Has anyone here converted to Catholicism?

[Shamoy]

If so would you mind telling me a little about the process please...what it involves and how long it takes :-)

I think at least some would depend on your circumstances and reasoning.

I.e. converting from a higher anglican church because you feel more connected with catholisism would be a whole lot easier than...say... a person of a different religion entirely converting. (Especially if the local catholic school os awesome)

There is a programme called the RCIA or Roman Catholic Initiation of Adults, all RC churches should either run this or have access to it. I think the way individual churches run it is quite different but your starting point for asking would be your priest or parish office.

I think the length of time varies according to personal circumstances and exposure already to the church, so easier for someone who has, for example, attended church with family for years to understand church sacraments and teachings than someone who has never been. I would have thought that attending mass and getting a feel for Catholic worship would be the first step in such a scenario.

If the person has been baptised by another Christian denomination then the person does not need to be baptised again but would progress through the sacraments of reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. If not baptised then this would need to happen first but I have seen people baptised, be confirmed and receive first communion all in one service.

Hope this helps.

When I converted I had never been baptized as I was an atheist and my parents were agnostic. I had personal teaching by a Franciscan priest and his administrative assistant who was female. I then was baptized, received Holy Communion and was Confirmed at the same Mass. I also received my First Reconciliation (Confession).

I converted at 19 and am now 45 - no regrets and am still a practicing Catholic, with a Catholic husband and three cradle-Catholic kids.

That's lovely HoneyandRum! (would put in smiley emoticon if I could flippin work out how to).

I converted from C of E, our church's RCIA course runs September to April with you being received into the church at Easter. If not already baptised (including all mainstream Christian denominations) you also need to be baptised which can be done at the same service. I have heard of some churches running 2 year courses as well.

Bear in mind this assumes no barriers such as being on a second marriage (not always impossible but depends on circumstances around first marriage)