Getting baptized next year, at 21?

Question

I went to talk to a priest today about getting baptized; he flat out told me that I am nothing, and that I am not even allowed in church, let alone confession. I am sure he didn't mean it how I took it, but he was in such haste and a bit rude, I took offense anyway. Everyone in my family has been baptized (Catholic). When I told my mum about it she took me to the Catholic church down the road where we live and one of the lady's there was appauled to hear what was said, and she told me that I could still go to church, I just can't get communion until I am baptized, and in order for me to get baptized, I have to attend class in July, until next Easter (which is when I will get baptized, received the three sacraments, etc.) Until then my mum said I am Catholic in my heart, haha, and to wait until Easter.

I'm twenty years old now, and by the time I get baptized I will be twenty-one. Has anyone else gotten baptized at this late an age, and could anyone tell me what it will be like?

Well, I know God & Jesus Christ are in my heart. I believe. I am extremely spiritual. I just haven't been baptized, and I have intended to get baptized Catholic, and still intend to, no matter what. I just thought that was really irresponsible of the priest, and real out of the norm? I have been to church before, it's not like I am new to this, just never have been subjected to that. And like I said, after going to the other church, I felt a lot better.

I wasn't the odd person out at all in my family. I didn't get baptized because of personal reasons and tragedy that ocurred in the family, we moved around constantly also, many other things. I don't know why I am getting attacked or persuaded to convert to other religions, when I am clearly stating that I DO want to be baptized Catholic, that I was RAISED in a Catholic home. I am doing this for me, not for friends not for family, but for myself and for God. Please do not judge me, or try to do the previous things I have mentioned. Thank you.

Answer 1

There was this woman who was taking instruction from a priest because she really wanted to join the Catholic church. On her way to a lesson one evening, she happened to pass the priest in the streets, and he told her very shortly that her classes were canceled until further notice, and that she should never try to become baptized anyway, it was too late for her.

Distressed, she turned back home, but the encounter bothered her so much that she stopped to phone the rectory, and found the priest HAD NOT GONE OUT ANYWHERE and was expecting her. She told the priest what had happened, and he asked her over and over, "are you sure it was me?" The man had looked and spoken exactly like the priest.

Answer 2

I think that it would be a good idea to speak with the head of the first church you went to, whoever the head guy in charge there at that location is, and tell him what happened. This can't be the way they actually want their church run, and they need to know about it. You can write an anonymous letter even, if you like. Be sure to include that you have also given the information to your friends, family, and all of us here on Yahoo, to really get their attention and get them going on making a change there.

I'm Jewish, so I've not been baptised (nor will I ever be), but I do have Catholic friends - most of whom I've known since childhood. They all went through this long before age 21.

I do know two converts to Catholicism though. One at age 42 and the other at age 26. So they had to go through the year of study and the whole thing you described. They said it was awesome.

They felt like they were more aware of everything they learned and it was more heartfelt for them than maybe it was for people who were just pushed on through it at a younger age.

There are plenty of Catholics out there who have gone through this, so don't feel alone. You'll probably run into many in your classes too.

Good luck, take care, be well.

Answer 3

Gabriella,
You may be baptized at any age and at any time. The Catholic Church is the one who placed the additional "class" requirement on it. That is certainly not found in the BIBLE. Read through Acts 2 about the Apostles at Pentecost. Then read about the Jailer, the seller of purple, the Eunuch, the apostle Paul (Saul). and see what they went through. Many were taught and baptized immediately, never were they told to wait until....
Have a wonderful week and a great New Year.
Thanks,
Eds (Simply Christian)

EDIT:
Young lady,
With all of the sins that I have committed I certainly will never judge any other man, woman, or child. It is GOD who has the sole opportunity to do that!


.

Answer 4

It doesn't matter how old you are, honey. What matters is that you have accepted Jesus into your heart and trust Him and Him alone to save you from your sins and take you to Heaven. That priest sounds like a jerk. I don't know anything about confession since I'm a Baptist, but I don't understand why you can't get baptized now, and why you have to wait to Easter. Oh well, the important thing is, baptism doesn't save you, your faith in Jesus does, so you are a child of God and you are saved and on your way to Heaven. So, good luck and God Bless.

Answer 5

Whoa! I hope you learn to read signs. After that incident with the priest, you're still willing to join his organization?? Are you really sure?? I certainly hope you know what you're doing, for your own sake. Meaning, be sure that you're not getting baptized for the WRONG REASONS, like, pleasing other family members or friends, rather than truly following your own convictions when it comes to matters of faith. Remember that it's never too late to reconsider, should you change your mind...

Many people do get baptized at different ages or stages in their lives, depending on their particular circumstances, and for whatever personal reasons they may have, as to why they want to get converted into a particular religion.

But somehow your situation seems quite peculiar since you claim that everyone in your family is baptized Catholic, while you are not. How did you manage all these years to be the "odd-person out"...? Did you belong to another denomination or have different beliefs from the rest, or what??

Either way, it's really your own choice to make. Godspeed!

Peace be with you.

Answer 6

As a Baptist which is of course protestant I don't understand what you are worried about, If you have been Born Again as Jesus said in John 3:3 that is the main thing. Baptism of the heart by the Holy Spirit is what saves you, its a supernatural baptism. I believe we should get the water baptism just as Jesus did to show the world that we believe in the death buriel and resurrection of our Lord but if you have been Born AGain you have nothing to worry about. Jesus was our Perfect Sacrifice and His Holy Spirit coming into our hearts is the Perfect Baptism. A Human being submerging us or sprinkling us doesn't wash our sins away, Jesus did that on the cross, if a human could do it, Jesus would not have had to come as we would still be under the old covenant, which was the law, or Judaism as its called today.

Answer 7

I was re-baptized in the Jordan River, Israel when I was 59. I think you can get baptized anytime you are ready.

In Protestant churches, baptism is something you do after you are saved.

Communion can be taken after you are saved but before baptism.

I like the fact we don't live by the rules the Catholic church preaches!

Answer 8

You know what is funny about catholics is that no where in the Bible after the coming of Christ are we told that we have to go to confession through a priest for our sins to be forgiven that is just a total fabrication made up by the Catholic church to make people feel like they need a priest and bishop. do some biblical research and you will find that the catholic church does a lot of things that are unbiblical

Answer 9

Getting baptized means absolutely nothing unless you have given your heart to Lord Jesus Christ.Baptism is a commandment in the bible after you give your life to Christ.It is illrelevent without Christ. Baptism does not make you any more "holy" or closer to God. I urge you to search the bible on why you even get baptised and the requirements from Christ and not a priest.

Answer 10

i am not catholic, but i got baptized at 18 a month before my 19th birthday. i don't agree with the rules within churches in general in order to get baptized.