Prerequisites for Baptism?

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Yes I’m very familiar with it and read it regularly. It’s in the hands of a Priest many hours away from here. I have asked multiple times about baptism and been told that a ruling needs to be handed down first on this annulment. The local clergy feel i have a solid understanding of the faith. I know in my heart the Church is the one true faith but this process has been disheartening.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Seems to me you have done exactly what you say you can’t do - you asked for baptism. You just aren’t satisfied with the answer - wait. You’re being asked to wait because baptism cleanses is from all sin, and the goal would be that we remain free from sin. In your case, however, you’ll be carrying forward a potentially questionable status forward with you post-baptism if you don’t await the nullity investigation’s conclusion, and why would you, a priest, or anyone else want that?

 

[Wesrock]

Meh, it’s just a little off putting. Seems like a perfectly reasonable thing to request in my opinion. I doubt the Church founders would deny the request. I can vouch for myself just fine in my opinion.

Parts of the ancient Church required three years of catechesis and penance before they’d admit you to baptism.

 

[RoseScented]

I’m not asking to be remarried or anything like that mind you.

I never said the classes were required, but you do need to speak with a priest to see if he feels comfortable with your current state in your spiritual life to think Baptism is good for you. You are, however, asking to have an indelible mark placed on you via Baptism (very much like marriage is “until death do us part” except even death doesn’t remove the mark) so once you are baptized you have life long obligations that will be expected of you by the Church and by Christ (since you can’t separate the two).

The new annulment process, at least with what you laid out in your post, shouldn’t take years for you. I would speak to your priest who is handling the annulment to see what’s going on. The Church is seeking not to Baptize people straight into a state of mortal sin with their investigations of previous marriages which is why they wait for the annulment.

 

[Wesrock]

Anyway, speak to a priest. A period of structured catechesis is the norm, but see what a priest says.

 

[Crocus]

I have asked multiple times about baptism and been told that a ruling needs to be handed down first on this annulment.

Clearly, you were not up front with your OP.

 

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Hu? I never said I can’t do anything. It’s just a tough pill to swallow to potentially have to wait years to be baptized.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Your OP was essentially “why can’t I just walk into church and ask for baptism?” The answer is you can — and you did. You just may not get an answer you immediately like.

Years is probably an exaggeration. Months. That’s common - for everyone, including babies.

 

[Wesrock]

Your OP was essentially “why can’t I just walk into church and ask for baptism?” The answer is you can — and you did. You just may not get an answer you immediately like.

Years is probably an exaggeration. Months. That’s common - for everyone, including babies.

If he needs to wait on an annulment, it could potentially be longer.

 

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Nah, I just didn’t know if simply being baptized typically requires an annulment. I’ve gotten conflicting info. Within the Parish so figured I’d get others thoughts.

 

[Crocus]

Nah, I just didn’t know if simply being baptized typically requires an annulment. I’ve gotten conflicting info. Within the Parish so figured I’d get others thoughts.

Not surprising, conflicting info comes from incomplete info.
Best to get thoughts from your priest.

 

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Wrong, I was very up front with them from the outset. Odd you presume to know anything about it. I will continue the conversations with the local clergy.