Becoming catechumen in church eyes?

[eblude]

Hey All
I just finished my inquiry step . At the end they ask you if you want to continue which I do.

So am still confused since now I am a catechumen… what does that mean? can I identify myself as catholic? or do I have to wait until i get baptized.

Catholic church feels like home. I spend most of my day there volunteering. but sometimes I feel bit sad cos I feel like missing a part (baptizim) compared to others catholics I meet . at times makes me feel less catholic…

Any advices?explainations?

 

[leslie85]

First I want to say welcome home! I recently joined the Church as well (back in 2014). In regards to calling you self Catholic here is a little snip from the Catechism.

1249 Catechumens "are already joined to the Church, they are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living a life of faith, hope, and charity."48 "With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own."49

I like you felt something missing when near other Catholics. I think it’s only natural. Now being on the opposite side it gives me great joy to see all hose that are beginning there journey. Don’t worry about the feeling, just keep your eyes focused on our Lord and He will continue to guide you along the path He has chosen.

I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[Nigel7]

Amen to that.

Welcome home, eblude.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Hey All
I just finished my inquiry step . At the end they ask you if you want to continue which I do.

So am still confused since now I am a catechumen… what does that mean? can I identify myself as catholic? or do I have to wait until i get baptized.

Catholic church feels like home. I spend most of my day there volunteering. but sometimes I feel bit sad cos I feel like missing a part (baptizim) compared to others catholics I meet . at times makes me feel less catholic…

Any advices?explainations?

I think it’s very cool that once you go through the Rite of Acceptance (the formal name of the rite adds “into the Order of Catechumens”) it means that you have an official place in the Church. There is the order of the faithful (those who are baptized) and the order of catechumens (those seeking baptism). Catechumens can be married in the Church and can have a Catholic funeral if they die. You’re probably not planning either of those in the near future but you’re entitled to them anyway.

As far as feeling sad because you’re not baptized yet, I’d say that’s a good thing. It means the Holy Spirit is working in your life. That yearning is drawing you closer to the Lord and his Church.

 

[Vico]

Hey All
I just finished my inquiry step . At the end they ask you if you want to continue which I do.

So am still confused since now I am a catechumen… what does that mean? can I identify myself as catholic? or do I have to wait until i get baptized.

Catholic church feels like home. I spend most of my day there volunteering. but sometimes I feel bit sad cos I feel like missing a part (baptizim) compared to others catholics I meet . at times makes me feel less catholic…

Any advices?explainations?

It amounts to baptism of desire. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
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.