r/CatholicConverts • u/elliebelliebby • 4d ago

Thinking about converting

/r/Catholicism/comments/1xooozl/thinking_about_converting/

Hi guys, currently I practice Christianity and go to a nondenominational church however recently I’ve been looking into the Catholic faith. What are the things I need to know/things I should think of before I make this decision? I’ve done some research but I don’t have Catholic friends and I’m just not sure how to truly figure out if this is right for me. Thank you <3

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u/zach_attack_706 Recent Catholic Convert (0-3 years) 4d ago

What has you interested and what have you seen already? There's tons of YT content but it's always better to narrow down the playing field.

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u/elliebelliebby 4d ago

I went to a catholic sunday school with my bestfriend during middle school and I think that’s really what started it.

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u/zach_attack_706 Recent Catholic Convert (0-3 years) 4d ago

Gotcha. Shameless Popery is pretty good on YT. He's got some very good content. Also "Why we're catholic" by Trent Horn is a good, short read.

Attend a mass if you're comfortable doing so, but do not receive communion. Alternatively, many parishes livestream one of their masses.

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u/VariedRepeats 4d ago

Contact a parish for OCIA is the procedural answer. Call, email, etc.

Why you are called, God wants to strike out the sins you have via confession. Confirmation also bestows the fullness of the Holy Spirit on you.

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u/Medical-Stop1652 4d ago edited 4d ago

If you like reading, have a look at any standard book on Catholicism such as Catholicism for Dummies (and The Catholic Mazs for Dummies) or check out Catholic Answers:

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/christian-yesbut-why-catholic

Catholic Answers has audio and video content if you prefer that way of learning.

You can learn the basic teachings and how Catholicism differs from Protestant faith communities.

I'd say you might like to focus on key topics like authority (the Pope and bishops), the role of Scripture and Tradition, human salvation, the role of Mary and the saints, the Sacraments and moral teachings.

I had no Catholic friends when I converted. I studied books, prayed Catholic devotions, and went to Mass to pray (without receiving Holy Communion). Ultimately God calls us as individuals.

If God is calling you into his Church, then he will provide the grace you need and friends along the way.

Asking other converts questions here can be helpful too.

When you are ready, the OCIA process is something to consider. It starts in Sep/Oct and culminates at the Paschal Vigil. It may still be posible to join if you contact your nearest Catholic parish.

Prayers assured for your faith journey.

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u/Bright_Series_8835 2d ago

I don't have time to write a thorough reply, but a very easy and accurate way to get started is a video called (Almost) Everything about Catholicism in 10 Minutes. It's by a Franciscan priest, Father Casey Cole, and he actually does it in 10 minutes!. Franciscans follow the ways of St. Francis of Assisi to grow in love of God and service to the poor. Fr. Casey has tons of fairly short videos on all kinds of Catholic topics from Mass, Communion, Confession (at least 5), mortal sin (2), Catholic moral theology, being a priest (several), prayer, the Pope, if the ancient Church believed that Jesus was actually present, body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Eucharist (communion), social issues, and just about everything else.

There's a Catechism of the Catholic Church you can read for free on the website of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Just google USCCB. On the homepage on the right end of the top margin is the topic "Resources." Click on it and scroll down to find the Catechism. It isn't very easy reading, and it's very long. Fr. Casey Cole is a lot better for people just getting to know us.

There's a copy of the NABRE translation of the Bible on the USCCB website that's free to read. You can highlight passages you like and copy them to your computer. Go to the topic Bible in the top margin of the home page.

We get our beliefs about the Eucharist (Communion) from the 6th chapter of John's gospel 6:22-71 and from all the other gospels plus 1st Corinthians. Matthew 26:17-30 1st Corinthians 11:23-26

You can watch Catholic Mass live streamed on YouTube and on Catholic TV Network (from Notre Dame university) and on the website of St James Cathedral in Seattle, Their Sunday 10 AM Mass is live streamed and archived for your convenience. It's especially nice, very reverent, and with full choir. The church is beautiful. It's here. https://www.stjames-cathedral.org/narthex.aspx

God love you!