Hello,

Let me begin by introducing myself. I grew up in an atheist house, religion was never a part of our lives, it just wasn't an issue to discuss. I knew many of my classmates practiced some religion or other, but I just got the biased point of view of religion that you can see today pretty much everywhere( i.e. conservative superstition). However, since entering College I began a slow patch of self reconoissence, which led me to reading the Bible last year. I have been thinking about converting to Christianism since that time, when I accepted Christ as my savior, but I am midways in making up my mind towards what Church I will follow( right now I am leaning towards Catholicism). But I am hesitant to approach the local Church, as I said before I have not had any religious background at all, it's become a source of shame, that is, I am ashamed not to know anything about religious rites, customs, or lifestyles, that's why it's been difficult for me to come up to a priest and ask about the requirements for conversion. So the second question boils down to: What rites do I have to go through to become a Catholic, how long does it take, can I become one even if my parents are not and I have never been baptised? Let me thank you beforehand for your help.

Oscar Paludi

-- Oscar Paludi (caincain@cantv.net), August 18, 2003

Answers

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

It's a wonderful experience for me to read your beautiful message, Oscar! Welcome to the Christian faith and (I hope) to the Catholic Church.

You wrote: "I am ashamed not to know anything about religious rites, customs, or lifestyles, that's why it's been difficult for me to come up to a priest and ask about the requirements for conversion."

Please do not put it off for another day! There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Any Catholic priest would be thrilled to talk to you and would not be the least bit troubled at any gaps in your knowledge (just as we here are not troubled). Everyone is welcomed and respected, regardless of how much/little they know. We are all God's children, weak sinners, knowing really very little until we (hopefully) reach heaven.

You continued: "What rites do I have to go through to become a Catholic, how long does it take, can I become one even if my parents are not and I have never been baptised?"

I'll let others with experience speak to you about the "rites" and their time schedule. I will just tell you that your parents' faith (or lack of any) and your lack of baptism will not be impediments.

Praying that God will continue to bless you,
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 18, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

since i was also raised atheist until the good age of nine years, i'll offer what i can...

What rites do I have to go through to become a Catholic

to start off with, you talk to a priest. this isnt really a rite, but its a place to start. you begin some basic studying of the faith, and you get baptised (the first sacrament, you may now consider yourself catholic although still a beginner in the faith). after this you study more into the faith, and go to your first confession (since you are already of age to go). (this is the second rite known to us as sacraments). you then may recieve your first Holy Communion (the third sacrament. Once youve done this, you enroll in a chatecuman (sp?) class and for several months you and a class will investigate the catholic faith and learn what you need to know to continue your spiritual growth. at the end of this class you will go through confirmation (the fourth sacrament). now you are considered by the church to know all that you need to be a fully productive member of the church, sealed with the grace of God. there are three more sacraments, but as im still young, and havent gone through them, i'll let someone else do that.

how long does it take

that depends on who you talk to. im a jesuit layperson, so to me the process of becoming catholic can never end as long as there are mysteries of the faith to be explored. all of life is growth towards God. to get through confirmation should take no longer than two years at very most, and normally only takes about one. to get baptised shouldnt take you much time at all to get accomplished, so you can start by joining the catholic church (if that is your choice) very soon.

can I become one even if my parents are not and I have never been baptised?

oh yes, my dad converted to catholicism from atheism at the same time i did. my mom unfortunately converted to a different church (to spite my dad after their divorce). your being welcome in our church has nothing to do with your parents religion or your upbringing, but it has everything to do with your heart. the baptism will take care of itself when you join the church.

Let me thank you beforehand for your help.

let me give you my best wishes and i hope that you will join us in the catholic church. the path may not be the easiest, but it is that way for a reason. God bless

-- paul (dontsendmemail@notanaddress.com), August 18, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

Dear Oscar,

Any priest would be glad to talk to you about the first steps to take toward entering the Church. In most places, a series of informal sessions called the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the course of instruction and early spiritual growth for those contemplating entering the Church. The series is very basic, and does not assume any prior knowledge. My wife and I have taught the RCIA for a number of years. Typically the sessions are held once a week for the better part of a year (about 9 months in our program - mid-September through mid-June, but this may vary somewhat from place to place.) At the end of the program you are prepared, but not obligated, to officially enter the Church. If you desire to enter the Church at that time, you will be baptized (unless you were already baptized in another church), receive your first Holy Communion, and also the sacrament of Confirmation. I will remember you in my prayers, that your journey will be pleasurable, joyful, peaceful, and exciting! There is nothing quite as exciting as feeling yourself drawing close to Almighty God Himself, and the Church He founded is the channel of the graces which can make that a reality in an individual's life!

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), August 18, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

Welcome, Oscar! How wonderful that you are coming to know Our Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, and that He is drawing you to His Holy Catholic Church.

No matter how this came to be, please realize that it is a sure sign of God's love and grace already at work in you. He is with you now, Oscar -- even though you aren't baptized, even though you don't yet understand very much about Christianity. His love and His presence surround you. He has waited so long for you to respond to His invitation to become His child, purchased by the precious Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

I hope that you have already begun to pray to God regularly. He already knows everything in your heart, but He loves you to tell Him all your hopes and dreams and concerns. He especially loves when you ask Him to help you to know and love Him better. He loves you as though there were no one else in the world. He never grows tired of listening to you.

It sounds like you are somewhat familiar with the sacrament of Baptism, since you mentioned it in your post. Did you know that when you receive this sacrament, all of your sins will be washed away and that your soul will be made so pure and beautiful by God's Grace, that the Most Holy Trinity will come to dwell within you and that you will truly be filled with God's Presence and Life?

Please do not feel even the least bit ashamed about not knowing much about religious things. That will all come in time. For now, concentrate on allowing God to reveal Himself to you, by spending as much time as you can with Him in prayer -- you can speak to Him anywhere, like while driving, for example.

Please do seek out a priest to help you begin the process of becoming a Catholic. You will be most welcomed. If you have any friends or co-workers who are practicing Catholics, you might ask them for the name of a priest.

While you are taking these steps, please don't be afraid to visit a Catholic church, and spend some time praying there. Jesus is present in a very powerful way in every Catholic Church, in the sacrament which we call the Holy Eucharist. He is really and truly present under the appearances of bread and wine. You can read what he said about this in the 6th chapter of John's gospel. It is a wonderful, glorious and most loving Gift of His Presence which remains with us always.

You may already know that at Mass, Catholics receive the the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus when they receive the Eucharist at Holy Communion. This is a moment of such exquisite union with God, and it transforms our souls, for Jesus within us makes us resemble Him more.

It will take time to become a Catholic, but while you are waiting, you might like to attend Mass. Most Catholic churches have Mass each day, not just on Sundays. Even though you can't yet receive Holy Communion, you can still ask Jesus to come spiritually into your heart. He so longs to be desired by each of us.

Please forgive me if I have written too much. I have only posted in this forum once or twice previously -- although I frequently come here to read and learn from the many devout and knowledgable Catholics who post often.

Your letter especially touched my heart, because I corresponded with an atheist for several years sometime ago. Although we never met, I thought of him as a friend. Unfortunately he died six years into our correspondence. I guess that old friend carved out a special place in my heart for those who have never known our great and glorious God.

I will certainly pray for you, Oscar. Never, ever forget how much God loves you, and how much He is longing for that first Holy Communion with you. May your journey into His Church be filled with grace and peace. Your life will never be the same. It will be beyond all that you could ever wish or dream or imagine.

God bless you!

Patricia

-- Patricia Ricord (MTherese2@aol.com), August 18, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

Dear Oscar,

Though I have no information to add (I think sufficient has already been said!) I still write, to welcome you to our big Catholic family.

It is an honour for us to have a new convert - certainly there will be Much rejoicing in heaven when the blessed incident takes place.

I esp. liked what Patricia said about praying to God daily. This is by far the most important thing in any human beings life - to develop a personal relationship with God, the Father Almighty, only Saviour Jesus Christ and constant companion the Holy Spirit.

You may like to read about Gary Hoge who converted from Atheist to Baptist to Catholic : http://catholicoutlook.com/mystory.html

God bless you & your family,

Melody Acts 16:31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your family will be saved"

-- Melody (melody@glorify-god.com), August 19, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

Dear Oscar,
From now on, make yourself known to others not as an ''atheist who converted'' but rather, one who has embraced the faith. A True Believer has one thing alone to distinguish him/herself in the world: Faith. Once you're baptised, you will be a soul given sanctifying grace. Your life made eternal in Christ the Son of God.

This soul of yours, once an unbeliever will become as brilliant as the evening star rising after sunset. Imagine! --That's right, YOU, Oscar!!! AND, IT'S TRUE!

-- eugene c. chavez (loschavez@pacbell.net), August 19, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

Hi Oscar

You've had excellent answers above. I can only add that there are many superb resouces available for further self-study: on the web, videos, audiotapes, books, etc. I can especially recommend audiotapes by Dr Scott Hahn, obtainable from St Joseph's Communications at www.saintjoe.com. Remember the most important thing of all -- ultimately our faith is not one of just assent to doctrines and dogmas (though these are very important), it is utter trust (faith) in a Person. A Person who will NEVER let you down or abandon you (the cross proves that.) Christianity is not a religion of the book (that would be bibliolatry), but the religion of the True and Living God. We follow a Person, we live in the bosom of the infinite and glorious and eternal God. It is the invitation to the deepest and most profound living and loving that we are capable of. You will be challenged to the very depths of your being, beyond anything you even vaguely imagine now, because you are called to depths beyond depth and heights beyond height. You are being called to become a radical lover -- what Catholics call a saint. In the end, the essential heart our of faith is to fall head-over-heals in love with God as revealed in Christ. From that everything else follows - love for His Truth, His Life, His Way. Which means His Church, his commandments, His mission. To serve as He serves. Which means all people, at all times, in all ages. Everyone. That is why it is called the Catholic Church -- it is the family home of ALL people in ALL of history in each and every corner of the universe. Because our true home is in God Himself. Becoming a Catholic is the most radical and meaningful thing you could ever do with your life. You owe it to yourself to investigate it deeply -- and if you have problems or issues, to work until they are resolved, as they most certainly will be, for God can neither deceive nor be deceived. Nothing else is as important.

Welcome home!

-- Arthur Williamson (arthur@williamson.co.za), August 19, 2003.

Response to Converting from Atheism to Cristianism.

Great advice, mr. Williamson, and extremely valuable in every good point.

May I recommend to Oscar one excellent book to read. It's titled ''Jesus and His Times''. Translated from French, by Henri Daniel-Rops. We must know the real Person, Jesus Christ, before we can truly appreciate everything He's done to save us, and more importantly, WHY He does it. Including why and how He founded a Church. To see the infinite Wisdom of God as revealed in the life of Jesus Christ, is invaluable. It is through knowledge of Jesus, how He revealed the Father to us, and how much He loves us, that rock solid faith is acquired in our lives.

Any soul can convert. But we must LOVE God more than any other love to be saints. The life of Jesus is the best example of this love. Knowing Him as a Person brings us to love Him.

We can read about the Person Jesus Christ in the gospel narratives; but there is much in the background not given the layman. To know Him intimately we have to realise why He was born in the first place. Why was He a Jew? Why did He die in Jerusalem, amidst the chosen people? What were the prophesies that foretold His love for us, His death and resurrection? All of those details are fully explained in Daniel-Rop's great life of Christ. Every mystery is brought to light; and our love for Jesus has to follow!

-- eugene c. chavez (loschavez@pacbell.net), August 19, 2003.

First of all I have to say this: Thank you all so much for your kindness. You have really pointed the way for me. However, and this might be a banal question, if I am to baptized won't I need a godfather and godmother? And they have to be Catholic right, I have no idea where I could fine somebody up to it(most of my family is atheist also, or Protestant). Can the Church appoint godfathers and godmothers, or do they have to come foward on their own accord? Again, thank you so much for your help.

Oscar Paludi

-- Oscar Paludi (caincain@cantv.net), August 20, 2003.

When we teach RCIA, we often have people in the class who are in that position. We (the RCIA teachers) find a person in the parish who is willing to serve as sponsor (you only need one) for a new person entering the Church, introduce them to each other, and get them started. There are certain advantages to having a sponsor provided this way. First, we don't ask just anyone. We consider the person needing a sponsor, their position in life, age, sex, occupation, etc., and try to match them with someone they will feel comfortable with, or at least have something in common with. Also, we make sure that the person selected as sponsor is strong enough in the faith to actually fulfill the role of sponsor. If you are not taking RCIA classes, your pastor should still be able to arrange a sponsor for you, or at least direct you to someone who can assist you.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), August 20, 2003.

Paul, I applaud you and your wife for the sacrifices you make to instruct catechumens and candidates -- and for going the extra mile, as described, to find good sponsors.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 21, 2003.