How to become Catholic if you're Lutheran

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Okay, my cousin (age 40) and her son (age 13) wish to convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism. What would they have to do and would her son have to take RCIA or some other program?

Thanks.
 
They should talk with the pastor or RCIA director at their local parish. Generally they would go through RCIA with adaptations for those who are already baptized. The length of time the process would take will depend on the parish.
 
This is wonderful.
The process should take at least a year for RCIA and CCD education. The rites of welcoming, confirmation, baptism and such are usually performed around Easter. It is in timing with our Lord’s Resurrection as the new converts are realizing a type of resurrection and rebirth.

It is a very good program and worth taking the time. It is like a courting and a lovely journey to the truth and meaning behind the Catholic church.

I am still going to bible study and I belong to the RCIA committee. I think it is important to continue the momentum and learning process even after one becomes a member of the church. There are many areas in which lay ministry is needed although not required.

My best wishes, as I am new and loving it. God Bless. 😃
 
Please explain that RCIA or CCD are not some kind of barriers or unnecessary test. They are a wonderful process and something they will enjoy. Not only will they learn about the Catholic Church, but will probably deepen their understanding of shared Lutheran / Catholic beliefs. They will also get a sponsor who will help them “learn the ropes”.

They should not think they are “outsiders” until confirmation. Other than receiving communion, they can participate in parish life almost as much as everyone else - and should! For example, they can: go to Mass, attend parish functions, participate in Bible studies, participate in men/womens groups, go to Adoration (if available), go to Reconciliation, etc. They can make the sign of the cross (many Lutherans do). Respect the real presence of Jesus (Lutherans believe this too) by genuflecting when entering/leaving a pew (although this is a Catholic practice). Bless themselves with holy water when entering or leaving church. Etc.

There are certainly differences between Catholicism and Lutheranism, but not as much as with many other Protestant faiths.
 
This is wonderful.
The process should take at least a year for RCIA and CCD education. The rites of welcoming, confirmation, baptism and such are usually performed around Easter. It is in timing with our Lord’s Resurrection as the new converts are realizing a type of resurrection and rebirth.

It is a very good program and worth taking the time. It is like a courting and a lovely journey to the truth and meaning behind the Catholic church.

I am still going to bible study and I belong to the RCIA committee. I think it is important to continue the momentum and learning process even after one becomes a member of the church. There are many areas in which lay ministry is needed although not required.

My best wishes, as I am new and loving it. God Bless. 😃
Just a slight clarification. Vailidly baptized Christians, as most Lutherans are, will not undergo baptism again. As an earlier poster pointed out, the length of the period for their doctrinal and spiritual preparation will vary according to their individual circumstances and often is much shorter than the full RCIA program. Likewise, while their preparation may coincide with the regular RCIA schedule and their reception into the Church may occur at the Easter Vigil, this is not always the case. As the Rite says, “no greater burden than necessary.”

This said, I certainly agree with I Fortuna that RCIA is a wonderful journey.
 
Most Lutherans are baptized validly(right form) so that not something that will have to be re-done. Here you’ll have to show a certificate proving the fact.

You can contact a church, maybe the vicar general. What I did was contact a Dominican monastery with brothers. They had courses on the faith that lasted about a year.

What I have to do(keep in mind what country I’m in) is that I have to give a certificate I’m baptized, a certificate I’m not a member of the church of Norway, and a letter to the bishop about why I want to convert.
 
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