Michael Brooks
Catholicism is a difficult religion to join, with several obstacles to overcome. To become Catholic, one must understand and believe in the Church's teachings, such as those on marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion. The conversion process can be emotionally challenging, with potential estrangement from family and friends, as well as vocational confusion for those converting from ministerial positions. Additionally, the idea of objective truth in Catholicism can be hard to submit to in a world where subjective truth reigns. The process of conversion typically involves RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes, which can take about a year to complete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | The process typically takes a year |
| Submission to objective truth | Requires submission to the idea of objective truth |
| Priest | Catholic priests are often more distant and less "chummy" than their Protestant counterparts |
| Lifestyle changes | Requires changes in views on marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion |
| Financial loss | Ministers from other churches may lose out financially due to loss of pensions, salaries, etc. |
| Vocational confusion | It can be hard to accept that previous ministerial positions are considered invalid |
| Social ridicule and estrangement | Converts may face ridicule and loss of social connections, including family and friends |
| Individual parish teachings and practices | Individual Catholic churches can vary significantly in their teachings and practices |
| Education | Requires understanding and belief in the teachings of the Church, which can be gained through RCIA classes |
| Sacraments | Requires receiving the Sacraments physically from a Catholic priest |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding Catholic teachings
The RCIA program typically spans about a year, commencing in the fall and concluding at Easter. However, the timeline may vary, and some journeys may extend from Easter to Easter. This timeframe allows individuals to comprehensively study and reflect on the core tenets of Catholicism.
The curriculum of RCIA classes is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics essential to understanding Catholic teachings. These include the Holy Scriptures, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments, as well as the Theology of the Mass and the Sacraments. Additionally, participants delve into the Articles of the Creed, Christian Morality, the Ten Commandments, and Prayer. Through these studies, individuals gain a solid foundation in Catholic doctrine and tradition.
However, becoming a Catholic involves more than just intellectual understanding. It requires a transformation of one's lifestyle and a submission to the Church's authority on matters of faith and morals. This can be challenging, especially when it comes to issues such as marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion. Embracing Catholic teachings in these areas may necessitate significant personal and behavioural changes, which can be difficult for some individuals.
Moreover, the Catholic Church itself recognises that the path to becoming a Catholic is not always easy. Converts may face vocational confusion, particularly if they are ministers in other Christian denominations whose priesthood may not be recognised by the Catholic Church. Social challenges may also arise, including ridicule and estrangement from family and friends who may not understand or accept the convert's new faith.
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Submission to objective truth
The first challenge that prospective converts to Catholicism face is "Theological Submission", as described by Taylor Marshall, a former Episcopalian priest and chancellor of a Catholic liberal arts college in Texas. It is difficult to submit to the idea of objective truth in an age where subjective truth prevails and all truths are considered relative. Catholicism, as the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ, demands adherence to its teachings and sacraments.
To become a Catholic, one must be willing to submit to the Church's authority and accept its doctrines as absolute truth. This includes accepting the Commandments, the Church's Precepts, and its stance on controversial issues such as marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion. Proselytes must be prepared to make significant lifestyle changes and seek guidance from Catholic priests, who may be less approachable than their Protestant counterparts due to their busy schedules.
The process of converting to Catholicism is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). It typically takes about a year, starting in the fall and ending at Easter. During this period, catechumens are expected to attend preparation classes, study the teachings of the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments, including baptism, from a Catholic priest.
The challenge of "Theological Submission" is not just intellectual but also deeply personal. Converting to Catholicism can lead to ridicule and estrangement from family and friends who may not understand or accept one's decision. It can result in a painful break in family bonds and even financial consequences, such as ministers from other churches losing pensions and salaries.
Despite these challenges, many people find the Catholic Church appealing because it offers the fullness of the Christian Faith. They seek to submit to the objective truth as taught by the Church, believing that it will lead them closer to God and away from their sinful ways. For these individuals, the difficulties presented by "Theological Submission" are worth overcoming to attain the spiritual benefits and salvation that Catholicism promises.
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Dealing with lifestyle changes
It is important to approach these topics with caution and compassion, both for oneself and for others. Seeking out a good priest with whom one can speak confidentially is recommended. Confession can be a powerful tool for healing and overcoming any shame or fear associated with past actions or beliefs. Additionally, finding a supportive Catholic community can provide a sense of belonging and help reinforce new beliefs and practices.
For those with ministerial positions in other churches, converting to Catholicism can be particularly challenging. It may involve accepting that their previous priesthood is considered invalid by the Catholic Church, which can be difficult to come to terms with. It can also result in financial losses, as Catholic ministers may earn lower salaries and have different pension arrangements.
Converting to Catholicism may also lead to social challenges, including ridicule and estrangement from family and friends who do not understand or approve of the decision. This can be emotionally difficult and may cause strain on relationships. It is important to seek support from understanding individuals or communities, whether that be through Catholic forums, support groups, or personal connections.
Finally, the process of converting to Catholicism requires a commitment to learning and understanding the teachings of the Catholic Church. This can involve enrolling in preparation classes, such as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which is the standard process for non-Catholics entering the Catholic faith. These classes typically cover a range of topics, including the Holy Scriptures, the Theology of the Mass, the Sacraments, Christian morality, and the Ten Commandments.
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Priest availability
The availability and willingness of priests to help potential converts is a key factor in the process of becoming Catholic. While some sources suggest that Catholic priests are "busier" and more distant than their Protestant counterparts, others highlight the importance of finding a good priest with whom one can speak confidentially. This is especially important when dealing with sensitive issues such as marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion.
It is recommended that individuals seeking to convert to Catholicism contact their local parish and set up a meeting with a priest. The priest can then guide them deeper into the spiritual life and provide tailored advice and resources. This process can vary in duration, typically lasting about a year, and may involve studying reliable Catholic sources and participating in programs like RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
The availability of priests for conversion guidance may also depend on their own backgrounds and experiences. For instance, some priests may be former Protestant ministers who have converted to Catholicism and can offer unique insights to potential converts. On the other hand, priests who are stretched thin across multiple parishes or busy with administrative tasks may have less time for individual guidance.
In addition, the process of becoming a Catholic priest oneself after converting from another Christian denomination can vary. For instance, an Orthodox priest entering the Catholic Church may already be ordained and only need to wait for permission to celebrate the Catholic sacraments. In contrast, an Anglican or Lutheran clergyman may need to wait longer for a dispensation from celibacy if they are married.
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Conversion ridicule
Conversion to Catholicism can be challenging due to various factors, and one of the significant obstacles is the ridicule and opposition faced by prospective converts. Social mockery and criticism from non-Catholics can make the journey towards Catholicism difficult. This ridicule can come from friends, family, and even other Catholics, as some Old Catholics may scrutinize and ridicule New Catholics.
Taylor Marshall, a former Episcopalian priest and chancellor of a Catholic liberal arts college in Texas, shares his experience of never being "more greatly attacked" than when he converted to Catholicism. He also mentions that some converts are even cut out of inheritances due to their decision to convert, signifying a painful break in family bonds and affections.
The conversion process can be demanding, requiring a change in lifestyle and addressing sensitive topics such as marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion. This can be challenging, especially when facing opposition from those who disagree with the Catholic Church's stance on these issues.
Additionally, ministers from other churches who convert may encounter financial losses, including reductions in salaries and pensions, creating another layer of difficulty in the conversion process.
Furthermore, the conversion process itself, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), has been criticized for its shortcomings. Some leaders of the RCIA process may exhibit an aloof attitude towards catechumens' decisions to convert, emphasizing subjectivity and emotion over Catholic doctrine. There may also be an overemphasis on tangential activities, giving the impression that some apostolic doctrines are optional while treating recent pastoral resources as inviolate.
Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that conversion is a personal journey of turning towards God and truth. It is a continual process of sanctification, leading the believer towards perfection and a deeper spiritual life.
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Frequently asked questions
The process by which non-Catholics enter the Catholic faith is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It typically takes about a year, starting in the fall and ending at Easter.
To become Catholic, you must profess the Catholic faith in its entirety, be united in the sacraments, and follow the Church's teachings. You must also be baptised by a Catholic priest, but before you can do that, you need to complete preparation classes.
RCIA classes cover the Holy Scriptures (Old & New Testament), the Theology of the Mass & the Sacraments, the Articles of the Creed, Christian Morality, the Ten Commandments, and Prayer.
Some people find it challenging to submit to the idea of objective truth when subjective truth rules the day. Dealing with the Catholic Church's teachings on marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, and abortion can also be difficult. Becoming Catholic may also result in ridicule and estrangement from non-Catholic friends and family.
There are many online resources for people interested in converting to Catholicism, including online RCIA classes offered by CatechismClass.com. There are also several Catholic podcasts and YouTube channels, such as "The Council of Trent" and "Pints With Aquinas".
