#509 Surviving Your First Year as a Catholic - Keith Nester
Oct 18, 2023
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Former Protestant pastor Keith Nester shares his experience of converting to Catholicism and discusses the challenges faced by converts. They explore the transformative power of the Mass, the importance of understanding Catholic practices, and tips for helping individuals consider becoming Catholic.
Understanding the 'why' behind Catholic practices is crucial for new converts to navigate their first year in the Church.
The centrality of the Eucharist in the Mass provides a transformative experience for new converts despite imperfections in other elements of worship.
Deep dives
Navigating Challenges of Joining the Catholic Church
Joining the Catholic Church can come with unexpected challenges, such as scandals and divisiveness. Many people learn about Catholicism through online resources and podcasts, which can create a different experience from actually being in a Catholic church. The Catholic Church is not immune to conflicts and disagreements, which can be disarming for new converts. The importance of understanding the why behind the what in Catholic practices is emphasized, such as the quietness in the church before Mass and the significance of the priest's vestments. It is essential to have supportive priests and a welcoming parish to guide and facilitate the journey of new converts.
The Power of the Mass and Sacraments
The Mass and the sacraments hold a special place in the Catholic faith. The author, as a former Protestant, initially had preferences for contemporary worship and energetic sermons. However, discovering the beauty and centrality of the liturgy, particularly through the Latin Mass, changed his perspective. The author highlights the Eucharist as the center of the Mass, which transcends any inconsistencies or imperfections in other elements of worship. Encountering the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, rather than a focus on human performance, becomes a transformative experience for new converts.
Guidance for New Converts and Understanding Catholic Culture
The author's book, 'The Converts Guide to Roman Catholicism, Your First Year in the Church,' addresses the challenges faced by new converts, providing practical tips and insights. It focuses on aspects not usually covered in traditional resources, like how to announce the conversion to friends and family, understanding Catholic culture, and navigating different devotions and practices. The book helps new converts avoid feeling overwhelmed by the array of Catholic traditions and encourages them to focus on the essentials while exploring the richness of their newfound faith. The author also highlights the importance of explaining the 'why' behind Catholic practices to help both new converts and cradle Catholics appreciate the depth and meaning of these rituals and traditions.
Cy Kellett welcomes Keith Nester, a former Protestant pastor who converted to Catholicism. They discuss the challenges faced by converts and how to help them navigate their first year in the Catholic Church. Keith also shares insights into the beauty of the Mass and the importance of understanding the “why” behind Catholic practices.
Cy Kellett:
Hello and welcome to Focus, the Catholic Answers Podcast for living, understanding and defending your Catholic faith. I’m Cy Kellett, your host, and we make it our business here at Catholic Answers to try to explain and defend the fa…
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