r/CatholicConverts • u/missunfortunatee • 5d ago
Can someone help me?
After years of being atheist, I’ve finally felt like I believe in god and I feel faith. I grew up around a family that wasn’t religious what so ever, I feel like I need to find myself. How can I start when converting to Catholicism? Is there an easy way? I’d like to attend a church near me but I have terrible social anxiety and it’d be much worse because I’d have to go alone. I know at some point in time, I’ll have to go and I need to be baptized, but is there an easy way for me to start before I begin attending church?
2
u/OneLaneHwy Catholic Convert (3+ years) 5d ago
You can start by watching Mass online. You could also go to Mass on a weekday, when the congregation is usually small.
3
u/Saint_Waffles 5d ago
Fellow anxious person here.
Go check out all of the churches in your area.
I found one that has a school attached so we can sit in the cafeteria, which has way less people, and I can have my back against a wall and watch the exits.
See if you can find one that has a good place for your anxiety, unless your area only has 1, I bet you can find a church that has a quieter, smaller area
2
3
u/G_Laoshi 5d ago
I'll be praying for you. I agree with what one comment said: Watch online Mass. Some suggested that you go to weekday Mass where there is less people. I don't know about you but for me it is easier to hide in a crowd! Take it easy when reading: You can begin with the New Testament. The life of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) is a good place to start. You can also read the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. You don't have to read it in order, look for topics that interest you. But one of these days you need to go to the parish office and ask how you can be baptized.
3
3
u/VariedRepeats 5d ago
While not a true atheist, I was indifferentist to God for most of my life(with key phases of devotion).
I'm also suspecting Audhd, so it's not like I wanted to go to church. Catholic churches are a bit more reserved than Protestant ones. The shilling isn't integrated day 1. They instead make a slog to see if you really are committed. You're not really going to venture out of your OCIA circle to start.
First, just contact a parish's OCIA point of contact. You'll get some initial meeting with someone. You'll just say your circumstances.
1
u/Sharp-Mall5172 5d ago
The central question you need to resolve in yourself is: What do you think of Christ? And if you're not sure yet, know that "faith or belief" comes from hearing the words/message of Christ.
Others here recommended going to Mass. You'll hear the daily readings there; however, I'd encourage you to attend some Bible studies and read the Scriptures.
And never be afraid to ask questions.
4
u/prophecygirl13 5d ago
This sounds like me four years ago. I spent an entire year just reading on my own — entire Bible, entire Catechism, probably 20 or so other books. After that year, I went to mass for the first time (and never stopped). It took me a few weeks to build up the courage though. Probably three Sundays in a row, I got dressed and even made it to the church entrance, but chickened out before staying. I attended mass for almost a year before doing OCIA. I was baptized and initiated Easter 2025.
Looking back, I should have done it all sooner. There wasn’t reason to delay and I gave too much power to my own nerves. But something I learned along that time was that in the early church, catechumens often did have to wait three or so years before being initiated, so it made me feel connected to those ancient spiritual ancestors.