It takes a long time to become Catholic, but it is rewarding.You can live your life according to the Church's teachings once you become a Catholic.You can learn how to become Catholic.
Step 1: For a serious talk, sit down with yourself.
The rest of your life will be different if you become a Catholic.It's not the same as marking "Y" on your license to be an organ donor.It's not something you want to do completely, but it will become a part of you.There are shiny lights at Christmastime, but they can't be the basis for your faith.Do you know enough about the teachings of the Catholic church to say that you want to be a part of it?It's great if the answer is yes.Keep reading.Seek out a friend or a member of the clergy if you're not sure.There's always the internet.Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah?Do you have faith in the Holy Trinity?How about the Virgin Mary?Yes?Great!It's time to move on.
Step 2: It's a good idea to read the Bible.
You probably know what the Bible is.The instructions for Christians are in the form of questions and answers.You need to get the source of the deal.Genesis and the Gospels are good if time isn't on your side.You will understand the creation story and the story of Jesus.It will be clear to you that you have done your homework when you talk to the priest.
Step 3: Know what's going on.
If you have no prior history with the Catholic church, you'll be going through the process outlined in this article -- namely, RCIA classes and getting the full head-to-toe spa treatment at next year's Easter Vigil.If you haven't had any previous ties to the Church, your process may be different.If your initiation process stops after you've been baptized, you don't need to take classes.It is dependent on your education and desires.Most people can join the church on a Sunday after going through a short period of inquiry and reflection.
Step 4: .
It's easy to visit local Catholic churches, just look under the yellow pages of the phone book.They'll be the big, pretty buildings with crosses on top.The internet can be used to find churches and their Mass times.MassTimes is a free app that shows you what Roman Catholic Churches are in your area.Finding 4 is better than finding one.Think about churches in the same way you would think about college.They will all offer you an education, but each one will be different.One church may turn you off.Keep looking if you haven't found one that speaks to you.
Step 5: Attend Mass.
Would you buy a car if you didn't have to test drive it?It's not a privilege for those in the elite Catholic club to attend church.No questions will be asked if you choose to go.A Catholic friend can explain when to do things and what they mean.You will participate in everything, even though you won't be participating in communion.No one will notice that you didn't go up to receive the Eucharist.All are welcome at the church.Don't let the church affect your decision.There is a fair amount of variation in the services of most churches.Many churches offer "teen Masses" as well as guitar Masses in different languages for the local minority community.The priest who is celebrating that particular Mass may affect your enjoyment of the sermon.Search around!There are a lot of options.
Step 6: Pray for me.
You can still pray even if you're not a veteran of the church.It does not mean that God can't hear you.Take some time out of your day to pray.It's a good sign if it relaxes you or connects you to a deeper level.You aren't necessarily looking for answers when you pray.A little talk with someone up there.To show your appreciation, ask for help, or just relax and take in the moment.It can be done anywhere, anytime, anyplace.
Step 7: You can contact the Parish Office of your church.
Inform them that you want to convert.A social framework for assimilating the experience is provided by the group classes called RCIA, for all people wishing to convert within a period.The "precatechumenate" process involves talking to a priest, reflection and attending Mass regularly.It isn't nearly as intimidating as it sounds.Sometimes churches work the same way as schools, with you only allowed to go to the one in your area.If you want to attend a church that is further away, you have to get a letter from your local parish.
Step 8: You can talk to a priest.
He will ask you why you want to become a Catholic and if you are aware of the conditions of being Catholic.You will begin in the RCIA if you are ready to move forward.You and everyone else in your "term" will publicly announce their intentions during a Mass.There's no public speaking involved.You are no longer a part of the pre-catechumenate process.
Step 9: You can start your Catholic education classes.
You will learn about the history of the Church, the beliefs and values, and the proper order of celebration of Mass.You may not receive communion until you have entered the Church, as many classes have you attend Mass for only part of the time.You will be involved in many other ways.You will receive anointing, participate in prayers, and become involved with the community at large.Your class will become closer and you will be able to do things on your own time.
Step 10: A sponsor is needed to complete the season.
Over the course of one liturgical cycle, most RCIA classes take place.You can experience all the feasts, fasts, and holidays if you do that.If you have one in mind, you can choose to work with it.They are here to help, answering all the questions you may have.You may be asked to clarify your marriage status during this time.If you are divorced but have not received an annulment, you will need one before becoming a Catholic.If you are married but not by the eyes of the Catholic church, you may be asked to get "remarried," or have your marriage "blessed" which can be done by appointment.
Step 11: There is a period of purification and enlightenment.
The end of the liturgical cycle will make you an elect.The part where you'll prepare for the three public celebrations is here.The beginning of Lent is where the first two are listed.When the 40 days are up, you will be confirmed and receive the Eucharist.I'm happy!
Step 12: Become a member of the Catholic church.
You have become a valued member of the Catholic church after the Easter Vigil.You're good to go now that your hard work has paid off.Welcome!You don't have to do anything for the Sacraments.Showing up with a smile on your face and good intentions in your heart is all you have to do.There is no final test, no actions, and no memorizes.The church is happy for you.The work will be taken care of by the priest.Get into the habit of going to confession on a regular basis if you want to continue Mass regularly.
Step 13: Begin the period of mystagogy.
Isn't it sounds magical?It's a lifelong process of becoming closer to God and deeper into your Catholic beliefs.It is a fancy term for exploring your experience through catechesis.Some churches will teach you for up to a year.You may ask all the questions you need.They're just there to help.It is out of mother's nest and into the heavens.