2006-06-21 02:49:36 · 14 answers · asked by fuentes2513@yahoo.com 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In a manner of speaking, you can't.
You can stop practicing the Catholic faith, of course -- which would be a big mistake -- but you'll still be Catholic.
Baptism, like the other sacraments, cannot be undone. Once you receive any of the sacraments, it leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Baptism included.
Compare it to your biological relationship to your parents. You are their child, and they are your mother and father -- even if you no longer speak to each other, even if your relationship with them has been permanently ruptured. Whether you want to be or not, you will always be their child.
If you were baptized as a baby, you of course did not choose to be baptized. But you didn't choose to be your parents' child either. Yet, you are. There's nothing you can do about it -- they are your parents, even if you hate each other and disown each other.
It's the same with being Catholic. You will always be Catholic, even if you publicly swear off Catholicism and start practicing some other religion.
I'm curious as to why you want to cease practicing Catholicism? Is it over the Church's theological teachings? Its moral teachings?
Or, is it the misbehavior of some priests or bishops? That, to put it bluntly, would be the worst reason of all for leaving.
The Disciples didn't think that way, when Judas betrayed Jesus. We shouldn't either, because of a few clerics who betrayed God and the Church.
Feel free to PM me if you like ....
2006-06-21 03:11:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Catholic Church isn't that difficult to leave. Just stop going. There is no official way to quit. If you are a member of a parish then simply request to be removed from the parish membership (it doesn't cost anything either way... you probably would have envelopes with your name and address on them that are intended for the collection plate, which is tax deducatable at the end of the year since they keep track of who offered how much...).
If you're not a member of a parish then you are not really even attached to any Catholic institution. If you are currently attending a Catholic school on church scholarship or accepting Catholic church grants for education or some other cause, it would be most ethical to stop since those are usually given to active members in a church and you no longer represent the Catholic church.
If you want to be BANISHED from the church and officially crossed of the list, eternally, you'd probably have to do some horrible deed to be exommunicated, though I don't think the Church has excommunicated someone in a very, very long time. You'd have to be downright blasphemous and despicable to get that achieved... good luck?
2006-06-21 02:57:07 · answer #2 · answered by Maggie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are sure of you decision and you really don't want to be counted in the church rolls and estimates of numbers of Catholics anymore you should write a letter of apostasy. The letter should be sent to the pastor of the parish where you were baptised because that is where the records of your membership in the church are probably kept. State in the letter that you no longer wish to be counted as a member of the Catholic church and that you wish your name to be removed from all church rolls of membership. You might want to ask for some return confirmation that the letter was received and this has been done. If it is no big deal to you that you just remain on the rolls as a counted member you can just stop going to church. If you are anything less than 100% sure of your decision and especially if you have been an active member until now you might want to just wait and make sure of your decision before you send the letter.
I send you my best wishes and hope for happiness with whatever you decide.
2006-06-21 03:08:23 · answer #3 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I left I just wrote a letter to the church I went to telling them that I do not want to be associated with that faith anymore and my reasons why. At that point they do not recognize you ask Catholic anymore. I actually asked them questions with scriptures from the Bible and all they sent back was an envelope for donations...ridiculous lol
2006-06-21 03:50:29 · answer #4 · answered by hispeach128 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just leave. Cut any ties you have to any Catholic organizations. Maybe join a new church in a different denomination.
2006-06-21 03:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by Cynthia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want to leave? That's great. I don't think any church has a right to keep anyone as a member against their will and if you do leave I don't think they'll come after you. Just do go for any cults please. Jesus Christ is the way to go. And again I'm happy for you.
2006-06-21 03:37:32 · answer #6 · answered by sweetdivine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can "officially" leave, but leave if you must, and know that they are always ready and willing to take you back with no hard feelings.
2006-06-21 02:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by Jack430 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk out the front door.
Just be sure to be back here next Sunday, you bad little girl.
2006-06-21 02:53:55 · answer #8 · answered by Neerdowellian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
firstly why do you want to live the church o you of little faith?
2006-06-21 02:50:59 · answer #9 · answered by -KJ- 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your absence is sufficient. Your heart has already left.
2006-06-22 04:40:27 · answer #10 · answered by Veritatum17 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋