Joining The Church

[homeschoolmom]

My husband and I are considering joining the Catholic Church, which would mean leaving our Baptist church that we love very dearly (but that's a for another post).

We have three children: a daughter (7.5 years old), a son (5) and another son (nearly 5 months old).

My husband and I are both baptized (he in an evangelical church as a child, I as an infant in the Methodist church and again-- I know, that's a no-no-- as an adult). I was also confirmed in the Methodist church. My husband did not have any confirmation.

Our daughter was baptized last year. Our sons are not. All three of our children were dedicated as infants. Which, I know, means nothing for Catholics.

My question(s): What will need to be done for us to join the Catholic Church? Our baptisms are valid, right? Can our sons be baptized before we are able to finish RCIA classes or must we wait? Will our daughter be able to participate in First Communion or will she need to wait until we are members?

I know that I could call our local parish and ask all of these things, but frankly, I am not ready to.

Thank you.

[Adeodatus]

I was waiting for a Canon Lawyer and/or an American to answer your queries, but rather than keep you waiting I guess I'll have to do!!!! :D

(Bear in mind that what I tell you is from an English context. The American bishops may have legislated different customs for the States).

Your baptism, your husband's and your daughter's are most likely considered valid. If there is any doubt, i.e. lack of paperwork, lack of witnesses, or dodgy non-Trinitarian formula used etc., then the one whose baptism is in doubt could be "conditionally baptised" i.e. 'If you are not already baptised, I baptise you now in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'.

The Catholic Church recognises the validity of confirmation in the ancient Orthodox churches, but not in churches without apostolic succession like Protestant churches.

So when you are received into the Catholic Church, you and your husband will be confirmed. Your daughter may or may not be confirmed, depending on the age of confirmation in the States. But she will still be received into the Church at the same time as you and your husband.

It is likely that all three of you will be given Communion as well, because your reception into the Church will take place during a Mass. So your daughter's First Communion will be during this Mass, unless the American bishops have other provisions.

Your two sons are unlikely to be baptised before their parents become Catholic. The most likely thing is that they will be baptised in the same ceremony as your confirmation and reception into the Church.

I hope that helps!

The best way to find out is to get down to your parish Church and talk to your parish priest. Sign up for RCIA, meet your local church-members, and go to Mass every Sunday with them. God bless!!!