Support for Chinese Catholic converts

I have lamented to a religious leader that our Catholic church lacks support for the new converts. Usually, there are few types of people converting to Catholicsm.

1) Those who are going to marry a Catholic.

2) Those who were already married and decided to convert.

3) Those who have gone through some life changing experiences and are seeking Jesus.

Each of these groups have their own challenges and each group needs some kind of support. Maybe I am ignorant and am not aware of any such group which may be in existence. Or maybe my gut feelings is right that once you are converted to a Catholic, you are deemed ‘an adult’ and you are left to fend for yourselves in this confusing, ritualistic and sometimes extremely mysterious new world.

I personally feel that the Catholic church (I cannot say for other Christian denominations as I am not sure how they operate) would be less ‘cold and distant’ if we have some form of new Catholic converts support or ministry. Unless you already have relatives and friends who are part of the church, you will probably be striking out in a totally new world alone.

It takes thick skin, stubborn nature and an inquisitive person to be able to blend in and get comfy with the big, hierarchy organization call the Catholic church. Otherwise, one will always feel ‘outside looking in’ because there are so many new things to learn and get used to.

Now, I wonder if there are many ‘drop-outs’ in the church because they ‘catch no ball’? Some priests are better at making the new converts feel at home than others. For example, when I was a new Catholic convert, Mgr. Father Stephen Liew was very understanding to the dilemmas I faced (being hounded by another church because I ‘don’t belong’ to my regular church BEC) and he assured me to relax and not get so worried over the rules and regulations. Then, I was going through another phase of ‘what’s the purpose I am in church’ until I found another understanding priest who agrees me with that sometimes Catholics can be rather constipated.

Comparing to my batch of cathecuments, I can say that I blended in quite ok because I have children who love being part of the church. So, whether I like it or not, I join in. But I wonder how many other new converts are able to go to church every week without the doubt creeping in like, “why am I here?”. Seriously, one cannot remain a happy Christian with just the feelings of ‘I am a Christian’. One has to be part of a community, doing something, contributing some time or serving some purpose in order to see the real meaning of being a Christian. One needs to do something physical to get the inner satisfaction of being a Christian.

Therefore, I pray that all new Catholic converts will continue to move forward and never feel shy to ask ’stupid questions’ like I usually do. Join some ministries, volunteer time and relax.