New Member

[FunkDocktaXXVII]

Good evening

I'm 46 married, 2 kids.
Grew up Lutheran. Kind of did my own thing for about 30 yrs when i left for the Marines at 18.
Back full circle now, been doing alot of reading and researching and listening to Catholic podcasts, etc (Wife is Catholic, she also is getting back into it.) Anyway I have been doing research because I didn't know much about Catholicism.
Wanting to become Catholic but I don't know the first thing about that right now. Maybe about 2 months back into my journey. Any advice along the way always appreciated and not judged.

Looking forward to spending more time here in the community. Definitely had to find some like minded individuals to talk with.

Thank you for taking the time to read and God Bless!

 

[PloverWing]

Welcome to CF!

If you're not already doing this, I'd recommend visiting a nearby Catholic parish for the next few months, to experience what worship in the Catholic tradition is like. You won't be able to receive Communion there for now, but you'll be able to participate in the rest of the liturgy. There may be service opportunities there as well that would be open to visitors and newcomers, and that would give you a sense of the ministries you could participate in as part of that congregation.

 

[Valletta]

Welcome to CF!

If you're not already doing this, I'd recommend visiting a nearby Catholic parish for the next few months, to experience what worship in the Catholic tradition is like. You won't be able to receive Communion there for now, but you'll be able to participate in the rest of the liturgy. There may be service opportunities there as well that would be open to visitors and newcomers, and that would give you a sense of the ministries you could participate in as part of that congregation.

Welcome! Yes, and then if you wish to move forward on Catholicism parishes have what are called OCIA classes. You can ask about those at the parish.

 

[FunkDocktaXXVII]

Thank you very much!

Couple quick questions, would a or The Catholic Church recognize my marriage? (We just went to the courthouse 4 yrs ago, legal and all, but not in a church of any sort) and how do they handle baptism? My 4 yr old and 2 yr old have not been baptized yet and I would like them to be.

 

[Valletta]

Thank you very much!

Couple quick questions, would a or The Catholic Church recognize my marriage? (We just went to the courthouse 4 yrs ago, legal and all, but not in a church of any sort) and how do they handle baptism? My 4 yr old and 2 yr old have not been baptized yet and I would like them to be.

You should definitely speak to the priest at your local parish, but here's my best shot at an overview. A Catholic is supposed to get married by a priest or have special permission by the Church to have a ceremony elsewhere which it sounds like your wife did not. If your wife decides to become a practicing Catholic again, and this is the first marriage for both of you, she goes to confession and then the next step is to get your marriage "convalidated." It's a short private ceremony usually with just a few witnesses to "bring your marriage into the Church." First there's some paperwork, some questions, you would have to agree to raise the children as Catholic and comply with Catholic teaching. They would ask for your baptismal record and your wife's. The children would get baptized. Again, it is essential to talk to a priest because there may be exceptions, but that should give you a rough idea of the kinds of things to expect.

 

[linux.poet]

Welcome to CF!

I recommend reviewing the information pinned to the top of this subforum: One Bread, One Body - Catholic

You can also ask questions about Catholicism there. However, since you are not Catholic (yet) please use the [posting in fellowship] tag for all posts that are not questions, and do not get into a debate or object to anyone’s theology in that subforum. You are there to learn, not object. (More details about this policy can be found here: Statement of Faith - OBOB Statement of Purpose I strongly suggest reading it - it also contains Catholic information too.)

If you do have objections, concerns, or disagreements with any new Catholic theology you learn, please start a new thread here: Denomination Specific Theology When in doubt, play it safe.

Hopefully these resources will help you on your journey with your new faith.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Good evening

I'm 46 married, 2 kids.
Grew up Lutheran. Kind of did my own thing for about 30 yrs when i left for the Marines at 18.
Back full circle now, been doing alot of reading and researching and listening to Catholic podcasts, etc (Wife is Catholic, she also is getting back into it.) Anyway I have been doing research because I didn't know much about Catholicism.
Wanting to become Catholic but I don't know the first thing about that right now. Maybe about 2 months back into my journey. Any advice along the way always appreciated and not judged.

Looking forward to spending more time here in the community. Definitely had to find some like minded individuals to talk with.

Thank you for taking the time to read and God Bless!

Welcome!

 

[FunkDocktaXXVII]

Welcome to CF!

I recommend reviewing the information pinned to the top of this subforum: One Bread, One Body - Catholic

You can also ask questions about Catholicism there. However, since you are not Catholic (yet) please use the [posting in fellowship] tag for all posts that are not questions, and do not get into a debate or object to anyone’s theology in that subforum. You are there to learn, not object. (More details about this policy can be found here: Statement of Faith - OBOB Statement of Purpose I strongly suggest reading it - it also contains Catholic information too.)

If you do have objections, concerns, or disagreements with any new Catholic theology you learn, please start a new thread here: Denomination Specific Theology When in doubt, play it safe.

Hopefully these resources will help you on your journey with your new faith.

Thank you for directions so i can read up and digest more info

 

[FunkDocktaXXVII]

You should definitely speak to the priest at your local parish, but here's my best shot at an overview. A Catholic is supposed to get married by a priest or have special permission by the Church to have a ceremony elsewhere which it sounds like your wife did not. If your wife decides to become a practicing Catholic again, and this is the first marriage for both of you, she goes to confession and then the next step is to get your marriage "convalidated." It's a short private ceremony usually with just a few witnesses to "bring your marriage into the Church." First there's some paperwork, some questions, you would have to agree to raise the children as Catholic and comply with Catholic teaching. They would ask for your baptismal record and your wife's. The children would get baptized. Again, it is essential to talk to a priest because there may be exceptions, but that should give you a rough idea of the kinds of things to expect.

Thank you for all the info!

 

[caffeinated hermit]

You certainly have an awesome screen name! Welcome, man!

 

[Valletta]

Thank you for all the info!

You're welcome!