"I don't need baptism"

[PJM]

=SonCatcher;6892598]So get thee to confession!

I think there is generally a requirement that you intend to teach her to be Catholic and that she intend to follow Catholic teaching for a Catholic to baptize. There is an exception (covered below).

Generally, for a Catholic to baptize, he must intend to teach the convert the full faith. However, in the case of dire need (usually meaning the convert is at risk of dying), even a staunch anti-Catholic may be baptized. My pastor related in a retreat how he once baptized a strongly anti-Catholic person. She was bedridden and dying. Every Protestant church was willing to perform the baptism - by immersion - at the church. Both requirements were impossible to meet so in desperation she called the Catholic church. My pastor showed up, baptized her (I think he may also have confirmed, anointed, given her first communion as viaticum). She died that night, perfectly spotless.

It doesn’t have to be quite that serious, however. A current question in the “Ask An Apologist” forum also deals with baptism in time of necessity.

Hi Nicky,

As A FYI…

Baptism is one of the Seven sacraments and ONLY a Ordained person can Baptize UNLESS it is an EXTREME Emergecy [life and death situation literally].

It is not an option fo the laity EXCEPT in extreme cases. Get your priest involved.

Love and payers,
Pat

 

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6868736]How would you explain baptism to someone who ‘doesn’t get the point’ of it?

My non-denominational friend recently revealed to me that she just doesn’t get the point of baptism and so has never been baptised. I attempted to explain to her why it was necessary but everything I said did not help. I left her with the story of Jesus approaching John the Baptist.

How can I help her understand why baptism IS important as a Christian?

I shared with her that Baptism is a cleansing and it is through Baptism that we receive the Holy Spirit, to which she responded the Holy Spirit cannot be forced into that kind of neat little box. I was left a bit stumped as to how to proceed from there so I just reminded her about Jesus’ baptism.

Keep in mind she has very little knowledge of Church history, no respect for ‘tradition’ and does not attend any church. She identifies as Christian and yet openly admits to knowing very little about Christianity. She has challenged me to help her understand and I gladly took this challenge but I need a little help with research.

So guys? A little help?

ONLY through Baptism can one become a “child of God,” an a Christian! PERIOD! READ
John 3:5, that’s Jesus speaking!

Without Baptism one cannot get into heaven having had the opportunity to 1. KNOW that need; to receive a Christian Baptism. END OF STORY!

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[nickybr38]

I would argue that the definition of ‘Christian’ today is much different then the Catholic perception of it. The Protestant definition is most definitely different. Do we dismiss their definition or try to understand them?

 

[smithm29]

If their definition is wrong, it’s wrong. We can understand them by understanding that their definition is incorrect and that it’s our responsibility to extend the fullness of truth to them. I maintain that no legitimate Protestant group would say that baptism is not required for the Christian. They may say that it’s not required for salvation, but if they’re legitimate, they will say that it’s required for admission into the community. I live in an area where there are dozens of tiny churches with uneducated pastors who make up ridiculous things like “baptism isn’t necessary” and “Jesus will make me fly into the sky before he punishes the rest of the world” and so on. Yes, it’s my responsibility, when I meet one of these people, to correct these erroneous opinions and show them especially that you are not a Christian without baptism.

When my daughter was a baby and erroneously called a duck a chicken, I had to tell her outright that a duck is a duck.

 

[nickybr38]

If their definition is wrong, it’s wrong. We can understand them by understanding that their definition is incorrect and that it’s our responsibility to extend the fullness of truth to them. I maintain that no legitimate Protestant group would say that baptism is not required for the Christian. They may say that it’s not required for salvation, but if they’re legitimate, they will say that it’s required for admission into the community. I live in an area where there are dozens of tiny churches with uneducated pastors who make up ridiculous things like “baptism isn’t necessary” and “Jesus will make me fly into the sky before he punishes the rest of the world” and so on. Yes, it’s my responsibility, when I meet one of these people, to correct these erroneous opinions and show them especially that you are not a Christian without baptism.

When my daughter was a baby and erroneously called a duck a chicken, I had to tell her outright that a duck is a duck.

All I can say to that is good luck.

 

[magdelaine1173]

Actually the church she grew up in taught just that… which is, baptism is not needed.

BUT I have an update! An exciting update! I shared the verses you guys gave me here. I said NOTHING else, just gave her the verses and she now wants to be baptised! She’s not sure where to go though. She is still anti-Catholic but desires baptism. Would it be wrong for me to help her find a church (other then the Catholic - although I will try to gently sway her that way) that will baptise her? I’d really like to help her with this. I have full confidence the Holy Spirit will guide her as needed after baptism but I have to be very very careful so as not to turn her away.

I know the Church teaches that any baptism (whether performed in a Catholic church or not) that follows the proper form is valid so would it be wrong for me to assist her in this?

Help!

What you COULD do is inform your priest that she is skiddish and wants baptism, but also wants to learn about Jesus too. And to have the priest come to your house and talk to her privately and persuade her to get into an RCIA class. There she can be with others who are wanting to become Catholic and learn about Christ. During her confirmation she will have water poured over her head and be baptised by the priest and confirmed at the same time. Tell her not to be afraid of priests of the Catholic Church. That baptism is the lifting of a burden from the soul so that she will be in her Father’s [God’s] arms when we reach eternity. To picture the two of you together in the most beautiful place ever, with no pain, no fear and just being happy to be with one another and God. But in order to do this she needs to be baptised first.

But if she is still skiddish about the CC you CAN baptise her in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. With those exact words! and pour tap water from the tub over her forehead. God is with YOU also and calls YOU to make apostles of His people!!
I was originally baptised by two nurses two hours after birth at a hospital in Pittsburgh PA, because the nurses were afraid I would die without being baptised! And as the nurse poured the water over my head she said, ‘’ I baptise you Margaret Mary L… in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May God cleanse you of your original sin and build strong in you His Spirit, Amen’’ And that was basically it. But that was an acception to the rule…I was near death’s doorstep. You can baptise her, but make sure she understands what the meaning is of the whole process, otherwise she’s missing out on the whole point of being given graces by God and actually experiencing the spiritual and physiological change of her body, mind, and soul. Although spiritual is supernatural, she would come to understand the meaning of some of it as soon as she was baptised. I say go for it…baptise her in the tub tonight!! Use the words that I gave as an example. The church process in which the documents are made official can be filled in later. I ended up getting the mass and annointing with the holy oils on my chest and all the renunciation of the devil professions, I just didn’t have water poured over my head at the church. And priests tell me to this day that my baptism took. That if I would’ve died I wouldve gone to Heaven. No original sin…nothing to keep me from being with God!

 

[nickybr38]

What you COULD do is inform your priest that she is skiddish and wants baptism, but also wants to learn about Jesus too. And to have the priest come to your house and talk to her privately and persuade her to get into an RCIA class. There she can be with others who are wanting to become Catholic and learn about Christ. During her confirmation she will have water poured over her head and be baptised by the priest and confirmed at the same time. Tell her not to be afraid of priests of the Catholic Church. That baptism is the lifting of a burden from the soul so that she will be in her Father’s [God’s] arms when we reach eternity. To picture the two of you together in the most beautiful place ever, with no pain, no fear and just being happy to be with one another and God. But in order to do this she needs to be baptised first.

But if she is still skiddish about the CC you CAN baptise her in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. With those exact words! and pour tap water from the tub over her forehead. God is with YOU also and calls YOU to make apostles of His people!!
I was originally baptised by two nurses two hours after birth at a hospital in Pittsburgh PA, because the nurses were afraid I would die without being baptised! And as the nurse poured the water over my head she said, ‘’ I baptise you Margaret Mary L… in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May God cleanse you of your original sin and build strong in you His Spirit, Amen’’ And that was basically it. But that was an acception to the rule…I was near death’s doorstep. You can baptise her, but make sure she understands what the meaning is of the whole process, otherwise she’s missing out on the whole point of being given graces by God and actually experiencing the spiritual and physiological change of her body, mind, and soul. Although spiritual is supernatural, she would come to understand the meaning of some of it as soon as she was baptised. I say go for it…baptise her in the tub tonight!! Use the words that I gave as an example. The church process in which the documents are made official can be filled in later. I ended up getting the mass and annointing with the holy oils on my chest and all the renunciation of the devil professions, I just didn’t have water poured over my head at the church. And priests tell me to this day that my baptism took. That if I would’ve died I wouldve gone to Heaven. No original sin…nothing to keep me from being with God!

I have spoken to the Sister and her advice was to help my friend learn about God and learn what she believes before pursuing baptism. Any church in town would require her intention to become a member before baptising her and according to the Church I cannot baptise her (unless in a case of emergency, which this is not).

I will not be sending the Father to her door, that would be disastrous. At this point she has to be treated very gently and shoving the Church at her would do nothing but send her in the opposite direction.

I thank you for your advice.

For now I think this has been sorted as much as it can be.

 

[mangy_dog]

How would you explain baptism to someone who ‘doesn’t get the point’ of it?

My non-denominational friend recently revealed to me that she just doesn’t get the point of baptism and so has never been baptised. I attempted to explain to her why it was necessary but everything I said did not help. I left her with the story of Jesus approaching John the Baptist.

How can I help her understand why baptism IS important as a Christian?

I shared with her that Baptism is a cleansing and it is through Baptism that we receive the Holy Spirit, to which she responded the Holy Spirit cannot be forced into that kind of neat little box. I was left a bit stumped as to how to proceed from there so I just reminded her about Jesus’ baptism.

Keep in mind she has very little knowledge of Church history, no respect for ‘tradition’ and does not attend any church. She identifies as Christian and yet openly admits to knowing very little about Christianity. She has challenged me to help her understand and I gladly took this challenge but I need a little help with research.

So guys? A little help?

Keep it friendly but accurate and firm.

You say, " oh, so Jesus was baptized but you don’t need baptism…is that it?’"

And it is also written, “go and baptise everyone you meet in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. But you don’t need baptism?! Gee whiz.

 

[PJM]

=smithm29;6900872]If their definition is wrong, it’s wrong. We can understand them by understanding that their definition is incorrect and that it’s our responsibility to extend the fullness of truth to them. I maintain that no legitimate Protestant group would say that baptism is not required for the Christian. They may say that it’s not required for salvation, but if they’re legitimate, they will say that it’s required for admission into the community. I live in an area where there are dozens of tiny churches with uneducated pastors who make up ridiculous things like “baptism isn’t necessary” and “Jesus will make me fly into the sky before he punishes the rest of the world” and so on. Yes, it’s my responsibility, when I meet one of these people, to correct these erroneous opinions and show them especially that you are not a Christian without baptism.

When my daughter was a baby and erroneously called a duck a chicken, I had to tell her outright that a duck is a duck.

Certainly we are to TRY to understand all those outside the fold.But that ought not mean lying to them or withholding critical information for fear of offeding them.

One HASTO HAVE A CHRISTIAN Baptism with water; in the name of THEE Father, and THEE Son and THEE Holy Spirit; in order to earn the right to be called “Christian.” After all what kind of “christian” would refuse baptism. [John 3:5]?

Love an payers,
Pat

 

[nickybr38]

Certainly we are to TRY to understand all those outside the fold.But that ought not mean lying to them or withholding critical information for fear of offeding them.

One HASTO HAVE A CHRISTIAN Baptism with water; in the name of THEE Father, and THEE Son and THEE Holy Spirit; in order to earn the right to be called “Christian.” After all what kind of “christian” would refuse baptism. [John 3:5]?

Love an payers,
Pat

See, and I say this respectfully, but first, many who were baptised (properly) are not Christians (in spirit, in action, in word). Second, the commonly held definition of Christian is one who attempts to live a Christ-like life, and/or one who follows the teaching of Christ (yes, Baptism is one of those teachings but not the only teaching). That is NOT a Catholic definition but I’d wagar many of our Protestant brothers and sisters define Christian in that manner.

Therefore, I would NOT tell someone they are NOT Christian because they were not baptised, especially if they are behaving and speaking in a more Christianly manner then their fellow baptised church-goers.

I just don’t see how that would be fruitful or helpful. Attacking what people believe does NOT soften their heart or lead them to truth, instead it hardens their heart and sends them further into their hole of ignorance.

IF someone tells me they’re an apple I won’t argue with them that they’re human, instead I will tell them what I believe a human is and let them come to the conclusion that they cannot be an apple on their own.

 

[FidesSpesCarita]

See, and I say this respectfully, but first, many who were baptised (properly) are not Christians (in spirit, in action, in word). Second, the commonly held definition of Christian is one who attempts to live a Christ-like life, and/or one who follows the teaching of Christ (yes, Baptism is one of those teachings but not the only teaching). That is NOT a Catholic definition but I’d wagar many of our Protestant brothers and sisters define Christian in that manner.

Commonly held definitions fo not equal ACTUAL definition See the B word for one instance

Therefore, I would NOT tell someone they are NOT Christian because they were not baptised, especially if they are behaving and speaking in a more Christianly manner then their fellow baptised church-goers.

Probably a better idea than how I treat those situations lol

I just don’t see how that would be fruitful or helpful. Attacking what people believe does NOT soften their heart or lead them to truth, instead it hardens their heart and sends them further into their hole of ignorance.

It very well can. I think your method shown below is a very good idea. But people also need people like ME, the harsh, grating, in your face kind of person who just ticks you off, but makes you think. I am tenacious enough to force people to defend their points, which makes them think, often for the first time, about why they hold those beliefs.

But Your way is probably better (and I say that honestly).

IF someone tells me they’re an apple I won’t argue with them that they’re human, instead I will tell them what I believe a human is and let them come to the conclusion that they cannot be an apple on their own.

FSC

 

[nickybr38]

Commonly held definitions fo not equal ACTUAL definition See the B word for one instance

Probably a better idea than how I treat those situations lol

It very well can. I think your method shown below is a very good idea. But people also need people like ME, the harsh, grating, in your face kind of person who just ticks you off, but makes you think. I am tenacious enough to force people to defend their points, which makes them think, often for the first time, about why they hold those beliefs.

But Your way is probably better (and I say that honestly).

FSC

Admittedly I’m a huge diplomat which CAN be bad, we can’t be so diplomatic we seem to condone things we know are wrong. You’re right, some people need my approach and others need yours. Sorry, I tend to speak in absolutes when I shouldn’t.

Somehow your post reminded me that not everyone needs a gentle touch. I needed to be reminded of that.

Anyway, in this case I know my friend needs the soft touch, I know her well enough to know what would turn her away and what will lead her in. I’m all about the honey that brings the flies swarming. Haha.

True her definition of Christian is not correct but God willing she will learn the truth in the coming months.

 

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6921237]See, and I say this respectfully, but first, many who were baptised (properly) are not Christians (in spirit, in action, in word). Second, the commonly held definition of Christian is one who attempts to live a Christ-like life, and/or one who follows the teaching of Christ (yes, Baptism is one of those teachings but not the only teaching). That is NOT a Catholic definition but I’d wagar many of our Protestant brothers and sisters define Christian in that manner.

Let’s began by recalling that the Catholic defination existed for more than 1500 years, prior to the assorted Christian / Protestant defination. Further it is Jesus Christ Himself that we quote in saying that one is not a Chrsitian" without a Cristian Baptism.

John.3: 5: "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

**Rom.6: 4:" **We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Eph. 4: 4 “There is one body [One Church] and one Spirit, [One set of beliefs] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 5 one Lord, One God] one faith, [One set of doctrine and dogma] one baptism, By water in the Trinity] 6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. "

With ONly a few exceptions that are each dy becomming more rare; one canot enter heaven without a Christian Baptism.

Catholic Catechism: 537 Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father’s beloved son in the Son and “walk in newness of life”:

1212 The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. “The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.”

There are in excess of ONE BILLION CATHOLICS currenty; no doubt some do not live thre faith, which is also true of some Christians.

Please share with me a Catholic Teaching defination of a Christian that excludes the need for Baptism.

Therefore, I would NOT tell someone they are NOT Christian because they were not baptised, especially if they are behaving and speaking in a more Christianly manner then their fellow baptised church-goers.

Nickly were not actually talking about the same thing. I’m talking about a “defination of a Christion” while you seem to speaking of how one leads there life. Baptimsm is a mandatory requirement fo one to be “CALLED” a Christian, correctly applied. That one seems to be living a life WORTHY of the name Chrsitian is awesome and admirial; BUT nevertheless does NOT qualify them for that title. This is a fact, not an opinion.

I just don’t see how that would be fruitful or helpful. Attacking what people believe does NOT soften their heart or lead them to truth, instead it hardens their heart and sends them further into their hole of ignorance.

IF someone tells me they’re an apple I won’t argue with them that they’re human, instead I will tell them what I believe a human is and let them come to the conclusion that they cannot be an apple on their own.

Your final point is interestering, BUT WRONG. While it needs to be done with Charity, and clarity; we do NOT help a person find Chrsit or lead thm towards Salvation by avoinding THE TRUTH. One can and should admire one who lives there life as a Christian ought too; but we fail that person by not encouraging them to take the next NECESSARY step in actually knowing and serving Christ AS CHRIST DEMANDS THAT WE DO. Expalin what Jesus Himself is saying does not deny what a person is; rather it ofers th opportunity fo that prson tp actually become that which they desire to call themselves, and receives MANY graces not otherwise available to them in so doing.

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[magdelaine1173]

I have spoken to the Sister and her advice was to help my friend learn about God and learn what she believes before pursuing baptism. Any church in town would require her intention to become a member before baptising her and according to the Church I cannot baptise her (unless in a case of emergency, which this is not).

I will not be sending the Father to her door, that would be disastrous. At this point she has to be treated very gently and shoving the Church at her would do nothing but send her in the opposite direction.

I thank you for your advice.

For now I think this has been sorted as much as it can be.

Do what you feel is the best thing in her circumstance. Her family is THAT anticatholic huh? I will pray that the Holy Spirit guides her through this. Meeting with a priest in my view is not shoving religion at someone. It is to help her become accustom to the idea that Catholicism is about love. And that Christ and His church loves her and would love to have her join.

I spoke out of emotion on the baptising part. Yes, only the church can baptise, in the case of an emergency you can, but as you stated earlier she is not in grave danger. Keep up the good work though, you seem to be able to get her interested in the idea of the Catholic faith.
Best wishes, and God Bless
Magdelaine1173

 

[magdelaine1173]

Let’s began by recalling that the Catholic defination existed for more than 1500 years, prior to the assorted Christian / Protestant defination. Further it is Jesus Christ Himself that we quote in saying that one is not a Chrsitian" without a Cristian Baptism.

John.3: 5: "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

**Rom.6: 4:" **We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Eph. 4: 4 “There is one body [One Church] and one Spirit, [One set of beliefs] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 5 one Lord, One God] one faith, [One set of doctrine and dogma] one baptism, By water in the Trinity] 6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. "

With ONly a few exceptions that are each dy becomming more rare; one canot enter heaven without a Christian Baptism.

Catholic Catechism: 537 Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father’s beloved son in the Son and “walk in newness of life”:

1212 The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. “The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.”

There are in excess of ONE BILLION CATHOLICS currenty; no doubt some do not live thre faith, which is also true of some Christians.

Please share with me a Catholic Teaching defination of a Christian that excludes the need for Baptism.

Nickly were not actually talking about the same thing. I’m talking about a “defination of a Christion” while you seem to speaking of how one leads there life. Baptimsm is a mandatory requirement fo one to be “CALLED” a Christian, correctly applied. That one seems to be living a life WORTHY of the name Chrsitian is awesome and admirial; BUT nevertheless does NOT qualify them for that title. This is a fact, not an opinion.

Your final point is interestering, BUT WRONG. While it needs to be done with Charity, and clarity; we do NOT help a person find Chrsit or lead thm towards Salvation by avoinding THE TRUTH. One can and should admire one who lives there life as a Christian ought too; but we fail that person by not encouraging them to take the next NECESSARY step in actually knowing and serving Christ AS CHRIST DEMANDS THAT WE DO. Expalin what Jesus Himself is saying does not deny what a person is; rather it ofers th opportunity fo that prson tp actually become that which they desire to call themselves, and receives MANY graces not otherwise available to them in so doing.

Love and prayers,
Pat

Thank you Pat. The explanations of the catholic catechism state very clearly what we are to believe. So to add to y last posting, I will say this. If she refuses to believe what has been provided she cannot be baptised. Plain and simple. Thank you for the posting Pat.
Magdelaine1173
God Bless

 

[nickybr38]

I appreciate all the information, I really, really do… but I simply won’t be confronting her on this point. I do not feel it would benefit her at all. Regardless I have invited her to RCIA and if she decides to come she will learn the truth on her terms and in her time.

Unfortunately she is very anti-Catholic, as I’ve stated. It is only because we are such close friends that she is even willing to hear about the Church from me. If not for our previous bond of friendship and trust she wouldn’t touch the Church or its teachings with a ten-foot pole. I’m hoping this same friendship and her new desire for baptism will lead her to accept the invitation to RCIA but I’m not holding my breath on that one!

 

[Carlan]

I appreciate all the information, I really, really do… but I simply won’t be confronting her on this point. I do not feel it would benefit her at all. Regardless I have invited her to RCIA and if she decides to come she will learn the truth on her terms and in her time.

Unfortunately she is very anti-Catholic, as I’ve stated. It is only because we are such close friends that she is even willing to hear about the Church from me. If not for our previous bond of friendship and trust she wouldn’t touch the Church or its teachings with a ten-foot pole. I’m hoping this same friendship and her new desire for baptism will lead her to accept the invitation to RCIA but I’m not holding my breath on that one!

hello Nicky,I am just now going over this thread. And your need for help in your friends situation.
Perhaps for now, it would probably be best for you to continue with your oun progress in RCIA.Learn all you can preparing for your reception back into the Church, your good example and witness to your friend will do more than anything to change her mind and attitude about our Catholic Church. Pray for her and encourage her whenever possible with your caring and trust God to bring her to the place she needs to be to accept your hopes for her.
God bless you abundantly in your progress and give you His Peace, Carlan

 

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6925051] I appreciate all the information, I really, really do… but I simply won’t be confronting her on this point. I do not feel it would benefit her at all. Regardless I have invited her to RCIA and if she decides to come she will learn the truth on her terms and in her time.

Unfortunately she is very anti-Catholic, as I’ve stated. It is only because we are such close friends that she is even willing to hear about the Church from me. If not for our previous bond of friendship and trust she wouldn’t touch the Church or its teachings with a ten-foot pole. I’m hoping this same friendship and her new desire for baptism will lead her to accept the invitation to RCIA but I’m not holding my breath on that one!

Sounds like a workable plan

Very often ones example is far more effective than anything esle we can do except praying for them.

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[nickybr38]

Thank you guys. I appreciate all your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[SonCatcher]

I appreciate all the information, I really, really do… but I simply won’t be confronting her on this point. I do not feel it would benefit her at all. Regardless I have invited her to RCIA and if she decides to come she will learn the truth on her terms and in her time.

Unfortunately she is very anti-Catholic, as I’ve stated. It is only because we are such close friends that she is even willing to hear about the Church from me. If not for our previous bond of friendship and trust she wouldn’t touch the Church or its teachings with a ten-foot pole. I’m hoping this same friendship and her new desire for baptism will lead her to accept the invitation to RCIA but I’m not holding my breath on that one!

It sounds like there are two major victories on her account. First, that she wants baptism and second that she is willing to learn about Catholicism.

[SIGN]Praise God![/SIGN]