Friend wanting to be baptized but limited health wise

[Xpiatio]

I have a friend that suffers from a conditions that limits her to function or get out of bed from time to time. She works fulltime and is attending an accelerated college course. I am finding that her work and being busy from college takes much of her energy physically. Having said that, she has expressed wanting to be baptized but not having a big pomp and circumstance ceremony for it. She grew up Episcopalian but is starting to ask questions about the Catholic faith.

What kind of outlet does the church give who is limited health wise to be accepted into the church? Right now I’m thinking that she should get baptized but I do not think she has the time for the RCIA process presently. Can an adult get baptized in the church but still not obtain those sacraments that would normally be part of Christian initiation? Perhaps baby steps would be best?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

If your friend grew up Episcopalian she has probably already been baptized. She’ll need to check for sure. The Catholic Church does not re-baptize those who have already received the sacrament.

In any case, the next step will be for her to contact her local parish to see what the possibilities are. RCIA does not necessarily have to be done with once-a-week meetings, particularly for those who are ill. On the other hand, if she can work full time and take an accelerated college course, maybe it’s a question of setting priorities and deciding where her faith fits in. That’s something she and the parish would need to discern.

Adults who are received into the Church (or adults who are baptized) receive all of their sacraments of initiation at once. So she would either be baptized or be received into the Church, be confirmed, and receive her first communion all at once.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Yes, an Episcopalian would probably have been baptized as an infant. She needs to check with her old Episcopal parish on this.

To become Catholic, she needs instruction, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Talk to a priest about this.

 

[Xpiatio]

Thank you for your help. I’m planning to continue answer her questions. And I will start conversation with my parish’s pastor or deacon. Then parlay the information over to her. I’m pretty sure she has not been baptized as even her mom has said that she has not. But in all things, will continue praying and continue nudging her as she allows in her quest for the truth.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

You sound like a good friend!

 

[PJM]

=Xpiatio;11811758]I have a friend that suffers from a conditions that limits her to function or get out of bed from time to time. She works fulltime and is attending an accelerated college course. I am finding that her work and being busy from college takes much of her energy physically. Having said that, she has expressed wanting to be baptized but not having a big pomp and circumstance ceremony for it. She grew up Episcopalian but is starting to ask questions about the Catholic faith.

What kind of outlet does the church give who is limited health wise to be accepted into the church? Right now I’m thinking that she should get baptized but I do not think she has the time for the RCIA process presently. Can an adult get baptized in the church but still not obtain those sacraments that would normally be part of Christian initiation? Perhaps baby steps would be best?

Catholicism requires with good and just cause RCIA before Baptism. I suspect IF she’s in danger of death a Priest WOULD do it, and like other christian faiths that have the right form would also do it.

That said: truth is singular per defined issue

Christ following his Own OT tradition choose to

Be One True God
with ONLY HIS One True set of faith beliefs [EPH 4:4-8]
And founded only One Church; today’s Catholic Church; following the Model of just One Chosen People.

So DO RCIA if at all possible!

God Bless you both