Dear friend,
Our Lord taught us to pray for those who persecute us. At best, read the postings but ultimately any decision is yours to make. The posters are enjoining you to make your case while berating you for even considering the Catholic Church.
This is not an easy journey for anyone to make. Rest assured of my prayers for you! The Catholic freepers have offered a wealth of resources - so many that they may seem overwhelming. Take you time. There is no rush. This is a very important decision and not one to be taken lightly. I rest with my two offerings - watch EWTN on cable or satellite and especially their Monday night program "Journey Home". Visit the "Coming Home Network" web site. Join the forum. Pose your questions. Read the responses. You will not find anyone there or here who will push you into any decision. What we Catholics will do, however, is provide prayerful support and answer any questions you may have.
You mentioned in your original post that you were planning to attend a particular parish within proximity to your home. Go! Also, make an appointment to meet with the priest. You can be sure that there will be no strong arm tactics to convince you. In fact, I have posted the following link which is the conversion story of a Jew named Roy Schoeman. When he decided to enter the Catholic Church, he was turned away by several 'well meaninged' pastors who told him to be the best Jew he could be. He had already made up his mind and kept on until he met a priest willing to listen. It's a truly remarkable story; one I have never forgotten.
Roy Schoeman's Conversion Story
I have also pinged freeper Annalex to this post. He has a wealth of stories to share, if you are interested.
For some, like St. Paul, it takes a bolt of lightning to get their attention. You have already begun the questioning phase. Turn this over to our Lord for His guidance. He will not fail you.
Pax et Bonum (Peace be with you!)
Anti-Catholicism, Hypocrisy and Double Standards
Hauled Aboard the Ark
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part I: Darkness
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part II: Doubts
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part III: Tradition and Church
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part IV: Crucifix and Altar
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part V: The Catholics and the Pope
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part VI: The Biblical Reality
His Open Arms Welcomed Me
Catholic Conversion Stories & Resources
My Personal Conversion Story
My (Imminent) Reception into the Roman Catholic Church
Catholics Come Home
My Journey of Faith
LOGIC AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF PROTESTANTISM
"What is Truth?" An Examination of Sola Scriptura
"Have you not read?" The Authority behind Biblical Interpretation
The Crisis of Authority in the Reformation
Our Journey Home
Our Lady’s Gentle Call to Peace
A story of conversion at the Lamb of God Shrine
Who is Mary of Nazareth?
Mary and the Problem of Christian Unity
Why I'm Catholic
A Convert's Response to Friends
My Story
Courage to Be Catholic
Finally Catholic! My Conversion to the Catholic Church
Southern Baptist Pastor Leaves Everything for the Eucharist
The Short Version (the Way International convert)
Shower of Roses-- An Independent, Fundamental Baptist Becomes Catholic Through Mary's Intecession
Confessions of a Catholic Convert
Alex Jones: the evangelical who became a Catholic deacon
A TRIUMPH AND A TRAGEDY
Women's Ordination Was Non-Negotiable
Catholic Mariology, Authority, and Various Other Qualms of Protestants Considering Conversion
Also see:
Sheep That Go Astray
Pope Benedict Goes to Washington Ecumenical Meeting at St. Joseph's Church, New York
Orthodox and Catholic Churches are allies, (Orthodox) Bishop Hilarion says
How to become a Catholic