All Catholics Please Answer This! Thank You :-)?

Question

Hi!
I am a teenage girl who's family is all Protestant. But the fact of the matter is that we never go to Church. I know this may sound odd to some of you, but I really really want to be a part of the Catholic faith and go to this one Catholic church in my small town which I haven't gone to since I was like five. I dont know how my mom will react to this considering she's not really "into" religion and all that. And Im not entirely sure how I can become a Catholic when I am so lost when it comes to all of this stuff. One of the girls in my school is Catholic and tries to tell me things like how all Catholics pray 5 times a day,they wash their hands before they pray, they read the Bible,especially the Rosary, etc. Im not sure if she is right about all these facts so thats what Im here for. I just really want to know how I can become a Catholic and what guidelines do I have to follow to stay that way? Thank you for all who answer this. Its much appreciated! :-)

Answer 1

It is easy. Speak to your parents and then go to the local Catholic parish and ask to attend RCIA classes. May the Lord bless you on your journey home to His Church.

Check my blog out. It tells about my thoughts on coming home after 50 years as a Protestant. Click my profile to get a link.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 2

First of all, your friend is confused and is filling your head with garbage.

Second of all, if you would like to become Catholic, you should visit or call your local Catholic church and ask about the RCIA classes, and when they begin. RCIA stands for: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

You should also go to the book store or library and get a book on Catholocism so you can better understand the overall religion.

RCIA is an adult Catholic program for education and spiritual preparation prior to entry into the Roman Catholic church and community.

This program includes the two initiation sacraments through the rites of Baptism (for those not already baptized Christian) and Confirmation.

Initially, participants will learn the RCIA process and overview of the faith to determine whether this is the step they wish to take. Then participants attend a number of classes and retreats to learn the fundamentals of the Roman Catholic Church before actually becoming Catholic. No one is forced to become Catholic. You can back out at anytime if you feel this is not for you.

As someone who has grown up Catholic, I find the religion fulfilling and mysterious all rolled into one. The biggest difference among Catholics and Protestants is the Holy Communion. When we take the bread and wine at mass, we believe it not just a symbol, but the actual body and blood of Christ.

Also, the Pope is thought to be the direct descendent of the apostle St. Peter (I think it is St. Peter, could be wrong). His role is to guide the flock, or the church.

Also, when you hear us talk about Saints or Mary, we pray to these people to "teach us how to pray" , or to intervene on our behalf, rather than worshipping them as many Protestants will claim. And a Saint is anyone who has gone to heaven.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck in your journey!

Answer 3

If your family isn't into their religion, it shouldn't stop you.

Two years ago, my then 15 yr old son was his best friend's sponsor when he became Catholic. His buddy's family didn't go to church at all. He saw how my son go into his faith and started going to Church with us.

My suggestion is to fins a Catholic whose family will pick you up for Mass if you don't drive- or let you meet them there if you do drive. Many Catholic churches now have a group called Life Teen which is a great way to make friends with kids your age trying to live as Christ wants.

It doesn't sound like your friend is a Catholic- although she is correct that Catholics pray frequently....usually upon rising, before each meal and before bed. Some Catholics ( like myself) join in the prayer of the Church called the Liturgy of the Hours. It's really cool, because everyone who prays it is praying the same thing a t the same time.

We wash our hands after using the bathroom and before we eat....I've never heard of Catholics washing their hands before PRAYER :-) Although, the priest does symbolically wash his hands during Mass.

Yes, Catholic DO read the Bible.

Like I said, find a Catholic friend...they can put you in touch with a priest who can guide you. The process is a series of classes- usually teens are in with the adults who are becoming Catholic. Then the night before Easter you will be received into the Church!

Answer 4

My wife converted to Catholicism when she was 16. She's never regretted that decision. I think your friend may be pulling your leg a little, or they are just things that her family does. But there is no requirement about washing hands before praying, or a requirement to pray 5 times. Praying 5 times can be a good thing to do and I'm sure one can find prayers to support that if wanted.

For your situation, what you really need to do is make an appointment with the Pastor of the church and discuss it with them. They may very well have a program for teens there. It is called RCIA (rite of christian initiation). Your timing is good too, usually RCIA starts up right about now. It goes through Easter. Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday) is when people go through the initiation. It is a beautiful Mass, takes almost 2 hours (lot's of readings from Scripture, etc). God bless you on your journey!

Answer 5

It sounds like your friend is a hard-core Catholic (which is a good thing), but don't feel like you have to do all that stuff right away. Catholics like myself believe that each person has their own unique relationship with God and they should do what their heart tells them to do.

Go talk to someone at the RCIA at your church. Don't believe all of these lies that are spread by the Catholic Church. It is a beautiful faith. We don't worship statues, Mary, etc. We worship God alone.

Don't be scared about what your family thinks. Just tell them it is what you feel most comfortable with, and they'll likely understand

Answer 6

We don't pray 5 times a day and wash our hands before we pray.We do pray, but not specifically 5 times a day. We do read the bible, and pray the rosary. Not all, though. I would talk the the catholic priest. It would be great to join the Catholic faith.

Good luck!

Answer 7

the Catholic Church sponsors a free class called RCIA.
It stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
It will teach you the same things Protestants will, and quite a bit more. Many Protestants believe these traditions distract you from Jesus, or dilute your faith, but I believe they enhance it in a variety of ways.

The main difference between Protestantism and Catholicism is that Catholicism has assimilated alot of traditions from several cultures over the 2000 years it has existed.

The traditions (such as the rosary, and asking Saints to pray for us) are entirely OPTIONAL, but the foundations of Christianity are intact in the Catholic tradition.

You'll probably notice alot of hostility towards you if you tell people you're Catholic, but that's OK. The early Christians were persecuted too.

Good luck

Answer 8

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 9

I left the Lutheran church to become catholic. I left the Air Force to become a catholic monk.

I was actually at the monastery I had chosen, I was quite certain that this is what I wanted to do, but I wanted to pray one last time to God and make sure I was doing His will.

So I climbed up this tall mountain at the monastery to pray, and as I did so, I felt the presence of God. when I reached the top God's presence was so strong. I began to speak intongues, and God told me to move to a certain city. later I discovered that the catholic church was hiding truth. While they believe in tongues and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they do not tell people about it. So I left the catholic church.

You can read more of my story here:

http://www.kingdom-gospel.com/testimony.html

Answer 10

guidlines to stay Catholic?

I can´t think of any guidlines, just stay that way and you won´t regret it.

They say you become an adult when you start to do what you think you have to, not just what´s the easiest or what other people think of you. Usually when people see that you beleive in what you´re doing and you´re confident, without wanting to prove anything then they will repect that. And what is better than knowing that you´re doing the right thing?

all the best.