Questions about Baptism and Communion

[I_am_learning]

Can a teenager, who is not in any faith but wants to join Catholocism, go to a priest and ask him to baptize him on the spot? Because only water and the trinitarian formula is needed, right?

Once that is over, what is the next step, specifically to taking the Eucharist and going to confession?

This is for a teenager whose parents are not Catholic. So this person may not be able to do things the traditional way, the way raised Catholics do. Thanks!

 

[Bookcat]

They would normally first become a Catechumen …

 

[zz912]

Normally, no. An emergency baptism such as you described is only permitted when there is imminent danger of death. Under normal conditions, the person requesting baptism would begin attending RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes so they could learn the faith and learn what the Church teaches, learn the Christian faith, and learn the responsibilities that come along with being baptized and becoming a member of the Body of Christ. (There are serious responsibilities that must be understood)

If the person has trouble with attending RCIA, the pastor at the parish could assign someone to give them individual instruction on the faith so that the pastor feels confident they are ready to be baptized. This instruction can vary depending on the person and their current knowledge about the Christian faith and the Church.

Generally, what is recommended in these types of situations is for the teenager to schedule an appointment with the pastor at the local parish to discuss their situation, the situation they face with his/her parents (and their support or resentment at this decision). It’s best to let the pastor help with each individual situation so that parents don’t feel their rightful authority over the teenager is being violated, and that the teenager is able to make decisions about their spiritual lives. Each situation is unique.

 

[TheDoctor]

The Priest could do that, but except for an extraordinary case (e.g. danger of death) he will not. What the Priest will do is ask the teenager to be enrolled in the RCIA programs (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) at the end of which they will be baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist.

The reason for this is that to be Catholic is not just to have the sacraments but to understand and believe all that the Church teaches and to resolve to live those teachings in your life.

If the teenager is opposed by their parents in joining RCIA they can still become knowledgeable with Church teachings (Catholic Answers is a good place to start) while they wait for either their parents to change their minds or are old enough to make the decision on their own.

 

[zz912]

Forgot to mention, there are other reasons as well for speaking with the pastor. The teenager may have been already baptized when they were an infant and be unaware of it, or some other situation the pastor needs to know about.

If the teenager has not been baptized, then they would be baptized, receive Confirmation, and receive their First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass, which is the highest and holiest mass the Church has. Baptism removes all sins, so they would not need to have confession.

 

[OJD]

I was baptized at 18, and in answer to the first part of your question: Baptism almost certainly isn’t going to be straight away (unless there’s a danger of death). You’d typically have to undergo preparation, in most parishes this would be RCIA leading up to the Easter Vigil - at least that’s what happened with me.

But the teenager, or whomever is requesting baptism, will be a catechumen and will be baptized after instruction on the Faith. So in answer to the first part of your question: No, not usually.

In answer to the second part:
The bonus part of baptism is that there will be no confession necessary immediately after a valid baptism as this forgives all sins (original and actual) and takes away your time in purgatory too (i.e. temporal punishment)! You’d, straight after Baptism, be Confirmed and then admitted to receive First Holy Communion.

I’m the only Catholic from my family. It is possible for this teenager to be baptized provided s/he believes in God, is prepared to learn about the Faith and repent of his sins. Everything else the local Parish Priest should be able to answer him - that’s who I would contact for your next step.

Despite the wait during the period of being a catechumen (called catechumenate) it will be well worth the wait - definitely!

 

[I_am_learning]

Right, I thought so. Thanks guys. I knew going to ask the local priest was the best idea.

 

[patmiron]

"I_am_learning:

, post:1, topic:402892"]
Can a teenager, who is not in any faith but wants to join Catholocism, go to a priest and ask him to baptize him on the spot? Because only water and the trinitarian formula is needed, right?

Once that is over, what is the next step, specifically to taking the Eucharist and going to confession?

This is for a teenager whose parents are not Catholic. So this person may not be able to do things the traditional way, the way raised Catholics do. Thanks!

NO!

One has to be at least 18 years old to have this done on their own recognizance; or have parents permission.

Secondly; their is a process of “formation” which we call RCIA = “Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults” that in most ares runs from Back to School to Easter Sunday; meeting one evening per week; usually 1 to 2 hours in length. That took would require parents approval if under the age of 18.

THAT said, as FYI: I offer a totally FREE of ALL cost home study course called “BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR CATHOLIC FAITH” where I offer a far wider topical agenda; all in far greater detail than RCIA * And I stress providing the evidence of our beliefs and practices. NO homework or test either. I leave that to the Holy Spirit.

In your case I too would like to have your parents approval.

I don’t wish to sneak behind their backs:thumbsup:

God bless you. I also would be delighted to answer any questions you or they may have.

Pat Miron*

 

[InThePew]

Can a teenager, who is not in any faith but wants to join Catholocism, go to a priest and ask him to baptize him on the spot? Because only water and the trinitarian formula is needed, right?

Nope a proper intention is also required on the part of the person to be baptised - meaning they have to desire it and do so for the right reasons. So this effectively rules out spur of the moment decisions along with those unwilling to undergo preparation.

 

[1ke]

NO!

One has to be at least 18 years old to have this done on their own recognizance; or have parents permission.

Parental consent is not required for those baptized over the age of reason. Under the age of reason, at least one parent is needed unless in danger of death.

If parents are opposed, it would be prudent to discuss and possibly delay, but there is NO requirement that a parent give permission.

 

[patmiron]

=1ke;13199057]Parental consent is not required for those baptized over the age of reason. Under the age of reason, at least one parent is needed unless in danger of death.

If parents are opposed, it would be prudent to discuss and possibly delay, but there is NO requirement that a parent give permission.

I don’t think I said or even implied that it was Still., I thank you for the clarification:thumbsup:

God Bless you,

Patrick

 

[1ke]

I don’t think I said or even implied that it was Still., I thank you for the clarification:thumbsup:

God Bless you,

Patrick

Well you stated, “One has to be at least 18 years old to have this done on their own recognizance; or have parents permission.” So yes you did state that permission was required, which it isn’t. The age of reason is approximately 7 to 8 years old, not 18.

 

[patmiron]

=1ke;13201489]Well you stated, “One has to be at least 18 years old to have this done on their own recognizance; or have parents permission.” So yes you did state that permission was required, which it isn’t. The age of reason is approximately 7 to 8 years old, not 18.

Again I thank you

Continued Blessings

Patrick