Things A Newbie Should Know?

[penguin31]

As someone just beginning the process of conversion and still relatively new to Catholicism in general, is there any advice you could offer a newbie? Little things that a person might not pick up on without experience or even big things that just bear repeating, it's all of interest.

[Winchester]

I am awesome.

[Resurrexi]

It's better in Latin.

[CatherineM]

That you won't go to Hell if you don't do everything the little old ladies at church do.

[little_miss_late]

Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. Even if the first person you ask can't help you, someone wants to help you.

[KeenanParkerII]

A couple things that really helped me:

Ask if there are any old missals hanging about the Church. They'll help you get a hang of the order of Mass and the appropriate postures and prayers.

Bend forward a little when you sit back in the pew, otherwise you may knock some little lady still praying off the kneeler.

Verse yourself in some basic Catholic theology. The world is a dangerous place.

ARGh I have to run to RCIA. I'll try to think of some more things, good luck in your conversion!!

[let_go_let_God]

Welcome to Phatmass, we like tacos, so very tasty and good for you,.

Aside from that there is no question that shouldn't be asked. If one of us doesn't know the answer, we will either find it or someone who does.

God bless-
LGLG

[Winchester]

Shake hands in Mass. In the parking lot after Mass, I don't know you and will try to run you over.

Two Catholics enter, One Catholic leaves!

[cmotherofpirl]

Yes the Holy Father in Rome [i]really[/i] is in charge of the place.


If you have a question, ask it, if we don't know the answer we will find someone who does and can back it up with Scriptures, documents and / or experience. The only dumb question is the one that goes unasked.

[Winchester]

Save time, just ask Apotheoun or Nihil if it's theological.

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Winchester' date='16 February 2010 - 12:00 AM' timestamp='1266292817' post='2057778']
Save time, just ask Apotheoun or Nihil if it's theological.
[/quote]
You are no slouch in the answering department yourself :0

[Ash Wednesday]

Ask questions as they come. Don't feel like you have to limit yourself to one thread Otherwise:


Parish coffee just tastes better.

Confession: like going to the shrink's chair and getting advice, except it's free.

Latin: who knew something so old could be so fresh and hip?

I hope you like fish!

[Ziggamafu]

1. Wherever the bishop is, there is Christ. Honor your local bishop, even if he isn't doing a good job.
2. The Catholic Church is bigger than any particular sub-group of Catholics. Example: orthodoxy does not merely mean everything published by TAN books.
3. Be flexible, so long as you remain within the confines of Church teaching. Learn your Catechism, but more importantly, learn the theology that is its context.
4. Know your role. Do no overstep your bounds or presume to know more than your leaders. Always give the benefit of the doubt.
5. Community is vital. Thrive on local fellowship and volunteer your unique talents. GET INVOLVED.
5. Community is vital. Thrive on local fellowship and volunteer your unique talents. GET INVOLVED.
5. Community is vital. Thrive on local fellowship and volunteer your unique talents. GET INVOLVED.
6. If your parish does not already have a small group related to you in small way, start one.
7. Research and pray about sacramentals. If one clicks with you, get it and keep it close.
8. Research and pray about devotions. If one clicks with you, practice it daily.
9. Check out the many larger fellowship/prayer organizations and associations that are out there (e.g., Blue Army, Knights of Columbus, etc.) and see if one clicks with you.
10. If you sin mortally, you will not need to post a question about whether or not you sinned mortally. You cannot beaver dam yourself by accident.

Read "The Spirit of Catholicism" by Karl Adam and "Theology and Sanity" by Frank Sheed. Both are stunning introductions to the joy of Catholic theology and the living, dynamic nature of the Church.

ABOVE ALL: Use your brain and use your voice, keeping in mind that ours is the Church of commonsense, founded by the God who is Truth. Get it? Do not fear critical thinking.

(note: I'm assuming you already pray and try to focus on the corporal - [i]then [/i]spiritual - acts of mercy; and once you are in full communion, take advantage of Mass and Confession beyond the minimum requirement)

[XIX]

[quote name='Ziggamafu' date='16 February 2010 - 12:22 AM' timestamp='1266294134' post='2057784']
1. Wherever the bishop is, there is Christ. Honor your local bishop, even if he isn't doing a good job.
2. The Catholic Church is bigger than any particular sub-group of Catholics. Example: orthodoxy does not merely mean everything published by TAN books.
3. Be flexible, so long as you remain within the confines of Church teaching. Learn your Catechism, but more importantly, learn the theology that is its context.
4. Know your role. Do no overstep your bounds or presume to know more than your leaders. Always give the benefit of the doubt.
5. Community is vital. Thrive on local fellowship and volunteer your unique talents. GET INVOLVED.
5. Community is vital. Thrive on local fellowship and volunteer your unique talents. GET INVOLVED.
5. Community is vital. Thrive on local fellowship and volunteer your unique talents. GET INVOLVED.
6. If your parish does not already have a small group related to you in small way, start one.
7. Research and pray about sacramentals. If one clicks with you, get it and keep it close.
8. Research and pray about devotions. If one clicks with you, practice it daily.
9. Check out the many larger fellowship/prayer organizations and associations that are out there (e.g., Blue Army, Knights of Columbus, etc.) and see if one clicks with you.
10. If you sin mortally, you will not need to post a question about whether or not you sinned mortally. You cannot beaver dam yourself by accident.

Read "The Spirit of Catholicism" by Karl Adam and "Theology and Sanity" by Frank Sheed. Both are stunning introductions to the joy of Catholic theology and the living, dynamic nature of the Church.

ABOVE ALL: Use your brain and use your voice, keeping in mind that ours is the Church of [s]common[/s]sense, founded by the God who is Truth. Get it? Do not fear critical thinking.

(note: I'm assuming you already pray and try to focus on the corporal - [i]then [/i]spiritual - acts of mercy; and once you are in full communion, take advantage of Mass and Confession beyond the minimum requirement)
[/quote]
Fixed.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Winchester' date='15 February 2010 - 10:00 PM' timestamp='1266292817' post='2057778']
Save time, just ask Apotheoun or Nihil if it's theological.
[/quote]
Well this is awkward. My policy is to ask you or Apotheoun.

No, that's just a lie for the sake of the lulz. I ask Apotheoun or Raphael or Brother Adam. I ask you when I want something hilarious.


...but yea... Don't ask me.