"Ok, I'm interested in becoming Catholic, so now what?"

Ok, I doubt you want to become Catholic just because you came across this blog, but hey, here are some helpful hints that you might find helpful if you are interested in the Catholic Church...

1. Pray!!! I can't emphasize prayer enough, even though many people have the misguided notion that prayer is just a feeling-filled ritual intended to make you feel good or get you stuff. NO! Prayer is a conversation with the God that created, redeemed and loves you. He is your best friend, and Jesus has promised us: "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)
2. Read! I know many of us are not huge readers these days with the flashing movies screens that don't require 3 seconds of attention span, but reading is one of the greatest ways you are ever going to learn anything. What should you read? First of all, when searching for books on the Catholic Church, make sure you carefully examine who the author is and what the book description is. Sometimes, people with an agenda to lead you away from the Catholic Church will put titles on their books that look Catholic. Generally, if a book for example was written by an 'ex-Catholic Priest', than that is one warning sign. Also there are "New Age" Catholics who have "Progressive" theology and are trying to tell you that you can be Catholic and believe some pretty wacky stuff. For example: Jesus didn't really multiply the loaves and fishes- it was just a nice story about people's generosity. OR, Homosexuality is not really sin. Angels are not really real. The "God" of the Old Testament was not real. If you hear anything like that, know that that is contrary to the beliefs of the Catholic Church and you cannot be Catholic and believe that.
Ok, so here are some good books: The Bible (Must I mention?), The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Rome Sweet Home, Beginning Apologetics, My Life on the Rock.
3. Ok, so maybe you want some cool Catholic Videos: The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima, Bernadette, Anything from Father John Corapi you will love!
4. Talk to a local priest and find out about RCIA classes (Classes that teach you about the Catholic Church before you join or don't join.) Caution: RCIA classes are not always very good. It depends who the teachers are and what books they are using. Personally, when I went through a child's version of RCIA, I really didn't learn anything. I know that this is not always the case, but you must make sure that what you are hearing is true from what the Catholic Church really teaches. If you want to ask an "expert" you can go to this site and ask a question. Or, come to think of it, you can ask me on my site right here!
5. Don't worry! You are God's child and God will not abandon you! "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you." John 14:15-17

With the recent events involving our Holy Father Pope Benedict, let's remember to pray very hard. Remember that the only thing that must happen for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing....

Prayer for the Pope

Christ Jesus, King and Lord of the Church, in your presence I renew my unconditional loyalty to your Vicar on earth, the Pope. In him you have chosen to show us the safe and sure path that we must follow in the midst of confusion, uneasiness and unrest. I firmly believe that through him you govern, teach and sanctify us; with him as our shepherd, we form the true Church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

Grant me the grace to love, live and spread faithfully our Holy Father's teachings. Watch over his life, enlighten his mind, strengthen his spirit, defend him from calumny and evil. Calm the erosive winds of infidelity and disobedience. Hear our prayer and keep your Church united around him, firm in her belief and action, that she may truly be the instrument of your redemption. AMEN.

Do I look racist to you?

I am very upset with this recent issue involving Pope Benedict. First of all, I am NOT racist. I am not a "Muslim Hater" (In fact I have a Muslim IM friend) and I respect all religions. But I do not respect immaturity. Pope Benedict when addressing a group of college students quoted from a Byzantine writer who was not pro-Muhammad and thought that Muhammad was or brought evil. Pope Benedict did not comment on Muhammad being evil, but was addressing a different point to the students. Namely that the Faith should not be spread through the sword. See Exactly what the Pope Said here. Read this article and you will find that some Muslims have gone crazy and even done violence to Christian Churches in response. Give me a break!!!! How many times have Muslims said anti-Christ or anti-Christian things? Do Christians get mad about it? Yes. Do they go around damaging Mosques? NO! True Christians don't go around responding in violence. We pray for those who persecute us and love those who hate us. It makes me mad to see this immaturity! I feel like the Pope is being black mailed. Pope Benedict has even given an apology for offending the Muslims in this way. To me, one of the biggest proofs the Catholic Church is true is that it did not spread through the sword but because it spoke for Itself. Jesus is the Way the TRUTH and the Life. I will pray for all of the Muslims throughout the world that they may come to know Jesus Christ and come to accept his Truth which brings true Peace to all!