How do I become Catholic?

Question

I want to become a Catholic. The problem is that I don't go to church. my parents used to go to church, but they stopped along the line. I did not get baptized, for some reason, when I was a baby. I remember that my strict Baptist aunt kept trying to get my mother to baptize me. I tried asking my parents to bring me to church twice before. Both times they said they were thinking about it, but they never mentioned it again and I did not bother to ask again. I am sort of embarassed to ask them to bring me to church because they probably think it's strange for me, a teenager, to ask them to bring me to church. I have no other means to get to church. Also, I went to a funeral service onetime and I was so nervous because I didn't know any of the prayers or anything. So I am sort of afraid to go to church. I also have little knowledge of the Bible and other religious matters, but I have to start somewhere.

Answer 1

Start going to Mass and just keep going until RCIA starts again in Sept (I think that's when they generally start) and then go along with the classes and you can become a full member next Easter but until start going to the Masses most definitely. You absolutely should start by talking to a priest first (call the office and set up a time to speak with one) so he can make sure that there is not a reason that you can not wait (health issues or something).

Answer 2

to be entered into the church and be able to receive all the sacraments you will need to take rcia classes.go to the parish priest or you can call on the phone. don't be afraid because you don't know the prayers and other things right now,you will become more acquainted with them in the process of becoming catholic. explain to the priest your position and he will direct you accordingly or if you have a catholic friend/relative nearby that could go with you for support ask them to go with you. you are allowed to take the missaletes from church home(ask permission),these books contain the prayers you will be saying at mass,as you begin feel free to go to mass and observe. try sitting at the back so you can see everything and try follow along when possible-do not go up for communion until you have completed your classes though,you will see why during your classes. pick up your bible when you can and read through,20 minutes is all you need so you can reflect and pra about what you read and begin with the four gospels of the new testament,it is easier and introduces you to jesus our savior. here are some sites you can read through during the process,i found them all to be helpful

www.scripturecatholic.com
www.fisheaters.com
www.ewtn.com
www.catholiceducation.org
www.catholicism.about.org
www.newadvent.org
www.salvationhistory.com
the new american bible is a good translation and is the one used in the liturgy, find a catholic edition bible if you can-the catholic bible has 73 books whereas the protestant bible has 66,the sites will explain these things to you in more detail. god bless and good luck in your journey.

Answer 3

If it's just a matter of being able to get transportation, do you have public transportation or friends who can give you a ride? If your parents aren't supportive of your desire to pursue your spiritual interests, you probaly won't get help from them. You can keep pressing, and I actually think you should since it's best to be honest with your parents, but let them know that if they don't take you you will find other ways. About the only way to become Catholic is to talk to a priest about taking conversion classes, then after taking those you get baptized and recieve your first communion, give your first confession, and then there's a few other requirements.

If you can't get to a church, you can research Catholicism. www.catholic.org is a good resource, and there are links there to other sources too. You won't be an official Catholic in the eyes of the church, but you can be one in your heart until you can get to a church. And really, the heart is all that matters.

Answer 4

Call your local church and tell them that you're interested in RCIA courses. Those are the courses that all potential Catholic converts must take. There's no obligation to convert if you take the classes. You will also need to be baptized. Don't be afraid. The classes will help a lot, and they'll walk you through the steps of both undergoing the rites of Baptism and Confirmation, and understanding Catholic teachings. You'll learn the prayers and everything. Talk to a priest. He'll be glad to help you out.

Answer 5

Contact your local Catholic Church, & see if they have an RCIA(Rite of Christian Initiantion of Adults)programme there, & if not, which Church would have one.

When you get the info., make arrangements to join, & start up in September.

This year's RCIA is just rapping up, as new Catholics which undergo RCIA teachings, get Baptized & receive their First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday.

Answer 6

Contact your local church and ask about RCIA. Also ask about being able to be picked up by a local family and taken to mass. A lot of carpools exist for elderly and handicapped memebers who otherwise couldn't make it. You can probably hop a ride with them.

When you become Catholic you are sent to a series of classes. They are to help you understand the Catholic faith and traditions, and to make sure you are making the right decision for you. They are held for about six months, usually starting in advent and at then end you are baptized, confirmed and recieve your first communion on Easter. RCIA is merely a way to help people in the faith, and to set up support systems so that you are not totally on your own.

So yes, contactyour local church. Even via email. Many will be happy to help you and a lot of large churches can even supply you with materials if you are lacking money. They can help with instruction and make sure you can go to mass.

Don't be afraid to ask.

Answer 7

Go to your local Catholic Church, go to the Pastoral office and tell them you would like to become a Catholic. They will enroll you in what is called RCIA, its a class to learn about the Catholic Church . At the end of this class(1 year) you will be baptized, confirmed and be able to receive the Eucharist. I will be baptized next Easter. Please email me if you have any questions. God Bless

Answer 8

If you'd like to hang out a a great group of friendly people and get your questions answered one at a time try the Catholic Spitfire Grill in Yahoo Groups.

A good book to read that is written from the perspective of a former Baptist is Crossing the Tiber by Steven Ray.

If you'd rather do your own research, try these websites:

http://www.biblechristiansociety.com/... (free audio downloads)

http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/index2...

http://www.chnetwork.org/

http://www.ewtn.com/

http://www.scripturecatholic.com/...

Answer 9

AMEN - you have to start somewhere!! Do you have any friends at school or in the neighborhood who attend a Catholic church? another venue would be to search the web for a parish nearest your home and strike up a convrsation. they probably know some families in the area who would be more then happy to pick you up for mass. never be afraid to walk into any true church -- God loves all His children. while i'm Catholic, i've gone to various denominations with friends and such....

Answer 10

Is there no way you can walk to a church? if not, you could call a church near you and they could hook you up with someone near you who could give you a ride. Keep in mind to be a Catholic, or any other religion, you have to accept their teachings and beliefs. Being a teen has nothing to do with it. It will not be easy to do this without your parents help, but it is possible.

As a cradle Catholic, feel free to email me with any questions.