How does one rejoin the Church?

[mesl4]

My husband was baptized and confirmed Catholic as a child, but has been living as a Protestant since married to me. Now I’m considering becoming Catholic. If he goes back, what would the process be? Would he need to go through classes? He really doesn’t know much about Catholicism. He says he just “went through the motions” as a child.I know more about it than he does.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**It would not hurt him to go through RICA or whatever instruction is available witn you.

Technically, all he would need would be to go to confession, and for you and he to have your marriage regularized (I think the term is “convalidated”)–and it will be a joy for the priest to do so.

God bless both of you!**

 

[quiet52]

from mesl4:

My husband was baptized and confirmed Catholic as a child, but has been living as a Protestant since married to me. Now I’m considering becoming Catholic. If he goes back, what would the process be? Would he need to go through classes? He really doesn’t know much about Catholicism. He says he just “went through the motions” as a child.I know more about it than he does.

Your husband is still Catholic, unless he has formally declared he isn’t. “Being” Catholic, no matter how well or poorly catechized, doesn’t guarantee a conversion of heart, however. We pray that his participation in the faith with what we call our “separated brethren” (non-Catholic Christians), he has and will continue to encounter our Lord and seek union with His Church.

If your husband seeks to once again become a practicing Catholic, and intends to live like one (assenting to the Church’s teachings), I suggest that he and you make an appointment with a priest a.s.a.p. The priest will talk to you about regularizing (convalidating) your marriage. Your husband can make a sincere confession (sacrament of Reconciliation) prior to the convalidation, if he intends to live as a Catholic.

Have you joined the RCIA process? It would be a very good idea for your husband to join you, to obtain the catechesis he needs, to better understand the faith. Knowledge and understanding can help us more deeply encounter and be in communion with Jesus, which is what it’s all about! Catechesis isn’t just something for children – it’s a life-long effort, as is converting our hearts to Jesus.

I hope you and your husband make that appointment soon.