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Dear SonWantsToBecomeCatholic,
As a faithful Catholic, let me first apologize for the scandalous replies you have been receiving from this scandalous parish you called.
Their reply makes no sense at all and implies non-Catholics are not encouraged to join the Church when the exact opposite is true. The word Catholic, besides meaning universal also means according to its totality. Meaning faithful Catholics believe everything Jesus wants us to believe. We don't pick and choose (which is where we get the word heresy from) what we wish to believe.
Jesus makes this very clear to us, His followers:
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
If they are replying in that manner, as a faithful Catholic, I wouldn't want you joining that particular parish. Definitely find another Catholic parish that is near you where you can sign up and take RCIA classes and don't worry about harassing people.
Any Catholic parish who receives a call from a non-Catholic interested in joining the faith should welcome them with open, loving arms, by words and actions . . . yes, even over the phone!
If a Catholic knows of a Catholic parish that would say,
You have to be Catholic to become a Catholic.
they should notify their local bishop immediately and make them aware of the culture at that particular parish.
I hope this helps and again,
I'm sorry for the scandalous behavior you ran into.
Mike
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