Questions about baptism etc...

[Delilah01]

Hi I have a few questions about catholicism I guess...
So first of all I live in a very anti religious family, my father used to be catholic but lost the faith and my mother is very against Christianity especially catholicism. But my grandparents who have passed away were catholic and would bring me to church with them when I was young. I have really good memories of being in church with them and have always believed in Jesus since I can remember. Recently I've started going to mass a few times and it feels good to be in church. But anyways that's were my questions begin
Ok so first of all one little thing i was wondering is I noticed before everyone sits down in the pews (is that the right word?) they squat down first... I never remember seeing people do this when I used to go to church with my grandparents but is this something everyone does before they sit at church? Just wondering...
But my main question has to do with baptism... I was never baptized so yeah I would like to be baptized. So I know that adults have to do a one year program right?... I forget what it's called, starts with an "r" right? But I'm 17 so would I do that too or would I just be baptized? I've never done any sort of religous Ed so I'm guessing I would need some sort of program before, right?
And umm this question is sorta weird but let's say I died before I got baptized, would I go to hell? I'm guessing the answer is yes because I have had my fair share of mortal sins... but also I heard of "baptism out of desire" and i do plan on being baptised so I was sorta wondering about that...?
And also if I'm baptized would I need to confess any mortal sins before baptism? I mean I know that it would erase them but is it better to still confess them?
And one last question, so I heard something about how you need to have a godparent to be baptized, is that true? Because I have one grandparent who is Catholic but I would prefer not asking him as I wouldn't feel comfortable with my parents knowing because I know that if thy knew about me going to church they would be far from pleased...
I would really appreciate any answers/advise
Thanks!

 

[NovusAugustus]

The action you are referring to is called genuflecting, and it is an act of reverence for the real presence of Christ in the tabernacle. To properly do it, you go down to a full kneel (knee touching the floor) with your right knee and make the sign of the cross while facing the tabernacle. If you can't see it just genuflect in the direction of the sanctuary.

As far as joining the Church, the first step is going to RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. While you are 17, you will probably be admitted. There may be some programs out their for teens as well, but at my church I believe they put teens with the adults. This class should teach you what you need to know and do to join the church. One thing you need to make certain of is whether you were NEVER baptized in any other church. Even if you were just baptized but never went back, you must not be baptized again. This is very important, so ask your parents if you have to.

No one can proclaim beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will go to hell if you haven't been baptized. God judges us all as individuals, no one should dare to presume that we mere mortals know of some holy checklist used by God to grant admission to heaven. However, if you have the opportunity to join the Church, I urge you to take it. Don't get in a big twist if your parents are adamant about not letting you go or something, like I said, God will be the judge.

As for godparents, I can honestly say I'm not sure on that point. I don't think they are required, but ask the priest about it.

The priest(s) of your parish should be your friends. Unless your priest is just some unbearable tool, ask him anything you need to after mass, if he is worth his robes he will answer them to the best of his ability. Keep in mind priests can sometimes be wrong though so if you have doubts about what he says check it at an outside source.

Furthermore, google "Catholic Answers Forums." (I can't post links) Those forums are great source of info.

Basically, to join the Holy Apostolic Church:
1) Go to RCIA
2) Depending on your baptism status, you will be baptised or not, then you will go to confession, get confirmed, get communion, etc. all the holy sacraments.
3) You are in my prayers.

 

[ZooMom]

Hi I have a few questions about catholicism I guess...
So first of all I live in a very anti religious family, my father used to be catholic but lost the faith and my mother is very against Christianity especially catholicism. But my grandparents who have passed away were catholic and would bring me to church with them when I was young. I have really good memories of being in church with them and have always believed in Jesus since I can remember. Recently I've started going to mass a few times and it feels good to be in church. But anyways that's were my questions begin

Welcome.

Ok so first of all one little thing i was wondering is I noticed before everyone sits down in the pews (is that the right word?) they squat down first... I never remember seeing people do this when I used to go to church with my grandparents but is this something everyone does before they sit at church? Just wondering...

LOL! No, they are not 'squatting'. What they are doing is genuflecting to the Real Presence of Christ contained in the Tabernacle...usually located behind the altar, but sometimes off to the side. A genuflection is a sort of bow, made by going briefly to one knee, bowing one's head, and making the Sign of the Cross. These can be skimped and rushed and indeed end up looking like the person has tripped or 'squatted'. We do this to acknowledge and reverence the Presence of Christ.

But my main question has to do with baptism... I was never baptized so yeah I would like to be baptized. So I know that adults have to do a one year program right?... I forget what it's called, starts with an "r" right? But I'm 17 so would I do that too or would I just be baptized? I've never done any sort of religous Ed so I'm guessing I would need some sort of program before, right?

Because you are still a minor, you would need your parents permission to begin any kind of faith formation with the Catholic Church. If you don't think you will get it, then you may just have to wait for 18. RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the program you would take to first go through a series of classes for inquiry, then participate in the Rites to be formally joined to the Church. Baptism would be required before Confirmation or Communion, which are usually done together at the Easter Vigil.

And umm this question is sorta weird but let's say I died before I got baptized, would I go to hell? I'm guessing the answer is yes because I have had my fair share of mortal sins... but also I heard of "baptism out of desire" and i do plan on being baptised so I was sorta wondering about that...?
And also if I'm baptized would I need to confess any mortal sins before baptism? I mean I know that it would erase them but is it better to still confess them?

No-one here is qualified to judge your soul and whether or not you would go to hell. God alone is the Judge, and He knows your heart and your desires. If it is your desire to be Baptized and come home to the Church, then there is much Grace in that. Don't worry. I was already Baptized when I went through RCIA, so I'm not sure if you would make your First Confession before or after your Baptism. I want to say before...just because of the timeline the rites usually follow. But, yes, you will definitely need to make your Confession.

And one last question, so I heard something about how you need to have a godparent to be baptized, is that true? Because I have one grandparent who is Catholic but I would prefer not asking him as I wouldn't feel comfortable with my parents knowing because I know that if thy knew about me going to church they would be far from pleased...
I would really appreciate any answers/advise

As I have said, if you plan to go ahead with this before you turn 18, your parents will definitely have to know, and agree. But, yes, you will need a 'godparent' for your Baptism, though at your age the position is mostly symbolic. You will also need a sponsor to participate with you in the RCIA, and if you don't know anyone who can do it, your priest and local RCIA director can certainly help you out. I didn't know my sponsor beforehand, either, but she was a wonderful, lovely person who did everything to support me and guide me through the process.

Thanks!

You are very welcome. I hope I have helped in a small way, and I will pray for you as you begin your faith journey. God bless!

Sandy

 

[Rhamiel]

welcome to this site
I am so glad to hear that you are interesting in becoming a member of the Church
you would need some kind of religious education before you would be baptised
RCIA is the normal way that the Church goes about this
but you can also take privet lessons with a priest and he can make sure that you are making an informed choice to join the Church
as for the state of your soul if you were to die now, well God knows who belongs to Him and I am not God so I am not privy to that information

welcome to the site too
as for confession, I was baptised as a child so I am not sure how they have confession for those who are entering the Church as an adult.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

And umm this question is sorta weird but let's say I died before I got baptized, would I go to hell? I'm guessing the answer is yes because I have had my fair share of mortal sins... but also I heard of "baptism out of desire" and i do plan on being baptised so I was sorta wondering about that...?
And also if I'm baptized would I need to confess any mortal sins before baptism? I mean I know that it would erase them but is it better to still confess them?

If you died before baptism, you wouldn't be at fault for it. Baptism isn't a get out of jail free card, it is a sacrament that begins our journey as Christians/Catholics.
It is not so important where we are at death, so much as the direction we are going at death. If we die pursuing God, waiting for baptism, we can be sure that at death, we will continue to move towards Him. If we die rejecting God, we can be pretty sure we will continue that... and that is hell.

At one end of the spectrum is total depravity and at the other is God. We all fall somewhere between those points, whether saints or sinners. It does not matter where we are, only where we are going.

 

[Rhamiel]

we hope that we helped you with your questions, is there anything else you would like to know?