LESSON 18: WHY I MUST BECOME A CATHOLIC

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1. Why must I become a Catholic?

I must become a Catholic because the Catholic Church is the only True Church established by Jesus Christ.

To become a Catholic just because I like it better than other churches or because I want to please someone are not good enough reasons for joining the Catholic church.

2. What obligation do I have to become a Catholic?

If I am convinced that the Catholic Church is the only True Church, then I have a serious obligation to become a member.

“And other sheep I have that are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall bear My voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd” (John 10:16).

3. Is it possible for me to save my soul outside the Catholic Church?

It is not possible for me to save my soul outside the Catholic Church if I am convinced that it is the only True Church but refuse to join it.

Take heed, brethren, lest perhaps there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

4. Why is it a very serious matter to join the Catholic Church?

It is a very serious matter to join the Catholic Church because in so doing I place myself completely and forever under the authority of the Catholic Church in all things concerning religion and morality.

5. What does it mean “to place myself under the authority of the Catholic Church?”

To place myself under the authority of the Catholic Church means that I promise always to believe everything that the Catholic Church teaches, to worship in the way the Catholic Church worships, and to obey all the laws of the Catholic Church.

6. Why is it not unreasonable to place myself under the authority of the Catholic Church?

It is not unreasonable to place myself under the authority of the Catholic Church because its authority is from Jesus Christ, Who is God.

“He that heareth you, beareth Me; and be that despiseth you despiseth Me, and be that despiseth Me, despiseth Him that sent Me” (Luke 10:16).

7. Why is it a mortal sin for ‘a Catholic to quit the church?

It is a mortal sin for a Catholic to quit the Church because to do so is to reject the authority of Jesus Christ.

“He that despiseth you, despiseth Me, and he that despiseth Me, despiseth Him that sent Me” (Luke 10:16).

“No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

8. What are some of the advantages in joining the CatholicChurch?

Some of the advantages in joining the Catholic Church are that I can be sure –

1) of what I have to believe and do to save my soul

2) of having all of the teachings of Jesus without change

3) of getting the true meaning of the Bible

4) that my Baptism is valid and that Original Sin is not on my soul

5) of getting the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion

6) of having my sins forgiven in Confession

7) of getting the strength to be always a loyal Catholic through the Sacrament of Confirmation

8) of being able to obey the laws of God on marriage through the Sacrament of Matrimony

9) of being able to lead a good life through the Sacraments and the other countless sources of strength provided by the Church

10) of dying a good death through the Sacrament of Extreme Unction

11) of having the True Faith and not an imitation.

9. What do I have to do to become a Catholic?

To become a Catholic I have to take a full course of instructions in the Catholic Religion, give up all habits of mortal sin and be approved by the Priest who is giving instructions.