Maybe I Could Be a Catholic?

[Stump]

I don't know what I am. I have spent so much time studying religion, more specifically Christianity extensively for the last 3-4 years. I've went from being a fundie member of a independent baptist church to an agnostic, but I still believe there may be truth in the Gospel. I just got so fed up with all the different protestant denominations preaching different versions of "the Truth." I told a friend last night if I got back into Christianity, it would be with the RCC...for at least they have a sense of order and and uniform theology. I would love to speak with a local priest and ask him some questions, maybe I'll call and see if a meeting would be possible. Evangelize me DU Catholics!!! Why should I convert to Catholicism?

[rug]

1. You'll feel better!

:D

Start here for some background:

http://www.chnetwork.org

Just drop in your nearest church, attend a Mass, peruse the bulletin and check out the literature in the back of the church.

Then just call the parish office. They'll be happy to set you up an appointment.

"Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi

[chieftain]

2. The Catholic Mass is a truly moving ritual, especially

when sung. It embodies the key concepts of Christianity and is practiced and therefore accessible throughout the world.

[tjwmason]

3. I'm with chieftan - the Mass.

It's probably worth trying a few different parishes, because Mass is often celebrated in slightly different ways. Also try different Masses in the same parish, there are usually a number of Sunday Masses (including Saturday evening, a tradition we inherited from Judaism) which often have a different character - whether they are sung or said, quiet or family orientated &c.

You should feel free to go along to Mass and see what it's like. Don't worry about people noticing that you don't know all of the "actions", just follow the general behaviour of most of the congregation (they probably do different things too) as you feel appropriate - even in the very traditional Latin Mass I usually attend, people don't bother what others do as long as it doesn't disturb others.

Also, definitely meet with a Priest - contrary to popular myth, I've always found the vast majority to be very welcoming and open. It's impossible to do any pastoral work without seeing individuals at all stages in life, and particularly in their faith journeys.

[Two Americas]

4. the history and intellectualism and deep spirituality

You say you have spent much time studying Christianity, as have I. For me, the Catholic church is a centuries-old ongoing discussion by the best minds that ever were, highly intellectual and sublimely inspiring and challenging. It is a universe of spirituality and intellectualism to explore. I think that the things you have found missing in other places you will find in abundance in the Church. There is no rush to "arrive" at "the" answer. Greater minds than yours or mine have struggled with this for centuries. It is a journey that will keep unfolding in front of you and a vista that keeps expanding.

I would say that there is no right or wrong way or right or wrong place to start. The priests are busy, overworked, and distracted these days. Just keep seeking and asking. The most interesting Catholics are found out doing the work - in elder care, calling on the sick, working with the poor - in my experience.

This is just my personal view, not to be taken as anything authoritative.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

5. I am with you.

I converted a couple of years ago. I just feel like CAtholicism follows how I believe more. Let me tell you, when I was in RCIA, I learned that the bible is a nice guidebook, but when taken literally, you get a little nutso. I really liked that. And there are tons of books to read and there is actually a written belief structure. I really liked that. It seems more consistent.
Duckie

[Stump]

6. Thanks for the help guys...

I will continue on my journey, maybe attend a Mass soon. I just feel like if Christianity is true, it's hard not to imagine the Catholic Church as the true church. A lot of history to back that up.

[WildEyedLiberal]

7. I think you should definitely call a priest.

I converted to the Catholic faith six years ago. I had no family who were Catholic and my town has a negligible Catholic population. I put off calling the priest for six months because I was afraid such a small church would be insular and suspicious of strangers. Not so! He was extremely gracious and welcoming and more than happy to meet with me and have a talk about the faith, and entertain my questions, hopes, and fears. Our church was so small that my RCIA class consisted of me and the Father, meeting for about an hour every week. I think it delighted him to have someone interested in the church, since conversion is fairly rare in my town. And if you live in a bigger city with a larger Catholic population, there will almost certainly be other seekers interested in exploring the faith as you are. It can be really helpful to have someone to share that journey with.

So definitely call a priest. He will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and tell you all about the RCIA process. Also, remember that there's nothing bad about starting the RCIA process and then deciding it's not for you. You're not technically a Catholic(tm) until the priest confirms you, after which we've got you for life :P So it can't hurt to check it out.

Good luck on your faith journey!

[knitter4democracy]

8. Don't forget the Eastern Orthodox Church.

I have nothing against the RCC, but Hubby and I grew up in the Nazarene church and found that the Orthodox Church was a much better fit for us. See if you can visit a local Antiochian or OCA parish (the ones most likely to be in English). It's too bad you missed Easter today--that's the highlight of our year.

[Joe Chi Minh]

9. Aldous Huxley said the same. Can't beat the "brand leader".

If you want fine ideas, Buddhism, Taoism, Vedanta are great. But if you're sensitive to good vibes and bad vibes, and want to feel love and peace as a gift of God, and accept that you'll be infuriated to be part of a bloody, sweaty, petty and magnificant humanity, become a Catholic, because there's no-one madder or more magnificant than an Irishman - he might be lapsed and currently leaning on a shovel in the road, though.

It's also a very supernatural church. It has to be, otherwise its maddening maelstrom of parochialism and catholicity would drive you barmy, and right away from it.