My name is A.R. I have been interested in becoming a Catholic for a few years. My interest started back in the late seventies when I went to a retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemane in Kentucky. I wasn't raised in any church. When I told the guest master at the abbey that he said," Oh my goodness a pagan. I've never met a pagan." We both got a good laugh out of that.
Anyway I have dabbled in many religious teachings over the years all the while trying to find my way. I even joined a RCIA class a few years ago but way disillusioned by the class. All that was taught were the different rituals that Catholics performed at a mass. After about the fourth class I asked,"Aren't we going to study the bible and the differences in the Catholic church and what other churches teach so I can determine for sure if this is right for me?"
I was told that no that the class wasn't the place for that. I asked where was the place for that? I was told that I should have already decided that and that the class was the place for people who had already reached that decision. I asked how in the world anyone could reach that decision without proper instruction? I was told to start going to mass. I went and didn't really get that much instruction.
I was also put off by the seemingly disrespectful appearance and behavior of the people attending mass. The teenagers were dressed very casually. Like they were going to a football game.
That's a long story to get to my point. Where can I go to get a traditional introduction to the Catholic faith? I have perused your website and I like very much what I see. I feel that I can get good guidance from you.
I feel strongly from my experiences throughout the years that the Catholic church is the right place for me. I have only had a couple of what I would call HOLY experiences in my life and they were in the Catholic church. I feel that my soul is telling me this is right. I also however felt that there is something wrong in the church. Something always just didn't feel quite right. After reading the info on your site I feel you feel the same way and that you know what is wrong.
So I want to go down the right path and I'm asking for your help and guidance.
Sincerely yours,
A.R.
TIA responds:
Dear Mr. A.R.,
Within the limits of our knowledge we would be honored to give the assistance you request. You may tell us in what specifically you need help on, and we will provide it for you.
Below are some of the index pages on our website as a suggestion for a start.
Cordially,
TIA correspondence desk
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Posted June 1, 2006
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