Converting to Catholicism, first meeting with priest, what to expect?

[ThereIsALightThatNeverGoes0ut]

I've been on something of a spiritual journey for many years and about five years ago I began to seriously consider converting to Catholicism. I was Christened in a Baptist church and went there until I was about 11 but didn't really have much to do with religion after that for many years - in fact looking back it's almost as if I tried to talk myself out of it for a long time. Anyway many years ago when I was in a desperate situation the Church helped me despite me being not only not Catholic but also not religious at all. The help they gave me changed my life and the gratitude has never left me. It was the start of the path that led me to the decision I made to convert.

My husband is Catholic, but lapsed inasmuch as he hadn't been to Mass for many years - all the time we've been together, which is over two decades. However his faith has always been very, very important to him. I encouraged him to go to Mass as he missed it so much but he did not feel ready until recently.

Last week we went to Mass together - my first time, his first time for over 20 years. It was wonderful for us both. I emailed the Priest a couple of days later and was so moved by his welcoming response. He has offered to meet me next week to discuss my next steps.

I'm so happy but also a little nervous! I know I will need to start the RCIA course in Autumn but other than that I'm not sure what comes next, or what the Priest is likely to talk to me about or want to know. Is there anything I need to do to prepare or will it be quite informal? Any advice on the process, next steps or anything at all relevant would be so gratefully received. Particularly from anyone who has converted a bit later in life (I'm 52).

Goes without saying I'll be going to Mass again this weekend though!

TIA 💐

I’m also curious so I’ll be watching the thread

How 'far along' are you? So interested to hear from other on the same path!

Bible reading, prayer, massive help and guidance with healing from trauma, but so far it’s all been a solitary pursuit. I think that a solitary journey is necessary for some people at the beginning but now I would like to be formally part of the Catholic Church. I also feel I’m at a point where I could join others on their spiritual journey rather than sitting at the back feeling sorry for myself 🤣
Im still working on the trust side of things, one minute I trust the Lord to sort out my life and the next minute my nervous system is over reacting to something small.

Just to reassure you re your age, there is always a real mix of ages that do the RCIA course in our church, including retired/ elderly people. There is also a mix of those wanting to become Catholic and those who are already Catholic but want to deepen their understanding of their faith. Not sure how it works in other churches but maybe this is something your husband could do too.
Another thing to consider is getting your marriage blessed after conversion, if you weren’t married in a Catholic Church. I’ve known already married couples (legally but not married in Catholic Churches) to do this and they felt it completed their journey to becoming Catholic beautifully.

When I met with the priest ahead of RCIA, it was more of an informal chat so they could find out a bit about us, answer any questions that I may have had, gave him an opportunity to learn more about my faith journey. He also explained about RCIA.

i was really nervous beforehand but it was fine and very welcoming.

our RCIA group was diverse - about 15 of us ranging from early 20s to 70s. All walks of life, lots of different reasons for being there.

baptised and confirmed four weeks ago!

I'm not Catholic so can't answer your question but wondered if you've had a look at the Coming Home Network?

https://chnetwork.org/

Lots of stories and info about becoming Catholic from a non Catholic background.

Exactly this. I did the RCIA as well. As I went to
a catholic school and was brought up Anglican, it wasn’t what I needed. But I’d just lived to the city and it got me involved in the church community. Becoming Catholic was the best thing I ever did.

Great to hear from others who are going through this. I started attending Mass last year, after a spiritual experience associated with the birth of my second child. I’m discerning entering RCIA this year (maybe next, if I get cold feet this time round!)
I’ve been finding Mass so fulfilling, and find the rosary stirs really profound feelings (it’s also great for soothing my baby to sleep!)

Hullo OP, I am 52 and have been thinking of this too. I always go and light a candle in the Catholic Church and stay a while there when I am in town.

@ThereIsALightThatNeverGoes0ut
How did you get on, did you go through with your plan?

Good luck on your journey. I want to say to you, your journey is not dependent on your partner and it is not dependent on your faith and relationship with God. I have noticed in Catholic church’s many women go to church with their partners. A relationship with the faith can be a beautiful thing and it can support you in life.

The faith of a head family member can save loved ones to the next life.

The prayers of the head of a household for a family, can help others in that family to get through to eternal life (Acts 16: 32-24) and then it called upon them the need for baptism.
However, your partner will face judgement on their own and are responsible for themselves too, and although it may be nice to do this journey together, it is not essential to and my sister and her husband even go to different church’s. Women are supposed to be returning to church now and carving things for themselves.
May be your husband may interested in another church service? I go to an Anglican and Catholic sometimes my childhood one, and the Anglican is two minutes from me. I could attend others that were in line with the Bible. I am non a demotional Christian.
This premier Christian is about women returning the church- You can probably view it in Microsoft and save it and read it privately if you cannot see it.
https://www.premierchristianity.com/columnists/women-are-joining-the-quiet-revival-too/20310.article

As your DH is Catholic, were you married in the Catholic Church or given a dispensation to marry elsewhere? If not, you'll probably have to go through the process to get your marriage recognised and blessed by the church. It's pretty simple though.

I made a mistake and wanted to write-

Good luck on your journey. I want to say to you, your journey is not dependent on your partner and is dependent on your faith and relationship with God.