Catholic? What to do?

Question

Hi, I know this is probably a stupid question, however. I was baptised a Catholic but have never really been to church until my grandmother's funeral a week ago and now I am really interested in learning more about the religion. I am just not sure how to go about it. Do I just turn up to church and talk to the priest, or study the bible on my own. Also how do you know what church to go to?

I have a lot of questions.

Answer 1

Since you are a Baptized Catholic, you do not need RCIA. Simply begin attending weekly Mass and read the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH on your own time.

And yes, read the Bible as well. Any questioned, DEFINITIVELY consult a priest.

As far as which Church to go to, just starting attending Mass at any local Catholic Church in your area.

Also, follow this link: http://www.amm.org/chss.htm
This is the homepage to a free Catholic home study service. They offer seven (actually, I think it's eight now) courses on various aspects of Catholicism - one of them being Catholic Interpretation of the Bible. Having taken three of these courses myself, I highly recommend them. It costs nothing, you go at your own pace, you can keep the books they send you, and they even through in a nice certificate acknowledging completion of each course.

Answer 2

Call your local Catholic Church and ask how you can receive instruction in the Catholic Faith. The RCIA class for adults started last September, but they may be willing to let you in and just catch you up to everybody else.

Studying the Bible on your own is perfectly acceptable, but difficult as it is a very complex book that was NOT written in English or during our cultural time.

Generally, people go to the Catholic church nearest to their home, but you can go to any Catholic church you like. Every priest is different, so sometimes people try out different parishes until they find one that has a priest they really "click" with.

Answer 3

I agree with most of the above that an RCIA is a good place to start. These follow the liturgical year (more closely, the school year), and so usually begin in the fall with Q&A sessions that are really just open times to explore. In my experience, these sessions have been "no pressure." Come and ask, come and listen, come back if you want to.

While the Catholic Church's teachings do not change by parish, the caliber of the RCIA programs do, in part because of the expertise of the instructors. Also, you'll find that seminarians or theological students tend to LOVE inquiry of any shape and form, especially if you stump your priest or formation minister. By the way, even priests sometimes get some nuances wrong.

THere are a number of excellent books by Dave Armstrong, Scott Hahn, and Karl Keating.

Answer 4

Pastor Billy says: take a look through my question and answers, also email me for additional online resources.
You can also listen to Catholic radio I'll list some sites below and go to your nearest parish office and talk to the priest to see if he has any literature you could purchase explaining the faith, buy the Catechism of the Catholic Church and start reading.
Finally find out about RCIA rite of Christian Initiation for Adults if you'd like to learn about the Catholic faith in a group setting, good stuff for those who have not been practicing for awhile as well as non-Catholic wanting to discern becoming a Catholic

Answer 5

You'll want to hook up with an RCIA class. This is an adult "bible school" type class, held weekly. Each church has a different one, so you'll want to check at your local parish to find out when they're held. Also, you can show up at the Rectory, or call to talk with the Priest. Priests are very helpful people, so don't be nervous about this.

Answer 6

Go to a church and talk to a priest. Ask how to go about being a Catholic. Ask if you need to be baptized as Catholic. You didn't indicate if you were born Catholic. Catholics go to church to hear Sunday mass every Sunday. ALso, they celebrate Immaculate Conception every Dec 8th and Mother Mary's birthday on Sept. 12 and Chritmas, Christ's Child's bday, Dec. 25th, among other holiday of obligation....

Answer 7

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 8

You would ask at your local Catholic church about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.). It is classes about Catholicism for people who may be interested in converting. It sounds as though you've been baptised, but never had Catholic education or First Communion or Confirmation, so this would be the place to start.

Answer 9

Get a King James Bible and start in the New testament in the Book of John and go. That is the only way that you will find a church that follows a bible. A fundamental or independent Baptist church are the ones that follow the closest.

Answer 10

There are two excellent books- The Everything Catholicism Book and Catholicism for Dummies (seriously).

They both give wonderful overviews of the Catholic faith.
I am sure any priest would be happy to answer any questions you have and point you to other helpful resources.

I am sorry for any ignorant "anti-Catholic" responses you may receive.