And advice for someone looking to explore the catholic faith -?

Question

Someone who is disillusioned with the evangelical movement and the manipulation of scripture.

What would be the best place to start.

I was baptised as a baby into the catholic church received Communion at 7 yrs and confirmed at 11.

Answer 1

The bible and prayer. You don't need to go from one religiosity to another. Develop a personal relationship and do not depend on other people. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you wont be disapointed.

Answer 2

People like you, who are interested in the Catholic faith can attend free instructional classes/catechesis at their local parish. These classes are called RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

I would suggest calling a local parish about it soon though, as these classes usually begin in the fall and last through Easter of the next year.

You, along with others like you, will be taught everything you wanted to know..and more. There are never any fees, obligations or pressures. If towards the end of your RCIA experience, you decide that the Catholic faith is right for you, then you can choose to come into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. You would be confirmed and receive your first communion, assuming you've already been baptised. If you haven't...they'll take care of that too, all in the same Mass! :)

Also, I would recommend reading "This Is Our Faith" by Michael Francis Pennock...The Catechism of the Catholic Church ... and any book by the Catholic author, Scott Hahn..specifically, "The Lord's Supper: The Mass As Heaven on Earth."

May God bless you on your journey. If you do come home to the Catholic Church, I can assure you that you will never look back. And, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me from my profile page.


*edit*

When I typed my answer, the information about you having been baptised and confirmed wasn't posted at the top. The only thing stated was your question. However, I still think you would benefit from going to RCIA, as it isn't just for non-Catholics...but also for lapsed Catholics who want to come back. Even practicing Catholics sometimes go to learn more about their faith.

Answer 3

The Catechism of the Catholic Church would be the best. It addresses specific questions that you might have about the Church, and it answers them with Truths of the Faith. Talk to a priest, or even read the Lives of the Saints. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions- I'd be happy to help!

Answer 4

Greetings! Praise the Lord for His infinite mercy and grace. I have been down your path before and know what you are feeling. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church in its entirety. Yeah the book is huge but it does an excellent job in summarizing the Catholic faith. I went to the Catechism when I was an evangelical to get official teachings to bash Catholicism. I ended up converting to Catholicism (I agreed with everything in the Catechism) and left my old flawed, yet well meaning protestant group. Contact your local Catholic Church and talk to a priest. He will help you with your journey. Pray to God for guidance and He will lead you to where you need to be.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Answer 5

If you are interested in joining or just learning more about the Catholic Church, contact your local parish and ask about information about their RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Inquiry group.

You can go and ask any questions you want.

This is the first step in joining or rejoining the Church but you can stop at any time.

There is no obligation to become a Catholic.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 6

I honestly think the best place to start is to read conversion stories. I highly recommend Scott Hahn, Steve Ray, Jeff Cavins. I also suggest Patrick Madrid's series of books, "Surprised by Truth". (I think there are a total of three of them.) They are full of different conversion stories.

Monday nights, 8pm, ETWN is a show called "The Journey Home". Each week they have a different convert to tell their story. Amazing!

I am a cradle Catholic, but I've learned so much from my brothers and sisters who have converted to the RCC.

Answer 7

go to a Catholic Parish that is closest to you, and tell them of your interest in wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith. Someone in the office will refer you to classes. In the meantime, I would suggest attending Mass on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, to get a feel of the Catholic Liturgy. Look in the church bulletin to see if there are any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Men's Prayer groups, Youth groups, Single groups, Charismatic groups, et al.

Answer 8

Don't start out with any denomination. Check out independent or non-denominational. OR start a small Bible study group. (even if it starts with one person alone. )
There is a lot of manipulation with the scripture EVEN in the catholic church. (not the word "catholic"of course because catholic means universal. SO universal faith is good as long as it's the truth but the catholic church [as well as other churches] have things wrong with the interpretation of the Word of God to benefit themselves)

Now I DO believe in churches. I just don't want someone to put a period at the end of their belief. (You must believe this way or it's the wrong way.) We all can have growth WITHOUT changing the Word of God.

blessings

p.s. I do have e-mail connection

Answer 9

Explore it here -

http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/ccc_toc.htm

...but you can't really know it from the internet - attend the RCIA course in the nearest Catholic Church, attend their mass regularly, find a Catholic friend, talk to the priests, nuns.

Answer 10

RCIA

"Catechumen," in the early Church, was the name applied to one who had not yet been initiated into the sacred mysteries, but was undergoing a course of preparation for that purpose.

Answer 11

Walk into any Catholic Church and ask to speak to a clergy member. good luck! I was Catholic when I was Christian. It's a beautiful denomination.