When is a convert "Catholic"?

[KarenElissa]

Back to the “journey” theme, I do wonder whether any child wakes up in the morning of the “age of reason” being transformed in some way.

When does the “age of reason” happen? Is it the same for all people? And it is a momentary change?

The age of reason is generally considered to be 7 years old, and no it isn’t the same for everyone. Some children my reach it earlier and some adults with developmental problems may never reach it. I’ve never really heard anyone say one way or another on whether it is a specific moment or not, but I would imagine that it happens gradually. I don’t think one night a child will go to sleep not having a clue about right and wrong and the next morning wake up and totally get it. I would guess that some kids have a moment where it just “clicks,” but for most kids it comes more gradually.

 

[KarenElissa]

I was a convert myself, from the Presbyterian church.

One may live as a catholic throughout the conversion process,
but obviously not receive the majority of the sacraments.

One is officially considered part of the Church during the Rite of Acceptance (I believe that is what it is called), during Easter Vigil usually for those in RCIA. At that point, the candidates make an affirmation and statement of intention asking to enter the Church, and the priest follows through by officially welcoming the candidates to the Church. Obviously, this happens between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist during the Mass, so that the newly-Catholic candidates may receive the Eucharist.

The Rite of Acceptance is not how candidates are received into the Church. Candidates make a profession of faith during Mass. We profess to believe everything the Church teaches and proclaims to be true. At that point, the priest welcomes us into the Church.

The Rite of Acceptance is how people officially become catechumens. They say that they are seeking to join the Church and the priest welcomes them on behalf of the community. At this point they are officially part of the Church, although not yet completely which will happen in their baptism.