How do I convert to Catholic?

Question

So, I am a baptised/confirmed Lutheran. I went through the classes etc. as a kid. Recently I have found Catholic cathedrals and ideology more consistent with my beliefs. Also, my girlfiend is a catholic and I like attending her church.

My question is, how do I convert to Catholic without having to retake CCD? (I think that's Catholic confirmation, correct?) I want to be able to take communion and be a member of the Catholic church. But I don't want to sit through a year of classes when I understand the fundamental ideology of the religion.

Am I being to glib about this conversion? Should I make the effort to take the classes? Or is my understanding and previous indoctrination sufficient in the eyes of this religion?

Answer 1

Cathy wrote, "those who have been baptized in a Christian religion do not get baptized again. It is ONE baptism for the forgiveness of sins."

Though it is true, however it is a contradiction to the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration. If Catholic Church recognizes Billy J baptism in a Lutheran Church, it’s making a statement that Billy J was regenerated in a Protestant Church (considered by Catholic as heretic) at the moment of baptism. Catholic Church contradicting itself, unless it believes that baptismal regeneration can occur in a heretic church.

Answer 2

I was a baptised/confirmed Episcopalian that recently converted to Roman Catholicism. I was required to go through the entire RCIA program. I enjoyed it, because since I was already well-grounded in the basics I could concentrate more on the specifics or nuances of the Catholic church. I'm not going to say that I agree 100% with everything the church has ever said or done, but like you Catholicism is more consistent with my matured beliefs.

Answer 3

You should call a Catholic priest and get started on the process.

I'm a convert myself. I had done a TON of reading and I was confident I knew the Catholic theology. I did NOT want to sit through a year of classes because of my understanding.

My priest made me sit through them any way. I don't regret it because obedience is a big part of Catholicism. Learning to wait increased my desire for Catholicism and for the Eucharist. So I totally think it's worth it.

Good news for you, though -- RCIA (the adult version of CCD) meets only once a week and it started in September. If you can prove to the priest you've already got a leg up on theology, he'll probably let you jump in on the class where it is now and just do some catch-up reading. Then you can be received into the Church at Easter, less than 6 months away. So not a year.

Welcome home!

Answer 4

Knowing the fundamental ideology of Catholicism is not the same thing as believing in it. You NEED to join a parish's R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program to find out.

Typically, the more you know about the Church, the sooner you can complete the RCIA program.

When you consider the "reward" - receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus at Catholic Mass, completing an RCIA program is not a lot to ask.

Answer 5

You are being a bit glib I think. :) Just a little.

The RCIA team is already aware that converts from the Episcopal or Lutheran churches already know a lot and already share a very similar outlook on the church.

As such, while the RCIA program certainly focuses on some things you already know, you'll find there is something in it for everyone - a lot of fellowship for instance, to ensure that your transition into the parish community is one that truly welcomes you into church life; there is a lot of spiritual development, in that you will not learn just about Catholic "head" stuff, but some "heart" and "soul" stuff too.

And towards the end, the RCIA program will also help you discern your possible vocational callings - what is it _within_ the church you are called to do?

As an already knowledgeable Protestant convert, I found RCIA invaluable. I didn't learn tons of new stuff, but I became immersed in tons of new stuff! It is worth it.

Answer 6

Pastor Billy says: shame on Steve who misrepresents the Catholic position totally. Catholicism always accepts what is true in other denominations and religions why? because Jesus is truth. non-Catholics can and do have valid and invalid baptisms in the eyes of the Catholic Church it is incorrect to say a non-Catholic baptism is outright rejected.

To answer your question you will have take some study and time for discernment the Church never wishes for new converts to rush into this decision and I truly believe this time and study to be a good thing as it's been my observation retention rates are higher. less church hopping once you've discovered us.

Answer 7

You would have to take some classes to learn the Catholic doctrine as it differs from Lutheran doctrine in some areas. You would not take CCD. You would take Adult RCIA (adult RCIA is Usually from October or November thru Easter). You would not have to be rebaptised or anything you would make a affirmation to the Catholic Church and received First Eucharist.

Peter above me: those who have been baptised or confirmed in a Christian religion do not get baptised or confirmed again. It is ONE baptism for the forgivness of sins. No double dipping.


Steve:YES it is one Baptism for the forgiveness of sin. (remember the creed I believe in one God. . . one baptism for the forgivness of sin) Providing of course that it is a proper Christian (Trinitarian) baptism, as the Lutherans do. The belief of regeneration of the soul is not limited only happening in to Catholic baptisms. Baptismal regeneration comes from the Sacrament of Baptism itself, not from the Church. I don't understand HOW that is a contradiction to anything in Catholic Theology regarding baptism.

Answer 8

You shouldn't need to retake CCD, although since we consider the decision to become Catholic one that should not be taken lightly, you may be requested to sit in on some RCIA classes. These will help you build upon the basic theology that you already know and believe in. Honestly, I would like many "cradle" Catholics to do the same - they could benefit greatly from them.

Answer 9

If you are interested in joining or just learning more about 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. All of your Christian spirituality and knowledge will be fully acknowledged and valued. You may even be able to teach us a few things.

But there are somethings you do need to know about before you decide to make such a serious a commitment and the Church wants to make sure you know what you are agreeing with.

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

There is no obligation to become a Catholic.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 10

First ask yourself....do you really like the Catholic theology, or do you like it because of your girlfriend, and if you and your girlfriend happen to break up would you still be able to go to the same church as her?

If the answer is you like the theology for yourself, and no because of your girlfriend and that you will be able to go to the church when you break up...if you do anyway...then you need to talk to the priest and go through RCIA which is the Roman Catholic Initiation for Adults...usually it starts in the fall(too late by now, it's probably started in September) and usually ends in spring and you get baptism, first communion, first confession and confirmation all within that time period.

There is no other way around it.