i'm 15. i'm not really all that religious. like, i dont practice any religion but i want to try it. i want to experience it all to see what all churches are like and i am going to try a catholic church tomorrow. what should i expect? i will probably feel out of place cause i dont know what the heck i'm doing! i think mass starts at 8:30 and 11. what all should i do when i get there? i have never been baptized. the only church i have ever gone to was a baptist church a veryyy long time ago. please help and offer me all the advice you can!\n\noh yeah, i'd like to join a church choir too. is it easy to become apart of that? do they even have that? aw i'm nervous. it is extra hard for me to do things i've never done before. i have anxiety issues...
206105
You will be going at a very interesting time, Palm Sunday.\n\nIt is obvious that sunpekes doesn't have a clue about the Catholic Church, but is ready to spread lies.  No admission charges and the offering basket is sent once - if you have something that you would like to contribute, do, if not - don't.\n\nLots of Pomp and Circumstance, but a very beautiful Mass.\n\nThere will be some kneeling and standing, but since you are not Catholic, do not feel that you have to do it (but please do stand for the reading from the Gospel - you will know, it is the first time everyone stands after the procession).\n\nAlso, since you are not Catholic you will not be allowed to go up for the Eucharist, other wise do whatever you want to do.\n\nIf you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me via my profile.
27435
Give it to God. Remember that you are not there for you. You are there to help the community worship. Your song is sung prayer, for them and for you. \n\nForget about you, yourself, or any involvement you have in it. Become "they" - the congregation. Once you have taken yourself out of the equation, and simply become part of the worship itself, there is nothing to be nervous about.\n\nTo do this, start meditating when you practice, St. Ignatius style - picture a scene from the bible... look around, observe where you are. What do the people surrounding Jesus want, as they look?\n\nThen, after you have mastered this in practice, bring it into church with you. Remember it as you sing.
432344
I had some very personal unexplained experiences that helped me.  I'm not religious though. I believe religion is politics and people. I love God and I believe in the virgin birth, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I was not raised with any sort of Christan up bringing.  I also do not currently attend church. I was hurt by people there. I still love God and Jesus, they did not hurt me.  I want a church that is a reflection of heaven...all races, gay and straight, bikers, rappers, prostitutes, homeless, rich and poor, skinny and fat and everything in between, no judgments everyone just doing their best to be more like Christ. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we will fail miserably but in this church it will be OK to fail. You'll admit it and do better next time and the people will love you and encourage you just the same.  If you know where this church is let me know, I've got to meet these people.
197171
I sympathize with you on this one. I grew up with a strictly Catholic mother. Everything was a sin, and my sisters and I were going to Hell for everything we did. Well, you have to develop your own beliefs and morals. I am not very religious anymore, I still attend church every now and then, but I am more spiritual than religious. \n\nI waited until I was 18 before I started dating, not because of my mother, but because I was just not ready. I was like you, I didn't know how to flirt or how to be in a relationship. To tell you the truth, I still don't. I lost my virginity to a guy that just used and abused me. Just follow your heart. 9 out of 10 times, when you feel something is morally wrong, you probably shouldn't do it anyway because there will not be a good outcome. I would suggest trying to socialize with people online or going out with friends. Go on a blind date.\n\nI am 23 now and I have been with a few men, most have been real a**holes and have left me brokenhearted. Just don't settle for any guy, find someone that will understand and appreciate your family and beliefs. Sex is more fun when you have an emotional connection with someone. It involves so much more than the physical act.
1718
Ask Christ into your heart. Believe that he died for your sins and will forgive you and he is the risen Lord. Read the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. Find someone who is a Christian who can answer your many questions you will have. Find a good church that teaches truth from the bible. Continue to pray and strive to become more like Jesus by reading the bible and listening to Him in prayer.\n---In your question you said "REAL" Christian..These below are of "real" or true Christian ways. \n1. go to church. (the church is the body of Christ, everyone who is a Christian is a part of this, going to church can help you because there are some or many Christians there)\n2. hate everyone who is not of your faith.(not true)\n3. try and convert everyone who is not of your faith.(if you believe and love them you would, but you do not need to make everyone exactly like what you think a Christian is)\n4. call gays bad. (love the sinner hate the sin)\n5. be intolerant of everyone whom you don't like.\n6. fear god (true)\n7. love god (true)\n8. hate the devil (true)\n9. be understanding of hell. \n10. be the best person you can be (Jesus died for all the bad we do..wouldn't you want to do what you can for him?)\n11. don't over due it, as deeds don't get you into heaven. (Most believe we are saved by God's grace and we couldn't do it on our own because we are sinners by nature)
169072
Well, I'm not Catholic so I'm not a prime example of what you're looking for, but I'll answer anyway.  I go to a nondenominational Bible Church, and I always get something out of the sermons.  Often times it is a Bible verse that strikes me in a manner that hadn't previously occurred to me, largely due to my inability to see the larger message or simply because I'd not yet read it.\n\nThe pastor delves into important points in the Bible, and applies them to our modern lives, which is very helpful for people, and goes to show that we really can learn a lot from people who lived thousands of years ago.\n\nSometimes his sermons force me to face demons inside that I'd been ignoring, out of fear and inability to do something.  He reminds us that we have to face these things, and that God will help us through them.  I walk away feeling lifted up and yes, sometimes enlightened.  Not in the context of any major revelation; sometimes it's something simple that's been going through my mind, and I find the answer in church that day.  It's a rewarding experience.\n\nIt makes my faith stronger and helps keep me close to God and his Word.  It's a place of community with other people who love and follow God, which is an excellent example for me and a blessing in a world where so many people opt for a different path and don't always understand my choice (to be Christian).  (Even though a majority of people in America identify themselves as Christians, many don't put all their stock and faith in the Bible, or go to church, or reciprocate the necessity of believing in and following Jesus.  A lot of New Agers still identify somewhat with Christianity as well...)\n\nAnyway, sorry to give such a long answer.  It's really more difficult to put into words than I'd thought.  Simply stated, church to me feels a lot like recharging my battery every week.  I never come away empty-handed and it is a firm foundation for my faith.\n\n(However, I do believe that some churches out there may not be able to provide their worshippers with as much guidance and true insight as other churches.  This is my personal opinion, and based on my preference of Biblical Christianity over denominations that become too rigid and focused on the Legalistic aspects, which can often drive people away.  In churches like those, I would probably feel skeptical myself.  But that's just my two cents...)
435866
Depends on what religion you are. If you are in the Catholic faith I believe you have to take class or be confirmed I can't remember if what i've heard from Catholic Friends. But If you go to a Christian church then you just have to become a believer of Jesus Christ and repent of your way. It is best that you talk to your Priest/Pastor/Minister depending on what church that  you attend! Many Blessings!
222314
Wear it on your sleeve (Christian sayings t-shirts).  Wear a cross around your neck (my husband wears a cross), put one on your keys (I do this), go to a Christian club (I went to Campus Christians), etc.  Some people pass out Salvation tracks.  This is kind of annoying, though.  I do for Halloween trick-or-treaters, but not the general public.  Pray at meal time.  That always looks good!  When people tell me their problems, I say that I'll pray for them, & I do!  I am smart enough to know that studying is not enough!  I pray when I study & when about to take a test.  If I drove a car back then, I would have offered to be the designated driver.  I went out with the party kids, but I never did drink or smoke.  I really stand out, even at church.  If something is going on that I know is clearly Biblically wrong, I refuse to participate, & the others notice!  One cannot just assume that if something happens at church that it is ok.  I have pretty stong convictions!  I am not easily swayed by the crowd.  If you do any charity work, mention it.  Like, I made over 70 lap quilts & gave them out to the elderly in nursing homes.  Surely you've also done something to help out a charity or two in your life.  It doesn't have to be a Christian charity, either!  Like, I donated my hair twice so far for Locks of Love.
282737
Money should never ever be an issue.  If you feel that a church looks down on you, either you're over sensitive or they have a real problem.  In a good congregation nobody is an outcast.  I'm also a student with very little money but I feel more than welcome in my church, and even sing in the choir and help with creche.  \n\nIf you went to church as a kid then start with a church of that denomination.  Otherwise just start with your nearest one.  A library or information centre will have a list of churches and sevice times and many have their own websites.  \n\nStarting to go is easy, you just need to pluck up the courage to walk in to a church on the Sunday morning.  There's no preparation involved, you don't need any contacts there.  You should recieve a warm welcome, as churches are always trying to bring more people in.  Hang around after the service, most churches do refreshments and you'll have a chance to introduce yourself to the minister and members of the congregation and get a feel for the place.  You'll probably find that not everybody is rich, and everybody will want to be friends with you.  \n\nGo to each church in the area for a couple of weeks, as one visit won't always be enough for an accurate impression, then make a decision as to which one you prefer. \n\nIf you don't have one which is nearer than the others, baptist and methodist churches tend to be friendly (this is coming from the U.K so bear in mind if you're not in Britain the denominations may be different), so they would be good to start with.\n\nDo go for it, it will be the best thing you ever do.
520274
Hi. Congrats hun on finding Christ in your heart. God Bless you.\n\nPerhaps one's appreciation for music changes as he develops spiritually. And not just for music, for all sort of things that remind you of the presence of the Lord in our everyday life. \nAnd sometimes, yes you might get used to a certain type of music, but I feel that if you feel uncomfortable it may be because you’re not too attached to that particular way of worship. For example before becoming Catholic, I used to find Gregorian chant 'not-so-pleasant'. Now, I find it the most beautiful sound of praise to god on earth.\n\nYou should worship God in the way that makes you comfortable. \n\nGod bless you.\nOmar
190477
You need to find a church that makes you feel comfortable and welcome.  You might need to try many.  I think that it is very important to find a church with a pastor that teaches from scripture.  There are so few out there anymore.  So many churches water down the teachings from Christ and put their own spin on the Bible.  How can you learn from God if you are not getting the teachings that he provided for us?  Don't let people bring you down, remember that just because someone believes in God it doesn't make them perfect, we are all sinners and fall short.  It is in our nature to fall short, that is why we need God.  Please don't let your disapointment in a person affect the way you see Christianity.  Pray about it and soon you will find a church home that is right for you, God Bless.
221742
First, let me tell you something about my past that should help you out.\n\nAbout 15 yrs ago I converted from Christianity to Wiccan.  Yes, a religion that most other religions totally hate.  My family was STRONG catholics and they were expecting me to become a priest since I knew the religion well.\n\nI became very scared of what everyone would think that I kept it a secret for about 4 years.  One day, when me and my mother was debating an issue it just slipped out.  This caused a fight.  I tried to explain the truth behind my religion, but she would not listen.  \n\nFor about 6-9 months after that the only time we talked we were fighting over religion until one day I decided I don't need to justify my religion to anybody.  She would bring it up and I would either say, "We will agree to disagree" or I would change subjects. After about a month if that of doing that we never fought about it again.\n\nMy advice to you is first let them know.  If you don't it will either cause tention as mine did until it came out or it will spill out and you will feal like you have to defend yourselfs.\n\nAfter telling her parents then don't try to justify yourselves.  You don't need to and it will only cause fights.\n\nTo finish my story me and my family got along great and still do even though a couple years after that I changed my religion again and am still today in that same religion and always will be.
561677
OK- you're 19....here's an observation from a 40 year old.\n\nWhen I was a child, I took everything my parents said absolutely. I never questioned anything.\n\nWhen I became a teen, I took on the popular 'you aren't the boss of me mentality'....and questioned everything....and didn't much take their advice- I could decide things for myself.\n\nWhen I became an adult- and a parent- I realized my parents were right about just about everything. They had lived through a lot, made mistakes, seen others make mistakes. They had the benefit of wisdom and experience, and weren't such bad guides, after all.\n\nI see my relationship with the Church the same way. As a child, I did what I was told. As a young adult, I bought into the idea that I could make my own decisions--many of the bad ones.\n\nNow, with the benefite of hindsight, I realize how much pain in my life could have been completely avoided if I had followed the teachings of the Church.\n\nI made my own decisions on many things....and eventually came to relize I was WRONG when those decisions conflicted with Church teaching. Every time and without exception. The Church has always been right and I have always been wrong.\n\nSo now, when an issue of faith or morals comes up- I look to the Church first, and form my opinions based on what the Church teaches. After all- the only purpose of the Church is to help us get to Heaven!\n\nNow, the Pope. No, he doesn't 'control' me. I do look to him as my spiritual leader, a man of faith who is an example for me as a Christian. And when he speaks on matters of faith and morals, I obey him as leader of the Church who wants only the best for me.....like any good parent.
277744
Catholic Church routine mass & sermon! Blah! blah! blah!\nWhy?\ncoz i been a catholic before ^_^
455886
Yeah, you do sound like a perfect match here.. (I'm listening to your friends here too.. they're all Christians, they know you 2 guys.. we're a load of strangers out here and do not.) I am glad you are Christians and it'll pay off.. I hope you do not get a lot of rude-comments in here.. (people are like that.. you sound like a really nice girl, er woman.) I was thinking back when I was in h.s./then college.. Back then it was a big age difference to have a high school and college 'kid' hook up.. (too much difference..) Now I don't know(?) (Guess I am too old!.. lol.. 53/f) I think if you've got these same morals (you don't sound in any HUGe hurry here, that's good) you should pray on it, wait some more. Can you talk to your minister? (I know.. it's embarassing.. how about talking to the minister's wife? other women in the church?) You'd be surprised (if it's like MY church) how helpful they can be! (might put in a good word for ya even.. wink) IF this guy is looking (and he will be) for a good CHRIStian wife, don't worry, he'll go straight back to his favorite church (and guess what?! YOU'll be there!) good luck.. I'll be praying for you two.. peace out
12330
Certainly it is ok for a Christian to go - as you said, no drinking, drugs, sex --- we are to live in the world - just not be of it. I think this can be risky because you could be put under a lot of peer pressure to "just have one drink" or things like that - so I think this largely depends on your maturity level as a Christian...how is your walk?  I had a pastor at a church I used to go to who would regularily go to local bars, with another Christian, and use the time to witness to others.  Even if you are going with just friends, you can be a witness by how you have "fun".  Good Luck & God Bless!
517737
I am going to try and answer your question as honestly as possible.  I am a christian so that is where I am basing this answer on.  Going to the conference with your youth group can be an awesome opportunity for you, you must remember fear is not of God.  Pray and ask your youth group and parents to pray also that God will remove that fear of being away overnight.  God can do anything.  He loves you and WILL answer your prayers.  Know that the scary thoughts do come from satan and you have the power through God to tell him to leave you alone, he has no choice but to leave.  Then pray for God's peace. I too will pray for you.  I do hope you enjoy your conference :)