The Catholic Religion?

Question

I remember in a prayer that we said at my old church (Methodist) there were the words, "I believe in the Holy Spirit, The Holy Catholic Church, The Communion of Saints..." And I'm wondering, should I consider converting to Catholic? What is different between Catholic and Methodist? What does being Catholic mean for an individual?

Thank you to all who have answered so far. I failed to mention that I am a born-again Christian, although I belong to no specific denomination at this time. Basically, I'm bored with the Churches that preach the same old "you're all going to hell if you don't accept Jesus Christ!" Well, I've done that, so what more is there for me to learn? I know that the Catholic religion is much different from anything I'm used to, and I want to check it out, but I'm kind of nervous about just walking in and saying, "So, how is being a Catholilc working out for ya'll?"

Answer 1

"So, how is being a Catholilc working out for ya'll?"

LOL! I’d pay to see that, lol!

Seriously though, you have a good question. I’m a convert to the Catholic Church, so I know where you’re coming from.

First, you have nothing to worry about if you decide to visit a church and attend a Mass. More than likely no one will bother you or even talk to you that much. It’s because the Mass is a time of prayer and worship. At my local parish, what strikes most new people is the silence. When they walk in, most everyone is either kneeling or sitting in silent prayer, or just sitting quietly while waiting for the Mass to begin. This is out of respect for those who are praying.

The Mass is your time with God, just you and Him. It’s okay if you don’t understand everything because you’re new. You can simply listen in and even say your own prayers to God.

There will come a point in the Mass when everyone stands to receive Holy Communion. The Church graciously asks that non-Catholics do not receive it out of respect for themselves and for the Blessed Sacrament. You can either remain kneeling and pray or go to the priest for a blessing. If you go for a blessing, simply cross your arms over your chest as a sign that you wish to receive a blessing.

What more is there to learn?

As a new Catholic learning the Faith myself, I can tell you there’s plenty. The Faith is a journey. It’s a step everyday in growing closer to God and leaving behind the old ways. Sometimes its easy, most times it’s not. The ultimate, as I see it, is to live by the greatest commandment there is:

You shall love God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength.

I think it will take me the rest of my life to do that, and hopefully I’ll never stop trying.

The Church has 2,000 years of wisdom and history to teach us. Think we’ll ever learn it all? I know I’m gonna try :D.

God bless and take care.

Answer 2

I am Catholic (and a former Methodist- there seem to be a lot of former Methodists in----well I digress-
Catholic in the way you were saying it means ' universal '
I can tell you some of the reason I converted and recommend to you that you attend R C I A classes at a local Catholic Church. The classes do not obligate you to anything. They will answer a lot of questions and help you to understand your own spirituality a little better
I converted because I believe that the Eucharist -Communion- in the Mass is the true body and blood of Christ.. (this is a little oversimplified for this space)
Catholics are Christians- not a separate religion.
The main difference in my opinion is that the Priesthood was passed from one priest to another down through the last 2000 + years and it is the priest who brings
Christ to us in the form of bread and wine during the Mass.
The Methodist have a Communion service that is symbolism of the Last Supper-not the true Body and Blood of Christ.
We hear many negative things about bad priests and the Catholic church is huge and makes the news Chanel fast
Take it from a former Methodist -there is just as much "messing around" in any organization where there are human beings- May God have mercy on their souls.
Ask a Catholic friend or call the local Catholic church and ask about RCIA ---Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Answer 3

If you are already wondering then you probably should explore the possibility of becoming a Catholic. Fod may be guiding you along your journey.

I would say that the main differences between Catholicism and Methodism are the Pope and the Sacraments.

There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church:

The Sacraments of Christian Initiation
+ Baptism: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2.htm#art1
+ Confirmation: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt1art2.htm
+ Eucharist: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt1art3.htm

The Sacraments of Healing
+ Reconciliation: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt2.htm#art4
+ Anointing of the Sick: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt2art5.htm

The Sacraments at the Service of Communion
+ Holy Orders: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt3.htm#art6
+ Matrimony: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt3art7.htm

+ Inquiring about the Catholic Church +

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 4

It's the difference between democrat and Democrat. A democrat is one who believes in democracy, a Democrat is a member of the Democratic party in the United States. Same here, you were saying catholic, meaning "universal" church, as opposed to the Roman Catholic division of Christianity.

Answer 5

That creed when it says "catholic' means "universal". That's all, not the denomination.

I was raised Methodist also. I was not saved. I'm not saying YOU aren't I'm saying I wasn't. I did not get the entire truth from the Meth. church. It wasn't enough. I later read the NT on my own and found a real relationship with God.
I now attend what's called, "Christian Church" which came from the "Restoration movement". These men who were from different churches wanted to get back to the way the church was in the first century, to get back to the word of God OVER the traditions of man.

The RCC teaches Mary worship IE prayers to her, calling her holy, parades for her, statues dressed in fine gowns and precious jewels adorning this statue (Idol), saying she never sinned and never died because she has no sin. Please pray and read your NT for yourself. It changed my life forever.

God bless you on your search. could be God is calling you?
†

Answer 6

catholic is peoples church, most people don't know is that the catholice church was started by man and not of jesus christ.
people got to gether and thought about what religion was and formed the catholic church. so the catholic chusrch is mans religion and not of god but of man

Answer 7

The word, "Catholic" in that creed means, "universal".

The Roman Catholic Church is anything but universal.

You should convert to being a true follower of Jesus Christ just as John and Charles Wesley would want you to do. John and Charles Wesley are the founders of the Methodist Church.

For more information see the links below or call 1-888-NEED-HIM.

Pastor Art

Answer 8

In the Nicene creed, it's 'catholic', not 'Catholic'. The difference is that 'catholic' simply means 'universal', whereas Catholic is a particular brand name.

Answer 9

That is a very complex explanation that cannot be given here. Besides, nobody here, unless he is a priest, is qualified to answer it correctly. You better go see a priest