My journey to the Roman Catholic Church

[Sundance]

Hey, everyone! I've been thinking about my faith lately, and I think I want to convert to Roman Catholicism. I mean, if their Church has indeed been around for 2,000 years, then Roman Catholics as a faith community do possess credibility being the mother church of modern Christianity. I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

 

[atpollard]

Hey, everyone! I've been thinking about my faith lately, and I think I want to convert to Roman Catholicism. I mean, if their Church has indeed been around for 2,000 years, then Roman Catholics as a faith community do possess credibility being the mother church of modern Christianity. I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

At the risk of stepping in where I do not belong (as a non-Catholic) I suggest finding a local Catholic Church as an important early step ... setting aside the nuts and bolt details that someone will answer for you, you will need actual people to fellowship with if you are going to grow and thrive.

[As a side comment, I was converted from Atheism to Christianity at a Charismatic Catholic Church ... so nothing but gratitude from me to the Catholic Church.]

 

[leibowde84]

Hey, everyone! I've been thinking about my faith lately, and I think I want to convert to Roman Catholicism. I mean, if their Church has indeed been around for 2,000 years, then Roman Catholics as a faith community do possess credibility being the mother church of modern Christianity. I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

Talk to a Jesuit Priest. I went to Jesuit High School, and they are the most easy to talk to, intelligent, well-informed, modern thinking members of the clergy, imho. They are all about theology too, but they also try to look at it in a more realistic way ... or at least that was certainly the impression I got from them.

 

[Rival]

What about Orthodoxy?

 

[leibowde84]

What about Orthodoxy?

Isn't it pretty similar?

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

Hey, everyone! I've been thinking about my faith lately, and I think I want to convert to Roman Catholicism. I mean, if their Church has indeed been around for 2,000 years, then Roman Catholics as a faith community do possess credibility being the mother church of modern Christianity. I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

You could try investigating an Orthodox Church as many of those (the Greek one in particular) have ties back to the same mother Church as Catholicism.

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

What about Orthodoxy?

Oh wow. Snap!!

 

[Rival]

Isn't it pretty similar?

Not really once you go in depth with it. Many theological differences. I don't, however, pretend to speak for the Orthodox Church and you're better going to @well named or a good book.

 

[Sundance]

Talk to a Jesuit Priest. I went to Jesuit High School, and they are the most easy to talk to, intelligent, well-informed, modern thinking members of the clergy, imho. They are all about theology too, but they also try to look at it in a more realistic way ... or at least that was certainly the impression I got from them.

Really? I have heard that of Jesuits.

 

[Sundance]

You could try investigating an Orthodox Church as many of those (the Greek one in particular) have ties back to the same mother Church as Catholicism.

Eastern Orthodoxy was another cool denomination looked into briefly, so I think you are correct in that.

 

[lovemuffin]

I see I got tagged but I don't want to tell anyone to check out the eastern orthodox churches in the Catholic DIR. It might be like the great schism all over again

I do think if you dig around, you'll find that it's a a bit of an oversimplification (both for the Roman church as well as the Orthodox) to suggest that it's been the "same" church for 2000 years, but I also think that the recognition of the value of tradition that is found in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is something that is worth exploring. That 2000 years of tradition is meaningful. There is a lot of spiritual wisdom to be found in the writings of the saints, both east and west, over that time period, which gets devalued due to "sola scriptura" and the modern western Christian tendency to neglect those sources. I think there is a lot of value in the approach to spiritual life which can be found in ancient Christianity. There is sometimes a surprising difference in point of view, or in focus, which I think is a nice counterpoint to the modern presuppositions about what it is to be Christian, or to have faith, or to live a Christian life, and etc.

 

[leibowde84]

Really? I have heard that of Jesuits.

I'm confused. So you agree?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Wait. Orthodox is Catholic. The Roman Catholic Church accepts them as such.

I see I got tagged but I don't want to tell anyone to check out the eastern orthodox churches in the Catholic DIR. It might be like the great schism all over again

I do think if you dig around, you'll find that it's a a bit of an oversimplification (both for the Roman church as well as the Orthodox) to suggest that it's been the "same" church for 2000 years, but I also think that the recognition of the value of tradition that is found in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is something that is worth exploring. That 2000 years of tradition is meaningful. There is a lot of spiritual wisdom to be found in the writings of the saints, both east and west, over that time period, which gets devalued due to "sola scriptura" and the modern western Christian tendency to neglect those sources. I think there is a lot of value in the approach to spiritual life which can be found in ancient Christianity. There is sometimes a surprising difference in point of view, or in focus, which I think is a nice counterpoint to the modern presuppositions about what it is to be Christian, or to have faith, or to live a Christian life, and etc.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

This is from my personal experience. I would talk to a priest first. Make an appointment and talk about your intentions. I did that and the priest told me to wait and I didnt. Catholicism, Eastern and Roman, are devotional faiths. You set your life to the Eucharist. Also, go to confession on a non busy day with a priest you trust. He will not absolve you, and you will get the feel of asking forgiveness with the elder of the Church.

Another thing is read the Bible and Catechism (not in full before confirmation, of course) that will help guide you. The CCC is well written and simple language.

Id say go for it. Id look into Othorodox Catholic first since they were before Romans and they split.

Hey, everyone! I've been thinking about my faith lately, and I think I want to convert to Roman Catholicism. I mean, if their Church has indeed been around for 2,000 years, then Roman Catholics as a faith community do possess credibility being the mother church of modern Christianity. I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

 

[Shiranui117]

If you are drawn to the Roman Catholic Church, then go find your local parish, ask to speak with the priest, and ask about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). RCIA is the course for those interested in converting to the Catholic Church--I myself went through it five years ago. Don't worry--it's free, and you'll have a sponsor to answer any questions you have, pray for you, be a sounding board for you, and just be there to support you in your journey of discernment.

Orthodoxy is an option that you should indeed be aware of, and explore both Catholicism and Orthodoxy if you feel so inclined. Both of those churches have been around for 2,000 years, and neither are going anywhere anytime soon. Plus, it never hurts to be informed

However, should you feel inclined towards the traditions of Orthodoxy, towards the liturgical, spiritual and theological traditions of the East, know that there are also Eastern Catholics out there--we are autonomous churches that have all the same traditions, Saints, liturgical rites, theology and spirituality of the Eastern or Oriental Orthodox, while being in full communion with the Pope of Rome, and holding to all the doctrines of the Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church is only one independent Catholic Church out of 23 in total--the other 22 are all Eastern Catholic, and as a Catholic, you would have full and complete access to all of them! I as a Byzantine Catholic attend Mass, receive Confession and receive the Eucharist at a Roman Catholic Church while I'm at university due to convenience, but at home, I attend Divine Liturgy, receive Confession and receive the Eucharist at my home Byzantine Catholic parish, and this is completely normal, and even commonplace.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Hey, everyone! I've been thinking about my faith lately, and I think I want to convert to Roman Catholicism. I mean, if their Church has indeed been around for 2,000 years, then Roman Catholics as a faith community do possess credibility being the mother church of modern Christianity. I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

Here are a couple good links if interested.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
US Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Questions about RCIA)

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

[columbus]

I feel like I need to find that peace that the Bible talks about, and Christ is nudging me saying, "come and be with me". I want to but I wouldn't know where to start.

Hey DJ.
I was born and raised in a profoundly Catholic family. Two of my uncles are big deal priests, "Monsignors". I am still more connected to the local RCC than any other church.

I have, as my Catholic friends put it," a C engraved on my heart".

Frankly, I wouldn't put much effort into learning about the theology and history until you know you are comfortable with the local congregation. They vary a good deal.
Spend a weekend or two going to each of the Masses. Get there early and stay after to chat and observe. Look for congregational events and "volunteer opportunities" and other ways to get to know people. It is a community. You might comfortably fit in, but if you don't no amount of transubstantiation or tickets to heaven are going to help.
One of the main reasons I like the local RCC is because they have this town's most kickass Peace and Justice committee. But YMMV. The Church in your area might be completely different. You probably have very different goals for your involvement.

I think I have a rather unique perspective on the subject of RCC. I'm happy to discuss it. But it is not UU with ancient traditions. It is a primitively organized institution grappling with the 21st century. This makes things complicated for many newcomers.

Tom

 

[Sundance]

Hey DJ.
I was born and raised in a profoundly Catholic family. Two of my uncles are big deal priests, "Monsignors". I am still more connected to the local RCC than any other church.

I have, as my Catholic friends put it," a C engraved on my heart".

Frankly, I wouldn't put much effort into learning about the theology and history until you know you are comfortable with the local congregation. They vary a good deal.
Spend a weekend or two going to each of the Masses. Get there early and stay after to chat and observe. Look for congregational events and "volunteer opportunities" and other ways to get to know people. It is a community. You might comfortably fit in, but if you don't no amount of transubstantiation or tickets to heaven are going to help.
One of the main reasons I like the local RCC is because they have this town's most kickass Peace and Justice committee. But YMMV. The Church in your area might be completely different. You probably have very different goals for your involvement.

I think I have a rather unique perspective on the subject of RCC. I'm happy to discuss it. But it is not UU with ancient traditions. It is a primitively organized institution grappling with the 21st century. This makes things complicated for many newcomers.

Tom

Tom, I think the Roman Catholic Church is amazing in general in terms of peace and justice! In addition, I very much appreciate your perspective on the Church, which begs me to ask: how do Roman Catholics see war?

 

[columbus]

Tom, I think the Roman Catholic Church is amazing in general in terms of peace and justice!

Why do you think that?
Tom

 

[Sundance]

Why do you think that?
Tom

I just see the Roman Catholic Church as the largest charity organisation in the world (correct me in I'm wrong on that). Plus with doing their share of increasing the peace in the world, they (to me, at least) are on top of it.