Any help with this Dilemma?

[CatholicRoots]

I will try and keep this terse but there are a number of things I need to ask. (sorry in advance)

I’m a Catholic and only recently converted, (well I have been a Christian for a few years, I suppose, but my conversion was very incremental and gradual and my conversion to Catholicism even more so but now I am commited to the Churchs doctrine.) However I’m not yet baptized, and have only just started going to church. The only problem is when me and my father went to ask about catechism lessons they seemed a little reluctant for unknown reasons. I live in a small parochial town and the majority of people are athiest so converts are probably rare thus cathecism lessons I presume aren’t that regular.

I really want to be recieved in but I suppose it’s learning the humility to wait, which I will try and do. But I feel a real need for the sacraments, especially baptism, eucharist and confession (since I have all my previous sins that have never been confessed). Mainly because I have lapsed often and I feel like the worst Catholic in the world that’s why I feel I need aid i.e. the sacrements especially confession also.

Can I confess yet, being unbaptized? Even if I could, I suffer from anxiety and so does my father so I don’t feel like I can go to confession or church on my own but I don’t think he can manage coming with me more. So I’m in a dilemma, I can’t just go when I need to. I know this is morbid but what is the church’s teaching on what will happen if I die not yet being baptized or confessed? (since I worry about this, because of my sin)

 

[TEM]

I would not jump to conclusions based on one encounter or meeting with your parish priest. As we aare three weeks from Easter your timing is a off as catechumens are getting ready to enter into the Church at the Easter Vigil. This may be why you got the cold shoulder. However, there could be many reasons and the only way to know for sure is to go back and visit with the parish priest. Ask all the questions you can think of and ask what is the standard process for RCIA in your parish.

Discernment of Spirits is often a humbling experience. So continue praying and asking for the Lord’s guidance.

The Catechism has this to say about death before Batptism.

“1259 For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament.”

Now while you are not a catechumen at this time, I believe that your desire for baptisim is explicit that you would still be “covered” under Baptism by Desire. This could also be a point to bring up when you visit with your parish preist.

These are exciting and confusing times for you for sure. So as St. Pio has said “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry.” I will pray for you as well.

 

[triumphguy]

Who did you ask regarding catechism? Make sure you ask the priest.

My granddad became a Catholic while he was sailing round the world working for the White Star Line in the 1930’s. Every port they stopped in at he would go talk to the local priest and receive “instruction.” He was finally received into the catholic Church in Liverpool around 1933.

I’m giving this example to show that priests everywhere, and for a long time have understood the need to “instruct” those who wish to convert.

If you don’t get any joy from your local parish then talk to the diocese. If you need help with that pm me with your approximate location (I don’t need your exact address or details) and I’ll help you find who you should speak to.

Also, you can’t go to confession yet. Baptism will cleanse you all all sin when you receive it. That hunger you feel for the sacraments is God’s Grace talking to you. Keep calm and carry on

 

[paperwight66]

Whereabouts in England are you?

 

[CatholicRoots]

I would not jump to conclusions based on one encounter or meeting with your parish priest. As we aare three weeks from Easter your timing is a off as catechumens are getting ready to enter into the Church at the Easter Vigil. This may be why you got the cold shoulder. However, there could be many reasons and the only way to know for sure is to go back and visit with the parish priest. Ask all the questions you can think of and ask what is the standard process for RCIA in your parish.

Discernment of Spirits is often a humbling experience. So continue praying and asking for the Lord’s guidance.

The Catechism has this to say about death before Batptism.

“1259 For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament.”

Now while you are not a catechumen at this time, I believe that your desire for baptisim is explicit that you would still be “covered” under Baptism by Desire. This could also be a point to bring up when you visit with your parish preist.

These are exciting and confusing times for you for sure. So as St. Pio has said “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry.” I will pray for you as well.

Thanks for your answers they are really consoling. I didn’t mean to sound as if I am dissatisfied with my parish or its priest, I don’t think there was anything in there reluctance, it maybe just as you responders have stated; an inopportune time for me to become a catechumen. I guess it could be down to my impatience, one thing I need to work on . Just thought I would clear that up.

It’s just sometimes I despair when I sin and I really want to repent and be reconciled through the sacrement of reconciliation but once again this is probably partly my impatience. That Catechism quote was very apt and helped me to be more calm about the fact that I am not yet baptized. And I will try and take the advice of Padre Pio, one of my favorite saints. Thankis for your prayers, greatly appreciated.

Who did you ask regarding catechism? Make sure you ask the priest.

My granddad became a Catholic while he was sailing round the world working for the White Star Line in the 1930’s. Every port they stopped in at he would go talk to the local priest and receive “instruction.” He was finally received into the catholic Church in Liverpool around 1933.

I’m giving this example to show that priests everywhere, and for a long time have understood the need to “instruct” those who wish to convert.

If you don’t get any joy from your local parish then talk to the diocese. If you need help with that pm me with your approximate location (I don’t need your exact address or details) and I’ll help you find who you should speak to.

Also, you can’t go to confession yet. Baptism will cleanse you all all sin when you receive it. That hunger you feel for the sacraments is God’s Grace talking to you. Keep calm and carry on

Thank you for your response , I will try and carry on faithfully. I asked someone that has taken chatecumens in the past they weren’t horrible or anything I maybe articulated it wrong; it was just there was no real intimation when the chance would be available, who we could talk too or when we could start. But that could be for any number of reasons, I didn’t take it personally or think anything of them, they seem like a really nice person. I know, I can’t wait to be baptized into the church.

Whereabouts in England are you?

North West England, by the way I am quite happy in my parish if thats what you were going to go on to ask it’s just I don’t really know what to do/ask or how to go about becoming a catechumen, since I’m new to the chruch.

 

[triumphguy]

The diocese of Liverpool, Salford or Shrewsbury?

I could find some links for you to follow up on.

 

[TEM]

it’s just I don’t really know what to do/ask or how to go about becoming a catechumen, since I’m new to the chruch.

This may seem like starting at square one, but it is really where you need to start. Call the parish office and ask to speak to one of the priests. Of course if their is only one ask for him directly. If their are more than one and you are more comfortable with one over the other ask for that priest. Ask to set up a time that you and even your father could come in and discuss joining the church. Tell them you are unsure of the process and timing of joining the church, so they know what to be prepared to talk about.
Ask questions of your parish priest and search these forums and ask questions here as well. The first step often seems the hardest.