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Orionthehunter
Guest
I disagree w/ my4ducks. You are Catholic by virtue of your Baptism. The Church does not distinguish or consider a Trinitarian Baptism outside the Church to be inferior. However, because of you were raised outside the Church, you have not yet been prepared through instruction to receive the other Sacraments. Once a person is of the age of reason (when they can receive Holy Communion and Penance) they are able to assent their will to the Teachings of the Church and able to assert w/ personal confidence their Catholicity (as opposed to relying on the assertion of their parents and Godparents).It took my husband and I over two years before we were confirmed. During that time we usually just said “We are in the process of converting to Catholicism.” Yes, we got many wierd faces. Some were bold and curious enough to ask why and we would simply reply, “Because that is were we feel God wants us.” Usually, people let it be. They may not understand and think that you are wrong but that is not for you to change their minds or hearts. It is your relationship to God and the truth that He has given you through His infinite wisdom.
You are not Catholic until you are confirmed, even if you love the Church and believe in all its teachings. If that were the case many folks in the “High” Churches (i.e Lutheran. E. Orthodox, and even Episc.) would be “Catholic”. Yes, this is a simplistic way of explaining it but it is really very simple.
Only go into detail with those you know will TRY to understand. No need defend yourself right now. You have a lifetime for that.
BTW, my husband was brought up Fundamentalist Baptist and we didn’t tell his mom for over a year (after we were confirmed). She now thinks we are misguided and going to Hell. Thank goodness we believe in purgatory now
Good luck, be strong, listen to your heart, and most of all WELCOME!!
I assume since you are in RCIA and have made this assent in your heart and are now living life as a Catholic (trying to live a Gospel life and living by the precepts of the Church that you are able to now like attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days). If this fits your situation, by all means, proudly proclaim that you are Catholic.
The fact that you are unable to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion, Penance, and have yet to receive Confirmation does mean that you are not yet in full communion w/ the Church. However, just as a person who has a mortal sin on their soul that has not been confessed (includes Catholics living outside of sacramental marriage as they await an annulment for one or both of the partners) is not in full communion and unable to receive the Eucharist, you are in the same state.
I know and don’t deny that the distinction above isn’t significant (your not being in full communion with the Church). However, since we don’t deny Mafia Don’s from calling themselves Catholic or dissidents, I think that one with your maturity and conviction shouldn’t be denied the privilege. Furthermore, I think that “proclamation” has spiritual benefits. Once you call yourself Catholic, I have to believe that practicing our devotions (rosary etc.), our postures (kneeling @ Mass), and our rituals (grace before meals, crossing yourself, blessing yourself w/ Holy Water, etc.) will seem more natural. I encourage you to do and live fully your life as a Catholic, pray for a Spiritual Communion when others receive the Eucharist, and splash yourself w/ Holy Water w/ impunity.
I pray for you as you continue the RCIA process and am excited for your Confirmation when you will begin a journey that will last for all eternity.
From the Catechism:
1267 Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: “Therefore . . . we are members one of another.” Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body."
1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: “For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church.” “Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn.”
