoming Catholic. You will talk to the pastor or the person in charge of religious education. There is a class called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiatoion for Adults). You will go to Mass every Sunday (Sunday Mass attendence is a rule of teh Catholic Church) and after the Scripture readings, you will go with your sponsir (a practicing Catholic) to discuss the readings and to learn about Cathoic teaching and tradition.
The classes can last almost a year. You will learn about the Catholic faith and begin your own personal faith journey. If you have already been baptized with water and in the nae of the father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you will not need tobe baptized again since you are already a Christian. You will just make your profession of faith, and receive thte Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the catholic Church. I am joyful that you are considering becoming a memeber of the Catholic Church.
2006-10-30 00:56:02 · answer #4 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. Go to a Catholic Church and ask about the R.C.I.A. program for adults entering the Catholic Church. That is like a class in which you learn about the teachings and traditions of the Church and gives you a period of self searching. It basically summarizes all that young Catholics learn in First Communion and Confrimation class into one course for adults.
After doing the R.C.I.A. program you will be baptized and receive first communion and confirmation in one go. This usually takes place around Easter. Find out from your local parish priest when you need to sign up for the R.C.I.A. program.
I wish you all the best.
2006-10-30 00:33:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question is have you routed out the sources of catholic beliefs? Are you aware for example that such beliefs as immortality of the soul, hellfire and the trinity are not bible teachings and vital principles of the catholic religion are based on tradition instead of the bible? I say study the UNEDITED direct translation of the holy scriptures (if you need help finding out how, email me, ill be happy to advise you further) then make your mind up according to what you have learned. Thats what i believe anyway :)
2006-10-30 00:54:27 · answer #6 · answered by __razor__ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be catholic you need to receive baptism with the catholic ceremony. Find a catholic church and talk to the priest
Ciao G.
2006-10-30 00:37:10 · answer #7 · answered by G. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church welcomes new mmbers. Your nearest church probably runs a course known as RCIA. This leads to becoming a full member of the church. There's no compulsion and you can drop out if you decide its not for you.
2006-10-30 00:27:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
An excellent book is 'Catholicism dummies' It explains all the churches practises and beliefs in simple terms like all the dummies books!
The church will welcome you with open arms. Yes it is the done thing if its what you choose.
Welcome! I was not born a Catholic either!
2006-10-30 06:19:20 · answer #9 · answered by Nicola H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to be baptized. good luck. if you have more questions, feel free to ask me.
by the way, try to read catholic catechism so that you will know to yourself the teachings of the catholic church and not be misled by false information.
also visit this site: newadvent.org
2006-10-30 00:25:22 · answer #10 · answered by Inquirer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋