I want to go to a Catholic Church...

I will try and give you some pointers. I am a convert myself.

First off if you are considering converting you will need to contact the Director of Religious Education in your local parish. Just call the church and ask for the DRE. You can set up an appointment with them. They will basically assess where you are at in your conversion and probably get you started in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). This is the formal process of instruction for those entering the church. Generally speaking they start around this time of the year and will end when you are enter the Church as a full member at Easter(awesome experience!).

Depending on where you live you may have a choice of parishes to attend. You should check out a couple of different ones. Some are more traditional some more comteporary. Find one that where you will feel comfortable worshipping God, because that is what the Mass is all about. I think for a convert you will probably be able to tell what you like best. I did go to very many different parishes when I converted. I wish I would have looked around alittle more.

As far as going to Mass on Sunday, it may be a little more structured then you are used to. Certainly nothing to worry about. There will be a misslette that they hand out to you when you go into the Church. It basically lists the songs that will be sung, the Scriptures being read that day and so on. When you enter teh sanctuary, you will see people going to the baptismal font or some place that has holy water. They bless themselves with the holy water by dipping ther finger in the water and making the sign of the cross. By doing this they recall their vows taken at baptism and blessing themselves in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Then they will proceed to where they will sit. Before they enter the pew they will genuflect (go down to one knee). This will happen in Churches that have the Blessed Sacrement in a tabernacle located in teh sanctuary. They will then proceed to there seats, where they will kneel and pray for a few moments. This is a wonderful time to focus on why you are there and ask the Holy Spirit to instruct you through the proclaimation of the Gospel.

The Mass will begin with the procession of the Cross and the Holy Scriptures. The Priest will begin with a blessing and a prayer as well as the Penetential rite, where we ask our fellow parishioners for forgiveness and ask them to pray for us.

The Scriptures are then read. This par tof the Mass is know as the Liturgy of the Word. There is an OT reading followed by a Psalm that is usually sung, followed by a reading from one of the Epistles, then everyone will stand and the Gospel will be read by the Priest or Deacon and then they will give their homily on the readings. After the homily has been preached. The profession of faith is recired by the faithful. Thisis the Creed of the Church. Next comes the Offering. Followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is where the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. I could write pages on this part alone, but it is best experienced then explained. But the important part is to really listen to what the priest is saying as he prays or sing s this part of the Mass.

After the Eucharist, there os a blessing then everyone is sent forth to live the Mass outside the Church walls. Then coffee and donunts!

The best thing is to follow along with everyone else. Don't be self coscience. No one will notice. The pews should have a missal that follws along with the Mass. Check it out wheen you first arrive to try and familiarize yourself with it.

My only advise is to find a parish where there is reverence displayed while in the sanctuary. I personally don;t care for some parishes that have a way to relaxed attitude in teh sanctuary. But that is a personal preference.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask. It was a life changing experience for me and I love sharing it with those who have an interest.

Peace

stray bullet said:

Do church goers typically donate to a collection plate as Protestants do or what... how much should one be expect to give? See! That's how little I know!
Any information you all can give me regarding what goes on inside a Catholic church, I'd much appreciate.

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LOL I'm sorry if you might think this is mean by

"We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7)

A few months ago I didn't know anything about what goes on in a Catholic parish. So one day I just went...and somehow I ended up all the way in the front not knowing what to do LOL

A few recommendations:

Sit in the back.
Do whatever everyone else does
Enjoy God's presence =)

-Jason

Actually I was also a former protestant, right now I'm not yet Catholic, but I'm going through the process of becoming Catholic. Honestly I find this a bit frustrating because in other Christian groups, a Christian can 'become' presbyterian, and the next day 'become' methodist. For some Baptists, you have to be baptized under their jurisdiction, but for the most part, in protestant traditions, you can just 'hop around' (or at least in my experience).

But becoming Catholic takes a real commitment: For those who are already Christian, yet not Catholic, it takes about a full year before one can accept the Eucharist and the other sacraments.

I honestly don't like having to wait until Easter, but it'll be worth the wait

Also, one cool thing about Mass is that the order of Mass, and the scripture readings are identical in EVERY Catholic parish. So if you can't make it to Mass at your local parish since you're out of town, you can go to another parish and get the same Eucharist and the same scripture readings, just some different music and different sermons (homilies).

As for joining the Church, you have to go through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). And I have yet to 'officially' enter RCIA. Basically, what I would do is to a priest, or some parishoners who have contact with someone who runs RCIA, so that you can get started right away.

As for me, a priest and I are still in a sort of 'preliminary' stage, where we're just meeting on a weekly basis with open questions. I already understand the faith and such, but he recommends that I take it slow before entering the Church. But I think I might be able to enter the Church during Christmas, but the idea of being brought into the Church on Easter vigil is nice since it coincides with the celebration of Christ's resurrection

But anyway, i'm rambling. I hope some of this helped =)

-Jason

Also, once you're in the Catholic Church, you can attend any Mass you like, since they're all the same. But ideally, you should try to stick to one particular parish/church as much as possible. Continual fellowship is highly recommended for Christians....well more like commanded (Hebrews 10:25)

God bless!

-Jason

stray bullet said:

One thing though... do Catholics refer to it always as "converting"? I'm a devout Christian, just without a Church. I'm not sure if I am going to be comfortable with that term, as it sounds like I'm switching my religion.

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Actually, that's a very good question. Some people do not like the term "convert" when talking of their coming into the Catholic faith. So feel free to use whatever terminology you prefer that best describes how you feel.

As for any of the ceremonial things you might not be familiar with, don't get too tense. Relax and enjoy, sing, worship and be fed by the Word of God. You'll be amazed at how scripturally based the Mass is and you'll hear nothing but Scripture in the readings, music and prayers being said.

But like I said, relax about it. No one is going to stare at you if you don't know what you are doing. As for the collection plate or basket, usually I give $1, but if you can't, then don't feel bad. Again, no one will ostracize you for it.

stray bullet said:

Thanks for your post! That was more than I expected!
I'm sure I'll read it over at least one or two more times. Very descriptive!

One thing though... do Catholics refer to it always as "converting"? I'm a devout Christian, just without a Church. I'm not sure if I am going to be comfortable with that term, as it sounds like I'm switching my religion.

One other question, for you or anyone else here... should I speak to anyone first if I just want to "check out" the Church? As I said, I'm a Christian in need of a church and I'd like to look into the Catholic Church first.

As the last guy said, I should probably just sit in the back and watch what goes on for a while right? If I find a Church I like.. then go see someone about becoming a member/catholic?
From your post, I'm a little confused... do you have to 'join' a specific church? Is there any problem for a student like myself who has to live in several different cities over the next few years?

If anyone else has anything to add, please do!
Specifically on where I could find out about the traditions and practices of the Catholic Church.

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I guess the term converting is a hold over from days gone by. But you are correct you are simply practicing your Christian faith as a Catholic, if you chose.

Once you are Catholic you belong to every Catholic Church in the world! But when you enter the Church, it is through a local parish. As a matter of fact when I was received into the Church a young lady that had been part of the community( but not Catholic) for a long time but had moved away, came back just to enter the Church at her old parish.

Also I didn't make it clear, but there is a process of Inquiry. This is a process you can go through if you chose, to ask questions about the Church and participate in some group study, before you formally make a decision to enter the Church. You might want to do that.

But I would encourage you to attend Mass a few times and be observant and listen. This will give you the chance to formulate some questions. I would highly recommend you use this forum as a resource. There are many devout and committed Catholic men and women who have a vast amount of knowledge, that would be hard to find in any one person you could talk to in the parish. Some of use entered the Church as adults, some as little children. There are a number of folks here that are just like you. Some are just curious other have been drawn to the Church all theri lives. Some become Catholic some don't. But everyone comes away with a fuller understanding to the Church and what it teaches. Welcome to our onlie community!

Peace

stray bullet said:

One thing though... do Catholics refer to it always as "converting"? I'm a devout Christian, just without a Church. I'm not sure if I am going to be comfortable with that term, as it sounds like I'm switching my religion.

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The Church will refer to you as a catechumen (student), during your period of study (when they pray for you, etc), they will not call you a convert because, as you said, you are already a Christian.

You may also be able to find a daily Mass. These are usually much shorter and some things aren't (normally) included (like the Creed and Gloria; the offering is also not normally a part of daily Mass. some of the other parts that can be sung may also be recited).

There are going to be a lot of response-type things that you may find confusing at first, but just follow what everyone else does. There are some parts of the Mass that are normally sung on Sundays and feast days like the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and Earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest) and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us (repeat), Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace).

God Bless your search

Hi Stray Bullet,

You are welcome to attend any Mass you'd like. I see that people have already given you advice about following along in the Missal. If you want, you can also just follow along with what everyone else is doing, which might be easier.

The only part you can't participate in is Holy Communion. This is because Catholics believe we are receiving the actual Body and Blood of Jesus.

Let us know if we can help in any other way.

In Christ,
Carly

stray bullet said:

Thanks for your post! That was more than I expected!
I'm sure I'll read it over at least one or two more times. Very descriptive!

One thing though... do Catholics refer to it always as "converting"? I'm a devout Christian, just without a Church. I'm not sure if I am going to be comfortable with that term, as it sounds like I'm switching my religion.

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When I became Catholic in 2002 our parish priest used the term "reconciled" rather then "convert."

I was a Protestant, reconciling with the Catholic Church.

As Carly said before, you cannot partake in communion until you are a Catholic. Not because the Church wants to "keep something from you" , but because we believe the Bible when it says that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ through consecration. The Church requires that you be a Catholic, and confess your mortal sins, before you partake in communion.

How much should you give to the collection plate? Well, that is up to you really. The funds are used to support that parish (members of that church). I won't tell you how much to offer, however anything will be appreciated.

stray bullet said:

One thing though... do Catholics refer to it always as "converting"? I'm a devout Christian, just without a Church. I'm not sure if I am going to be comfortable with that term, as it sounds like I'm switching my religion.

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I have done some thinking about what you said about being a convert. Yes, it is true that you will not be converting to a new belief system, you will just be practicing it in a new Church.

BUt as I thought about it, even though I was already a Christian when I decided to become Catholic, I was still in need of conversion. And if we are all honest about our lives, we are all converts. We are all still in the process of converting our lives from our fallen state to a new life in Christ. This is one thing that struck me about Catholic Theology. Our life is a continual process of holiness and sanctification. It never stops. It doesn't stop with accepting Christ, that is only the beginning!

The nick I have chosen is Metanoia. It is a Greek term for conversion of the heart and mind. It is ongoing. It fit me and my perspective on living a life of holiness and sanctification.

So if someone refers to you as a convert, just say "aren't we all?". That might rasie some eyebrow, but it will make them think!

Peace

Huzzah, Huzzah!! Great to hear! To answer one question, Catholics do offer up a collection, but it is not a mandatory thing

stray bullet,
First of all, welcome 

Check out this thread: http://www.christianforums.com/t45552
It has some good discussion and resource on a Catholic mass.

From your post, I'm a little confused... do you have to 'join' a specific church? Is there any problem for a student like myself who has to live in several different cities over the next few years?

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This is one of the beautiful things about the Catholic Church. Whether your in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, or Australia, you will recognize and understand the mass even if you don’t understand the native Language.

Stray Bullet,

There is nothing on earth so sublime as receiving the actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I'll be waiting for you at the Lord's table for the great day when you may also receive Jesus.
(When you become Catholic)
May God bless you and guide your every step.

In Christ,
Patrick

stray bullet said:

Has it not been that long?​

From when I learned about the Church and desired, so much without really knowing why, to go to Mass? To see the flesh of our Savior, to witness that moment of sacrifice? To be part of the true, the only, that one Church that has been with us, through Christ, from Pentecost?​

Things are getting more serious in my vocation with the Church. I just wanted to tell you all, those that have been here from the beginning with me, in this journey. A journey I know I am undeserving of, but allows me to witness the grace and wonder that is our God. Our God, who takes scraps of nothing and through the softest and most loving guidance, performs His will through.​

If you pray for vocations, consider praying for me. If you pray for good men in the Church, consider praying for me. I don't know how much longer I'll be here and in what capacity, but I wanted to thank you all.​

Your friend, brother and servant (of God for mankind),
Michael​

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LOL! You really confused me there for a second I thought, "is this a new 'stray bullet'"....May God continue to bless you in your vocation....GOD BLESS

PAX

God Bless you Stray Bullet

My little two cents: just go

This desire in your heart is a message from God. He has plans for you and those plans happen to be within the Catholic Church.