Catholic Converts: Why did you become catholic?

I became a Catholic 4/11/09. I was 54 years old. My brother and sister are fundamentalist Christians -- it's been a little weird. I felt the need to go to church, but I couldn't figure out what denomination to go with. Then I decided to go with the oldest Christian church -- i've never looked back.

Marybeloved: Great resources! Saint Therese is amazing! It is so fruitfull to read about the lives of saints. I found the encyclical by Blessed St. John Paul II about the Rosary to be very significant in my relationship with Our Holy Mother.

Kristacoupe- Lovely! Welcome home!

There's a treasury of Catholic books I found on this site:http://www.catholictreasury.info/library.php But they are spiritual classics to help live the faith, not really learn the basics.

Good Catholic teaching can be found on the ewtn website and TV, as well this other Gem I found on the net: http://www.discerninghearts.com It has great resources on the Bible study section.

I always liked the book "The faith explained" for teaching on catholic faith when you're just starting to learn it, Yet nothing beats the magisterium's official teaching in the CCC- The Catechism of the Catholic Church . No Catholic should be w/out it, just as none of us should be without the Bible -the full 73 book Bible, not the Martin Luther 66 book one . But for rich solid teaching in small digestible bits, nothing compares with the papal encyclicals- Really! So cheap and easily available (free on the net) http://www.papalencyclicals.net Let the universal pastors, especially the late JPII (Blessed) and HH Pope B16, teach you what Catholic faith really is! I always preferred the printed versions since they're so cheap- But thank God we can get them online for free.

For spirituality, there are many good writings and biographies of the Saints- Just check out the first link above. Who better to teach you the narrow road of sanctity that is the whole point of our faith, than those who have successfully traveled it?

Start with "The story of a soul"- St. Therese of Lisieux's autobiography if you can buy one- There are few treasures in this world that could compare with that Gem. And "The introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales, a practical guide for starting on the spiritual life. But read many, many, many Saints' lives- Nothing can help the true meaning of the faith really sink in than witnessing it lived practically and successfully by the Saints.

On understanding Our Lady Mary so that you can develop the right relationship with her (You must if you hope to be successful in your spiritual life quicker)- I like the book "Mother of God and Our Mother" the best of all. Though you'll soon learn by experience, my friend- nothing is more powerful than her intercession! You'll come to rely on her so confidently, it'll be horrifying to imagine life w/out her- The best thing of all is, you'll learn that she always, always, no matter how badly off you are- She'll always bring you back to Jesus when you fall- one Hail Mary or one "Mother help me I'm defeated!".- will be all the weapon you need. The Devil fears her so much because she humiliates him in her smallness and how Great God has made her. She also helps with earthly needs and problems .

When I think of others, I know where to find you !

Peace and Blessings.

hello everyone!! Im am in RCIA week 7. I love every minute of it. So happy to have group discussion forum that shares my journey! Im a proud converting woman!!

Hello- I am a new Catholic as of May 22, 2011!! I followed my son into the Church. I was brought up Baptist, Nazarene, AG and then Four Square. Yes a church hopping Protestant !!! My son came home one evening from RCIA, which we did not know he was going to and said he is going to start the process of converting to Catholicism. Um ..yes my husband and I were both taken aback and then I felt angry and asked God ..WHY!? Had many late night/morning elevated discussions with my son and after he came into the Church I decided to find out myself the lies he had learned...HAHAHAH. Well needless to say God was showing me the way and the Truth and my heart softened. I did a lot of soul searching and asked God to show me what he wanted for my life and if he wanted me to come into the CHurch. Last fall (2010) I made the faith step and after Easter I became a Catholic.
My husband and two youngest children are not Catholic but support my decision. They do go to Mass with me about twice a month. We are living in England as of May 2011 and I am trying to find niche in the Catholic community here. Will be here for another 2 yrs. This is a brief synopsis of my journey. I am still learning and would love any books or online Catholic Bible studies I can join. Blessings in Christ and have a fantastic day everyone!!

Welcome kcwilliamsj - Please join in our conversation.

Hello group I'm new to Catholic Answers. I don't know why I didn't join already but here I am nonetheless. This is the first group I have joined so is there anything to it other than just joining in the conversations???

Marybeloved - Sorry if I had the wrong impression. That is great you were able to get good catechisis, which we all need.

creationlover - It is sad some chaplins and well as some pastors who come to the realization the Catholic Church is where God is calling them are afraid to give up their positions and trust the Lord. I am sure you were humbled, but you trusted and you will be better for it in the end.

Stellaeres - That is great you often remember to thank God for the suffering, as Catholics we are more aware of redemptive suffering than before we converted.

JamesF1086 - Maybe you could find a Catholic church in your area and talk to the priest. . As Catholics we can have spiritual directors, sometimes they are priests, but not always, they can be spiritually mature lay people also who have gone through training.

Hi creationlover,

From context, I think that is a faith mentor. I think that's partly what I'm searching for, in order to talk things through. I unfortunately don't have any links to the Catholic Church at the moment; I need to work out how to progress.

Hi.Please pray for my friend Norberto (who I probably mentioned before) who's away from the church & from God. I've given mass stipends for him (If anyone wanted to do that they could, otherwise pray for those priests) I'm so so sad right now. Only Our Lady helps me. Once in a while I remember to thank God for my suffering. Maybe I'm winniing graces for my friend through suffering