What should I know if I want to convert to Catholic?

Answer 1

As you can see from some the responses,if you really embrace Catholicism ,which i am convinced is the fullness of Christianity, you will be given scorn by many ignorant people,but joining the Church Jesus founded is worth it.

Contact your local parish and inquire about the RCIA program.
Make an appointment with the priest or RCIA coordinator.
Get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Start going to Mass every Sunday
Watch EWTN especially programs like the Journey Home
Check out Catholic Apologetics sites like Catholic Answers
Build up friendships with commited Catholics
Pray and read the Gospel of John in the New Testament
Go to Catholic bookstores and ask questions and read alot of good books that introduce real Catholicism

Are you divorced and remarried? You may need an annulment.
The Catholic Church is the only one I know that actually takes Jesus' teaching on the permanence and indissolubility of a real and valid marriage seriously.

Answer 2

Much the same things other Christians should know. God created the word, the Son, as Jesus, lived among us, died for our sins, then rose again. The Spirit guides the Church, which is the "body" of Christ in the world. And good believers will have eternal life. Read the Nicene Creed.

As for the nuts and bolts stuff, standing, sitting and kneeling, crossing yourself, don't worry. Full initiation requires baptism (unless you were already baptized in a Trinitarian faith) and they very likely won't do that before you've gone through a course of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

The RCIA is the standard catechetical (teaching) method for converts. You start in an "Inquiry" class, which is simply you asking questions about Catholic beliefs and practices. If you are still interested after a few weeks, you are officially "welcomed" at church and start the regular program, based on the Sunday readings, where you will learn all the details. If all goes well, you'll get to meet the bishop sometime around Lent and probably be fully initiated at the Easter Vigil. By that time, you should be pretty well informed.

Answer 3

If you want to convert just walk into any catholic church and tell them, they'll get you started on classes that will answer all your questions

If your not sure and you want to check things out first, just attend mass. No one there will ever question your right to be there or demand anything of you. If you wish to go up during Communion,
you may freely go, just cross your arms over your chest and the Priest or participator will know to give you a blessing. You are free to participate this way the rest of your life. if down the road you want more from your relationship with the Church just approach someone and say so.
The Catholic Church is nothing like other churches there is no pressure or expectations. a common saying in the Church is "A good Catholic Church should smell like incense and homelessness."

God bless You

Answer 4

First I'd like to say I am Catholic, there are classes, usually free you'll have to attend, they help you really understand the religion and also help in making the decision on whether to convert, but as long as you are already a Christian (Believer In Christ) you'll find we Catholics aren't that different. If you'd like to discuss this further write me at poetry_n_motion58@ yahoo.com.
Good Luck & God Bless

Answer 5

Study the History of the Church from a reliable source, not from "Chick's Tracts" or other Catholic-bashing organizations.

Start going to Mass, and get involved with a prayer group.

Sign up for RCIA, or other Religious Education classes.

Try to make friends with a practicing Catholic. One who goes to mass regularly, and who lives a sacramental life.

Don't let anyone dissuade you from joining the Catholic Church. Chances are, someone in your family is catholic, or a friend of yours is catholic, and there is something in them that has attracted you to Catholicism.

You will be ridiculed and harassed for wanting to join the Church. You will be told horror stories, given Scriptural verses to "prove" the errors of the Catholic faith. Before you decide, talk to a Catholic who is active in the Church. Get both sides of the story. Then decide if the Catholic Church is for you.

Peace be with you.

Answer 6

You don't have to know anything yet.

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 Inquiry group.

You can go and ask any questions you want.

This is the first step in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) but you can stop at any time.

There is no obligation to become a Catholic.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 7

I think you should know that the "bottom line" of Catholic belief is the avoidance of hell through a sufficiently holy life, as opposed to the Protestant view of being totally unable to merit heaven on your own. If you believe the Catholic viewpoint, Mass is a beautiful ceremony, faithful to the Lord, and expresses unity among its believers worldwide. Enjoy.

Answer 8

Well, how do you know you want to convert to begin with, if you know nothing about the religion?

Answer 9

You should reconsider.

...specifically, you should read and study the Bible for yourself and seek out the answer to:

What exactly is the Gospel?

Find out what the Catholics say...find out what Protestants say...and then, ABOVE ALL, search the Bible for yourself and make a wise decision.

Pray to God for wisdom, discernment, and guidance!

God bless.

EDIT:
OK - perhaps the above is a lot of work. If you want to know the truth in condensed form, here you go:
God is holy and perfect.
He commands that all people be holy and perfect.
Nobody is holy and perfect as God is holy and perfect.
So, in God's eyes, all are sinners.
God declares that no sinners will go to heaven.
For God is Just, and sinner must be justly punished.
But, instead of leaving all humans to die and go to hell...
God became man - Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is holy and perfect, for He was and is God.
Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life to pay the penalty of the sins of those who beleive.
All who repent and believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sins.
It is a FREE GIFT from God.
This is called the doctrine of GRACE.
As Ephesians 2:8-10 makes clear, salvation is by grace alone.
We don't "earn" our way to heaven.
It is granted FREELY by God to all who believe.
Thus, salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

THIS is the Gospel...and this is what you need to know before "converting" to Catholicism.

For although what I said above is agreed upon by Protestants (and is confirmed in the Bible), Catholics would disagree.
-

Answer 10

Your catholic bishop is going to tell you to call god Allah,and that your local priest maby molesting your son,.but its OK because all he has to do is say a few Hail Marys and everything will be alright.