Preparing for Baptism

[scarlettstara]

Hi, I’m a 17 year old student from a non-religious background who wants to be affiliated with the Catholic Church. I have never been baptized, either at a Catholic church or some other church, but wish to be baptized within a year or two. Now I think in order to be baptized, you have to study something… maybe the catechisms? I consider myself as being a catechumen, but I’m not sure what I should do in order to prepare myself for baptism. I cannot go to a local church and consult the priest about it, because the baptismal process there is not held in English. I’m planning to move to either the States, England or Ireland by next August so I think I’ll most likely be baptized in one of those countries, but I would like to prepare now. Any suggestions?

 

[promethius95945]

Hi, I’m a 17 year old student from a non-religious background who wants to be affiliated with the Catholic Church. I have never been baptized, either at a Catholic church or some other church, but wish to be baptized within a year or two. Now I think in order to be baptized, you have to study something… maybe the catechisms? I consider myself as being a catechumen, but I’m not sure what I should do in order to prepare myself for baptism. I cannot go to a local church and consult the priest about it, because the baptismal process there is not held in English. I’m planning to move to either the States, England or Ireland by next August so I think I’ll most likely be baptized in one of those countries, but I would like to prepare now. Any suggestions?

Studying the catechism is a good start. I would learn as much as you can on your own and then try to find a priest who speaks english in your area to test you on your knowledge. I, as a child under restrictions by a parental divorce, was never able to attend RCIA, so I had personal meetings with the Priest to discuss my learning and understanding of the Church. When I had reached a place of high enough development I was baptized (and later confirmed in the same manner). There are always ways open for a child of God to come to Him through His church… just sometimes you have to look for entrances other than the front door.

 

[drafdog]

The RCIA program is a very useful guideline for preparation for baptism, but it is not a necessary step. Meet with the pastor of the local parish and work with him to refine your understanding of the faith. The pastor will decide when he thinks you’re ready and you may be baptized whenever he consents.

Welcome home.

Matthew

 

[John_Lilburne]

Hi, I’m a 17 year old student from a non-religious background who wants to be affiliated with the Catholic Church. I have never been baptized, either at a Catholic church or some other church, but wish to be baptized within a year or two. Now I think in order to be baptized, you have to study something… maybe the catechisms? I consider myself as being a catechumen, but I’m not sure what I should do in order to prepare myself for baptism. I cannot go to a local church and consult the priest about it, because the baptismal process there is not held in English. I’m planning to move to either the States, England or Ireland by next August so I think I’ll most likely be baptized in one of those countries, but I would like to prepare now. Any suggestions?

To become a catechumen you take part in the Rite of Acceptance.
The book “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” describes the process of assessment for whether someone is ready for this:
“42 The prerequisite for making this first step is that the beginnings of the spiritual life and the fundamentals of Christian teaching have taken root in the candidates. Thus there must be evidence of the first faith that was conceived during the period of evangelization and precatechumenate and of an initial conversion and intention to change their lives and to enter into a relationship with God in Christ. Consequently, there must also be evidence of the first stirrings of repentance, a start to the practice of calling upon God in prayer, a sense of the Church, and some experience of the company and spirit of Christians through contact with a priest or with members of the community. The candidate should also be instructed about the celebration of the liturgical rite of acceptance.
43 Before the rite is celebrated, therefore, sufficient and necessary time, as required in each case, should be set aside to evaluate and, if necessary, to purify the candidates’ motives and dispositions. With the help of the sponsors (see no. 10), catechists, and deacons, parish priests (pastors) have the responsibility for judging the outward indications of such dispositions. …”.
More information on the ceremonies and preparation is in the RCIA introductions for England and Wales: catholic-ew.org.uk/liturgy/Resources/Rites/RiteRitual.html#RCIA .

If studying from a book, I suggest: Catechism of the Catholic Church. You should also have a Bible, for prayer and to look up references in the Catechism.

 

[puzzleannie]

your first step is to contact the priest at the Catholic church nearest to you and tell him exactly what you said here. He will guide you. Most RCIA classes are forming now, right after Easter, and will begin with several “inquiry sessions” where you ask questions like this an d get some brief answers. Then the formal classes usually begin in August or September to prepare for reception into the Church at Easter. That is a guideline RCIA takes as long as it takes, not the same for everyone, a very personal journey. Ask questions about RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation) on the Evangelization forum
Welcome Home!

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