Becoming a Catholic

[livinchina]

Hi everyone!

As the name suggests, I'm living in China at the moment as I'm working here. I've been a Christian my whole life, but have been feeling increasingly drawn to the Catholic Church. Unfortunately this isn't something I can explore while in China as much as I'd like as there aren't any Catholic churches anywhere near me.

I was wondering if anyone has any online resources or connections so that I can investigate this while I'm here. Just wanting to have some more understanding about the Catholic church as there are some things that I'm really unsure about (I have a very good knowledge of the bible but I'm referring to Catholic traditions and practices which seem to be not included in the bible).

Many thanks!

Liv

Also just wanting general introduction to catholicism and maybe some way to converse with people who can answer some questions I have. Like a Catholic Alpha course maybe? Or similar? Literally anything will be helpful, as i'm starting from nothing.

I am currently exploring Catholicism through 121 RCIA classes at my local church.

I've also read some really interesting books, could be a good start:

Converts Guide to Catholicism

Why Be Catholic

Catholicism for Dummies

Thank you so much! I will definitely try and find these books!

I have only just heard about RCIA (from this board!) and looked into it. If it's done on a one to one basis, is it something that can be done via Zoom or another online method, or is this totally unrealistic? I don't really know what it involves! My current (non Catholic) church does certain courses (Alpha, different types of learning courses to do with prayer/bible study/etc) over Zoom and so was wondering if someone, somewhere, might be doing this RCIA this way too? I'm not at all able to go to a Catholic Church here but so keen to find out more asap!

Oh my goodness! Those links all have kindle versions - perfect! i thought they might be hard to find because a lot of Amazon stores won't post to China and Amazon China tends to not have amy religious books - so this is perfect! I can buy them now and start reading right away. Thank you so much!

Looks like there are some online RCIA courses which might be worth looking into if you want that Alpha-like discussion space.

There are a lot of online Catholic communities and sites but in my experience many of them are either very hard-line in a way that isn’t really reflective of the whole church, or get caught up in various long-running arguments that just make everyone sound angry and legalistic. Catholic Answers www.Catholic.com can be ok. Personally two sites I’d recommend the catechism itself to set out what church teaching is — www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM - and one of the Jesuit magazines to set out some ways of thinking about faith and how it’s applied ( www.thinkingfaith.org )

For general intros to Catholicism I’ve seen this book used in RCIA a few times - www.amazon.co.uk/Believing-Jesus-Popular-Overview-Catholic-ebook/dp/B004HIM2DO/

Hope this is some help!

I would add An Intelligent Person's Guide to Catholicism to your list. It was the first book I read, almost in secret as I wasn't sure, when I started to think becoming a Catholic.

I found RCIA, in my case a small group of those thinking about it plus a few that had been received the year before, really enjoyable as well as useful. A lot of things you only find out by living it and I don't think I shall ever be much of a Marian devotee.

Also How to Survive being Married to a Catholic by Henesy and Gallagher. It's a light introduction. My DH didn't get to read it!

@livinchina I am reposting on your thread which I didn't see previously.

What I would suggest to you is The Coming Home Network, it's based online in the USA but has an online community with people from all over the world. Its for people who are "Catholic Curious" for any reason, there are also many people who converted who enjoy chatting and supporting those thinking about Catholicism. Its very friendly and encouraging and there is never any pressure. Plus they have a great group of moderators who are always helpful.

In the Catholic Church free will is very important, so there isn't pressure to convert or any kind of timeline. Its very much seen as a personal journey to God which is unique to each person. So it would give you lots of support in China. I am not sure if you can do RCIA online as the community aspect is usually very important, but since COVID I wouldn't be surprised if Zoom classes are being offered. The Catholic Church is persecuted in China (as most faiths are) and is often underground.

Catholics usually say Welcome Home to new converts and explains the name
chnetwork.org/

There are lots of free videos and interviews with converts from all backgrounds too.

I like Keith Nester on YouTube

Try ascension presents. American Evangelical YouTube channel. Try watching the videos by Fr Mike schmitz. He's great. He's so good at explaining the very Catholic views.

I also like a monk who does an amusing informative YouTube channel called "breaking in the habit " about his life as a student monk and now priest. His content is quite lively.

I read the book about being married to a Catholic when I reverted to Catholicism and found it very helpful. It doesn't get too deep and it's really practical.