How can a minor convert to Catholicism?

[laschai]

Wow, too many answers to respond to! Thank you to each and every one of you, and know that I did read every response.

 

[laschai]

So I just hit a bit of a bump in the road. I went to the website of my local Catholic Church and found the info on RCIA… The person it says to contact is a teacher at my high school, and a mean one at that! I’ve never had her as a teacher, only for a study hall, but it still feels super awkward and weird. Advice?

 

[felsguy]

A couple of minor points; first is that technically someone who is already baptized is not “converting” to Catholicism, rather joining the Roman Catholic Church.

Is that true that if the Catholic Church recognizes your baptism as valid, you are not really a convert? you “join” the church?

Years ago anyone who “joined the Church” regardless of their religious background or lack thereof was usually referred to as a “convert.” More recently the term convert is reserved for non-Christians who join the Church as explained above while baptized non-Catholics (candidates) are “received into full communion with the Church.” Interesting though, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (the actual text, that is) includes an optional rite for sending candidates “for Recognition by the Bishop and for the Call to Continuing Conversion.”

While the terminology can be a confusing and/or cumbersome, the intent is to convey the recognition of and respect for a candidate’s baptism as truly valid.​

And adding to the lack of precision in terminology, in places the Rite also speaks of “candidates for baptism.” Reminds me of the adage “a camel is a horse put together by a committee” but that’s another whole discussion.

 

[GNM1999]

So I just hit a bit of a bump in the road. I went to the website of my local Catholic Church and found the info on RCIA… The person it says to contact is a teacher at my high school, and a mean one at that! I’ve never had her as a teacher, only for a study hall, but it still feels super awkward and weird. Advice?

I would just go to her with your questions and state your intent to become a member of The Church, be as polite and courteous as possible and she should return the same courtesy to you. You could always email her, our school has an email system, yours may, and asking your questions via email would be a good way to avoid the awkwardness while still gaining the information and guidance you need to join.

This is just what I could think of, there’s no doubt many things you could do in place of these. God Bless and Good Luck!

 

[Petaro]

Thank you so much for the response, Catholic4Christ! I’m so glad to hear that RCIA is available for teens. I thought that my baptism was considered valid, but it’s good to have that confirmed. However, is it possible to be re-baptized? I was a baby when I was baptized, so I don’t remember it, and it doesn’t feel like it’s enough since I couldn’t believe in God and baptism as a baby, if that makes sense.

Once correctly baptised there is only one baptism. However, I was baptised by a Presbyterian doctor at birth as I wasn’t breathing and was subsequently conditionally baptised in the Church just in case. (I believe the old doctor knew what he was doing, but it was important for my parents to be sure.)
You mention feelings a lot, and tearing up in church and I must warn you that the Catholic religion is an intellectual one led more by Grace than feelings. But you are a young girl and that excuses much. lol.
As other wise posts have suggested, go to Mass if your parents support you. If they don’t obey them, as you must honour your Father and your Mother. However, there is nothing wrong with researching the basic tenants of the Faith on the web.
Pray for faith and put your search in the hands of Jesus and demand the rights of your baptism to be drawn fully into His family.
Do not expect that your feelings will not change as you grow into the Church, but don’t be put off by dry periods where you feel you are getting no where. May God speed you towards Him in the fullness of His revelation which is the Church He set up. Remember, He set up a Church, and did not write a book. The Church determined the contents of the Bible.

 

[veilofveronica]

Welcome!!!

I converted to Catholicism when I was thirteen, after investigating for a year and getting Catechism…my mom was a lapsed RC and my dad a lapsed Anglican, so I was exposed to Catholicism before hand, but hadn’t gone to church.

In the years when I converted, there was no RCIA for teens (many parishes have this now) and as I fell between the adult rite and the children’s one, I had private catechism and instruction. I attended Mass every Sunday and had reading to do, and much prayer. It was decided I’d be baptized, have my first communion then be confirmed a year later after more study with my peers. In most parishes, you would have all three sacraments in one (if you’re previously baptized in a rite recognized by the church, you wouldn’t be rebaptized.)

I would look for a parish with a good youth group and RCIA for teens. Failing that, simply call the parish priest and ask to talk to him. You will need your parents’ permission to join.

Ps. Just read about the teacher that instructs RCIA. That might be a bit awkward…but give her a chance. She might not be as mean as others say!!! If you’re more comfortable, is there another Catholic Church nearby?

God bless you on your journey and interest in the Catholic faith!!!

 

[Bookcat]

I discovered that the Catholic Church is the same Church as the early Church -that it is the Church that Jesus founded too when I was a Teenager.

Started towards the Church around 14 or so. Read my way in as it were.

Was received into full communion with the Catholic Church when I was 18 (the first Sunday after my 18th birthday).

Did not come in via the RCIA (one does not have to per se if one is already a baptized Christian -but such if often the way practically persons coming in still get formation…).

Now I am in my mid 40’s (and even went for a degree in Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville -check out their videos and youth stuff by the way!).

It was the great joyous splendid decision of my life give my Yes to Christ and enter into his Church!

So I encourage you in your seeking - press on! In him and in his Church is true life!

 

[Bookcat]

These are excellent for all to read:

The messages from world youth day with Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/august/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110818_accoglienza-giovani2-madrid_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/august/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110820_veglia-madrid_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20110821_xxvi-gmg-madrid_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2011/index_madrid_en.htm

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/youth/index_en.htm

In Jesus of Nazareth is true life (and thus in his Church)

 

[Bookcat]

Is that true that if the Catholic Church recognizes your baptism as valid, you are not really a convert? you “join” the church?

You enter into full communion with the Church in such a case…

(though colloquially I still call myself a convert…)

 

[laschai]

UPDATE!

I just emailed the person in charge of RCIA at my local Catholic church. Now to wait, and hope for the best.

 

[Thomas_Casey]

Not a TC subject