Am I Catholic? What do I need to do to become Catholic?

Question

My grandparents and mother were Catholic. I was baptised as a Catholic shortly after birth in a Catholic church. My parents ceased going to church and I ceased going to church. Fast forward....I married a Catholic girl in a Catholic church. My children are baptised in a Catholic Church? I did not go through caticism or confirmation as a child. Am I catholic or not? What do I need to do to become catholic? Do I have to go through RCIA or is that for people who haven't even been baptized? Do I take a different route?

Answer 1

You are mostly but not fully Catholic.

To be a fully initiated Catholic, you need to receive the three Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

So far you have only been baptized.

There are two "tracks" in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), one for the unbaptized and one for the baptized.

So yes, your journey to full membership in the Catholic Church lies through RCIA.

If you are interested in continuing your journey in the Catholic Church, contact your local parish and ask about information about their RCIA Inquiry group.

You can go and ask any questions you want.

This is the first step in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) but you can stop at any time.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are Catholic, but not a practicing Catholic. Confirmation (laying on of hands & annointing with chrism (sacred oil) while saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the holy spirit" by a Bishop or designated Priest is needed to have a more fulfilling communion with the Church.

RCIA class is a wonderful place to go when you have questions ... even for the practicing Catholics! I would recomend you contact your parish and see what classes they have to offer.

Practicing Catholics will go to Penance & Reconciliation at least once a year (Easter) and take the Eucharist once a year (Easter). This is the minimum. For a fuller Catholic experience, many go to mass weekly/ daily ... spend time in the Adoration Chapel (with the Eucharist - silent there) ... and volunteer time to Catholic Organizations.

I was Baptised and Confirmed at the age of ten years old. I did not start practicing my Catholic faith until three years ago when I realized that the writers of "South Park" had a better understanding of my religion than I did , and this motivated me to go back to the begging RCIA classes. It was a great experience and has disproved many myths & shown more truths that Catholosism has to offer.

Answer 3

I guess that you need to find out all you can about the Roman Catholic church, like it has it very own bible translation and there are many Catholic devotionals that you can get through the snail mail. But, I am catholic, but, I did not go through the traditional route, instead I joined the church because everyone in my high school was catholic and the priest that gave me my catholic lessons did not do a very good job, I am still finding out things about the catholic church, that I did not know when I did get baptized as teenager.

Answer 4

You need to go to RCIA to receive the other sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation to be in FULL Communion with the Catholic Church. Congratulations to you and I recommend reading anything by Dr. Scott Hahn. He is a wonderful Catholic apologetic that was previously a Prysbeterian minister. His books are great. I especially liked, "Rome Sweet Home.

Best Wishes to you!

Answer 5

Although you are considered Catholic, you would want to go through RCIA and receive the sacraments to become an active and participating member.

Contact your local Diocese for Parishes in your area that have RCIA/Adult Education. You should also consider getting a copy of the Catholic Catecism.

Answer 6

I was never Catholic and I am only going through RCIA in order to learn more about my boyfriend's faith. Ironically, my friend who has been catholic all of her life is attending the same class as a refresher. RCIA is for anyone remotely interested.

Apparently, from what I've learned already (just started), if you haven't been confirmed, you need to do that, as well as the next steps, too. Baptism was not at your discretion. You need to make a conscious declaration of your faith, as far as I've learned.

Answer 7

If you were baptixed Catholic, havn't converted to any other religion and have not declared yourself Atheist, then you are still Catholic. They wouldn't have recognized your marriage if you were not Catholic. As for the RCIA, they are for people who have not been baptized, but their sessions would probably be informative, and they continue on to communion and confirmation after baptism. They would probably welcome you anyway. Go see your local priest. He would be able to tell you what you can do.

Answer 8

Yes, you are still a Catholic. I would advise you to go see the parish priest and have a talk about your next step in affirming your faith if that is what you want to do. RCIA is for anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith.

Answer 9

Spirituality is never a thing to plan around peer pressure. Regardless of whether your grandparents, mother and wife are Catholic, study all religions to ensure you're making the correct decision for you.

The bottom line is this: you only have one soul. Be very careful what you feed it. Who knows - you may find after study that you don't WANT to be Catholic.

Every good wish.

Answer 10

You were baptised in a Catholic church...as long as you have not taken vows in another religion, you are still considered a Catholic.