Vow to become Christian?

[nqes7t9]

Hi CAF friends,

I was once told that a person had made a vow to become Christian. I had never heard of such a thing before. I don’t think it was a vow to become Catholic; I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be a part of becoming Catholic, right?

What do we all know about such a vow, a vow to become Christian? What might I say, or not say, to that person about that?

Thanks,
n

 

[Hatikvah]

Perhaps they mean it symbolically: “a vow to Christ, as to God.” (I’m not quoting anything, though). As in, a vow to keep the faith.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Part of becoming Catholic entails baptismal promises, “by which we once renounced Satan and his works and promised to serve God in the holy Catholic Church.” We renew these promises every year at Easter. (For infants the promises are made in their name by the parents or guardians; the child assumes the responsibilities when he reaches the age of reason.) These are not promises to join the Church (that is already being done) but to live a Catholic life.

If someone made a vow to join the Church, it could mean a number of different things depending on the person, how much they know, etc. It may be that they have sufficient knowledge to join the Church, but are held back by weakness, or afraid they will change their mind or be overcome, and thus making a vow to help them stay committed. Or it may be that they know very little about the faith, or have a completely wrong understanding of what it is, in which case you can help them to understand what it really is they vow to belong to. In any case, pray for that person!

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

I’m not aware of any vow to become a Christian, other than baptismal vows/promises.

To become Catholic, one must make a good Profession of Faith: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.”

Also, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are necessary, too. As for baptism, it depends. See the below link.

catholic.com/documents/how-to-become-a-catholic

 

[Reuben_J]

As Catholics, there are ertain vows that we can make. As been mentioned, Baptismal vow is one of them but there are religious vows too. As long as it is not
something that binds oneself in a negative or evil ways.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

I’m not aware of any vow to become a Christian, other than baptismal vows/promises.

To become Catholic, one must make a good Profession of Faith: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.”

Also, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are necessary, too. As for baptism, it depends. See the below link.

catholic.com/documents/how-to-become-a-catholic

I should clarify what I mean about saying it depends for baptism. What I meant is that if you are converting to Catholicism, depending if someone is baptized in the Trinitarian formula or not. Also, those who haven’t been baptized who want to become Catholic are baptized first before receiving the other Sacraments.

Here is a link to Canon Law:

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

Link to Catechism of the Catholic Church:

ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/index.html

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

You haven’t said what kind of person it was or how long ago.

Maybe over a thousand years ago. The shape that took is up to them, in their circumstances.

Vows aren’t something we do except if marrying or joining an order.

If it was a recent person, let them want to do what they want to do. Maybe they have got someone in their lives who can help them see what kind of a vow it is and what obligations if any they are under.

There are many Christian churches. It most matters which, for the purpose of taking sacraments (which apart from baptism aren’t interchangeable - do double check that though). If they’ve time, they should attend all the churches for their complementary truths, if they can perform mental gymnastics and if their many friends are sufficiently laid back about it!