Grace Thompson
Converting from Mormonism to Catholicism can be a challenging and bittersweet experience. Mormons are known for their tight-knit communities, and leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) can lead to questions and judgment from friends and family. Many former Mormons have shared their conversion stories, highlighting their reasons for leaving the LDS Church and their journey towards Catholicism. This often involves a period of intense research and soul-searching, evaluating different Christian religions, and studying LDS doctrine and teachings. Some resources that can aid in this process include reading the Bible, watching Catholic TV programs like The Journey Home, and seeking out RCIA classes for learning without pressure.
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What You'll Learn
Research and soul-searching
The first step in your journey from Mormonism to Catholicism is to ask yourself some important questions. Are you truly happy with your current religious beliefs and practices? Are there any doubts or concerns that you've been ignoring? Be honest with yourself and acknowledge any aspects of Mormonism that you find challenging or uncomfortable.
Next, start exploring other religious paths, particularly Catholicism. Begin by reading the Bible, which is a sacred text for both Mormons and Catholics. You can also delve into other Catholic literature, such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), which provides a comprehensive understanding of Catholic beliefs and the reasoning behind them. Additionally, consider attending Mass and observing Catholic practices to gain a deeper insight into the religion.
As you embark on this journey of exploration, it's essential to maintain an open mind and a critical perspective. Be curious and ask questions. Seek out reliable sources and engage in conversations with people from both faiths. Examine the historical claims, early history, and founding principles of Mormonism and Catholicism. Evaluate the distinctive beliefs of each religion, such as the Mormon belief in the "Restoration of the Church" and the ""loss of priesthood keys" after the death of the Apostles.
In your research, pay attention to the underlying principles and values of each religion. For example, consider the Mormon emphasis on personal revelation and the "burning in the bosom" testimony, and compare it with Catholic traditions and practices. Look into the lives and writings of the early Church Fathers and the Apostolic Fathers, and reflect on how their beliefs align with your own experiences and values.
Finally, take your time with this process. Conversion is a deeply personal and often complex journey. There is no rush to make any sudden decisions. You might consider joining an RCIA class (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), which provides a non-pressurizing environment for learning and exploration. Remember, the goal is to find a faith that resonates with your heart and mind, bringing you peace and a sense of belonging.
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Reading the Bible
When selecting a Bible, look for a Catholic edition. A Catholic edition will include the Church's complete list of sacred books along with introductions and notes for understanding the text. A Catholic edition will have an imprimatur notice on the back of the title page. An imprimatur indicates that the book is free of errors in Catholic doctrine. The Bible is a collection of 73 books written over the course of many centuries. The books include royal history, prophecy, poetry, challenging letters to struggling new faith communities, and believers' accounts of the preaching and passion of Jesus.
Catholic and Protestant Bibles both include 27 books in the New Testament. Protestant Bibles have only 39 books in the Old Testament, while Catholic Bibles have 46. The seven books included in Catholic Bibles are Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch. Catholic Bibles also include sections in the Books of Esther and Daniel which are not found in Protestant Bibles. These books are called the deuterocanonical books. The Catholic Church believes these books to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is the best set of annotations for understanding the Bible. It lays out a complete overview of how to interpret the Bible as a Catholic. The Catechism also lays out three criteria (i.e. principles of discernment) offered by the Second Vatican Council: (1) “be especially attentive ‘to the content and unity of the whole Scripture’”; (2) “read the Scripture within ‘the living Tradition of the whole Church’”; and (3) “be attentive to the analogy of faith,” by which is meant “the coherence of the truths of faith among themselves and within the whole plan of Revelation”.
To start reading the Bible, familiarise yourself with a particular passage of Scripture by reading it over several times and formulating questions about the text and its meaning. After this initial stage, study the historical and cultural background of the biblical text. There are many excellent Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias that explore the historical context of the biblical world. Exercise care, however, because much “mainstream” biblical scholarship is coloured by an anti-historical bias. Thankfully, it usually does not take much reading to pick up the authors’ and editors’ attitude toward Scripture. After researching the historical background of the text, move on to analyse its grammar, including the meaning of words (lexicon) and their arrangement (syntax).
Read the Bible in context. What happens before and after – even in other books – helps us to understand the true meaning of the text. The Old Testament and the New Testament shed light on each other. While we read the Old Testament in light of the death and resurrection of Jesus, it has its own value as well. Together, these testaments help us to understand God's plan for human beings.
Get all three formats of the Bible—print, electronic, and audiobook—so you can switch between them depending on what fits particular moments of your schedule best. Don't be distracted by the question of finding the “best” Bible translation. There is no perfect translation, and they all have advantages and disadvantages. Some translations—like the Revised Standard Version—apply what’s sometimes called a “literal” approach to translation, preserving as much of the original word choice and sequence as possible. Other “dynamic” translations—such as the Good News Bible—try to sound more like contemporary English speech. They seek to provide a “thought-for-thought” translation rather than a “word-for-word” translation. The advantage is that they’re easier to read, but the disadvantage is that they’re more prone to translator bias. Some translations—like the New American Bible: Revised Edition—try to strike a balance between these approaches.
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Understanding the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a statement of the Catholic Church's faith and doctrine. It was promulgated by John Paul II on 11 October 1992, on the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The CCC is a comprehensive and detailed outline of the Catholic faith, providing a deep understanding of the Church's teachings and beliefs.
The CCC covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of God, the Trinity, the role of the Church, the sacraments, moral life, and the liturgy. It is structured as a series of paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of Catholic doctrine. For example, Paragraph 3 states that "The Church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic", while Paragraph 4 discusses "Christ's Faithful - Hierarchy, Laity, and Consecrated Life". Each paragraph provides a clear and concise explanation of the relevant doctrine, often with references to Scripture and the Church's Magisterium.
The CCC is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the Catholic faith more deeply. It provides a comprehensive overview of Catholic beliefs and practices, and its structure makes it easy to navigate and find specific teachings. The CCC is also a valuable tool for those involved in catechesis or religious education, as it provides a clear framework for teaching the faith.
In addition to the CCC, there are also supplementary resources available to aid in understanding Catholic doctrine. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published in 2005, is a more concise and dialogic version of the CCC. It is available in multiple languages on the Vatican website. Additionally, Youcat, published in 2011, is specifically designed to help youth understand the Catechism. These resources make the teachings of the Catholic Church more accessible to a wider audience.
For those considering converting from Mormonism to Catholicism, the CCC can be a valuable resource. It provides a clear and comprehensive overview of Catholic doctrine, addressing common questions and misunderstandings. Additionally, personal testimonies from former Mormons, such as Jeremy Christiansen, can provide insight and inspiration for those on a similar journey. By combining the teachings of the CCC with the shared experiences of others, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and make more informed decisions about their spiritual path.
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Attending Mass
Before Mass
It is important to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This allows you some time to enter into a prayerful state where you can talk to God and prepare for Mass.
Beginning of Mass
To start the Mass, the priest and the servers walk slowly to the altar while everyone else stands. Usually, a song is sung at this time. The priest and the servers bow to the altar and then take their spots. Most priests will also go behind the altar and kiss it.
Crossing Yourself
Catholics often cross themselves, so it is important to know how to do this. First, touch your forehead with a finger of your right hand, saying "In the name of the Father," then touch your lower chest, saying, "the Son," next touch your left shoulder, saying, "and the Holy," and finally, touch your right shoulder, saying, "Spirit." Whenever you hear the priest say, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," everyone crosses themselves.
Liturgy of the Word
The Liturgy of the Word is at the centre of the Mass. It involves readings from the Bible, with a brief time of quiet after each reading to reflect on the word of God. The assembly stands to sing the Gospel Acclamation to welcome the Gospel and remains standing for the Gospel reading.
Nicene Creed
On weekends, the Nicene Creed, a summary of Catholic beliefs, is recited. Everyone stands and recites: "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfilment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father."
Communion
Only Catholics who have had their First Communion can receive Communion. If you have grave sins or have not fasted for at least an hour before (water is allowed), you cannot receive Communion. If you cannot receive Communion, you can still go up for a blessing. To show that you only want a blessing, cross both your hands over your heart.
At the end of Mass, everyone takes their seat, usually bowing and dipping their knees.
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Watching Catholic TV shows
One show that you may find particularly interesting is "The Journey Home" on EWTN, which interviews converts from various backgrounds about their path to Catholicism. With guests from Mormon backgrounds, their stories and experiences may resonate with your own and provide valuable insights. You can find some episodes on YouTube.
For a fictional drama, you might enjoy "Sister Boniface," a show about a nun in 1960s England with a talent for solving mysteries. It started streaming on BritBox in February 2022. Another show worth considering is "Living Biblically," a pro-Catholic sitcom that aired on CBS. It follows a man who, after experiencing loss and impending fatherhood, decides to live strictly according to the Bible. While some humour in the show may be considered crude, the main character, Chip, offers a genuine and lovable witness to faith. You can watch it on TVLand, YouTube, or Amazon Prime.
If you're looking for something more lighthearted, "The Chosen" is a TV show that allows viewers to see Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him. It's a great watch no matter where you are in your spiritual journey with Jesus Christ.
For those with children, there are also Catholic kids' shows available on YouTube, such as "The Adventures of Donkey Ollie" and "The Little Francis." These shows aim to provide spiritual formation for Catholic children in a fun and engaging way.
Remember, while TV shows can be informative and entertaining, they are just one aspect of your conversion journey. Be sure to supplement your viewing with other resources, such as reading the Bible and joining faith communities, to gain a well-rounded understanding of Catholicism.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by attending Mass, reading the Bible, and familiarising yourself with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). You can also watch the Catholic TV program "The Journey Home", which features interviews with converts from different backgrounds.
Some people may be drawn to Catholicism due to its ancient liturgy and the devotion of its followers. Others may question the historical claims and founding of the Mormon Church, or find issues with certain LDS doctrines and teachings.
Leaving the Mormon community can be difficult due to their tight-knit nature. It's important to have a support system during this transition, whether it's understanding Catholic friends or family members who can relate to your journey.
One key difference is the Mormon belief in the ""Restoration of the Church," claiming that with the death of the Apostles, priesthood authority was lost until "Heavenly Father" restored it. Another difference is the Mormon prohibition on tea and coffee, which Catholics are allowed to consume.
If you were baptised Catholic as an infant and married in a Mormon temple, you can file for an annulment based on a "lack of form". The Catholic Church only recognises marriages solemnised under its auspices for those baptised into the faith.
