So, Am I Still a Catholic?

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Hi! I know! If you have to ask, then maybe you’re not. Right?

But I went to mass and confession for the first time in my adult life awhile ago. I explained to the priest I left the Church as a teen years ago and never looked back. I asked if there were classes or something I should take to become a Catholic.

He said that since I was baptised by a priest as an infant and confirmed in the faith when I was young, I didn’t need to do any of that. No worries. I was still a Catholic.

Not trying to question what the priest said. Just trying to understand how this is true. I mean I’m pretty familiar with Evangelical doctrine and a good deal of scripture, but I’ve forgotten more about Catholicism than my Evangelical Frieda might ever know! So, I’m uncertain about a great many Catholic beliefs.

I guess what I’m asking is this: Is it the sacraments that make me a Catholic and not putting faith in the doctrines I comprehend?
 
You were Baptized a Catholic so you are still Catholic. However, you are a Catholic who does not know his faith. I would recommend asking your priest if you could attend the RCIA program at your Church to help you relearn and understand the Catholic faith a little better.

Welcome Home,

God Bless
 
Yes, you are still Catholic. If you’d like to learn more, consider taking RCIA classes. They start in the fall and are open to everyone in most parishes.
 
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Once you are baptized a Catholic, you are a basic Catholic.

Once you have received the other sacraments - Confession, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation - you’re considered a full member of the Church because you would have had to receive some instruction to get those sacraments.

If you then decide to leave the Church, you’re a fallen-away Catholic.

If you decide to come back, all you have to do is make a good confession and then faithfully practice your faith (as in, Mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation, abide by Church teachings etc) going forward.

So yes, you are a Catholic and you were still a Catholic the whole time you were away.
 
Get a current Catechism rather than a Baltimore Catechism. It’s better for you to be up to date on what the Church is currently teaching.

You can get a Baltimore later, when you’re better grounded.
 
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I learned a ton about Catholicism from Catholic radio. There are lots of great books out there as well! Plenty of ways to grow into your faith and understand things more fully.
 
Welcome home! So happy to hear you found your way back. Everyone here has given great advice, but I just wanted to express my joy as well. May the Holy Spirit continue to help guide your way always!
 
@spockrates

Welcome home to Rome and never more to roam 😄
 
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adgloriam said:
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spockrates:
that make me a Catholic
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Indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes a Catholic more than explicit comprehension of doctrine since God isn’t limited by our comprehension.
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Thanks much!
 
MT1926 said:
You were Baptized a Catholic so you are still Catholic. However, you are a Catholic who does not know his faith. I would recommend asking your priest if you could attend the RCIA program at your Church to help you relearn and understand the Catholic faith a little better.

Welcome Home,

God Bless
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Good idea! Thanks
 
Tis_Bearself said:
Once you are baptized a Catholic, you are a basic Catholic.

Once you have received the other sacraments - Confession, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation - you’re considered a full member of the Church because you would have had to receive some instruction to get those sacraments.

If you then decide to leave the Church, you’re a fallen-away Catholic.

If you decide to come back, all you have to do is make a good confession and then faithfully practice your faith (as in, Mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation, abide by Church teachings etc) going forward.

So yes, you are a Catholic and you were still a Catholic the whole time you were away.
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Yeah, that’s what the priest said. I was surprised he didn’t think the classes were necessary.
 
deMontfort said:
Get a current Catechism rather than a Baltimore Catechism. It’s better for you to be up to date on what the Church is currently teaching.

You can get a Baltimore later, when you’re better grounded.
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Got it! Thanks
 
Loud-living-dogma said:
I learned a ton about Catholicism from Catholic radio. There are lots of great books out there as well! Plenty of ways to grow into your faith and understand things more fully.
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Yeah, I believe there’s a Catholic radio station in my area
 
So, new question: I’m feeling lost at mass. I mean knowing when to stand, kneel, sit isn’t an issue. I can pretty much imitate what others are doing. Knowing what to recite, that’s difficult. Really wish my Church would use PowerPoint presentation with the words, or have it written out on a card in the pew, or something. Feeling out of place, awkward, even embarrassed. Reluctant to go back. Would it be frowned upon to read the words using my iPhone during mass? I mean, it would still be awkward being the only one holding up a phone during mass, but I wouldn’t feel as out of place.
 
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