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beautyforashes

I started dating a wonderful guy about a year ago. He's amazing and really strong in his faith. We decided before we even started dating that serving God was the most important thing in our lives and that should come at the center of our relationship. I've never been in a relationship like this. I've never had anyone encourage me in my walk with Christ like he does. And he's Catholic. I'm Baptist and by Baptist i mean VERY Baptist. I attent a conservative Baptist college and my family is very active in our church.

I know that i'm going to marry this guy, but i don't think its God's will for there to be a huge difference in beliefs between a husband and a wife. The more i study Catholicism and pray for Truth and guidance the more i feel God changing my heart and mind about what i believe and i really think i'm ready to convert to Catholicism.

It's been a really hard journey so far because most of family and friends don't really understand what i'm doing and that i'm really seeking God in this. They think that i'm falling away from God because of my decision. I really just need people to pray for me that i'll be able to withstand the trials ahead.

I also had some questions. I understand what i would have to do to join the church but i'm not really sure how long it would take. And when would i be able to start receiving Communion and technically be considered Catholic?

Thanks!

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Fides_et_Ratio

Many prayers!

As to the more techinical questions, it takes about a year to become Catholic-- going through the RCIA classes, and then you would officially be received into the Church at Easter. And it is during this reception on the Easter Vigil that you would first be able to receive Communion (the Eucharist).

A lot of people feel stigmatized about not being able to receive the Eucharist, but receiving the Eucharist isn't so much a "club member card" (i.e., "I'm a member of the Catholic club so I can receive and you can't") RATHER, reception of the Eucharist is an act of faith--an act of worship that is really only properly made under the context of having full communion with the Church. But until the Easter Vigil, you may make spiritual communions--expressing your desire to receive, and anticipate the joy of Easter Vigil when the entire Church will rejoice in your communion.


(PS-- is you username from the "Shane & Shane" song? I love that song)

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homeschoolmom

Welcome. I've been on both sides of this coin. First as the Baptist parent whose teenager (though she wasn't mine, technically, she was living under our roof and in our care) was dating a faithful Catholic and who (GASP!!!) wanted to convert... and later I was the one who had to tell all of my Baptist friends that I was converting, too.

I feel your pain. :(

prayers...

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Prayers for you.

I hope that you do feel that God is calling you into the Catholic Church. It is a great place to be.

There is all kinds of reading on the subject, but you might want to check out someone like Scott Hahn if you still have doubts. He writes about some amazing things.

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I also feel your pain, though I'm a former Presbyterian and not a Baptist.

It is a difficult process, but you can do it. Don't be discouraged. You can cry on our shoulders anytime. Or mine, at least. I think Hsmom would let you too.

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homeschoolmom

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Aug 31 2005, 05:39 PM']I also feel your pain, though I'm a former Presbyterian and not a Baptist.

It is a difficult process, but you can do it. Don't be discouraged. You can cry on our shoulders anytime. Or mine, at least. I think Hsmom would let you too.
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:yes:

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It isn't easy, I'm a former Baptist myself with close friends who attended Cedarville College, Maranatha, Moody, and the like. If you choose to convert make sure it is because you believe in Jesus and His Church. If you are a college student, I suggest looking at the book "A Father Who Keeps His Promises" by Dr. Scott Hahn. It was an inspiration for my own faith journey towards Christ in the Catholic Church. I think you will be wonderfully surprised at how scripturally sound the Churches beliefs are. Far more sound than the Baptist denominations doctrines. Feel free to email or PM me if I can be of any assistance. adam4jmj@gmail.com

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[quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Aug 31 2005, 10:22 AM']Welcome. :)
We have several people here who are who are converted Baptists.
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My ex-husband converted to Catholicism after he divorced me. :shock:
He said it was because of the beautiful witness he saw in me of what it meant to be Catholic. :o

WEIRD BUT TRUE. :topsy:

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