At what point in one's conversion

[uwwhitewater84]

At what point in one’s conversion to Catholicism can they consider themselves a Catholic?

I’m going to start RCIA in the fall. I came from a Methodist tradition, but don’t consider myself a Methodist anymore. I’ve been solely attending mass for a while now, but don’t yet consider myself a Catholic.

Just asking out of curiosity…

 

[unforgottensoul]

hello

…formally, I would have to say, after Baptism… but informally, I would say the day you decided and chose to commit yourself to God through the Catholic Church…

 

[ryankeith77]

I always thought I became Catholic at my confirmation, but I think it is important to remember that the Church considers the intention of those who are up for the rites of initiation. i.e. If a candidate of baptism dies before his/her actual baptism, the Church understands that they are baptized through desire. Thus, one might conclude that they were somehow Catholic before the sacrament was conferred upon them. Again, one MIGHT conclude this; I’m not a canon expert. Again, as for me, I always referred to myself as “i’m converting to Catholicism” until my confirmation actually happened. Praise God I can now reply, “A convert to Catholicism!” at which point I usually get the packed-question, “why?”**

 

[thistle]

At what point in one’s conversion to Catholicism can they consider themselves a Catholic?

I’m going to start RCIA in the fall. I came from a Methodist tradition, but don’t consider myself a Methodist anymore. I’ve been solely attending mass for a while now, but don’t yet consider myself a Catholic.

Just asking out of curiosity…

I was a Methodist who converted to the Catholic Church. Like me you are already baptised which is recognised by the Catholic Church so when the others in the RCIA program who are not baptised will be baptised at Easter you are not re-baptised but are formally accepted into the Catholic Church. At that moment you are officially a Catholic.

 

[RachelB]

I understand why you ask… I’m at the same point as you.

it’s not fun to be homeless

My favorite:

“Are you a Catholic?”

“Not yet.”

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

At what point in one’s conversion to Catholicism can they consider themselves a Catholic?

I’m going to start RCIA in the fall. I came from a Methodist tradition, but don’t consider myself a Methodist anymore. I’ve been solely attending mass for a while now, but don’t yet consider myself a Catholic.

Just asking out of curiosity…

For an already Baptized person entering RCIA, I would say that you could identify yourself as Catholic after the Rite of Welcome.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

At the Rite of Acceptance one who has not yet been baptized joins the order of catechumens, which is a part of the Catholic Church,.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

At the Rite of Acceptance one who has not yet been baptized joins the order of catechumens, which is a part of the Catholic Church,.

He is already Baptized so he would not go through the Rite of Acceptance. He would go through the Rite of Welcome.

 

[homewardbound]

I believe one is officially Catholic at confirmation, or welcoming, whichever?

I was raised and baptized Baptist. I’ve been practicing as a Catholic now, except for sacraments of course, for over a year now…and I already consider myself Catholic in my heart and soul. Just waiting for it to be official through confirmation.

 

[tamie]

I considered myself Catholic, just not officially not long after I joined RCIA. I became official when I was confirmed and received my first communion. It is interesting that many people have different views of when they consider themselves Catholic. In retrospect I think I was Catholic long before I actually made it permanent, I just didn’t know it yet!

 

[Praesidium]

I’m 15 and a cradle Catholic but my stupid diocese makes me wait until I’m 16 to be confirmed, does that make me un-Catholic, no. According to church teaching Baptism constitutes Catholicm. What normally happens to a protestant is they are baptised so they are Catholic but in the case of an adult they immediately go into heresy and Schism without even knowing it. Sum and point you’ve been baptized and renounced your schism and heresy, although you aren’t yet in full communion in the church you can honestly regaurd yourself as Catholic.

 

[RachelB]

Wow, that’s profound That’s actually really encouraging, thanks for the neat post. Sorry you have to wait a year to be confirmed, I feel your pain.