The decision to become a Catholic is certainly important and well thought out, but it is relatively simple to put into practice, despite taking some time. It's easy to take the first step to join the oldest Christian institution in the world - the church is waiting for you! Here's how to start this journey.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Introspection
Step 1. Sit down with yourself for a serious chat
Becoming a Catholic will change the rest of your life. It's not like deciding to become a hippo or putting a Y on your driver's license to become an organ donor. This choice will become part of you and is not something you can take lightly. Sure, there are fairy lights at Christmas and so on, but these things certainly can't be the basis of your faith (even if they are cute).
- Do you know the teachings of the Catholic Church well enough that you can say that you wish to be a part of it? If the answer is yes, great! Keep reading. If, on the other hand, you are not so sure, ask a friend or a member of the clergy for information. Plus there is always the internet!
- Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the true Messiah? Do you believe in the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Do you believe in the Virgin Mary and in transubstantiation? Yes? Very good! Go on.
Step 2. Read the Bible and the Catechism
The Catechism (you probably know what the Bible is, huh?) Is essentially a set of instructions for Christians presented in the form of questions and answers. It just might be the resource you need to fully convince yourself!
True, the Bible is very archaic, it can be difficult to understand and it is VERY long. If time is not on your side, read the book of Genesis and the Gospels. This will give you an idea of the creation story and the story of Jesus. Also, when you talk to a priest about your interest, it will quickly become clear that you have already studied something
Step 3. Be aware of your circumstances
If you have no experience with the Catholic Church, you will have to go through the entire process as outlined in this article - that is, attend catechism classes and receive the entire consecration at the next Easter Vigil (Baptism, Confirmation, etc.). If you have already been baptized but have not received any other sacrament, or if you have previous connections with the church, then your path may be a little different.
If you have been baptized and nothing more, it may not be necessary for you to attend catechism classes. It all depends on your education and wishes. Most baptized people go through a much shorter process of inquiry and reflection and can attend church every Sunday
Part 2 of 4: Finding the Right Church
Step 1. Visit the Catholic churches in the area
It's not that hard - look for them in the yellow pages under the heading "Churches" or take a walk around your neighborhood. Catholic churches are beautiful large buildings with a cross on the roof. Alternatively, do a search for churches on the internet and consult the times of their Masses.
Sure, finding one is good, but finding 4 is great. Think of churches the same way you would think of college. They offer you an education, but they are different from each other. One church can leave you unsatisfied, while in another you may feel right at home. If you haven't found one yet that can speak to your heart, keep looking
Step 2. Attend Mass
You would never buy a new car without trying it first, right? Going to church is not a privilege reserved for a small elite of Catholics, so attend it! Everyone is welcome and if you decide to go you will not be asked questions. Go with a Catholic friend of yours who can explain when to do things and what they mean. Even if you don't participate in Communion, you will take part in everything else. And no, no one will notice or notice that you didn't take the Eucharist! The church is open to all.
Don't let a special Mass or a particular church influence your decision. Most churches offer a wide variety of functions. Many churches often offer "Masses for young people" or "Musical Masses" as well as Masses in different languages corresponding to the local minority community. Also, whether you like a sermon or not will depend on the priest celebrating Mass at that time. So, look for your church! There are tons of options
Step 3. Pray
Just because you're not a veteran of the Catholic church doesn't mean you can't pray. And it absolutely doesn't mean that God can't hear you! Spend some time of your day on prayer and see how that makes you feel. If it relaxes you or makes a connection on a deeper level, that's a good sign.
When you pray, you don't necessarily have to look for answers. It can be a little chat with someone up there (saints included!) To show your gratitude, to ask for help, or to just relax and savor the moment. You can do it anywhere, anytime, anywhere, through thought, words, songs or gestures
Part 3 of 4: Begin your Path in the Church
Step 1. Contact the parish office of the church you have chosen
Inform them of your desire to convert and that you are on the way! There are group lessons, called RCIA (Christian Initiation Rite for Adults), for all people who wish to convert within a certain period, which offer you a social context that allows you to assimilate this experience. Before starting, however, you must face the "pre-catechumenal" path - which basically consists of talking to a priest, reflecting and attending Mass regularly. It's nowhere near as intimidating as it sounds!
Sometimes churches function like schools in allowing you to join only the one in your geographic area. If you find a church further away and this is the rule in your diocese, ask your local parish to write a letter authorizing you to attend the church you want
Step 2. Talk to a priest or deacon
He will ask you why you want to become a Catholic, and in general he will talk to you to make sure you are sincere in your desire and are aware of what it means to be a Catholic. If you are both ready to move on, then you will begin RCIA classes.
During a Mass, you (and all other people in your "position") will publicly announce your intention through the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Welcome Rite. Don't worry - you don't have to speak publicly. You are no longer in the pre-catechumenal process and you have taken a step forward to be a catechumen
Step 3. Begin Catholic Education Classes (RCIA)
You will learn the history of the church, the beliefs and values of the Catholic church, and the correct order of the celebration of Mass. During this phase, many of the classes will allow you to attend Mass only for the part up to communion, as you will not be able to receive the Eucharist until you have entered the church.
However, you will participate and be involved in so many other ways! You will receive consecrations, participate in prayer and be involved in the community. Plus, your class will become more and more united, doing things on their own time
Step 4. Complete the season with a sponsor
Most RCIA lessons take place for the entire duration of a liturgical cycle. In this way, you have the opportunity to attend and take part in all celebrations, fasts and holidays. At this point, you will be assigned a sponsor - or, if you already have someone in mind, you can choose the person to work with. They are there to help, answering any questions you may have.
During this period, you may be asked to declare your marital status. If you are divorced but have not had the cancellation, you need to get it before you become a Catholic. If you are married, but not in the eyes of the Catholic Church, you may be asked to "remarry," which - believe it or not - can be done by appointment
Part 4 of 4: Entering the Church
Step 1. The period of purification and enlightenment begins
When the end of the liturgical cycle approaches, you will be considered "a chosen one". This is the part where you prepare for three public celebrations: the Rite of Election, the Call to Continue with the Conversion, and the final consecration during the Easter Vigil.
The first two celebrations take place at the beginning of Lent. After 40 days, during the Easter Vigil you will receive Baptism, Confirmation and Communion
Step 2. Become a full Catholic
After the Easter Vigil (a beautiful and truly memorable experience), you are now a proud and esteemed member of the Catholic Church. All your hard work and study have paid off and you are now ready. Welcome!
In case you are curious about the Sacraments, no, you don't have to do anything. Introducing yourself with a smile on your face and good intentions in your heart is all that is required of you. There are no things to memorize, no gestures, no final exam. The church is just happy that you are here. The priest will take care of everything
Step 3. The period of mystagogy begins
Sounds a bit like something magical, don't you think? Technically, it is a lifelong process of getting closer to God and deepening your Catholic belief. Basically, it is a high-sounding term to define the exploration of one's own experience through catechesis, a path that ends near the period of Pentecost.
Some churches may continue with "teaching" (plus guiding you when necessary) for a year. You are still considered a rookie and can ask as many questions as you want! Seriously, they are there to help. After it will be time to get out of the shell to enter heaven
Advice
- The Catholic Church is often identified with guilt and strict rules. After attending some masses and making friends with some Catholics, you will discover that this is an unfair prejudice.
- Pray every evening and every morning. You sure want God to feel loved and welcome!
- Many missals report the order of the Mass with the answers and times to sit, stand or kneel.
- Typically, Catholic churches perform an important service in the community, such as feeding the homeless or keeping company with the elderly or orphans. This is usually the heart of Catholic social events and is a great way to meet other Catholics while providing community service.
- If you have already been baptized in the Trinitarian form "In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost," your baptism is valid and you do not need to be rebaptized. If you have not been baptized, or have been baptized in a non-Trinitarian form, you will need to be baptized in a Catholic church.
- If a part of the Mass or Catholic tradition is unfamiliar or difficult to understand, ask the priest for information or consult the catechism.
- Even if you're just asking for information without being sure you want to become a Catholic, you can consult a priest, deacon, or parish member for answers. They will almost certainly be more than happy to agree on a day and time to talk to you.
- The American Catholic Catechism for Adults (available on Amazon.com, with a red cover) is an excellent introduction to church doctrine and prayer. It is also easy to read. Catholicism for wimp is also a useful reading.
Warnings
- Above all, don't convert for someone else. Convert only if this is truly what you believe in.
- There are many common misconceptions about the church that could make you decide to let it go without verifying its veracity. Find a willing Catholic friend and maybe you can get the answers you are looking for. Alternatively, websites like https://www.catholic.com offer articles and forums for your questions.
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As long as you are not a member of the Catholic Church, you will not be able to receive the Eucharist. It is unlikely that action will be taken against you, but the church requires respect for its own traditions. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and not just bread and wine. Remember that Paul says, "Wherefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks from the cup of the Lord without being worthy will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. For he who ate and drank without being worthy, ate and drank the his judgment on himself, not distinguishing the body of the Lord. " (1 Letter to the Corinthians 11:27, 29).
Instead of receiving the Eucharist, those who have not received First Communion can line up with the people taking Communion and, when they reach the altar, cross their arms over their breasts, with the palms facing their shoulders. This indicates to the priest that you wish to receive a blessing. (Only priests are authorized to give a blessing during communion; in the event that there is no priest to give communion, and you cannot receive the Eucharist, it is better that you remain seated. Nobody will notice and not you will create confusion.)
- The Catholic Church is a structure that has existed for millennia; therefore, it brings with it an enormous baggage of rituals and tradition. If you're not absolutely sure you want to be a part of this, wait to take the final steps until you truly believe. There are some excellent books that talk about other people's path of conversion. Reading these books can help.
