First Post- what can priests do for non-catholics

[LJPK]

Hi. I’m a young man struggling very much right now with my religion. Without going into excessive detail, I have drifted between Lutheranism at a young age, atheism in my early teens, deism and agnosticism in my later teens. However, I feel part of me is drawn to traditional Christianity, but I also wonder if I’m just looking for a place to fit in so to speak. I’m very spiritually confused and I thought confessing to a priest might help me. However, that brought up a more general question. What can priests do for non-catholics? I assume I cannot engage in sacraments without being baptized Catholic. But can I have informal discussions similar to the confession? And I was also curious if priests could bless objects like cross necklaces for non-catholics (this is just a general curiosity not a huge point of contingency). Thanks. I hope I posted in the right forum section.

 

[Fauken]

Welcome to CAF!

If you were baptized with the Trinitarian formula (“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”), which Lutherans do, then you have a valid baptism and don’t need to be re-baptized. If you’re interested in receiving the Sacraments, then you’d have to go though the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA).

You can certainly talk to a priest and ask for counsel, though you’ll probably have to make an appointment. And he should be willing to bless items for you. Bear in mind though that once they are blessed, they are no longer regular objects and can’t just be thrown in the trash. They have to be specially disposed of.

 

[pianistclare]

Make an appointment with the nearest priest.
They are happy to discuss matters of faith. I think you will pleasantly surprised to learn that priests know plenty about other faith traditions and denominations.

 

[goodcatholic]

What can priests do for non-catholics?

Just respect their time. Remember they are busy people. But of course have a quick chat with them after a Mass perhaps.
If were you, I would seek answers on the net first. Speak to some Catholics, not just a priest.
Visit a Catholic Library. Chat to the librarian. That is what I do. Visit a Catholic College like Notre Dame for instance is one idea.
I only reverted back to Catholicism recently. There is so much to learn. Catholicism is a huge learning curve. It is not only broad but also very deep and well worth diving into, in my opinion. Good luck and God Bless.