Rite of Welcoming question

[redshock]

Hello, I jumped from Inquirer to Candidate last sunday. It was great seeing all the support from the parish. I have a question aout this rite. All of this happened really fast, like we were informed of the rite of welcoming/acceptance four days before we were to go up. Does becoming a Candidate mean I’m Catholic now? I think I interpreted it that way from the instructor. He mentioned some other benefits like if we die today we can be in a catholic graveyard. So, does that mean I’m catholic now and still going through the initiation? I’m confused. I can’t seem to find a site that discusses it so I came here. Thanks!

 

[harrisunt]

My understanding of this when I went through the process was this:

You begin identifying yourself as a Catholic when you are comfortable with it. The Rite of Welcoming was simply an outward showing of your intent to the parish and them welcoming you into their church to pursue you initiation into the Church. You can call yourself a Catholic and identify with the faith, but you will not be a member of the Catholic Church until Easter Vigil.

Does that make sense? I’m no expert but I hope I helped a little.

And… CONGRATS!

 

[redshock]

Makes perfect sense, and thanks

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hello, I jumped from Inquirer to Candidate last sunday. It was great seeing all the support from the parish. I have a question aout this rite. All of this happened really fast, like we were informed of the rite of welcoming/acceptance four days before we were to go up. Does becoming a Candidate mean I’m Catholic now? I think I interpreted it that way from the instructor. He mentioned some other benefits like if we die today we can be in a catholic graveyard. So, does that mean I’m catholic now and still going through the initiation? I’m confused. I can’t seem to find a site that discusses it so I came here. Thanks!

You are a Baptized Christian seeking full union with the Catholic Church. You are a step closer to that full union but not there yet. Even if you had died before the Rite of Welcome you could have received a Catholic Funeral and burial. The Rite of Welcome is optional. You will be fully Catholic upon the reception the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion.