Im a christian and have been baptized in the christian church, yet latley ive been learning more about the catholic church and want to become part of the church. If anyone has advice on anything i should do to get a relationship with the Catholic church please help. if it matters im still 15 almost 16
217236
Getting saved is part of one of the Christian doctrines that says you reach heaven through belief in Jesus Christ as your individual lord and savior. There is a somewhat simple and specific prayer you can say and that is how you do that. Then from there you typically making public that confession and you are considered saved. \n\nNot all Christians believe in this part and parcel, but youll find those who are firm believers in this process will tell you are not a Christian if you dont do this process, whether or not you believe Jesus is the Christ. Chances are if you have been brought up in Christianity you believe the belief you might not have made the prayer some would require.\n\nIf you want to learn more about the Catholic Church, at your age it helps to find a church with either good youth music or good youth programs. If you have some friends who are Catholic ask them about their churches and find out what they have to say.
643470
To be fully initiated into the Catholic Church, one must be baptized, confirmed, and receive their first communion. Confirmation happens at an age when individuals are old enough to decide for themselves whether they want to be Catholic or not. One can be baptized in the Catholic Church and then go join another church.
102026
I think I might have an answer to part of your question, if I may. Of course, I can only speak from my own experience, but here goes. Maybe the reason we don't post questions about our relationships with our spouses, friends, family & other such issues is that we get our help from the Lord. We have His big book of answers, that helps guide us along our way. We also have each other, being connected by the same Spirit. We pray, asking God for guidance. We go to our Pastor's, asking for deeper answers from parts of the Scriptures that we're not acquainted quite so well with. You see, some issues need to be given into God's hands. You've seen some of the dating & relationship posts here...would you trust your relationship issue with most of the people that post on those sites? It's not intriguing when you think about it. But, one of the reasons I come to this site is to use my years of various experiences to help people. I don't always use Scripture, because it's not always required, especially when someone wants to know how to get wine stains out of their carpeting. Or how to get their two year old to talk. Things like that are practical, everyday experiences. Being that I've been married for over 28 years, raised two kids to adulthood, and have a mess of other experiences, I can help people...and I do. And yes, I am a "devout" Christian. I treat everyone with respect and answer every question carefully, even the ones that are nasty or just plain goofy. It's part of my nature to treat everyone as I would hope they treat me. For the most part, if you give respect, you get it back. This forum is a wonderful, yet scary thing. Through this site, I'm getting a different view of the world than the evening news ever could give me. There are just so many hurting young people out there, and I want to reach out to them. It's more than just the "mom" in me, it's the Lord Who is in me. Everything that gets to me has to go through Him first. I hope this helped answer your intrigues. <*)))><
455546
Yeah, we do.  They just don't want to associate with us, because they think we're wierd or whacked out.  But actually, we're not...I think that they should realize that we are the original Christians- they are the ones that broke off only about 500 years ago.  Before, the only Christians were Catholics.  Yeah, we're definitely Christian...wait, what do you mean, we aren't baptised?  Yeah we are!  "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."  Dude, check your sources before saying stupid stuff like that.  Catholics don't get baptised...gosh...
2475
Going to confession is one of the very important duties of the Catholic. It's one of the essential elements so to speak of being a good Catholic. I know it seems awkward and it isn't much fun, but isn't always kind of a release too, to be able to confess all the wrongs you have committed? Best of luck to you.
16245
First you both are Christian because you both believe in Christ as your savior...now going back to the type of Christianism you want to teach your child...go safe, baptise him catholic now, so he'll have a direct way into your heaven (just in case) and let him decide later on what he want to be.  Alternate between his church and yours, but not yet (he is too young).  In time HE will answer your question.
240362
Yes Catholics are Christian, but not all Christians are Catholic.  In order to be married in the Catholic Church,  you both must be Catholic.  Go talk to your priest.  He will clear things up for you, and tell you about how your fiance can go about converting, if he wants to.
194070
Anyone can join the Catholic Church\n\nCatholic stands for universal and it is ok for only you to join the Church\n\nThe best thing to do is talk to a priest that is at a Catholic Church, he could probably tell you about any RCIA (right of christian initiation for adults) program that would work for you
623046
My entire family is Catholic and I was baptized Catholic.  I attended church every Sunday until I was almost 17.  \n\nReasons why I stopped going:\n1. I finally realized it just didn't mean anything to me\n2. I sat there and thought about everything but what was going on (many times about things that probably shouldn't be thought about during mass - ex. "Wow that guy in the third pew is so attractive!!"). I spaced off for the entire hour.\n3. I don't want to disrespect the people who actually care about the religion. I felt like I was making a mockery of them and their faith by being at mass and spacing off the whole time.\n\nI honestly don't think I'd consider going back unless I had a huge life-changing experience that made my faith much, much stronger. I believe in God, but I don't really like the idea of organized religion. Maybe I would if the church became a lot more liberal toward many social issues, but it's not likely.\n\nHope this helps!
65476
becoming a christian isnt an act, it's a state of mind, a change of heart and a belief. the actions come after the change of heart. the more you feed off of God's word (the bible) the more He changes you from the inside out and that is when you start to change. just getting saved and trying to act diffrent without being fed the word of God will never work. you'll be saved but you wont change. once you believe in Christ and become saved you dont just forget and go back. people struggle with the flesh and our earthly desires and the only way to battle the flesh is to know how, the only way to know how is to live in the word. this is what will change them. without the word they are going at it alone and no one can do it alone.
507466
I know what the Catholic church says.\n\nAnd I know what I believe doesn't match.\n\nBut the only one you have to worry about is God and your relationship with him.  Might I suggest visiting a United Methodist Church and talking with the pastor?
74296
Kewtasabutton, \nGod Bless you for asking this. So many people are afraid to and then when they do, there are more people afraid to answer.\n\nGod loves you and me just as we are, you remember that. Now that does NOT excuse your sin or mine. But it helps you to understand how much He loves you. \n\nI have been a Christian since 1993. Have I been perfect? NOT ONE SINGLE DAY. I do try not to sin, and I always ask forgiveness for my sins. All sin is the same in God's eyes whether you kill or tell a lie. Sin is judged completely different in man's eye. You can tell a lie and not go to jail, but if you kill you will. \n\nGod says that all men are short of the glory of God. All means all. It means you, me, any preacher, pastor, and the Catholic Pope (I want go into my opinions of that). \n\nThe things that you are struggling with are no match for God. He can conquer all of your sins. The devil is getting you to do all of these things and then running back to God and tattling on you, trying to convince Him that you don't deserve to go to Heaven. But God has already stated that fact about all of us. Sweetheart, as long as you accepted Jesus into your heart, and you are truly asking forgiveness, you will overcome all of these faults. Satan is attacking your morality and your sexuality. He may win several times, but God will let you use this as a testimony one day. \n\nDon't go out and sin all you can, now. You still must do your very best to resist so that God can help you. \n\nGod doesn't expect you to change all at once, He just expects you to have the desire to. And, based on what you are saying, the desire is there, and it WILL happen. It may take a while.\n\nYou are absolutely precious!
57182
I like what has been said.  The whole point of being a Christian (past the salvation part) is to become like Christ.  How do you do this??  Good suggestions have been given, and here are some more:\n-get into the Word every day.  God is going to talk to you through the ultimate "user manual".  \n-Get plugged into a Bible based church.  Get involved!!!  \n-Be open to letting the Spirit help you in life with making choices and reaching out to others.\n-Memorize Scripture- that helps write His Word on your heart, and you will pull that out of your memory when you least expect to.\n-Clean up your "house" bit by bit.  If you wear clothes that are making guys think unholy thoughts, make the choice and wear something else.  If you have a potty mouth, bite your tongue.  We ALL have things that we are working on.  Others will see this change in you, and see how Christ is changing you.  \n-praise God all throughout the day, this helps focus on what He has made good.\n\nI have been praying for you already!
162636
I've technically been Catholic all my life -- but I only "got serious" about it four years ago.  Prior to that, if someone asked me to explain some of the major teachings of Catholicism, there's no way I could have done it.\n\nBut I looked deeply into it on my own a few years ago, and decided that the path for me was to become a "serious Catholic" and not just one in name only.  \n\nSo, in that sense, I feel very much like a convert.\n\nI lived in Japan for six years, and most of the adult Catholics who I met there were converts.  \n\nAs a group, they tended to be more "into" being Catholic than most "cradle Catholics" I've known.\n\nThat's because they actually took the time, as adults, to make this choice.  They also took the time to attend all the classes, prepare for baptism, etc.   They don't take their faith for granted.
253197
Sweetie, I would LOVE to spend some time chatting with you about all this!  Anyway, when you ask God to come into your life and your heart, just mean it..and you only have to do it once.  There are a few important steps that will help you to follow his guidance.  First, get a Bible you like and understand..and read it (baby steps).  Find a church you like and go regularly..and don't forget the fellowship..it's very important.  Those are the people you lean on in your times of doubt..they will help keep you straight and they will 'feed' you the information and encouragement you need.  The Bible says "Do not forsake the assembling.." (Hebrews 10:25)..which means the fellowship.  Go to Bible study and make Christian friends.  It's a process, but we're all born in and of sin..we will ALWAYS sin, but we repent when we do.  Also, pray for guidance and understanding of His word (Psalms 32:8..I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you..).  And lastly, how do we have a relationship with anybody??  We spend TIME with them...talk to God..often!  Spend some devotional time with him.  Once you really let yourself open up to all of these things, you'll FEEL the difference..and the depression will fall away.  You'll know true peace and happiness.  I speak from experience!  Good luck to you!  IM me if you have any questions!  Praise God!!
455513
I was raised Catholic, and do consider myself as a Christian.\n\nAlthough, What I ascertain is that I don't need to be in a religion, as long as I am able to connect, a spiritual relationship with God Jesus:)\n\nI like many types of music and songs, the sound or beat, I can sing my own words from my heart to praise and to strengthen.\nPeace!
31010
hello Idance2dance\nI have been a christian for as long as I can remember I grew up going to church. I am from Conn. \nWould be glad to be your e-mail buddy.