Gary,

Preparation for reception into the Church may vary slightly from parish to parish even though, to some degree, it is standardized.

• Have you been baptized?

1. If not, you will not be able to abbreviate your catechumenate (that's the preparation for Baptism).
2. If you are baptized, it's generally a bit less formal and sometimes more expedited.
3. If you are unusually self-taught and can convince the pastor, your entry might be especially expedited. The process is called RCIA.  It stands for the (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), so when calling a parish, you would say that you want to enroll in RCIA. 

Generally, receptions and Baptisms are done on the eve of Easter, with classes starting in the Fall. This is strict for catechumens (the unbaptized) but potentially more flexible for baptized Christians. Still, a lot of parishes may opt to not make exceptions. You will likely have to wait until the Fall to start your instruction.

Your second question, on how you can prepare on your own, is to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This is the official Roman Catholic summary and guide to our beliefs and if you know it, you will be ahead of the game.

Another form of preparation, if you haven't done it, is to attend Mass (without receiving Communion). This will help you fit in and acclimate.

You may also enjoy reading the stories of other converts, such as:

• Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn
  
• Crossing the Tiber by Steve Ray, and
  
• Surprised by Truth, a three-book anthology of short conversion stories edited by Patrick Madrid

Eric

Gary,

That is wonderful!

I'm sure God is really doing great things in your life. Sadly, I can't say all parishes are just as good as the next, although the sacraments don't depend on the quality of the (priest|individual). I would do a little research and visit a few local parishes to see and meet the folks there and ask some questions about the community. Becoming a Catholic, in a technical sense, will not vary widely; you will essentially take an RCIA program at any said Parish — inquire about that when you make your rounds. I will pray that you end up right where our Lord wants you.

Your personal study will be key. Get some great resources from good Catholic sources (i.e., Ignatius Press). I recently watched a series on Mary from the Saint Paul Center, that I think is outstanding. It is a (12) twelve part video that explains the Catholic teaching and understanding of Mary while answering Protestant objections and misperceptions about her.

Understanding Mary will be huge, as well as the Papacy, Apostolic succession, and the Sacraments.

I like to think of Acts 2:37-42:

"and they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles, the communal life, the breaking of the bread and the prayers."

Acts 2:42

as one of the best Scripture references which deals with each area of importance: authority, (community/morality), the sacraments, and devotion.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is pretty much organized around that very pattern.

Anything by Dr. Scott Hahn is also good since he is an incredible Scripture scholar, convert from Presbyterianism, and great teacher.

As I suggested earlier, you can check out the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology for that Mary series and other great stuff.

• The Bible and the Virgin Mary from the St. Paul Center
  (Buy or Rent today!)

God bless,

Bob Kirby

Hi, Gary —

Besides what Eric and Bob have recommended, here are a few more suggestions:

(CAR) Catholic Apologetic Resources to defend your Catholic faith:

Hope this helps,

Mike