Can I become a Catholic as an ex-Mormon?

[janeefothergill]

I appreciate the opportunity to ask this question. I left the Mormon faith by resignation 10 years ago. I have been married three times and became a widow to my third husband after a few months of marriage. It took me a very long time to believe that I could be involved in any other religion and didn’t want to criticise the church I had been born into or the people that I had loved. I am now able to understand and move on and would dearly love to become a Catholic. I have recently learnt that my baptism within the Mormon church is not valid and that has left me shocked and distressed. I have read as much as I can and love to read the words of Pope Francis. Would I be able to be baptised at any point and work towards confirmation into the Catholic faith? Since 2009, when my husband passed I have lived a celibate life (I am not sure if that is an appropriate term to use to explain), and shall continue to do so. Could you give me any advise or hope for a Catholic future? Kindest Regards Jane

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, you most certainly can become baptized as a Catholic. Divorce by itself is not an impediment to becoming Catholic. However if you wanted to get married in the future you would need an annulment for any prior marriages where the ex-spouse is still alive.

The usual way for someone to become a Catholic is to enter their local parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. This program would prepare you to receive the sacraments of baptism, 1st communion, and confirmation at the Easter Vigil. RCIA programs usually last about a year so you would most likely be preparing for next Easter.

The best way to get started is to make an appointment with your local parish priest and discuss your situation with him and he can guide you through the local process. God bless your journey and welcome home!