Episcopal Baptism

[joejay]

I was raised Jewish. I became atheist at age 12 and for 30 years have been so foolish as to believe I was too smart, too educated to believe in God, that science contradicted the bible and lived by proof instead of faith. I’ve since seen the light and am searching for the right path. In reading a small prayer book, the Book of Malta, it appears to me that the true church is the Catholic church. I am aware of the RCIA program but understand that it takes months to be baptized. I’ve also learned that Episcopal churches will baptize after a couple of hours of introduction and instruct but that the Catholic church does not recognize then as worthy of receiving sacrament in the Catholic church. I am also aware that it is a sin to receive sacrament if you are not Catholic. I guess Episcopalians believe they are Catholic and don’t see this as a sin. I’m not in a position to embark on an RCIA journey right now but need to bring Christ into my life, would it be wrong to start with Episcopal church and convert at a later date? Would I be committing a sin if I took communion at mass in an Episcopal church after being baptized in an Episcopal church? I feel like I need to be baptized now, not later.

 

[1ke]

I suggest you talk to a Catholic priest about your concerns and about your desires. He will guide you.

 

[po18guy]

Welcome to the forums! What a blessing that the Lord is leading you to belief. I can sense the urgency with which you have grasped at the truth, after wandering, then searching for so long. It is very sad to say that, due to the many divisions in the Body of Christ, numerous teachings exist on Christian initiation. I also went through RCIA and had that sense of anticipation as I waited for the Easter vigil mass.

The Catholic Church does, indeed, recognize most other true Christian baptisms*, as long as they are accomplished using the proper form and matter. The form is taken from the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19, where, before ascending, He commanded the Apostles to “baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. This includes either triple immersion, or triple pouring of water on the head - water being the proper matter to use.

The early Church often had formation periods of years for those who were converting from paganism. This certainly tested the patience, resolve and desire of the seeker. The Episcopal community, for all of its good, does not have a valid consecration of the Holy Eucharist, since they lost their Apostolic succession centuries ago. As well, some of their practices have drifted even from the Anglican Church, which is their source - but both have their roots in Catholicism, but have changed certain practices and beliefs in their departure.

If you are journeying to Christ, you want the pure truth, no matter how long it may require to obtain it, correct? You have already received the grace of faith directly from God. Human desire naturally follows, and is not easily reconciled to a waiting period or time of formation. But, seeking the truth in its fulness does require tme and teaching. To settle for less is simply to settle for less. You are coming from a background of spiritual dryness, and the refreshment of truth is a strong attractant. God the Father knows your heart and, just as He sustained you through years of wandering, He will also sustain you through the period of initiation into the faith.

As 1ke wisely wrote, it is crucial that you contact a Priest and have a talk with him. This is the most important decision and life change that can possibly be made. Since what you will be receiving are God’s promises of salvation to those who remain faithful, it is of utmost importance that it be done according to the method (Tradition) established by Jesus, and in the manner preserved across the ages by His Church.

May peace be with you on your journey.

• The Church does not recognize Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness baptisms, as their concept of God differs greatly in substance from the trinitarian Christian God. As well, some other pseudo-Christian groups baptize in the name of Jesus alone, which contradicts the very words of our Lord.

 

[1234]

I suggest that you talk to someone in charge, preferably a priest, at the Episcopal Church where you are thinking of receiving instruction. I think that the path to baptism in the Episcopal Church is substantially longer than you have been told.

You may be thinking of the type of instruction that Roman Catholics have to receive when they want to enter the Episcopal Church, and there are plenty of these. As they are already baptized Christians, they do not have to undergo such an extensive learning process before they are received. But for non-Christians, I believe that the process is considerably longer.

 

[k8e308]

Definitely speak with a Catholic priest first since the church you ultimately wish to join is the Catholic church.

Keep in mind that, although it may take time to be baptised and completely received into the Church, you are very welcome at Mass any time.

Adult entrants into the church (catechumens) are generally accepted at the Easter Vigil Mass. With vigilant study, a priest might be willing to accept you into the Church this year. If that is so, it’s just a few months away.

In the mean time, you could partake of the Mass (but not the Eucharist) and ask the Lord to guide you until you are received. Also pray to Mary and pray the rosary. Directions can be found online. Mary has promised help to all those who are dedicated to the rosary.

Also keep in mind that receiving baptism in one church with the intention to leave and join another church is problematic morally. In joining one church, you are committing to that church and its beliefs. If one were to change his mind or beliefs later, that would not be a problem. But, because you are going into it with the intention to change churches, I do not think it would be the right thing to do.

I do not say this to discourage you, but in the way that a sister would lovingly correct a brother. Your post made me joyful that someone was coming home to the Mother Church, and I wish to give you the best advice. Your zeal for Christ and desire to have Him in your life is inspiring. What prevents you from beginning RCIA? Ask a priest to help you. He may be able to help you overcome any obstacles.

Whatever you decide, please keep us updated. I will pray for you.

 

[achmafooma]

I agree with others who recommend your going directly to a Catholic Priest and discuss conversion with him. If you are unable to go through a typical RCIA program for some reason, there may be other ways of accommodating your spiritual journey to the Catholic Church.

May I ask why you desire Baptism so urgently? Bear in mind that if you truly desire Baptism in your heart, and are moving toward receiving the Sacrament in the Church, then if (God forbid) you died before receiving you still would have received a ‘Baptism of desire’ and will still enter Heaven purged of all sin…so, in other words, there is no need to rush! You can still begin participating in the life of the Church and deepening your relationship with Christ at any time, even if Baptism has to wait for some reason.

Now, of course, you could receive any valid Christian Baptism and it would count… I don’t recommend this course, however. If you feel that the Catholic Church is the true Church, as I do, then I would recommend that you receive all of the Sacraments there…even if it takes longer. Personally I’m a little suspicious of any Church that baptizes adults without some period of preparation; this is serious, and we ought to be sure that those who receive the Sacrament as adults know what we’re getting into!

As others have said, nothing stops you from participating in the Mass starting immediately. The only thing you can’t do as a non-Catholic is receive Holy Communion, but you can still (and should still) pray and engage in Spiritual Communion while others receive the Sacrament.

I’m a convert as well (from Protestant Christianity). In my humble opinion and experience, the Catholic Church is the true Church, and while some sacraments (Baptism and Marriage) are valid outside of it, I think you should definitely start with the Sacraments in the Church that holds and teaches the fullness of the faith.

God bless you!

 

[po18guy]

Personally I’m a little suspicious of any Church that baptizes adults without some period of preparation; this is serious, and we ought to be sure that those who receive the Sacrament as adults know what we’re getting into!

Beware of any “church” that is easy to enter, but difficult to leave. Jesus Himself is difficult to follow (Luke 9:23), but easy to leave (John 6:66).

As others have said, nothing stops you from participating in the Mass starting immediately. The only thing you can’t do as a non-Catholic is receive Holy Communion, but you can still (and should still) pray and engage in Spiritual Communion while others receive the Sacrament.

Adoration! You can go and spend time before our Lord right now. Anyone can! Many of all faiths have converted after simply being in Jesus’ presence.

I’m a convert as well (from Protestant Christianity). In my humble opinion and experience, the Catholic Church is the true Church, and while some sacraments (Baptism and Marriage) are valid outside of it, I think you should definitely start with the Sacraments in the Church that holds and teaches the fullness of the faith. God bless you!

No better advice may be found.

 

[gamewell45]

I suggest that you talk to someone in charge, preferably a priest, at the Episcopal Church where you are thinking of receiving instruction. I think that the path to baptism in the Episcopal Church is substantially longer than you have been told.

I can tell you that it took me almost a year of instruction before I did my confirmation in the Episcopal Church. As far as I know, they haven’t changed anything to shorten it.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I say if your heart tells you the Catholic Church is the True Church, why not go straight to Catholicism? Don’t worry if it takes months to get baptized into the Church. If it’s the Truth, it’s worth the wait, right? The Episcopal Church is far from Catholicism in so many ways, especially in moral teachings regarding sexuality, marriage, abortion, in vitro fertilization, stem cells, cohabitation, and not all Episcopalian bishops will accept the idea that Christ is the only way to God, but rather “a” way. The Episcopal Church is more liberal and wayward from orthodoxy than it has ever been. You are choosing a dark time to enter that church. I highly recommend going straight to the Catholic Church, inquiring, meeting with a priest, and trying to get into RCIA asap. Don’t stop along the way accepting anything but the genuine article. If you must go Anglican, go ACNA I say.

Women’s ordination and Episcopalian theology are things that should cause you to think twice.

I was raised Jewish. I became atheist at age 12 and for 30 years have been so foolish as to believe I was too smart, too educated to believe in God, that science contradicted the bible and lived by proof instead of faith. I’ve since seen the light and am searching for the right path. In reading a small prayer book, the Book of Malta, it appears to me that the true church is the Catholic church. I am aware of the RCIA program but understand that it takes months to be baptized. I’ve also learned that Episcopal churches will baptize after a couple of hours of introduction and instruct but that the Catholic church does not recognize then as worthy of receiving sacrament in the Catholic church. I am also aware that it is a sin to receive sacrament if you are not Catholic. I guess Episcopalians believe they are Catholic and don’t see this as a sin. I’m not in a position to embark on an RCIA journey right now but need to bring Christ into my life, would it be wrong to start with Episcopal church and convert at a later date? Would I be committing a sin if I took communion at mass in an Episcopal church after being baptized in an Episcopal church? I feel like I need to be baptized now, not later.

 

[CMatt25]

I can tell you that it took me almost a year of instruction before I did my confirmation in the Episcopal Church. As far as I know, they haven’t changed anything to shorten it.

All I know is an already confirmed Catholic at my local Episcopal parish can be received into TEC after a once/wk class for 6 wks. But not having been baptized or confirmed could add time to that. I’ve never inquired about such a case.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

And how do you know this? Are you converting to TEC?

All I know is an already confirmed Catholic at my local Episcopal parish can be received into TEC after a once/wk class for 6 wks. But not having been baptized or confirmed could add time to that. I’ve never inquired about such a case.

 

[CMatt25]

And how do you know this? Are you converting to TEC?

I have an inqusitive mind I suppose Gurney about a lot of matters of faith so I naturally asked my local Episcopal rector. Converting? Well no I have no plans to at the moment. I have never even attended an Episcopal service yet. He actually said though I could worship with them forever, never convert. And if I was so called to receive communion, so be it. So at least TEC and some others would if I am called, not turn me away and fully welcome me in communion with them as I am. My imperfections and all. Peace.

 

[frnate]

I agree with all the others who say talk to a priest as soon as possible. Do not get baptized in the Episcopal Church. They “have a form of Godliness” but have increasingly “denied it’s power.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

Pax,
++N

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Why do you feel the need to go to a TEC parish, though? Is there something you feel is lacking in your area’s Catholic parishes?

I have an inqusitive mind I suppose Gurney about a lot of matters of faith so I naturally asked my local Episcopal rector. Converting? Well no I have no plans to at the moment. I have never even attended an Episcopal service yet. He actually said though I could worship with them forever, never convert. And if I was so called to receive communion, so be it. So at least TEC and some others would if I am called, not turn me away and fully welcome me in communion with them as I am. My imperfections and all. Peace.

 

[CMatt25]

Why do you feel the need to go to a TEC parish, though? Is there something you feel is lacking in your area’s Catholic parishes?

Gurney I can and do worship in my area’s Catholic parishes. I wouldn’t say I have a need yet to go to a TEC parish since I have not yet gone. But I fear some things might be lacking not necessarily only in my area but in the direction of Catholicism in general today. I’m not certain my feelings about this are limited to only Catholicism however.

 

[Contarini]

I was raised Jewish. I became atheist at age 12 and for 30 years have been so foolish as to believe I was too smart, too educated to believe in God, that science contradicted the bible and lived by proof instead of faith. I’ve since seen the light and am searching for the right path. In reading a small prayer book, the Book of Malta, it appears to me that the true church is the Catholic church. I am aware of the RCIA program but understand that it takes months to be baptized. I’ve also learned that Episcopal churches will baptize after a couple of hours of introduction and instruct but that the Catholic church does not recognize then as worthy of receiving sacrament in the Catholic church. I am also aware that it is a sin to receive sacrament if you are not Catholic. I guess Episcopalians believe they are Catholic and don’t see this as a sin. I’m not in a position to embark on an RCIA journey right now but need to bring Christ into my life, would it be wrong to start with Episcopal church and convert at a later date? Would I be committing a sin if I took communion at mass in an Episcopal church after being baptized in an Episcopal church? I feel like I need to be baptized now, not later.

I don’t know what you mean by “not being in a position to embark on an RCIA journey right now.” You may not want to share this, but without knowing it’s hard to advise you.

I would say very strongly that you should not treat Anglicanism as a “way station” to Catholicism. That’s not respectful to either. I say this all the more strongly because that’s more or less what I did–and as my signature shows, I got “stuck.”

Become Anglican if you are convinced that Anglicanism is as full an expression of Catholic Christianity (in an ontological sense) as any other Christian church. I myself, although an Anglican, do not think that it is. I would urge you to become either Catholic or Orthodox instead if you possibly can.

Edwin