I'm confused...? Catholicism?

Should I be simply a Christian, or a Catholic? The Early Church Fathers testify to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, but why are those practices within Catholicism so necary? The Bible tells us to keep the Commandments, and accept Christ as Lord and Savior who took our place on the cross. How do we know that Jesus venerated His mother and why do Catholics pray to her and the saints as they were divine? Did Jesus tell us to go to the bishop for confession? Did He say children should be baptised? What sense is there in child baptism?! One can only be saved upon recieving the Holy Spirit, which is the result of believing in Jesus and wanting to turn from sin and follow Him. Water baptism is what finalizes salvation and is a public expression of our faith, and was indeed commanded. So through child baptism do Catholics believe you can sin all you want and you're saved?! I really want to view this further to know what I should do to become a Christian - if being Catholic is to be a Christian..etc. I need to research Catholicism I guess, any advice/links? Thanks