Hey, all. I'm a life long protestant, grew up mostly ignorant of catholic teachings. The only times it was mentioned it was in a disparaging manner, typically to do with the veneration of Mary or the "worship" of statues.
It's only the past year I've begun doing my own research on Catholicism. I've begun finding protestantism a bit wanting, and I suspect the catholic church might have some answers to that.
That said, I'm pretty sure I've only scratched the surface, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'm not convinced that catholicism is right for me yet, but if I do end up rejecting it I want to know that I at least did my best to understand it.
So, where the heck do I start? Any first steps, books to read, etc? How long could I expect this entire process to take?
Why on earth would you want to be a part of a church with which you express having significant difficulties before you begin the process of exploration? Seems to be an exercise in futility, and the first steps on the road to atheism. Yeah, that is startling, but ask yourself what steps you would take if you found the RCC lacking in several areas? The "logical path" is a walk down the Road of disillusionment and despair. It ends in a decrepit hamlet called "Atheism" and it is not a pleasant place; all the people there are lonely and alone, having no source of hope.
What exactly do you mean by saying "I've begun finding protestantism a bit wanting... "? what exactly do you mean by that? It could be that you are limiting your search to one type of church, such as mainline and liberal.
But that does not mean that there are not problems with some fundamental churches, also. There are some who come close to worshiping the King James Bible, and others who are into "prophecy conferences" where they scare you into thinking the Rapture is 20 minutes away, and they can prove it. (exaggeration used there for emphasis)
Other problems include mandatory Saturday meeting, and long dresses for women, and white shirts with ties for men. All of these have lost sight of Jesus Christ. They give lip service to loving and serving Jesus, but it is obscured by many non-essential things. Stay away from such churches.
How do you find good churches? FIRST, you have to ask them questions, SECOND, you visit.
When you ask the questions, ask for the pastor and let him know that you are seeking a new church, and that someone here suggested these questions.
A. Ask if he believes that the Bible in the original languages is without error. and the only rule for the faith and practice.
B. Ask if the Bible teaches the existence of the Trinity
C. Ask if he believes that the second coming of Jesus will be visible, eminent and personal
The answer to those should be "yes". If they are then you found a church that is sound in doctrine, and more important, not a cult. So go there and see if there is a "good fit" between you and them. Just remember that there is no perfect church because redeemed sinners go to church, and sometimes we can be quirky.
If there is not a "good fit, ask the same of another pastor of another church the same questions