When my car was ideling I noticed the catolic converter was getting red hot and the car is running rough.

Define "RED ". Red as in glowing or just very hot. Could be a plugged converter but I would think it would throw a code. CEL on?

It's likely plugged and needs replacing. If the CEL is on, check for codes. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Just replaced the head gasket on a friend's 2000 Civic that overheated. The repair estimate was $3,200. Working for free, the lady's father and I did the job, including machining the head and installing a new timing belt, for less than $500. It's a lot of work--so be careful.