I am interested in joining the church... maybe. I come from a family where church was not important in the last 15 years. As a baby, I was baptized as a Methodist. I am only 21 (almost 22!), and at 16, decided to go to church on Sundays. I chose a Methodist church and it was wonderful. However, I went away to college at 18 and over the years away, sort of fell out of sync with the church. Before the age of 16, as well as along the way, I've searched elsewhere. Everything from Jehovah Witnesses to Judaism... looking for where I belong and not finding that I belong anywhere. I investigated the Mormon church for 7 years, and I've come to the conclusion that although there are wonderful things about the religion, there are too many things I find that I can't agree with, or that just don't fit with my beliefs.

-- Melissa (f_in_va@yahoo.com), January 06, 2003

Answers

So, just to clarify, are you seeking to convert to Catholicism? If so, I would recommend you search for your local Catholic parish, and have a talk with the priest(s) that are there. They will probably recommend that you attend an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, depending on which Sacraments you are lacking, and most likely give you some information to get you started. You will most likely attend the RCIA program, and be welcomed in the Church during the Easter Vigil. However, you gave no indication that you are attending a Catholic Mass now, I would highly recommend you do so for a little while, as well as seeking to advice of some good priests as well as some good Catholics.

I wish you luck on your journey, and hopefully one day soon you will be welcomed back into the Roman Catholic Church.

God Bless

-- (seminarian@ziplip.com), January 06, 2003.

Dear Melissa, welcome to this forum. I hope you follow seminarian's advise and investigate your nearest Catholic church. It has brought me great joy and full meaning for my life to be fully active in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has nurished my relationship with Jesus Christ, that is the key, He is alive and leads us to know how to live.

Just this morning I was sitting with Him and He spoke to my heart. I see how important it is we build our house, by this I mean our lives, on solid ground. The world is pretty shaky we must agree, and when we give our lives to Him we are secure indeed. The Catholic Church provides for us all we need to stay close to Him and have His peace.

As our brother said, the parish you go to would have a program to get you started, also see if they have a prayer group to join, a group of people who gather regularly to worship in song, and pray as a community. God bless, sincerely, Theresa

ps, dear brother seminarian.... there is no such thing as 'luck'. Of course it's just a 'cliche', but still anything like luck has no influence over us any more, as we are under the power of the Cross.

-- Theresa (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), January 06, 2003.

Melissa,

God bless you, and welcome!

From your post, it seems as though you are searching not really for the Truth, but for a religion that will "fit your style".

I want to be as kind as possible with my wording, but if it is a "comfortable" religion that you are searching for - you a) may never find this, because all religions have restrictive rules or guidelines, which are meant to conform YOU to IT (not IT to YOU) or b) you will be lead away from the Truth, because our natural "comfort" zone is unfortunately set at a sinful default.

I would encourage you to not simply search for a religion that you can "agree" with or that fits with your beliefs, but honestly search for the True ONE Church that God set up for us. This of course is the Catholic Church, which has the proof to back this claim up. You might not be "comfortable" with some of the guidelines. And certainly there will be things that don't "fit" your current beliefs. The Truth is what it is, and we cannot expect the Truth to conform to us. Rather, we must conform to the Truth.

Please lurk around on this forum and ask us any questions you have. May God be with you in your search.

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake_huether@yahoo.com), January 06, 2003.

Ooooooh, Melissa, can I relate to you! I was Protestant for 20 years, skipping from this church to that, never feeling quite comfortable. Plus, you never can tell what the different denominations believe! It's all so confusing. I never considered the Catholic Church, nor would I have. . .had it not been for Him! He led me this way. What a remarkable journey it has been!

In search of the truth, and seeing that Jesus did leave us a Church in His word, and wondering "What happened to that Church." Well, now I know. It's still here, forging the way of salvation for the world. The City on a Hill. The New Jerusalem. It's a City of brightness and Glory, of peace and goodwill. Has it had it's problems? You betcha! But she still stands, rock hard. Built on the foundation of the apostles, one layer of rock at a time. 2,000 years later she still holds to the same truths she believed at the beginning. How's that for security!

Well, that's what I needed -- craved -- the security of the One Holy and Apostolic Church. And here I be . . . to stay!

Yes, Melissa, do find a parish. Perhaps someone on the forum is familiar enough with the area in which you live to be of some service in helping you find one.

God Speed,

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), January 06, 2003.

Melissa,

Let me note up front that I am Baptist, not Catholic. I have talked with many people here and I would say that most [even though we disagree with each other in things] seem honest and nice to talk to.

I would just like to say two things:

1] Beliefs are good to have as long as you can back them up with Scripture, and not just opinion and emotion.

2] Has there ever been a time in your life that you met Jesus Christ at the cross, admitted that you are a sinner [as we are all], and asked Him to save your soul from Hell by the power of His blood?

I hope so, if not - getting to know Him as your Personal Saviour is the most important thing you will ever do in your life!

God Bless and may He direct your paths!

Proverbs 3:5-6

-- Tim, the Baptist (tlw97@cox.net), January 08, 2003.

and 3) eat His body and drink His blood, as He commanded (John, Chapter 6). :-)

-- Christine L. :-) (christine_lehman@hotmail.com), January 08, 2003.

I figured someone would have a comment just for me... Christine :)

But, please don't let this post turn into a debat Melissa's sake!

By God's grace and mercy we will all get closer to Christ and we pray and study!

-- Tim (tlw97@cox.net), January 08, 2003.