Galloglasses' Alt Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 About converting to Catholicism. Hey everyone, long time no see but I may need some help here because A) I'd never expected someone I have never met directly contact me regarding this and B) She quite blindsided me, but considering for the past few weeks she's been asking me about Church history, linking to Catholic Memes on Facebook and asking to discuss Bible and scripture and the history of the Bible and the relations between the ancient Romans, Greeks, Hebrews and Egyptians I really should have seen this coming. She hasn't told anyone she is considering it, not her agnostic boyfriend or her Methodist family (she's afraid of their reactions) and frankly I am flattered she came to me for help. She is a nurse and is really a kind and gentle soul, she looked at alot of branches of Christianity but she is drawn to Catholicism for how it unrelentingly stands against the evils of the world regardless of the failings of its members or the slander thrown again it. Thing is I am woefully under-prepared for this, especially since I don't know if there are any good and faithful parishes in her area where she can meet good priests, nuns or monks who could help her or direct her to a good RCIA class. So, also its been a while, I am not sure if this is the right forum for this, can you guys give me a hand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PadrePioOfPietrelcino Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I'm sure there are many here, including myself, who will happily give you what aid and support we can. * FIRST always pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your words...nothing can be more powerful than piously opening ourselves to his work in his way. * Second more specific questions can prove to get you more specific answers. * Third don't make anything up, if you yourself are unsure of something be honest about it..."I think..... but we should probably look that up to be certain" is an appropriate answer and then you both can find the answer together. * Fourth if you don't already I like to spend time in the CCC. Hope that helps PAX, PPoP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galloglasses' Alt Posted January 28, 2013 Author Share Posted January 28, 2013 Well she did ask me regarding the Church's teaching on abortion regarding a situation where both a mother and a child are ins erious danger. (I could give her a legal response with confidence, at least from an Irish perspective as I have a degree) but I basically already said that if there is a situation where both are going to die if one who can be saved, should be, there is no putting greater value on one life over the other, and the INTENT has to be NOT to ensure the death of one to save the other. Not sure if it came through on her side though. So I may have jumped the gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Red Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 get the Catholicism for Dummies book. It will be invaluable for you in explaining topics clearly and concisely. plus the bibliography is also invaluable. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basilisa Marie Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Hooray! :) Catholic Answers has some good "tracts" that can help you get some good background on common questions people have about Catholicism. I've found them helpful for giving me ideas of how to explain things. Catholicism for Dummies is also really good, like Red said. And like Padre said, it's important to not just make something up if you're not sure - it's okay to say that you don't know! Just make sure that you figure it out together. I can't tell you how many times I've said "Huh, that's a good question, lemme go look that up." Make sure you have a copy of the catechism (you can also find it online here, but I like books) and a Bible (NAB is what we use at Mass and what I like, but a Catholic RSV is also really good). Plus, ya know, you can always stick around here for help and moral support too. :) Pray lots and make sure you frequent the sacraments. I've found that experiences of talking with people coming into the faith are just as much of a growing experience for me as it is for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristinaTherese Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I'm sure there are many here, including myself, who will happily give you what aid and support we can.* FIRST always pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your words...nothing can be more powerful than piously opening ourselves to his work in his way. * Second more specific questions can prove to get you more specific answers. * Third don't make anything up, if you yourself are unsure of something be honest about it..."I think..... but we should probably look that up to be certain" is an appropriate answer and then you both can find the answer together. * Fourth if you don't already I like to spend time in the CCC. Hope that helps PAX, PPoP Definitely the bolded part. The rest too, but the bolded part is key. You mentioned that you don't know about parishes in her area, have you checked www.masstimes.org? It doesn't tell about the authenticity of the parish (there's one listed in Portland, OR that is seriously disturbing), but it could tell you what supposedly exists. (Just a caveat, for basically anyone anywhere who's reading this and has used or will use masstimes.org, look at the parish websites to check details. Always. And if you want, take the time to make sure that your own parish is up to date, since that information will make the next person looking for a parish in your area's life easier. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle_eye222001 Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Have not read Catholicism for Dummies, but have heard good things about it. As Basilisa Marie said, the tracts from Catholic.com are good. You can actually get most of them in a book called: The Essential Catholic Survival Guide I have it and really like it. Don't get it in place of Catholicism for Dummies though...I would consider it in addition too though if you look up the tracts online and like that format. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anastasia13 Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Have not read Catholicism for Dummies, but have heard good things about it. It was a good book and explains a lot of things well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galloglasses' Alt Posted February 1, 2013 Author Share Posted February 1, 2013 Update:H a d a good talk with her today about alot of stuff, she is currently thinking of going to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odessa (apparently there is only one in Odessa, Masstimes hath spoken, although the Parish website doesn't list it) the Bishop is most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer. What do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basilisa Marie Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Make sure she knows about communion guidelines, and that the order of mass is usually in the first part of the missals in the pews if she wants to follow along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG45 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 What BM said. When I first went to a Catholic church, all I knew was "Don't take Communion". Sign of peace? "Peace be with you" "Uh thanks". Kneeling, sitting, standing? It was all watching the little old ladies (which I would advise her to do with part of her attention). I'd also second Catholicism for Dummies; sometimes when my Protestant relatives have a question, I still pull it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archaeology cat Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Feel free to ask me questions on the Egyptian part. Have to make sure I don't get rusty. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spem in alium Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 You've been given some great advice here, especially regarding prayer. I'll pray for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papist Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 The Catholic Answers tracts are a good resource to address any wrong beliefs she has been told. Introduce her to Phatmass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madiesensei Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Hello, I'm the said individual that is very much interested in conversion. It's nice to meet you all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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