Lately I feel as if I need to develop a spiritual relationship with God and feel very drawn to explore the Catholic faith. The issue is that I was not raised Catholic and really don't know what to do to procede. Any insight or guidance from practicing Catholics would be greatly appreciated.
2007-10-29 16:28:29 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm a convert to Catholicism. I was raised in the Methodist church. I became Catholic about 10 years ago...it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling journey ever.
The first thing to do is find your local parish. You can use the phone book or go to http://www.masstimes.org and put in your zip code. It will give you the nearest Catholic churches and their mass times.
Contact the parish about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes.The great thing about RCIA is that you learn about Catholicism, about Christianity, about the history of the church. You can ask questions and you'll learn from your leaders and from those around you. You do not have to join the Church in the end if you feel you are not ready, so joining the class in no way obligates you to join the Church. This gives you the ability to learn without pressure.
Also, there are some excellent websites:
http://www.catholic.com
http://wwwchnetwork.org
http;//www.ewtn.com
I entered the Church at Easter Vigil 1997. Little did I know at that time, that it was only the beginning of the amazing revelations of God. He has blessed me in ways I cannot even put in to words. His presence in the sacraments and the abundance of grace poured out on those who choose to be obedient to his commands is every flowing.
Welcome to the start of your true Christian life.
2007-10-30 01:36:30 · answer #1 · answered by Misty 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
["Searching" ... next time someone posts an innocent question wanting to know more about JWs, I'll remember to pop in and recommend an RCIA class to find the fullness of the Christian faith ... oh, wait, that's right, we don't use those tactics]
As many have told you, a phone call to a nearby Catholic church parish office is the first step. They can tell you when the RCIA classes meet, and really all you need to do is show up. There's no charge, and even if the class has already been in session for a while that's okay -- everyone is there to learn more about the faith, and there's usually a way to catch up on whatever you've missed (handouts, videos, etc.)
Along with that, a good resource that's readily available to you is EWTN's network -- web site (below), cable television programming and radio. There are many very informative programs on the latter two, and a wealth of information on the web site.
I'd also recommend going to a Mass, if you haven't already (EWTN televises Mass daily, but it's much better to actually go). Don't worry about knowing all the prayers and responses and when to sit, stand, kneel, etc. -- you'll become familiar with all of it later. But there is great benefit, even at this early stage, to going to Mass even before you're able to receive the sacraments (including Holy Communion). Almost every other convert I've spoken to (I was one, also) says that when they were drawn to the Church, going to Mass felt like coming home.
I pray that it will be for you, as well, and please feel free to e-mail me if you wish.
2007-10-30 01:03:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Rite Of Cristian Initiation for Adults-RCIA
I can't say it better than those loving answers above , except to add that you will love the experience and make friends for a lifetime. The classes are usually quite informal gatherings , relaxed and enjoyable. There is no obligation nor will anyone pressure you to continue if you feel you do not want to.
RCIA is a spiritual journey .
P.S. The Bible is read and Its meaning discussed during Mass every single week !
LOL- my advertisement----"TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT "--lol
2007-10-30 09:05:29 · answer #3 · answered by Bemo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Catholic. Call your nearest local Catholic church and ask when they're having RCIA courses. These are courses that teach basic Catholic doctrine. There's no obligation to convert, but if you do actually go through with conversion (at least in the U.S.), taking RCIA courses is required before undergoing your Confirmation and First Communion.
2007-10-29 23:36:01 · answer #4 · answered by solarius 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The first thing I would do is to contact your nearest Catholic parish. Explain to the priest, or whoever answers the phone, that you feel drawn to Catholicism and ask him/her what your first step would be.
Many parishes have RCIA programs (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). They are for adults who wish to convert to Catholicism, or for Catholic adults who were not raised in a sufficiently devout household and never received Confirmation.
If your nearest parish doesn't have RCIA, they can direct you to a nearby parish that does.
God bless you and be with you during your journey!
..
2007-10-30 13:29:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is a Catholic Church (or you have a friend who is), visit the rectory office and talk to a priest there. He will guide you to what courses you will need to take. If a friend is, ask if you may join them in mass as a visitor and see if it feels right to you. Your friend might even be your sponsor and help you in your studies! I know that is becoming very common lately! And yes, they have bible studies and use the bible all the time!
2007-10-30 00:10:05 · answer #6 · answered by Rev. Kaldea 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
go to a Catholic Church and ask about the RCIA.
lol, just look at what Searching said, "if you want the truth, try ours", isn't that hilarious! it's like what advertisements about products say! no doubt religion is the best business there is!
anyway, I'm not Catholic, but whatever you choose it's really all up to you.
2007-10-29 23:33:17 · answer #7 · answered by Ťango 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
start going to a Catholic Mass and keep going then call the office and ask to set up an appointment with the religious education director and she will help you but the Mass is where you will find Jesus and you will know in your heart for sure then because it sounds like he is definitely calling you. Wonderful and welcome.
2007-10-30 01:10:10 · answer #8 · answered by Midge 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I know that there is alot of areas you can go, but a word of warning. My sisters kids have been getting thier training in the catholic church for the last 10 years, and till this day have not used the Bible in thier training. Sounds like they do not want you to learn what the Bible says, just what they teach.
BE CAREFUL AND TRUST THE BIBLE 2Timothy 3:16-17
2007-10-29 23:58:43 · answer #9 · answered by Mr_Dees_65 4 · 0⤊ 7⤋
http://www.amm.org/chss.htm
2007-10-30 07:06:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋