Becoming Catholic
Adult Convert Catechism Instructions
A Complete Catechism Course from Fr. James W. Jackson, FSSP
Dear Catechumen,
Several things will be necessary for you to complete this course and become a Catholic.
- You will need a copy of the Bible. If you do not have a copy of the Douay-Rheims edition, please purchase one, or else you can find one on line at this website: http://www.drbo.org/
- You will need a copy of the Baltimore Catechism, specifically the The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism, Official Revised Edition, Explained by Fr. Bennet, C.P. The lessons are taken from this edition, and I even make comment on the drawings within it.
- You will need to contact a priest, with whom you can meet on a fairly regular basis. When you have mastered about five lessons, and memorized the prayers which go with the lessons, set an appointment with the parish priest to test your knowledge.
- You will need certain sacramentals, such as a rosary, a crucifix, a miraculous medal, etc. These can probably be obtained at your parish, on line, or at a local Catholic bookstore. It is important that they be blessed.
- The lessons are broken into small segments so that in your busy schedule you can at least do one a day. These may be downloaded from our website, and put on whichever device you prefer, and listened to in the car or wherever you prefer.
- With each lesson there is a prayer to be memorized and a habit to be acquired. When I say acquired, I mean making a good attempt to do it on a daily or regular basis, as will be made clear.
- If you have any questions about what you have heard or read, jot them down, and ask the priest. It is important that these be answered as best as possible, and as soon as possible.
- Lastly, at one point in the instructions you will be asked to begin the habit of daily reading of some spiritual work. Here are three which you should purchase:
- The King of the Golden City, by Mother Mary Loyola.
- The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis.
- The Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales. These are by no means the only spiritual works, but they will give you a good start.
Try to read the King of the Golden City first.