{"id":13,"date":"2012-10-15T21:31:37","date_gmt":"2012-10-15T21:31:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/?page_id=13"},"modified":"2019-10-29T23:00:32","modified_gmt":"2019-10-29T23:00:32","slug":"becoming-catholic","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/becoming-catholic\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming Catholic"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Stats” _builder_version=”4.0.2″ custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”64px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.2″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_letter_spacing=”3px” header_2_font=”Karla|700||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”46px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_3_font_size=”14px” header_3_letter_spacing=”1px” header_3_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”||||false|false”]<\/p>\n

Pursuit<\/h3>\n

Why Become Catholic?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|||false|false”]<\/p>\n

G.K. Chesterton once said, \u201cThe difficulty of explaining \u2018why I am a Catholic\u2019\u00a0<\/em>is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that\u00a0<\/span>Catholicism is true.<\/em>\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

The Catholic Church is the \u201cpillar and bulwark of truth\u201d (1 Timothy 3:15) because it is the Church founded by Jesus Christ who is God. \u00a02,000 years ago the Son of God became\u00a0<\/span>incarnate<\/i>\u00a0<\/span>on earth; that is, he became fully man and took on human flesh while remaining fully divine.\u00a0 Jesus Christ walked and breathed, cried and loved, preached and healed.<\/p>\n

Why did God\u2019s Son come to earth as a man? Due to sin, humanity has a broken relationship with God.\u00a0 Jesus came to earth as a man in order to repair that relationship.\u00a0 While on earth, Jesus was tortured and killed, and three days later he rose from the dead. This sacrifice, the giving of his own life, atoned for our sins so that our relationship with God could be restored. Through faith in Jesus Christ we have access to a new relationship with God so that we can spend eternity with God (in heaven) instead of apart from God (in hell).\u00a0 Jesus established the Catholic Church to be an extension of himself, so that every person would have access to that new, healed relationship with God.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ width=”90%”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font_size=”15px”]<\/p>\n

The Catholic Church as Part of God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/b><\/h4>\n

In God\u2019s all-wise and loving plan, the Catholic Church is the means by which the graces of salvation merited by Christ\u2019s sacrifice are distributed to those who are sincerely seeking salvation.\u00a0 As Founder of the Catholic Church, Jesus ordained that it provide and administer the sacraments as means of transmitting his life-saving grace.\u00a0 Sacraments are signs that convey God\u2019s grace. For example, in the Sacrament of Baptism you are washed in water, a sign that outwardly shows the spiritual reality of having your sins forgiven and becoming a member of God\u2019s family. In Baptism you are marked forever as a child of God, and nothing can separate you from God\u2019s love. (Romans 8:38-39)<\/p>\n

The graces bestowed through the Catholic Church\u2019s seven sacraments help those who receive them to grow in holiness, that is, in closer union with God.\u00a0 The ultimate goal is to preserve this union during our earthly lives so that we may enjoy it forever in heaven.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>In becoming Catholic, we have the hope of heaven and seeing God face to face<\/em>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font_size=”15px”]<\/p>\n

Why We Need the Catholic Church \u2013 In a Nutshell<\/b><\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. We are made in God\u2019s image and likeness, meant for a deep, loving relationship with him. (Genesis 1:27)<\/li>\n
  2. Due to sin, we have broken this friendship with God. (Romans 6:23)<\/li>\n
  3. Jesus Christ, God\u2019s Son, became man, died on the cross, and rose from the grave for our salvation. (Philippians 2:7-10)<\/li>\n
  4. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and through Jesus our relationship with God is restored. (Ephesians 2:8)<\/li>\n
  5. Through the Catholic Church which Jesus established while on earth, we have access to grace by Baptism and are nourished by the Eucharist and other sacraments. (Matthew 16:18-19)<\/li>\n
  6. Through these sacraments, the Holy Spirit changes us, perfects us, fulfills our every desire, ultimately bringing us to eternal beatitude in heaven. (Matthew 5:48)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Testimonial” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ min_height=”275px” custom_padding=”1px||2px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_margin=”|220px||31px||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_all=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)” border_width_bottom=”1px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider color=”#003ba3″ divider_weight=”4px” _builder_version=”3.29.3″ width=”100px” custom_margin=”||” z_index=”-1″ locked=”off”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Karla||||||||” header_4_font_size=”34px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”24px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet”]<\/p>\n

    Becoming Catholic<\/h4>\n

    Becoming a Catholic Christian involves the following:<\/h6>\n
      \n
    1. Accepting the Good News revealed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, repenting of one\u2019s sins, and having faith in Jesus Christ for one\u2019s salvation<\/li>\n
    2. Reordering one\u2019s life as a disciple of Jesus Christ<\/li>\n
    3. Receiving God\u2019s grace through the Sacraments of Initiation and becoming members of God\u2019s family<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ background_color=”#f9f7f0″ custom_padding=”1px|||||”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”|0px||||”]<\/p>\n

      Step one:<\/h4>\n

      Accepting the good news<\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      In order to accept the Catholic Faith as the one true Faith, one must believe that Jesus Christ is God.\u00a0 If Jesus Christ is not God, then there is no compelling reason to devote your whole life to following him and the Church he founded.\u00a0 C.S. Lewis once said that Jesus was either a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord. The reality of Jesus forces us all to make a decision about who he is.<\/p>\n

      \u201cI am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I\u2019m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don\u2019t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic \u2014 on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg \u2014 or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.\u201d\u00a0(Mere Christianity<\/i>)<\/p>\n

      Once you have heard the message of Jesus Christ, the first step is to accept it, repent of your sins, and have faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation. God loves you and wants to save you. We must cooperate with His grace. Go to Jesus in prayer anytime and talk to Him. He hears you!<\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      Step two:<\/h4>\n
      Reordering your life<\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      After a large group of Jews heard St. Peter preach the Gospel message, 3,000 of them accepted Jesus Christ as the Messiah and asked Peter what they should do next. Peter said, \u201cRepent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.\u201d Then in response to the favor they had received, \u201cthey held steadfastly to the apostles\u2019 teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.\u201d (Acts 2:38, 42)<\/p>\n

      Just as the 3,000 Jews realized, after you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, there is more to do than just believe in him. \u00a0You must\u00a0reorder your life according to the truth of God.\u00a0 This means making a commitment to daily prayer and obeying the Ten Commandments and all other Catholic moral teaching.\u00a0 God has given us instructions on how to live our lives, not because he wants to restrict our freedom and make us miserable, but because as our Maker, he knows what attitudes, behaviors, and relationships will bring us the most joy in this life and the next.<\/p>\n

      Jesus said, \u201cIf any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.\u201d (Matthew 16:24-25) Becoming Catholic is to accept the truth of God instead of the lies of the sinful world. St. Paul says that disciples must not be \u201cconformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.\u201d (Romans 12:2)<\/p>\n

      Although giving up our selfish, sinful habits is difficult, the fruits of choosing to lay down our lives and become followers of Jesus Christ are attractive. \u201cThe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.\u201d (Galatians 5:23) St. Augustine, once a follower of all the temptations the world had to offer, finally realized that nothing he sought after in the world would give him peace. Even indulging in all the pleasures of the world, he was ultimately left empty. He found that \u201cour hearts are restless until they rest in\u201d the Lord. His\u00a0<\/span>Confessions<\/i>\u00a0<\/span>is one of the timeless classics of Christian literature.<\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      Step three:<\/h4>\n
      Receiving God’s grace<\/h5>\n
      through the sacraments<\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      This third step involves finding a Catholic parish and telling the pastor or his staff that you have accepted the Good News of Jesus Christ and want to become a Catholic, or that you want to learn more about Jesus and Catholicism.\u00a0 You will begin a process called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). RCIA is a continuation of your journey of discovering and embracing the truth and beauty of Catholicism and prepares you to become a full member of the Catholic Church by receiving the three Sacraments of Initiation.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Important Note<\/b>: You can still join RCIA without having decided to become a Catholic. The entire first period of the RCIA process is dedicated to evangelization, to answering your questions about the Catholic faith, and to helping you reach a decision about becoming Catholic. At no time during RCIA will anyone try to force you to continue your journey into the Church.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ background_color=”#003ba3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Karla||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”34px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”24px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet”]<\/p>\n

      The Rite of Christian Initiation<\/h4>\n

      The RCIA process takes approximately six months to a year.\u00a0 It consists of three periods of study and prayer, each of which is followed by a\u00a0<\/span>rite<\/i>, or ceremony of passage usually occurring within the context of a Sunday Liturgy.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”1px||3px|||”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em” width=”75.8%” custom_margin=”|260px||||”]<\/p>\n

      period 1:<\/span><\/h4>\n
      Evangelization and <\/b><\/h5>\n
      Precatechumenate<\/b><\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      This is a time to ask questions and get answers. The basic message of the Christian faith will be shared with you, and you will have the opportunity to bring up any concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      rite 1:<\/h4>\n

      The Rite of Acceptance <\/b><\/h5>\n
      and Rite of Welcome<\/b><\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      During this simple rite, you are welcomed by the Christian community. Those who are not baptized will be enrolled into the \u201cOrder of Catechumens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      period 2:<\/h4>\n

      The Catechumenate<\/b><\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      You will study an overview of the Catholic Faith.\u00a0 You will learn a lot about the Bible, the Church, the history of the Christian faith, and what Catholics believe.\u00a0 During this period, you will also start to develop or further develop your prayer life.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      rite 2:<\/h4>\n

      The Rite of Election and\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
      Call to Continuing <\/b>Conversion<\/b><\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      This is the second rite occurring in the church in the presence of the congregation. Those who are not baptized have their names signed in the Book of the Elect. (Revelation 20:15) Everyone is called to continue their journey to the sacraments.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      period 3:<\/h4>\n

      The Period of Purification<\/b><\/h5>\n
      and Enlightenment<\/b>:<\/span><\/h5>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      This is a time of prayer and conversion when you will continue to <\/span>learn to turn away from sin and live a life according to the Gospel.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      rite 3:<\/h4>\n

      The Rites of Christian Initiation<\/b><\/h4>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      Finally you will be initiated into the life and family of the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, usually occurring the evening before Easter at a special Liturgy called the Easter Vigil.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” header_5_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#003ba3″ header_5_font_size=”15px” header_5_letter_spacing=”1px” header_5_line_height=”1.8em”]<\/p>\n

      completion:<\/h4>\n

      The Neophyte Year<\/b><\/h4>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_font_size=”12px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

      The first year as a new Catholic is called your neophyte year. It is a year during which the Church is called to help you enter fully into the life of the Church and continue to show great care for your spiritual development and nourishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ custom_padding=”24px|||||”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″ background_color=”#003ba3″ background_image=”http:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/files\/2019\/06\/IMG_1226.jpg” background_blend=”lighten” min_height=”530px”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ text_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.74)” custom_margin=”|||15px|false|false” custom_padding=”|||4px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset5″]<\/p>\n

      In Catholicism we have the fullness of all God taught us and wants us to know.\u00a0 We have access to all the graces God has for us. In Catholicism we receive grace, mercy, peace, joy, forgiveness, and the true fulfillment of all our desires.\u00a0 God heals our wounds.\u00a0 We have the ability to see the hardships of life in a new light and unite our own sufferings to those of Jesus, who knew what it meant to suffer and redeemed us through his own suffering. (Colossians 1:24)\u00a0 In accepting Jesus Christ and becoming Catholic we have freedom from sin and God\u2019s help to live a virtuous life.<\/p>\n

      Blessed Pope John Paul II often asked Christians and non-Christians alike not to be afraid of coming to Jesus. \u201cDo not be afraid<\/em>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Do not be afraid to accept Christ and his power. \u00a0Open wide the doors for Christ.\u201d There is no greater decision you will make in your entire life than to have faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation. Your eternal destination depends on it.<\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.0.2″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ min_height=”168px”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.2″ header_font=”Karla|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”60px” header_letter_spacing=”2px” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” width=”86.8%” custom_margin=”|||60px|false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false”]<\/p>\n

      Open Wide the Doors for Christ<\/strong><\/h1>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Footer” _builder_version=”3.29.3″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#81e5ea” background_color_gradient_end=”#003ba3″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.3″ text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||on|||#ffffff|” link_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”Karla|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      Written By: Adam Janke<\/b>, M.A. Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville<\/p>\n

      Edited By:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Maria Dawson<\/p>\n

      Bible Version:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Revised Standard Version \u2013 with Apocrypha<\/p>\n

      For more SPSE tracts:\u00a0Tracts<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Copyright and Permissions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Pursuit Why Become Catholic?G.K. Chesterton once said, \u201cThe difficulty of explaining \u2018why I am a Catholic\u2019\u00a0is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that\u00a0Catholicism is true.\u201c The Catholic Church is the \u201cpillar and bulwark of truth\u201d (1 Timothy 3:15) because it is the Church founded by Jesus Christ who is God. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

      [becoming_catholic]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PaZVtd-d","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":581,"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13\/revisions\/581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/streetevangelization.com\/hiromoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}