I have collected a group of Frequently Asked Questions about the Roman Catholic Church. Each question is important. And each question needs more than a simple answer. What I have tried to do in my responses is offer a summary answer to the questions. Each question deserves a much fuller development. Follow-up can take place with your own study, for example, of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or by sitting down with a knowledgeable source, such as your parish priest or a lay ecclesial minister, and having a more detailed conversation. My hope is that these questions and responses represent a beginning for your reflection and consideration.
Father Louis Cameli
Your local parish is the best place to begin your process of returning to the Catholic Church. Contact a parish near you and let them know you would like to return. You could schedule an appointment to speak with the Pastor, find out the times for Mass, inquire about the events and programs available for adults: scripture study, prayer groups, mens/womens clubs, service opportunities, etc. You may want to ask about the parish schedule for Reconciliation. We have prepared a simple step-by-step guide for the Sacrament of Penance.
Your local parish is also the place to begin the process of becoming Catholic. Each parish will have a program of faith formation, which is commonly called the Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA ). Contact a parish near you and ask to speak to the Pastor or the person who coordinates the RCIA program.
One of the best ways to gain better knowledge of the Bible is to start with the Gospels. Try reading one chapter a day, or taking time each Sunday to arrive early for mass in order to meditate on the readings before they are proclaimed. Buying your first bible can be a bit bewildering since there are many different translations of the Bible. The Catholic Bible is the New American Bible, sometimes also called the St. Joseph Bible. It is good to have a bible with footnotes that can help to explain difficult passages. Another good bible for prayer and knowing Jesus more intimately is a New Testament that is broken down by date so that the reader gets a little taste each day. There is information below with links to publishers for a good bible(s). Many parishes take advantage of the excellent resources for Catholic Bible study so your own parish or a neighboring parish is a good place to start for a Catholic Bible study. Some good resources for a bible study that are available for purchase are noted below.
Recommended Bibles
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To order a copy of the New American Bible that has a companion study commentary click here.
- ISBN: 0195282795 / 9780195282795
- Hardcover: $45.00
- College Paperback: $29.99
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To get a copy of the New Testament segmented by date for daily meditation click here.
- ISBN: 971-554-062-7
- Price: $10.00
Bible Study Resources
- The Chicago Catholic Scripture School - A Bible School of the Archdiocese of Chicago. It uses an excellent guide published by Paulist Press. This program is for serious students of the Bible who want to study in learning communities for two to four years.
- The Little Rock Bible Study - A more in depth Bible study series that allows students to delve more deeply into God's Word.
- Loyola Press - Books purchased for about $8.00 that are used for a 6-week series of study and sharing.
- The Great Adventure - A program developed by Jeff Cavins that uses an overview method of learning about the Bible.
- Catholic Scripture Study - this program is used and well liked in the Joliet Diocese.
Prayer is our communication with God. Every significant relationship in our lives, for example, marriage or deep friendships, needs communication. Communication supports relationships, deepens them, and enables them to grow. This is also true of prayer, our communication and connection with God.