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Can you marry a non Catholic in the Catholic Church?

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It is possible for a person who is a non-Catholic Christian to marry in the Catholic Church but you will need to seek a dispensation or permission (to enter a mixed marriage) from the local bishop or other appropriate religious figure within the Church. You may also need to attend a marriage preparation course and other requirements, depending on the Church you’re getting married at. This is known as an interfaith marriage when it’s with another Christian. Things get more complicated with non-Christian religions and atheists though, in which case it is best to talk to your priest about getting a "dispensation from disparity of cult."

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What is the RCIA?

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The RCIA refers to the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process for adults who wish to convert to Catholicism and involves being introduced to Catholic beliefs and practices. It is a gradual "journey of faith," which varies in length depending on each individual’s progress in Catholic beliefs and practices. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic Christian, contact your local Catholic Parish and speak to the Parish Priest or Pastoral Associate to find out more.

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What are the beliefs of the Catholic Church?

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Catholic Church beliefs include: Jesus Christ is the Son of God; baptism is essential for salvation (it removes the original sin of Adam and Eve); the Ten Commandments are a moral compass that must be followed; the Bible is God’s word; and there is a Holy Trinity consisting of one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. There are many beliefs specific to the Catholic Church but these are the main ones. Contact your local Parish Priest for more help in understanding Catholic beliefs.

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What is a Catholic catechumen?

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A Catholic catechumen is a person who not baptized but is learning Catholic beliefs and practices to become Catholic and who will become a full member of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation, namely baptism, confirmation and eucharist.

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I'm a black woman and I would like to convert from a traditional Baptist Christian Church to Catholicism. I am worried that they won't accept me because of my race. I've never seen a black Catholic. Have I been misinformed? Will I be accepted?

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You will absolutely be accepted, there are Catholics all over the world, from South America to the Philippines! Anyone who is a Catholic should have no problem, rather they would welcome you.

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Can I convert to Catholicism if I am 16?

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Yes, you most certainly can. Just make sure that you voice your wishes to your parents.

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I'm 13. Is that too old or too young to talk to the parish office? I've never been baptized. What would the process be for me?

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Just follow the steps above! You can become a Catholic at any age. Just make sure your parents are informed, and have them go with you.

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I was baptized Catholic as a baby, but then converted to Protestantism, and was baptized there as an adult. How can I become a Catholic?

Katherine Lamb

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You're still a Catholic. You may start going to Mass right away, but it's best to have a priest hear your confession to make sure there's no obstacles to receiving the Sacraments- especially Holy Eucharist.

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What do I do if I want to be Catholic, but my parents are Protestant?

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Your parents' Protestant faith is no hindrance to you joining the Church. God Bless!

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I am a single mother with two children out-of-wedlock. Can I become a Catholic?

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Yes, you can -- and you can also bring your children up Catholic. You need to speak to your local parish priest. He will show you the process of initiation into the Catholic Church.

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How can a Hindu person become Catholic?

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By following the steps above. It makes no difference what your current religion is.

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Is there a minimum age for becoming a Catholic?

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No, you will be accepted regardless of age as long as you have a true desire to join the Church.

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Can I go back to being a Catholic if I've forsaken the religion before?

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Yes, anyone who has neglected the practice of the faith is warmly invited to return to the Church by making a sacramental confession.

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How do I get someone else to convert to Catholicism?

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You can discuss the religion and talk about how meaningful it is for you, but you cannot get someone to convert unless they want to.

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I'm 14 and my parents don't believe in going to church or religion. I really would like to start going. What would be the process for me?

Community Answer

You could ask a friend if you can tag along with his/her family when they go to church. You can also go to YouTube and watch different services online. If you live close to a church, you can always walk. There's no actual "process".

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Can I become a Catholic girl if I have a pixie hair cut?

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Yes, of course! Your haircut doesn't matter to God.

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Why aren't there any articles on how to become a Protestant? I've been looking for one for ages.

Community Answer

Probably because 'Protestant' is a very broad term that covers a lot of different denominations, and they all have their own rules and norms. Figure out what denomination you're interested in and look for information on that. For example, there are articles here on how to become a Baptist , Lutheran , or Pentecostal Christian .

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Do I have to get baptized again if I'm Mormon?

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Yes. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Ghost being One. They believe them to be three separate entities. You would have to be baptized in the Trinity.

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I wish to become a Catholic using the RCIA process. I have been baptized. I am studying for a Catholic diploma in RE, and married to a wife who is not Catholic. Can I do the RCIA process?

Katherine Lamb

Community Answer

Yes, you can do RCIA. You will probably be brought into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Mass.

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I'm divorced, how do I get an annulment. This is preventing me from joining the church I believe in.

Community Answer

The annulment is a healing process and must start with the diocese you received your marriage documents from. That diocese office will usually have a website that you can research to make a call and start filling out paperwork. They may want you to talk to a priest first but will be a comprehensive process. It could take a year or two, depending on the backlog and management of the diocese. The defender of the bond of marriage will review your submitted documents, along with input or lack thereof from your spouse and make a careful judgment if grounds for annulment are granted. If not, you can reapply later too.

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Question

How quickly can I convert to Catholicism?

Community Answer

Typically, it takes about 6-9 months, although it can vary depending on age, location in the world, etc.

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I am a baptist who wants to convert to Catholicism, but I have been married and divorced twice. Can I still join the Catholic Church?

Community Answer

Yes, but you will have to get the two previous marriages annulled by the church. Talk to the priest of the church you are interested in; he will guide you through the process, which includes RCIA classes.

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I have been baptized as a Greek Orthodox. Will this assist me if I'm to become a Catholic?

Community Answer

As long as you were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it doesn't matter whether you were immersed or sprinkled. You do, however, need to have have proof that you were baptized. You will have to go through the RCIA if you want to convert to Catholicism.

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I was raised under a form of Buddhism, but have wanted to become a Catholic for a long time. Would it be difficult for me?

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Not at all. The Church accepts all people. You would have to do RCIA though.

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Can I become a Catholic, as a married woman, if my husband does not wish to convert?

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Absolutely yes. You don't need to have the same religion as your husband. There are many couples who practice different religions.

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I have been baptized but my initiation ended there. I missed out on confirmation and Eucharist. I want to have a Catholic wedding ceremony later in the year. What steps do I take to make this achievable?

Community Answer

Since you are baptized, you are considered a Catholic/Christian. However, since you didn't complete the process of confirmation and receiving of the Eucharist, go to your local Catholic church and ask the priest if they are currently offering "Catechumen" classes for adults/soon to be married couples. Then you will want to make sure to let the priest know that you are planning on getting married in the church. The priest then most likely have you and your fiancé complete marriage counseling, and other studies.

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I have been baptized and received confirmation. Can I get the Eucharist?

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You would need to first go the Eucharistic classes before you can receive. Talk to your priest, and he can help you get started.

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If I have not been baptized can I still become a Catholic?

Community Answer

Yes, but you will need to take RCIA classes for longer. Also, instead of just receiving the Eucharist and Confirmation on the day you join, you will receive all three sacraments of initiation on the same date.

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I am a single Baptist, no children - can I still become Catholic?

Community Answer

Of course you can! The Church is accepting of all people, regardless of race, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or prior religious history.

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I was raised Baptist but was never baptized. I want to become Catholic, having been introduced to the religion by my husband, who was Catholic. He has since died. Can I still become Catholic?

Community Answer

Definitely, you can go to your local catholic priest and ask about it and he can help you.

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