Becoming a Catholic

 Why would anyone want to become Catholic? Before you answer this question, it is important that you understand what it means to be a Catholic. Here is a brief overview of what being a Catholic entails.

Catholics, first of all, are Christians. Catholics love Jesus and treat the Bible as the Word of God. While Catholics differ from other Christian traditions in some respects, they share the common belief that Jesus is the Son of God and that by faith in Him they are saved.  

Second, Catholics trace their faith back to the apostles. The Catholic Church believes in apostolic succession, which means that the authenticity of the Church's teaching rests on the authority of the twelve apostles. While Catholics recognize that there have been certain corrupt individuals who have worked in the Church throughout its two millenia, Catholics firmly uphold that the Holy Spirit has preserved in the Church the faith that Jesus left with his apostles.The Catholic belief in apostolic succession, like all of the Church's beliefs, is rooted in Scripture.

Finally, Catholics affirm with Jesus that the two greatest commandments are love of God and love of neighbor. Catholics believe that the more Christians pray to, and worship, God, the more that they will  love other people. Jesus came to share his love with all and to make everyone a child of God. The Catholic Church recognizes that all people are children of one Father; and the Church asks every Catholic to treat others as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

The summary provided above is very limited and only skims the surface of what it means to be a Catholic. If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, check out this link from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops //www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/

Also, do not hesitate to contact the Catholic parish in your local area. They should have many resources to help you to learn more about the Church.
 
We hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your search for God!