[DTfan]

So recentally I have been thinking of converting to Catholicism and I was just wondering if anyone had any information about it such as what I would need to do and such....so if anyone has any suggestions or info I'd appreciate it!

[RANDALL FLAG]

If you are in school you could contact the dean's office or student union. One of the two shoud be able to tell you if there is an active chapter of the Catholic student organization on campus. If you are not in school, then call the local chamber of commerce to locate a local Catholic Church and then schedule a meeting with the Priest.

[crazytaxidriver]

if it's in your heart to do so then ok..

[Beef]

It would be best to get in touch with the local church. You have to take classes that teach you the history and belief of the church.

[crazytaxidriver]

^hmmm.. i'm not goin to say nothing about htat lol

[Beef]

^hmmm.. i'm not goin to say nothing about htat lol

What you mean?

[Beef]

What is the RCIA?

The RCIA, which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. In 1974 the Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults was formally approved for use in the United States.


More here:
http://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/rcia.html

[crazytaxidriver]

so you are saying yyou have to take classes on the history in order to join???

[Beef]

You have to understand the beliefs and customs of the church. Obviously it's not totally like other Christian churches or there would only be one faith.

and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

These threre are the main part. There are 4 Major Sacraments that all Catholics are supposed to go through, the three listed above and marriage. Each has an age at which to be completed:
1. Baptism - at Birth
2. Holy Eucharist - around 10 years old
3. Confirmation - 14-16 years old

So yes, if you miss one of these then you have to take extra classes to learn about the church.

And on a side note, those that grow up in the Catholic faith attend CCD Religious Education Classes from around 7 untill 16 in order to understand the teaching. That is all that RCIA is, learning what others learned as children. I guess you could call it a Sunday School of such. Doesn't that teach the beliefs of the church?

[crazytaxidriver]

i see.. i was thinking it was more like a school of sorts. in some ways it's like sunday school in that it teaches about the religion. However, if you don't go to sunday school, and you find yourself at 30 wanting to join church you don't have to go back through sunday school. You attend service, which is basically a teaching of the religion and what it's about, in most Christian churches..

[DTfan]

Yeah the converting process is pretty complicated itself. I haven't been able to get up with a parish or the chapter on campus...I'm goin to keep trying...thankx for all the insight I really appreciate it!

[Cali]

There's a place on campus, DT. It's around the Campbell Music Building across from the softball fields where you pay $1 to park. I can't remember the name of it though. It's around BSU (the Baptist Student Union)..I think it's past Walters Hall. I've been there before when I was in HCOP.

[DTfan]

Yeah I've seen it a couple times I think it's called Catholic Newman Center...I've walked past it a couple times...I'm trying to really decide if it's something I really want to pursue

[Cali]

Yeah that's it. You should talk to the lady there.