What I Was Before I Became a Catholic
I grew up in a household that never went to church. We really did not pray unless you consider a hearty "Praise the Lord and pass the food. Amen" at Thanksgiving an actual prayer.
Why I Converted to Catholicism
When in third grade I was offered the opportunity to go to church school class on Wednesdays, and I went to the Protestant one. It was entirely my idea and I credit it to the Holy Spirit. Later, I would take my sister's Catholic kids to Mass sometimes as they prepared for their First Communions. The Mass seemed to call to me. I later in college would attend "last chance Mass" on Sunday nights at 11 P.M. with my Catholic friends. I enjoyed all of the traditional elements of it and it seemed to be where I belonged.
How I Converted to Catholicism
After I became engaged to a man who was brought up in a traditional Catholic family, and we attended Mass together for some time, I finally got up the courage to speak to the priest about converting to Catholicism. About one year before our wedding date I began taking the RCIA classes and was baptized and confirmed at the Easter vigil Mass.
Advice
- Don't be intimidated by the rituals of the Church or feel out of place if you don't know what to do during Mass. Just follow along in a missal and don't be afraid to ask someone if you don't understand something. Even cradle Catholics don't know it all! (I taught my husband things that I learned in RCIA!) Some Catholic churches even have a contemporary Mass that may appeal to you. Lastly, find a church you are comfortable in, and a priest you enjoy talking and listening to. All churches are different and you can find one that is right for you.
