Catholics- question please r.e. converting

[JohnnyTwoHats]

I have been considering Catholicism for a while- it seems to be the religion which most closely aligns with my beliefs. I used to go to a C of E church and both myself and my DD (5, nearly 6) are baptised C of E. I know there are RCIA classes in my parish but I'm worried about how I might be recieved as a single mother (long story, accidental pregnancy, resisted abortion due to my belief that it was inherrently a wrong thing to do).

Would there be an issue around this?

eh?

Catholic teaching is salvation by good works, reformed and protestant teaching is salvation by God's grace alone. I presume this is what Donnymouse is referring to.

Donnymouse, the Catholic church teaches a lot on grace and salvation by grace.

Sorry DM, thought you were taking the mick. Surely Catholicism does teach all those things though?

of course it does Johnny - I think donnymouse is winding you up

I thought you might all like a little update on my current situation- I am now a weekly mass goer, am in RCIA and being received into full communion with the church in April.
I went to the cathedral for the Rite of Election with the bishop and I found it very moving, am looking forward to being confirmed and receiving the Eucharist at the Easter vigil.
I have become very involved with the church- am in choir and DD has been attending the local catholic school since November (priest advised me to move her after there were some problems at her old school anyway).
I had my first Reconciliation about two weeks ago, was terrified, especially as it was a face to face confession. But it felt absolutely amazing, weight off the shoulders and like years of guilt had been made OK with God.
Although I will have to go again before my first Communion.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to go , I feel like I am a different person (for the better) since I made the move towards full communion with the church.

.

Well done Johnny. My dc1 made their first Confession recently. I was quite nervous, not sure why, but it was a fine. DC1 not at Catholic School so we had to do a lot of the Catechesis at home, but we too are weekly mass go-ers quite involved in our Parish Community so I think leading by example goes a long way, at least I hope so.

Fantastic JTH - thanks for coming back to tell us!

Actually I found it really interesting to reread this thread, and see 'where I was' spiritually a year ago. So much has happened in that year that it seems an age ago; it feels inconceivable now that I was so worried about being an unmarried mother, about what people would think of me.

Thank you for sharing this - it's quite inspirational.

Not long to go for you now - I've always found the Easter vigil a most beautiful and moving experience. I remember going when I was young and they used to have a fire outside the church and the whole thing had to start in darkness and there was a service of light. It's all very beautifully symbolic with the Easter candle....

We recently lost our children's liturgy through lack of volunteers, and I would have dearly loved to help out but because I have a disabled child, I didn't think it would be safe for my child (or the others) if I held that sort of responsibility. We then went back to our old parish which has no children or children's liturgy but has a priest who is kindness itself. I really do struggle to go to Mass but found it very uplifting to watch the gentle way he engaged with the characters on whom society frowns upon. He is sadly leaving our parish and will be greatly missed.

So pleased that you have found your path - I wish you all the very best for Holy Saturday.

Thank you, lovely words from you all

I think the Easter Vigil is still like that with the fire outside, SB, I believe it is a most moving and inspirational experience. Looking forward to it, not long to go now!