When can I call myself Catholic?

[jeannejohnson]

Hello,

I’m in RCIA now, but I started late and have decided to wait at least another year before baptism/confirmation. In the interim, can I call myself Catholic?

Thank you,
J

 

[TraceG]

I’m in same boat as you. On here I just listed myself as semi-candidate/Christian. All one can do is learn as much as they can, ask questions from the Father at the parish and others, and try to live the Catholic life

 

[linuxgeek71]

Hello,

I’m in RCIA now, but I started late and have decided to wait at least another year before baptism/confirmation. In the interim, can I call myself Catholic?

Thank you,
J

There should at some point be a rite of welcoming, at this point you should call yourself Catholic. At it you stand before the Church and declare your intention to join fully. After this point, so I was told, you are considered Catholic and would recieve a Catholic funeral should you die.

 

[mystagogia]

If you think you are Catholic, you are Catholic.

You might not be confirmed; you might not be in the optimal state of grace; you might linger in a lapsed state of distance from the Church; you might not live up to the precepts defended by the Holy Catholic Church in many areas of your life.

But the Catholic Church is the Universal Church. You have a place at mass, even if you cannot celebrate the Eucharist. Beside the tabernacle of Christ you have sanctuary, you have hope, you have the love that calls you to God.

Is your question to me, “Am I saved?” Well I can’t say, I am not the judge of such matters. No human is.

But to the question, “Am I welcome in your church? Am I a part of your community?” Well, yes, yes, yes. Come, with speed, participate in our life in the body of Christ!

No man nor woman can refuse you!

 

[teachccd]

Hello,

I’m in RCIA now, but I started late and have decided to wait at least another year before baptism/confirmation. In the interim, can I call myself Catholic?

Thank you,
J

While fully understanding that baptism is a what initiates you into the Christian community and it is at that time that you become a Christian and a member of the Church, I would have to say that you can refer to yourself as a Catholic. Your intention is in union with the Church and if you were to die before you are baptized the Church acknowledges your intentions and you would be baptized by desire.

It’s actually sad that there are so many who never go to Church and haven’t received the sacraments in decades and still identify themselves as Catholics. Are they? Yes, by their baptism but definitely not by their practices.

Call yourself Catholic and be proud as you are welcomed home…teachccd

 

[Texas_Roofer]

If you think you are Catholic, you are Catholic. …

Yes, RCIA will bring you in communion with the Church. You are a catholic not in full communion, many catholics are not in full communion.