Finally Converting?

[Honour]

[size="3"]Soooo. I've been interested in converting for quite some time now, unsure, confused, and sometimes frustrated with the issues. Randomly, My boyfriend tells me we should convert. He is not a very religious or spiritual person at all, he has seemed content to never go to church or bible study or any of that, so I was surprised. But his random comment has re-lit that desire to be a part of the Catholic church. Its seems I'm always getting interested right around Easter time.....when its too late for that year. But every Easter that passes makes me feel like I am missing something, left out, not fully connected with God. Today I called the base Chapel, RCIA is well underway of course, but the Deacon invited me anyway. He seemed to speak like it was possible to join the church on Easter with the rest, but I am doubtful. I have so many questions, still unsure, but unwanting to wait another year for this. Ahhhh....anyway, I can't wait to go to mass on Sunday, I've never been on base, I am a little worried, anyone have any experience with Air Force Base Churches? I just needed to share this info, I normally talk to my Dad about spiritual matters, but he is VERY anti-Catholic soooo its always been Phatmass I've shared my heart with when it comes to anything about Catholicism. Thoughts?[/size]

[KeenanParkerII]

It's probably too late this year, but you never know. They do make exceptions! As long as you're determined, it'll happen. And if you can't get in this year, I suggest attending mass anyways. I was in your position for like two years, so if you ever have any questions or anything, shoot me a pm. Good luck!

(couldn't tell ya the first thing about air force bases lol)

[Resurrexi]

Technically speaking, you don't have to be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. My uncle was baptized and received first holy Communion and Confirmation on Pentecost.

[Nihil Obstat]

What's holding you back from taking the next step?

[homeschoolmom]

Hi, Honour! I remember you! Dh and I joined RCIA about this time of year six years ago. We were allowed to be received at Easter after showing our knowledge and desire (we weren't just joining to keep peace in the family-- quite the opposite, in fact). It happens.

[Honour]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='08 February 2010 - 05:47 PM' timestamp='1265676450' post='2053751']
What's holding you back from taking the next step?
[/quote]

Actually, I suppose I am taking that step now, I am going to the RCIA class this Wednesday, then I will sit down and talk to someone to figure out my options. In the past I have lots of issues, mostly being my being married to a man who was previously married, now after being divorced it seems much more straight forward. It is hard for me to think that being divorced makes it easier for me to join the church, I still have issues with that, and all the Marion stuff. But one thing that really kept me back before was that I always saw my father as my spiritual leader, as my (then) husband never assumed that role, and my father is VERY anti-catholic. But I think I've grown up a lot and no longer rely on that. We'll see.


[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='08 February 2010 - 06:29 PM' timestamp='1265678978' post='2053785']
Hi, Honour! I remember you! Dh and I joined RCIA about this time of year six years ago. We were allowed to be received at Easter after showing our knowledge and desire (we weren't just joining to keep peace in the family-- quite the opposite, in fact). It happens.
[/quote]

Yes! I remember you to from the old Converts forumn! Ha, familiar faces....err....screen names. I can't believe it....it was so long ago...but it doesn't seem it. I haven't been active in any church in so long...I think its time. I'm ready. I hope.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Honour' date='08 February 2010 - 08:56 PM' timestamp='1265684215' post='2053819']
Actually, I suppose I am taking that step now, I am going to the RCIA class this Wednesday, then I will sit down and talk to someone to figure out my options. In the past I have lots of issues, mostly being my being married to a man who was previously married, now after being divorced it seems much more straight forward. It is hard for me to think that being divorced makes it easier for me to join the church, I still have issues with that, and all the Marion stuff. But one thing that really kept me back before was that I always saw my father as my spiritual leader, as my (then) husband never assumed that role, and my father is VERY anti-catholic. But I think I've grown up a lot and no longer rely on that. We'll see.

[/quote]
Good luck. I'm sure you'll find those issues disappearing as you learn more and more.

[brightsadness]

[quote name='Honour' date='08 February 2010 - 07:56 PM' timestamp='1265684215' post='2053819']
Actually, I suppose I am taking that step now, I am going to the RCIA class this Wednesday, then I will sit down and talk to someone to figure out my options. In the past I have lots of issues, mostly being my being married to a man who was previously married, now after being divorced it seems much more straight forward. It is hard for me to think that being divorced makes it easier for me to join the church, I still have issues with that, and all the Marion stuff. But one thing that really kept me back before was that I always saw my father as my spiritual leader, as my (then) husband never assumed that role, and my father is VERY anti-catholic. But I think I've grown up a lot and no longer rely on that. We'll see.

One of the most helpful thngs that was said to me in my own spiritual journey is that God uses everything in our lives to bring us to Him. Even the parts I don't much like. It helps me to think on that. You are in my prayers this lent and paschal time.

Please pray for me.
Anya

[somethingfishy]

Definitely start RCIA, but be patient with the conversion process -- the real conversion is the conversion of heart that takes place day after day, in little incremental steps. Let God take his time with you, and don't feel like you have to get to a certain destination on someone else's timeline.

It's about your lifelong relationship with God, not about getting the chrism oil as fast as you possibly can. Spend time immersed in Catholic spirituality, not just apologetics. Let God work in you, so you can be truly converted.

I spent about a year and a half in RCIA myself and that delayed entrance was a very good thing for my spiritual life -- but I know people who rushed through the process who are actually no longer Catholic. Let it be about the journey as well as the destination.

[MissyP89]

Go for it! If you're not ready, then you're not ready. God is so patient and understanding with our doubts and questions. It took my friend Lisa three full RCIA cycles before she finally took the leap. And who knows, you might be able to slid in this year! Don't rush, though--it will make it easier once you've converted if you're well-grounded and at peace.

[penguin31]

One of the hesitations in *my* case has been the thought of waiting over a year to join the Church. The thought of waiting over 14 months (April 2011) seems a bit disheartening. Of course, who's to know when I'll be ready when I haven't even started yet, but still the idea of a 14 month wait is disheartening. Guess I need to learn a little patience eh?

[Archaeology cat]

I wish you the best, Honour, and you, too, penguin. As Res said, you don't necessarily have to enter at Easter. I'm a convert, and I was confirmed 11 December 2004. God humoured my impatience.