Questions on Joining the Church

[moo5009]

Hello. I’m 15 years old, and I think I may be able to join the Catholic Church soon. As I understand, the Church recognizes one valid baptism. I was baptized into a Baptist church when I was 4 or 5. We later joined a non-denominational church, and was baptized again there. I’m not sure why and I don’t remember the reasons, but I was. (I’m really hoping it’s not a sin to get baptized twice.) Anyway, I was wondering if Baptists use a valid form of Baptism that the Catholic church would allow. Also, over the past 7 months I’ve been doing tons of research on the Church, and I feel I’ve grown quite familiar with it, and I feel I’ve really connected with and formed a better relationship with God. I do have some experience with a Christian life. So, my main question is, if I were to join the Catholic Church, would I have to go through the RCIA? I’d like some (name removed by moderator)ut on this just so I can get a generalization about what I may have to do if I join sometime in the near future. Thank you!

 

[redroses098]

We do acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, but sometimes converts undergo a conditional baptism, if your original baptism left something out or some such thing. If you’ve found a parish you like, their priest would be able to tell you more, if you would require one or not in relation to your circumstances. He would also tell you whether you should join an rcia class, or if you could maybe join Confirmation classes with others in your age group.

 

[Tietjen]

Hello. I’m 15 years old, and I think I may be able to join the Catholic Church soon. As I understand, the Church recognizes one valid baptism. I was baptized into a Baptist church when I was 4 or 5. We later joined a non-denominational church, and was baptized again there. I’m not sure why and I don’t remember the reasons, but I was. (I’m really hoping it’s not a sin to get baptized twice.) Anyway, I was wondering if Baptists use a valid form of Baptism that the Catholic church would allow.

First, welcome and I hope that you find these forums useful as you move toward the Church. As for the Baptist Church and baptism… There are many branches of Baptist; there’s Southern Baptists, Free Will Baptists, American Baptists, Independent Fundamental Baptists, Reformed Baptists, etc., etc. Generally, I believe all or at least the majority of Baptist Churches use the valid form of Baptism. That is, they baptize using true water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. As to whether you need worry about having committed a sin because you were baptized twice… you do not. First because you were a child following the directions of your parents and secondly because you lacked the knowledge to understand that you are only supposed to get baptized once.

Also, over the past 7 months I’ve been doing tons of research on the Church, and I feel I’ve grown quite familiar with it, and I feel I’ve really connected with and formed a better relationship with God. I do have some experience with a Christian life. So, my main question is, if I were to join the Catholic Church, would I have to go through the RCIA? I’d like some (name removed by moderator)ut on this just so I can get a generalization about what I may have to do if I join sometime in the near future. Thank you!

Normally, RCIA is the way older children and adults enter into the Church. However, there are other possibilities and you should speak to your parish priest or a youth educational director. It is VERY important that those coming into the Church know, understand, and agree with Church dogma and Tradition. In the past, people were taught poorly or not at all and we are still feeling the effects of it today. God bless.

 

[moo5009]

I did a bit of research on my baptisms, and it appears both were valid. They used water and I was baptized in the correct formula.

 

[NHInsider]

I did a bit of research on my baptisms, and it appears both were valid. They used water and I was baptized in the correct formula.

Actually your first baptism was valid and your second was a renewal of your baptismal vows (since you can only be baptised once . . . )

I had a very similar experience. Since most of the evangelical churches believe baptism is purely symbolic, they had no problem with my repeating my baptism as a sign of my new, improved faith!

 

[Ohiomom]

Hello and great questions. I was raised Baptist and when I entered the church I just had to get a baptismal certificate from the church where I was baptised. As long as that church has record of the baptism (and I think most churchs do) you don’t have to go into detail with them regarding why you want it.

Even with self study, most parishes will probably want you to go through RCIA since part of the intent of RCIA is to integrate converts into the life of the parish and the universal church.

 

[ErichK]

I don’t mean to hijack the thread, but I have a similar question:

I was baptized “Protestant,” according to my parents, but they can’t even remember what denomination, and “think” that it was “Non-denominational.” Of course, given that, they don’t remember what the ceremony entailed, or how I was baptized.

I don’t feel that this was a legitimate baptism at all. Would it be wrong of me to ask my priest if, when I finish my catechism, he would permit me to be baptized? Would this be something “taboo” to be baptized twice, even though the first “baptism” was probably not even a legitimate baptism?

 

[Joannm]

I don’t mean to hijack the thread, but I have a similar question:

I was baptized “Protestant,” according to my parents, but they can’t even remember what denomination, and “think” that it was “Non-denominational.” Of course, given that, they don’t remember what the ceremony entailed, or how I was baptized.

I don’t feel that this was a legitimate baptism at all. Would it be wrong of me to ask my priest if, when I finish my catechism, he would permit me to be baptized? Would this be something “taboo” to be baptized twice, even though the first “baptism” was probably not even a legitimate baptism?

You would receive a conditional baptism, which basically is a baptism, done in private, not at Mass, that states that you are being baptized on the condition that your original baptism wasn’t valid.