In an extraordinary bid to lure traditionalist Anglicans en masse, the Vatican said Tuesday that it would make it easier for Anglicans uncomfortable with their church's acceptance of female priests and openly gay bishops to join the Roman Catholic Church while retaining many of their traditions. --The New York Times
Congratulations on deciding to make the switch! If you're a PC user who has just switched to the Mac and want to find out how to adapt your old working habits to the Mac OS, you've come to the right place. Wait. Sorry. I plagiarized that from Apple.com. But really, it's not such a different concept. In converting to Catholicism, you are really just switching over your "files" (ideas/customs/most profound expressions of faith) to your "Mac" (Catholic) "hard drive" (brain/immortal soul).
Although it may feel that you're entering a brand new world with Catholicism, you'll be happy to know there are some elements that should be familiar from the Anglican church. For instance, you are clearly already experienced with suspending disbelief. The Anglican church has no central hierarchy, and the Archbishop of Canterbury is the first among equals. Right. That makes sense. (I'm rolling my eyes.) If you don't think that's weird, you are prepared for our notion of geography. Vatican City is in Rome, which is in Italy, but it's actually its own city and country. Pretty cool, right? Similarly, once you start believing that communion is literally the body and blood of Christ, instead of a symbol, anything seems possible. Life is way more fun when you are optimistic.
When confronted with something new, it can be tempting to think of the ways it is a lesser version of the old. This will make you depressed. Instead, like a new boyfriend who you need to stop comparing to your ex who was actually a lot cuter and knew how to take you to restaurants besides Thai Gardens lunch special, try to focus on the ways Catholicism is great for its own special reasons. For instance, the Anglican church was founded by King Henry VIII, who, while mad hot on The Tudors, was actually a fat lard. The Catholic Church was founded by Saint Peter, who wasn't fat and currently lives in heaven with Jesus and Peter Gallagher when he dies.
Besides Jesus H. Christ, history is filled with cool, famous Catholic people. What's that you say? That's because they were born before the Reformation? Sorry, I can't hear you. My Ludwig Van Beethoven CD is on too loud.
Some other smaller perks include being able to write a great autobiography, especially if you are from Ireland. We get 50 cents off at Tasti D-Lite (with a valid Tasti Card), and all nail salons have a secret back room with secret colors that only Catholics know about, including Wafer White, Thorny Brown, and Vatican Velvet. These are also the names of our secret racehorses that run in secret Catholics-only races.
Speaking of races, a lot of people considering the switch have been asking about our policy on black people. We currently allow them. But we're working on it.
In conclusion, although it may feel like you're entering a brand new world with Catholicism, you'll be happy . Because Catholicism is way better and you are going to love life a lot.