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[Leon(MD)]

Hello.. and thanks for inviting me to participate in this forum. I was hoping to introduce myself and perhaps recive some information and guidance from you.
For most of my life I've been a non-practicing Jew but have always been searching for a faith that would provide me with some meaning for the time I'll be spending on earth. I've read a lot about Christianity and Catholicism (I'm a writer and scholar by profession) and have felt for a very long time that I want to be accepted into the Catholic Church. But I was always afraid of taking that step, perhaps a bit lazy. Who knows... But I'm quite certain that I'm ready to do it now.
So... what should I do? Call a local Catholic Church? Are Jews welcomed into the Church? Are there certain steps that a Jew, unlike those who belong the other Christian denominations, need to take?  I know all of this sounds "technical." But I do hope you can help me.

Thanks for your kindness,
Leon

[DrDave]

Welcome Leon.
You seem to be mostly asking if you will be treated differently because of your heratige, well, I can't speak personally for each and every person you will encounter on your journey into the church, but the only way I can see that you should be treated differently than a christian converting is that they would probably have already been baptised which would probably be recognised by the church, and you as a non christian probably wouldn't have been, so as part of your initiation you need to "get wet"(the same goes for Hindus ).

Having said that each parish tends to run it's RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) a little bit differently so your best bet is to contact them directly. Some have different groups or intakes for christians and non-christians (based on the differing level of assumed knowledge).

Regards Dave

[cajunrick]

Leon, I'm sure your local Catholic parish will be happy to welcome you.  The process of initiation into the Church is called RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and they will guide you through the same process your faith ancestors took 2000 years ago.  The process normally begins in the late summer or early fall, reaches it's culmination on the day before Easter (which we call Holy Saturday) at the Easter Vigil (our Passover celebration), and concludes on the feast of Pentecost.

There are variations in the exact procedure from parish to parish and diocese to diocese, but that is the normal basic timetable.  Since you say you have studied extensively and if you are firm in your commitment it is possible for the process to be accellerated, but that will be up to your pastor and bishop.  At any rate, you should contact your local parish and schedule a meeting with the priest or his representative as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

Welcome, and I hope you will enjoy discovering the Jewish basis of the Catholic faith.

[Vickie IA]

Dear Leon, I am so happy for you that you feel called to the Catholic faith.
First you need to contact a priest in the parish nearest to your home.
Second you will need to tell him about your call to become Catholic and he will guide you to the person who will help you in your journey through the RCIA.
As mentioned before the RCIA is the Rite of Chrisitan Inititation of Adults--the process through which you will discover Jesus Christ and His mission on earth through the scriptures, traditions and practices of our church.
You will meet each week with a group of people who; like you want to learn more about the Catholic Church and to become Catholic after walking this journey together.
On our website we have an RCIA site where you can learn more about the process and what you will be doing in each rite as you celebrate them.
If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact me through this website. God Bless and may your journey bring you closer to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Vickie