Am I catholic even if not confirmed?

[ljnf]

I was baptised and had first communion in Catholic Church. Never confirmed, parents divorced and I had no formal Catholic training since first communion (8 years old)other than going to church at Christmas.
Married DH at 22 yo. He was Lutheran and I attended church with him. I formally became a member of the Lutheran Church before we married in there .
We are now 16 years and 3 beautiful boys( all baptised Lutheran) later. We have moved many times in the past 12 years just find a church to attend but not become members
At our last (and permanent) move we found and wonderful Catholic Church and started attending. I feel that I am being pulled back there. My DH and boys really enjoy it there also. We have ernolled the children to start catechism starting this month. My DH plans to take the RCIA also.
Is my marriage valid ? I did convert to Lutheran becuase of my lack of religous upbringing, but I am interested in becoming Catholic. I want to take RCIA with dh because I am still learning the faith also. I am just worried that I am not married in the churches eyes.

 

[puzzleannie]

it is a very individual question and pertains to your baptismal status, and to the circumstances under which you joined the Lutheran Church. The only way to get an answer that is specific to you is to talk to your priest, the pastor of the parish where you will be doing RCIA. He will help you iron out marriage issues if such exist. Since you have never been confirmed this is the perfect time to enter a class, which may even be at the same time your husband is going for RCIA, how convenient. Your children will enroll in religious education with their peers beginning at age 6 or 7, and be prepared for the sacraments in due course, and be brought into the Church at the same time as their father. Your confirmation may happen at that time, or whenever the Bishop confirms Catholic adults (this can vary by diocese).

If it is determined after investigation that you formally defected and became Lutheran (were you confirmed in that church is one but not the only variable to consider), then your marriage is valid if you were both otherwise free to marry. You would follow the same course as your husband, instruction in the Catholic faith, general confession and absolution, confirmation with profession of faith, and first reception of the Eucharist. If it is determined you are still CAtholic, there are a couple of other issues regarding the marriage to look at, may require convalidation, and you would proceed with prepartion for your own profession of faith, confirmation, and first communion.

Please make an appointment with your pastor today.

Welcome home to all! I love it when whole families come back to the Church in this way. OOOOH I love my job.

 

[jjdrury81]

I have also never been confirmed. I was involved in the Church at a younger and older age. Since I was recently married I have spoken to the priest about the confirmation process. I should be starting classes this fall.