Confirmation

[mesl4]

I was baptized Mennonite and am considering converting to Catholicism. What would I need to do after RCIA? What do I need to say or pray or swear to or promise at confirmation? I just want to make sure I’m not having to make some sort of oath that is unscriptural/could be offensive to God. I’m still trying to accept the Mary veneration thing and if I have to say a questionable prayer to her, that makes it harder.

[Edited]

Thank you for you help.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Well God bless you and welcome!

No, you will not have to do anything offensive to God.

See this: In the Western Church the sacrament is usually administered by the bishop. At the beginning of the ceremony there is a general imposition of hands, the bishop meantime praying that the Holy Ghost may come down upon those who have already been regenerated: “send forth upon them thy sevenfold Spirit the Holy Paraclete.” He then anoints the forehead of each with chrism saying: “I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Finally. he gives each a slight blow on the cheek saying: “peace be with thee”. A prayer is added that the Holy Spirit may dwell in the hearts of those who have been confirmed, and the rite closes with the bishop’s blessing.

The Eastern Church omits the imposition of hands and the prayer at the beginning, and accompanies the anointing with the words: “the sign [or seal] of the gift of the Holy Ghost.” These several actions symbolize the nature and purpose of the sacrament: the anointing signifies the strength given for the spiritual conflict; the balsam contained in the chrism, the fragrance of virtue and the good odor of Christ; the sign of the cross on the forehead, the courage to confess Christ, before all men; the imposition of hands and the blow on the cheek, enrollment in the service of Christ which brings true peace to the soul. (Cf. St. Thomas, III:72:4).

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I was baptized Mennonite and am considering converting to Catholicism. What would I need to do after RCIA? What do I need to say or pray or swear to or promise at confirmation? I just want to make sure I’m not having to make some sort of oath that is unscriptural/could be offensive to God. I’m still trying to accept the Mary veneration thing and if I have to say a questionable prayer to her, that makes it harder. I love her, as I do all the saints and my fellow Christians here on Earth, but I don’t feel comfortable saying things to them like, "Receive me at the hour of my death (Mary, Mother of Grace), “I fly to you O Virgin of virgins, my mother. To you I come ; before you I stand…in your mercy hear and answer me.” (The Memorare), “Turn the, most gracious Advocate” (The Salve Regina), “Obtain for us who call upon you,” (To the sorrowful Mother for the Church and the Pontiff),etc. These make it sound like she’s our Saviour and has the same power as Jesus and that makes me very uncomfortable. Thank you for you help.

Everything will be covered in RCIA for you. Nothing unscriptural (against Scripture) will be required of you. Take your time and fully understand the meaning of the Doctrines about Mary and the real meanings of the titles used for her and even the prayers that include her. Learn what the Catholic actually teaches and says.

 

[George_C]

Actually, I was wondering about this during work today. Maybe too much – I almost rear-ended a Bravada.

 

[puzzleannie]

I was baptized Mennonite and am considering converting to Catholicism. What would I need to do after RCIA? What do I need to say or pray or swear to or promise at confirmation? I just want to make sure I’m not having to make some sort of oath that is unscriptural/could be offensive to God. I’m still trying to accept the Mary veneration thing and if I have to say a questionable prayer to her, that makes it harder.

[Edited]

Thank you for you help.

following a period of study of Catholic teaching and practice, during which you will be encouraged to bring up all your questions and doubts, so you can get answers and explanations, you will, if you decide to proceed, make a profession of faith–that is to affirm belief in the tenets of the Apostle’s Creed, and receive Confirmation and First Communion to complete your Christian Initiation. Confirmation is anointing with oil, invocation of the Holy Spirit and Laying on of hands by the bishop, or by a priest he delegates.

Your instruction will normally be in two parts, the first concentrating on the scripture readings assigned for each Sunday, especially the gospels, and the second on doctrine, so that you can understand and freely profess the Creed.

 

[jmcrae]

I was baptized Mennonite and am considering converting to Catholicism. What would I need to do after RCIA? What do I need to say or pray or swear to or promise at confirmation? I just want to make sure I’m not having to make some sort of oath that is unscriptural/could be offensive to God. I’m still trying to accept the Mary veneration thing and if I have to say a questionable prayer to her, that makes it harder.

[Edited]

Thank you for you help.

When you make your Profession of Faith, you will respond to a “question and answer” version of the Apostles’ Creed, and you will say something (or it will be understood that you have said something) to the effect that, “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.”

Your questions about Mary and her role in the plan of salvation should be explained to you during the RCIA process. If the content of your particular RCIA Period of Catechesis isn’t as “deep” as you hope for, please feel free to ask questions of your priest and catechist outside of class time, and also feel free to ask questions here. You will also have a Sponsor - a Catholic who walks the journey of conversion with you, to help you - this person will also help you with your questions, as much as possible.

 

[bpbasilphx]

I assume Mennonites batize with water, and in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Or do Mennonites baptize another way?

 

[jmcrae]

I assume Mennonites batize with water, and in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Or do Mennonites baptize another way?

I would also assume so, but as I understand it, Mennonites practice “believer’s baptism” so it is not at all guaranteed that a member of the Mennonite Church is necessarily a baptized person.