Conversion Journey update (Vanity)

[TheStickman]

It's been a bit over 2 months since I posted I was seriously considering converting to Catholicism and I wanted to let folks know where things stand right now.

1st off, I AM converting. While the journey is long with with God's guiding Hand I am confident I will see it through.

Since attending my 1st Mass I find myself compelled to attend Mass each time one is celebrated. Neither I, nor my family ever imagined I would voluntarily get up at 6am for ANYTHING...let alone to attend 7am Mass, but I am. I never imagined myself EVER going to church in the afternoon just to pray. I never dreamed I could ever honestly make this statement, but it's true: God has touched me and I am so very grateful.

2ndly, I want to thank all of your wonderful people who've freepmailed and emailed me to let me know you were going to pray for me. I hope you will continue to do so. So many of the people I've met at the church have offered to pray for me and our family after learning we were thinking of coming into the Church. Again, I am very grateful and humbled.

There's a LOT of learning, prayer and study ahead. Wife and I are beginning the paperwork process to deal with our previous marriages and we plan to start RCIA in the fall. Our daughter has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic and may be attending the same class which could be very interesting.

Again, thank you for your prayers and support. God Bless:)

[sinkspur]

If you want to get excited, attend the Easter Vigil service this Saturday evening. You will likely see catechumens brought into the Church, through Baptism and Professions of Faith.

It will give you inspiration.

I will pray for you in your journey, and FReepmail me if you have any questions about the annulment process or the RCIA process, at any time.

[al_c]

Welcome home, Stickman. :o)

[Support Free Republic]

[netmilsmom]

Ping!

[franky]

God Bless You.

A family that prays together stays together.

No matter what happens in the Church, always concentrate on the Trinity. I have been around 72 years and have seen many situations in the Church that turned people off but the Church continues on as Jesus promised.

With perseverance, you will find the peace you have desired. And we will find that priest are tempted as much as the laity and probably more so.

Pray for priests.

[NYer]

Welcome Home!

Your story is truly an inspiration. In a few years, we may even see you as a guest on The Journey Home ;-0

[el_chupacabra]

God bless you Stickman. I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story. It has lifted my heart. I've always thought converts make the best Catholics. I'm sure you already know much more about the Truth of Catholicism than most cradle Catholics.

Happy Easter!

[Rocket1968]

I converted several years ago and have never had any seconds thoughts, My faith grows deeper each day as I continue my journey home. I have a greater appreciation of God's presence each day as I awake. I have learned to accept the guidance that He provides.

Happy Easter and may God Bless you and your family.

[AnAmericanMother]

Welcome home from the new kid on the block . . . :-D

Have a blessed Easter.

[wonders]

God Bless you and your family in your journey.

I love reading the stories of other converts and thank you for posting this. I will be received into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil. It's been a long journey for me, many years, but I'm finally coming home!

RCIA is incredible. You will be so amazed at how all the people of the parish work together to help prepare us converts, the generosity and kindness and patience and cheerfulness they show us. RCIA is a remarkable experience, and I will always cherish the memory of it and the people who made it possible.

The Chrism Mass on Tuesday night was awesome. If you couldn't attend this year, be sure to go next year!

Wishing you and yours a most Blessed Easter! I will add you to my prayers also.

[Northern Yankee]

God Bless you on your journey.

[Aquinasfan]

Congratulations! Welcome home 8-)

[scottro]

remember Catholicism will not get you to Heaven but Jesus Christ will. Know Him , Love Him , and serve Him wherever you go. Act justly, Love Mercy, and walk in humility.... Congrats on serving in the catholic church. Stay in the Word and ask Jesus to speak to you. remember not to elevate religion or man above God and your relationship. With all of the studying that you are doing ask God to speak to your Heart. remember Jesus is everything!

[Campion]

Trust and Worship Jesus Alone

Have you demoted the Father and the Holy Spirit out of the Godhead?

[visualops]

There will be some this Saturday for sure. We sat in on a couple of the current RCIA classes, which was very enlightening and enjoyable. The comfortable family-like atmosphere was great, and everyone was especially kind. In as much as I regret my parents not putting me through Sunday school and Confirmation, it will be quite different going through all that now instead of as a child. I can only assume this is God's plan!
One thing I was very glad to discover through all this, is that "once a Catholic, always a Catholic", and that my original Catholic Baptism is still "good" despite converting to Greek Orthodox way back when at the time of marriage #1.

[Bohemund]

Welcome, and God bless you!

[GirlShortstop]

1st off, I AM converting. While the journey is long with with God's guiding Hand I am confident I will see it through.

Dear TheStickman,
Thank you for your inspirational post.  I pray that God's guiding Hand will continue to hold your hand, just as a loving father would gently lead his child up the steps to home; the most wonderful home on on earth, whose foundation is Christ's love.
Pax et Bonum.

[tekriter]

Welcome home! We love you. Thanks be to God.