Am I Worthy?

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I am going to convert to Catholicism (will start the RCIA later this year).
Besides Mass on Sunday, I’ve also decided to try to attend all candle light masses (which is from Monday-Thursday night).

People make the sign of the cross as people enter with water from the water font.
But I just don’t feel worthy to make the sign of the cross yet.
Is it really okay for me even though I haven’t become a full Catholic yet?
 
A non-Catholic can fully participate in all of the Rituals of the Church.
So, you can bless yourself with Holy Water at the Door (coming and going).

The ONLY thing you cannot do before your First Communion … is take Communion.’
But, you can still go in the line, but when you get to the Priest, cross your arms across your chest (it looks like a BIG X), then he will give you a Blessing.

So, go on . . . play with all of the Rituals … they can be Powerful forces for Faith and Enjoyment.
 
Kmon23 said:
People make the sign of the cross as people enter with water from the water font.
But I just don’t feel worthy to make the sign of the cross yet.
Is it really okay for me even though I haven’t become a full Catholic yet?
Click to expand...
Using holy water and making the Sign of the Cross are reminders of our baptism. Surely that’s always a gift we should be reminded of and thankful for!
 
I was baptized with full immersion as a Methodist last year.
Does this count as a valid baptism for Catholicism?
 
Kmon23 said:
I was baptized with full immersion as a Methodist last year.
Does this count as a valid baptism for Catholicism?
Click to expand...
Methodist baptisms are generally regarded as valid by the Catholic Church. The key things are the water and that you were baptized “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
 
Kmon23 said:
I am going to convert to Catholicism (will start the RCIA later this year).
Besides Mass on Sunday, I’ve also decided to try to attend all candle light masses (which is from Monday-Thursday night).

People make the sign of the cross as people enter with water from the water font.
But I just don’t feel worthy to make the sign of the cross yet.
Is it really okay for me even though I haven’t become a full Catholic yet?
Click to expand...
Probably, push come to shove, are any of us “worthy” of God? Later, when one receives communion, or those of us who distribute communion, are we worthy of the body and blood of Christ? (even assuming one is sufficiently prepared, that is)

So, I’d say to just set aside the issue of worthiness for now. We need to realize that maybe we aren’t worthy, but worthiness is beside the point. God has made it clear to us that he wants us to do our best, to try to be worthy.

He has given us his Church, the sacraments and the rest as a means to him. I think he wants us to use all of those to try to get closer to him. I believe wants us to go to mass, receive communion worthily, receive it and the other sacraments, to use the sacramentals, and yes, to make the sign of the cross frequently.

According to the saints, they have said even the sign of the cross is a very powerful thing (see St. Justina and St. John Bosco).
.
In answer to your question, even though you aren’t fully into the Church just yet, you can make the sign of the cross. I, for one, would encourage you to do that.

Good luck in your journey!

;)👍
 
Yes, you can bless yourself w/Holy Water.

The only things you cant do is partake of the Eucharist, and Confession (at least until you have been given appropriate catechesis for this sacrament)
 
You were baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I hope that you feel free to make the Sign of the Cross and also to help yourself to the Holy Water font while doing so. By the way, welcome in advance! 🙂
 
just wanted to welcome you to the forums and wish you Blessings on your Journey!~
Mary.
 
The OP asks** : “I was baptized with full immersion as a Methodist last year.
Does this count as a valid baptism for Catholicism?”**

No, and vice versa.

You had a Baptism that does not “count” as a Catholic Baptism.
A Catholic Baptism is one that a person can receive as a Catholic Sacrament.
This Sacramental status is what is important.
So, you can (and NEED to) receive a Catholic Baptism before you have your First Communion.
 
4love2God said:
The OP asks** : “I was baptized with full immersion as a Methodist last year.
Does this count as a valid baptism for Catholicism?”**

No, and vice versa.

You had a Baptism that does not “count” as a Catholic Baptism.
A Catholic Baptism is one that a person can receive as a Catholic Sacrament.
This Sacramental status is what is important.
So, you can (and NEED to) receive a Catholic Baptism before you have your First Communion.
Click to expand...
With due respect for the poster, I am not sure this is correct. As long as the baptism is accepted by your priest you are baptized. It depends on the form. There is always conditional baptism that may be recommended if there is any uncertainty, however it is best to discuss the form of your Methodist baptism to see if it complies.Many Christian baptisms are accepted as valid by the Church.
Of course you are as worthy as any of us to show reverence in the rituals of the Church as they are all directed to the glory of our God. Welcome!
 
Generally speaking, Methodists baptisms ARE considered valid baptisms and the OP would not need to be baptized.

He needs to discuss it with the priest and have some sort of proof that he was baptized. The church in which he was baptized most likely has some sort of certificate.

Otherwise, he would receive what is known as a “conditional baptism” if no such record can be found.

OP, talk to your RCIA director about this.
 
4love2God said:
The OP asks** : “I was baptized with full immersion as a Methodist last year.
Does this count as a valid baptism for Catholicism?”**

No, and vice versa.

You had a Baptism that does not “count” as a Catholic Baptism.
A Catholic Baptism is one that a person can receive as a Catholic Sacrament.
This Sacramental status is what is important.
So, you can (and NEED to) receive a Catholic Baptism before you have your First Communion.
Click to expand...
Are you sure?
 
Petaro said:
With due respect for the poster, I am not sure this is correct. As long as the baptism is accepted by your priest you are baptized. It depends on the form. There is always conditional baptism that may be recommended if there is any uncertainty, however it is best to discuss the form of your Methodist baptism to see if it complies.Many Christian baptisms are accepted as valid by the Church.
Of course you are as worthy as any of us to show reverence in the rituals of the Church as they are all directed to the glory of our God. Welcome!
Click to expand...
The **bolded part ** is correct.

Most likely, the OP has been validly baptized as long as the form is correct. 🙂
 
4love2God said:
The OP asks** : “I was baptized with full immersion as a Methodist last year.
Does this count as a valid baptism for Catholicism?”**

No, and vice versa.

You had a Baptism that does not “count” as a Catholic Baptism.
A Catholic Baptism is one that a person can receive as a Catholic Sacrament.
This Sacramental status is what is important.
So, you can (and NEED to) receive a Catholic Baptism before you have your First Communion.
Click to expand...
This is not accurate. 🙂

The Catholic Church recognizes as valid most Christian baptisms of other denominations as long as the form is correct.
 
For a Christian Baptism to be valid in the Catholic Church, all that has to have happened is for you to have been baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. In other words, it has to have been Trinitarian, which it more than likely was - unless the Methodist Church has changed drastically. You will have to provide documentation of your Baptism, which should be easy to do since it was recent. The certificate/card they gave you or even a letter from the church is sufficient. If there is any doubt in your priest’s mind about the validity of your Baptism, he will do a “conditional Baptism”. My son was conditionally Baptized because there was no documentation of his original Protestant Baptism - which was done according to the proper “form”. (I know because I am the one who Baptized him.)

The most important thing to remember is that a valid Protestant Baptism still confers all the sacramental graces that a Catholic one confers. Even if the denomination doesn’t realized what those graces are. It is still “one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.”
I hope this helps, and welcome home!!!
Kris
 
klm120861 said:
For a Christian Baptism to be valid in the Catholic Church, all that has to have happened is for you to have been baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. In other words, it has to have been Trinitarian, which it more than likely was - unless the Methodist Church has changed drastically. You will have to provide documentation of your Baptism, which should be easy to do since it was recent. The certificate/card they gave you or even a letter from the church is sufficient. If there is any doubt in your priest’s mind about the validity of your Baptism, he will do a “conditional Baptism”. My son was conditionally Baptized because there was no documentation of his original Protestant Baptism - which was done according to the proper “form”. (I know because I am the one who Baptized him.)

The most important thing to remember is that a valid Protestant Baptism still confers all the sacramental graces that a Catholic one confers. Even if the denomination doesn’t realized what those graces are. It is still “one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.”
I hope this helps, and welcome home!!!
Kris
Click to expand...
I do have a question on this. I’m an extremely worried type of person, and I do have a certificate for the baptism. Although from reasoning and such it was most likely a Trinitarian baptism, I actually don’t remember myself if it was Trinitarian. Another thing that makes me worry is the fact that I’m not familiar with the pastor so his religious background (Methodist?) becomes even more uncertain to me. The baptism was done in Mexico.

I’ve learned in class that baptism is an indelible mark. However, because I personally am not certain in the validity of the baptism (although most others would think so), can I still ask and receive a conditional baptism?
 
Kmon23 said:
I do have a question on this. I’m an extremely worried type of person, and I do have a certificate for the baptism. Although from reasoning and such it was most likely a Trinitarian baptism, I actually don’t remember myself if it was Trinitarian. Another thing that makes me worry is the fact that I’m not familiar with the pastor so his religious background (Methodist?) becomes even more uncertain to me. The baptism was done in Mexico.

I’ve learned in class that baptism is an indelible mark. However, because I personally am not certain in the validity of the baptism (although most others would think so),** can I still ask and receive a conditional baptism?**
Click to expand...
I think you could talk with your priest about, but it would be for him to decided. He may very well conclude that, since it was a Methodist church and they are, with rare exception, valid, you have a valid baptism.

But do indeed talk with him about your concerns. 🙂
 
Kmon23 said:
I am going to convert to Catholicism (will start the RCIA later this year).
Besides Mass on Sunday, I’ve also decided to try to attend all candle light masses (which is from Monday-Thursday night).

People make the sign of the cross as people enter with water from the water font.
But I just don’t feel worthy to make the sign of the cross yet.
Is it really okay for me even though I haven’t become a full Catholic yet?
Click to expand...
First of all welcome home Kmon. God bless you on your RCIA journey. Yes, you may indeed bless yourself with Holy Water as you enter the Church. You may also attend Mass, but should not partake of the Sacraments of Communion & Penance until completion of your RCIA instruction. You will be able to receive the Sacrament of Penance usually a week before the Easter Vigil, so as to prepare you for reception of First Holy Communion. You will also receive Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. You may go up on the Communion line for now & request a blessing from the Priest in lieu of Communion. As far as your Baptism is concerned; you will need to speak with Priest to determine if your Baptism is valid.
 
4love2God said:
You had a Baptism that does not “count” as a Catholic Baptism.
Click to expand...
A baptism by a Methodist minister wouldn’t be a Catholic baptism, but it is in all likelihood a VALID baptism and Kmon would not be baptized again. She(?) would receive the other sacraments of initiation when being received into the Church, but would not be baptized.
Kmon23 said:
I do have a question on this. I’m an extremely worried type of person, and I do have a certificate for the baptism. Although from reasoning and such it was most likely a Trinitarian baptism, I actually don’t remember myself if it was Trinitarian. Another thing that makes me worry is the fact that I’m not familiar with the pastor so his religious background (Methodist?) becomes even more uncertain to me. The baptism was done in Mexico.

I’ve learned in class that baptism is an indelible mark. However, because I personally am not certain in the validity of the baptism (although most others would think so), can I still ask and receive a conditional baptism?
Click to expand...
If your pastor has doubts about whether your baptism was valid he can perform a conditional baptism. Most likely this will not be necessary. Conditional baptisms are done only in case of necessity if the validity of the baptism can’t be established. I know how easy it is to worry and fret over things, but try to put your worries aside and trust your pastor.
 
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