The Convert's Guide to Roman Catholicism: Your First Year in the Church

I found this book while exploring my potential conversion to the Catholic faith. The book helped me find peace with several aspects of the Catholic faith that I had been struggling with. The greatest gift I found from reading this book, was a better understanding of the rituals in Mass and the true meaning of the Eucharist. I was also very impressed with the biblical knowledge of the author, as I found passages from the bible he referenced, which gave me a new understanding of the Catholic faith. Finally, it touched on the difficulties of conversion, particularly when you are married to a spouse who is not Catholic, as I am. Overall, I feel blessed to have found this book so early into my journey to Catholicism.

I saw Keith on "The Journey Home" on EWTN. After hearing his journey which led to his becoming Catholic, I went to his web site, and then bought this book on Amazon. Keith has been a pastor in both a liturgical denomination (United Methodist), as well as Evangelical fellowships, but primarily he has been a youth pastor, which explains his easy going, relatable, likable style. Some may not like that sort of writing, but I like it intensely. There is a sense he is talking to the reader personally, which is hard to do in a book, and even grappling along with them as they wrestle with ideas and obstacles on their journey.Keith is so humorous I found myself laughing out loud, but he's not minimizing the strangeness of the new world into which a convert wanders. The subtitle, "Your First Year in the Church" indicates how helpful this book could prove, but it's also a bit optimistic. A year is likely not enough to "get it" or barely get your feet wet. But Keith ends each chapter with two lists: What To Do and What Not To Do. The second list nearly always advises go slowly and take it easy at first and don't take on too much, with the assurance, "don't worry, it will be fine".Being a convert for nearly two decades, I thought, well, I don't need this book, but I will read it so as to be able to give it to new guys. Boy, was I wrong. I both learned things, and gained understanding of what I already knew. More than that I was caught up in Keith's energy and enthusiasm. I have never read anything by anyone that was so passionate about the Mass. He rises from the easy going 'all pals here' friendly voice to lofty heights of excitement, only to break off with an aside to the reader: "Isn't it amazing being Catholic?!"In just over two hundred pages, Keith leads the new convert further up and further in to the strange new world they have entered, illustrating the nuts and bolts with anecdotes from his own journey, always cheering the reader on like a coach from the sidelines. For that reason I think this book would be good for converts of any year, or those already Catholics who are wondering what gets these converts so excited, and who also want to delve deeper. But it would also be good for those not yet there, viewing the unknown territory with fear and trepidation, wondering what would await them in that strange new world were they to make the journey.

I was raised Lutheran and then spent 30 years in the Assemblies of God before Our Lord called me into the Catholic Church (entering at Easter Vigil 2018). A few months ago I stumbled upon this author’s youtube videos, and instantly related to him. He reminds me of the young, hip pastors whom we loved in the churches where we raised our kids. But beneath his relatable style is a deep knowledge of Sacred Scripture and Church History. I’m approaching my second year as a Catholic, and this book resonates very strongly with my own experiences. To borrow a phrase from Matt Swaim, Keith Nester "speaks Catholic with a Protestant accent". Would recommend it to any Catholic, or truth-seeking Protestant. A great gift for RCIA ‘neophytes’!

Brilliant book! It’s like a super-concentrated fire hose version of Keith’s YouTube channel. This book isn’t just for converts but even serves cradle Catholics. What a good resource for helping us to welcome our brothers and sisters home!

I enjoyed this book a lot. I found the author while I was exploring YouTube videos of Protestants who became Catholics. I reached out to the author and he was very kind to respond. I love how he explains his journey to Catholicism. Im on the same journey, but Im not a Protestant pastor like he was; so it had to be more challenging for him than I. So his book has been powerful to me. Especially some of the struggles from growing up and living as a Protestant in a non-denominational church. Even though I am uncovering these truths; its uncomfortable. And seeing his journey in this book has helped me. The one area of Catholic doctrine that helped me the most was the “Mary Stuff.”

I heard Keith on Journey Home and enjoyed his frank and humorous speaking style. When he mentioned this book, I knew I needed to buy it. I’m so glad I did! My husband and I were ready to come into the church at Easter vigil 2020, but have needed to push it back until church is meeting again. Reading Keith’s book helped me to understand better many aspects of Catholic belief. With humor and clarity, Keith shares key ideas that new Catholics may find strange, difficult, or simply amazing! I highly recommend this book, even if you’ve been a Catholic for awhile. It is great!

I'm a new Catholic convert from a few different Protestant churches.I felt the same way about the churches O had been attending. I had misguided views about the Catholic church. Then one of the churches O was going to was trying to be more like the 1st century church. So I started reading the early church fathers and that got me thinking about learning more about Catholic church. So I started attending (RCIA) courses and my mind was opened to the full wisdom of the Catholic Church. It felt like coming home to the true church that Christ built.

This is a great book for those making the choice to convert. The author touches on some of the remaining issues I have with Catholic beliefs and also what Parrish life is like compared to most Protestant churches.I’m tempted to deduct a star for the overuse of the word “awesome”. It is very clear he used to be a youth pastor.

I loved this book. Keith writes with a vibrant honesty that is challenging and straightforward. His humour and humility shine through each page. I'm a cradle Catholic who spent time in the Protestant world and Keith's very practical approach was inspiring and encouraging. Read in Lent, it has made me determined to do my devotions with greater discipline. Thank you for this book, Keith. Its a breath of fresh air.

Excellent introduction to the prospect of converted

I'm a cradle Catholic and still found this book interesting and a good review of the catechism and I also learned a few new things. I enjoyed Keiith's down-to-earth and to the point perspective and I hope it will lead many to the Church . I found it also humorous and entertaining yet deep and reverent for Christ. It made me proud to be Catholic and renewed my love for the faith.

Keith you have a gift of gab.Thanks for sharing your new found love of Christ’s church and some of the interesting and unique stuff converts and lukewarm Catholics might not understand about our faith.A must read for those who want a simple down to earth viewpoint of some of the unique things about being Catholic!

An easy to read, "Catholic Church for dummies' but also deep in what it means to be Catholic, while providing excellent, ready to understand apologetics to the most common arguments against Catholic doctrine. Is a must read for catholics and non-catholics