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mchoquette
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ooltewah, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist / Presbyterian (PCA). |
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Posted: Thu Apr 5th, 2007 02:26 pm |
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I really don't know where to start. I'm not a convert but I am searching for the truth. My father was Catholic and my mother was Baptist. My father had me and my siblings baptized in the Latin Rite when we were infants. He died by the time I was 4 years old in Vietnam. I never remember going to a Catholic church at that point in my life, although I do remember my father and seeing him for the last time in the airport. After my father's death my mother moved us back to her hometown where I was raised as a Baptist. One summer when I was around 15 I went to visit my grandmother (my father's mother) for the summer in Connecticut. Before I left I remember my grandfather (my mother's father) saying "don't let them make a Catholic out of you." Needless to say while I was with my grandmother that summer she took my brother and I to Catholic church on Sundays. I had never experienced that before since the only time I had been to a Catholic church was as a small child. She didn't make a Catholic out of me but I was exposed for the first time to the Catholic faith. As I continued into my adult years and went into the military I remained a Baptist, though a couple of times in the military I did visit the Catholic church on base with some of my Catholic friends. After I left the military I moved back to my hometown and around 1992 had an experience where I "asked Jesus to save me." At that time I sought to live a Christian life as I had not lived as a Christian up to that point in my life. Around 2002 I began studying the reformation and Calvinism and as a result joined the Presbyterian Church (PCA). One day, while "flicking channels" I came across a priest (Father Carapi) on television and I listened to him some. I discovered EWTN. To make a long story short I began watching different programs, like The Journey Home, and my curiosity got aroused. I began reading Scott Hahn books, and going to various websites. I went to a Catholic church once during this time frame and my wife even went with me to hear Father Carapi when he came to our town for a conference. After that weekend of the conference I began to drift away from studying about the Church, for over a year or longer, for reasons too long to go into. Let's just say I began having doubts over some issues. I have once again felt "pulled" to study about the Catholic church again for the past few months and I have come here on my journey. I don't know if I will ever convert but I do know for some reason I can't quit studying the various resources at Catholic answers and reading books their website recommends. I ask that you pray for me that I will be led into "truth" as I continue to search and study about the Catholic church.
Michael
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Michael
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5101 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Thu Apr 5th, 2007 03:36 pm |
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Welcome to CHN, Michael. We're glad to have you here with us. Please let us know if we can help in any way with your faith journey, wherever it might lead you.
As Catholics, we will not try to convert you, only make available the information you might need to make your decisions.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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a46geo
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | New Baltimore, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 18 |
| First Name: | George | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | pentecostal / baptist / Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Apr 5th, 2007 07:49 pm |
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Hi Michael,
I was once where you are now. Just keep ernestly seeking truth, God will help you find it. I don't think of myself as a "convert" I was just reconciled to the Church established by Jesus Christ himself. I must tell you, that since coming to the Catholic Church I didn't have to give up any of my Christian beliefs, I just came to the "fullness of the faith".
My prayers are with you
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George
1 Peter 5:7 Place all of your cares on him, for he cares about you.
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mchoquette
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ooltewah, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist / Presbyterian (PCA). |
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Posted: Thu Apr 5th, 2007 08:03 pm |
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| Thanks for your reply and I look forward to learning more from the forums.
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Michael
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BodRod
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 777 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Thu Apr 5th, 2007 08:09 pm |
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Hi Michael,
May I suggest that you give some thought in joining an RCIA group. RCIA is a study group and most Catholic Churches have one or two. It is a way of learning more about the Church and is cheaper (In my church it is FREE!) than buying a lot of books to study. Our RCIA is very open ended. That is to say, the attendees are told repeatedly throughout the term of study that there is NO pressure to join the church. Each member of the group can take their time and if they decide to not join the church, it is OK and they are still welcome to continue with the group. They can even repeat the group if they like, as many times as they like. 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Talithacumi
Member
| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 260 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 02:28 am |
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Hi, Michael! Welcome to the forum . OK, I won't try to push you to become Catholic, but I hope you don't mind an invitation?  Seriously, though, nobody here is going to twist your arm or try to use force, I can pretty much guarantee it (that would be awfully hard to do online anyway - at least physically ).
But I think you'll find the people on here are very supportive and willing to answer questions you may have - or at least point you to where you might find some answers. Please feel free to ask questions or discuss ideas. I think you will find it a safe haven where you can speak pretty freely as long as you don't go beyond the bounds of reason and charity. At the same time, though, you might find yourself challenged - but in a good way. People here are very helpful, kind and loving. I hope you find yourself at home here.
Welcome aboard!
P.S. As for BodRod's post... yeah, what he said. I know in our parish's RCIA program there is no pushing to join the Catholic Church; if one doesn't feel ready to join or just wants to learn more about the Catholic Faith - all well and good. Everything in God's own good timing.
JMJ
- Cheri
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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a46geo
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | New Baltimore, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 18 |
| First Name: | George | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | pentecostal / baptist / Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 09:43 am |
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Great Idea !
Most RCIA sessions start with an "inquiry period". Usually six to eight sessions of a general overview of the Cathoilc Faith. It is sort of like dipping your toe into the water to test it before you actually step into the pool. I know for a fact there is no pressure for anyone to go on from there. It is an individual decision
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George
1 Peter 5:7 Place all of your cares on him, for he cares about you.
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mchoquette
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ooltewah, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist / Presbyterian (PCA). |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 10:16 am |
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I thank you all for the advice about RCIA. Is it year round too where I can jump right in no matter what topic they may be studying at the time? Or is it kind of like going to college where you enroll at different times of the year? I plan on looking into it and was just wondering how it worked.
Thanks,
Michael
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Michael
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5101 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 12:10 pm |
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mchoquette wrote: I thank you all for the advice about RCIA. Is it year round too where I can jump right in no matter what topic they may be studying at the time? Or is it kind of like going to college where you enroll at different times of the year?
It depends on the parish and the program. Most parishes begin in August or September. Inquiry ends at the First Sunday of Advent, when the more formal, scripture-based program begins, and the intensity increases during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which takes place during Lent, and then takes a more leisurely place during Mystagogia, from Easter to Pentacost. Next year is Cycle A of the lectionary, which is designed around the RCIA program, so it's a great time to be considering entry into the Church. The whole program, according to the typical parish schedule, runs from late summer to early June, with the actual dates determined by the date of Easter.
Inquiry is intended as the time when you have your questions answered and you make your initial decision as to whether you wish to pursue the Catholic faith. Your final decision is not made until right before Easter.
Some larger parishes do have year-round programs. Those usually have paid RCIA staffs, while smaller parishes have mostly volunteer catechists (teachers).
This is the right time to be contacting your parish church and finding out about their program, the days meetings are held, etc. If the schedule is not convenient for you, you may be able to find another parish close by with a more convenient schedule. Some meetings are held on Sunday mornings; others may meet on weeknights.
The Lectionary is the set of readings used at mass. There are three sets of Sunday readings (Cycles A, B, and C). On every Sunday there is a pre-set reading from the Old Testament, the Acts of the Apostles, or the Revelation of John; a reading from a Psalm or canticle; a reading from the New Testament Letters (Epistles); and a Gospel reading. The readings of Cycle A were chosen with RCIA in mind.
Please let us know if we can help in any way, and be sure and tell us if we use any terminology you don't understand. The only stupid questions are the ones that don't get asked, but it's often easier to ask what seems like a silly question in an anonymous forum like this than in a group setting where you feel like everybody thinks you're stupid. (They don't, but sometimes it feels that way.)
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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a46geo
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | New Baltimore, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 18 |
| First Name: | George | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | pentecostal / baptist / Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 12:13 pm |
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Michael,
Different parishes have different proceedures. Some you can jump in any time, others have specific times of the year to start.
Most likely the inquiry period will have set times to begin. I can tell you from experience the hardest thing is thet first step. Once you contact a local Catholic Church and register for the RCIA, it becomes not just easy, but fun.
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George
1 Peter 5:7 Place all of your cares on him, for he cares about you.
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BodRod
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 777 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 01:18 pm |
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cajunrick wrote:
This is the right time to be contacting your parish church and finding out about their program, the days meetings are held, etc. .
Michael,
The process I went through was to call my local church and expressed my interest in the RCIA process. They passed my name and number along to the RCIA leader and she invited me to the last meeting of the current RCIA group. She kept my card (info) and called me in September. I started attending and it was great. In addition to Church info, we also learned about many of the major players and major events in the history of the world and the development of society, as we know it today. And, I dare say, the presentation was a LOT more interesting than any class on world history that I had taken in high school or college.
I am the questioning type and the leader and team members were very patient and anwered every question I had until I was satisified and understood the material they were presenting.
I wish all the best in you decision in this matter.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Kristine
Member
| Joined: | Wed Apr 4th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 13 |
| First Name: | Kris | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Mormon, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Apr 8th, 2007 01:52 am |
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Michael...God will help you find your way...
I know what its like to be full of questions and doubts since I was raised a Mormon all of my life. Place yourself in God's hands.. trust in him...listen when the Holy Spirit is guiding you....pray for help.. And... if you don't understand something research it.. and ask questions until you have the answers that make sense. For myself I joined my local Catholic bible study 2 years ago and I can't tell you what a difference that has made! I'm actually starting to understand that God has a plan for us and you will to! 
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mchoquette
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ooltewah, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist / Presbyterian (PCA). |
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 08:09 pm |
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I thank you all for all the prayers and advice you've given me. I am starting to read the different web sites from some of the Catholic churches in my area and looking at the different RCIA schedules they have. I'm not sure if I will try and attend an RCIA class at this time, but I am definitely going to look into it. A couple of the churches have evening RCIA while a couple have Sunday mornings. I am leaning towards an evening class but alot depends on my work schedule as I work evenings, but I can select my off days most of the time allowing me days off during the week. I'm not sure my wife would want me attending RCIA on Sunday mornings for now, but at least she is supportive of me attending RCIA even though she isn't desiring to learn about the Catholic church herself at this time. From what I've read from some of the others who post in the forums here not all spouses are supportive of the other spouse looking into the Catholic church, so I know I am blessed that my wife does not have a problem with my inquiring about the church. Until I do attend RCIA I am going to continue to read the many forum topics here and learn as much as I can. It has been a tremendous help for me to come here and open up and really has been a blessing to me.
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Michael
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5101 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Online
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 08:14 pm |
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mchoquette wrote: I am starting to read the different web sites from some of the Catholic churches in my area and looking at the different RCIA schedules they have.
Michael, some parishes begin in the evenings with Inquiry, and move to Sunday morning when the "official" program begins just after Thanksgiving. Since the program from the First Sunday of Advent to Easter is lectionary based (based on the Sunday readings) it allows them to use the mass readings and homily as part of the instruction, rather than having to proclaim all of the readings again. It also helps to bring the congregation into the program with prayers and thoughts. It also adds to the appreciation of the rest of the congregation for their Catholic faith. So be sure you check with the parish to confirm their schedule.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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wmschrader
Member
| Joined: | Fri Dec 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Fort Myers, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 89 |
| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 10:59 pm |
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Michael
If your schedule permits please consider attending a Sunday or even week day Mass (yup we have "church" nearly every day!) Some Parishes offer a morning Mass and some offer a noon Mass. After attending for a dozen times or so you can get into the pace and the "sequence" of the Mass. The Mass is what drew me to the Catholic Church. If you are uncomfortable in attending sit in the back and just observe.
I checked http://www.masstimes.org for your area and there a several churches that offer either a morning, noon or evening Daily Mass.
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Bill
Glory be to God for all things
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BodRod
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 777 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 11:15 pm |
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wmschrader wrote: If you are uncomfortable in attending sit in the back and just observe.
That is how I started attending. I wanted to be able to keep an eye on everyone! After I discovered that i was safe there, among all those Catholics, I discovered I could hear a lot better in the 2nd to 4th rows so I moved up. Since then, they have upgraded the audio system so a person can hear anywhere in the church but I have grown to like it up front where I can see, hear and participate in everything that is going on.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Kristine
Member
| Joined: | Wed Apr 4th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 13 |
| First Name: | Kris | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Mormon, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 10th, 2007 04:31 am |
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Michael,
Check this out... http://www.salvationhistory.com It is a free Bible Study online by Scott Hahn. Its very good I think. Easy to understand.
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