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Question Title Posted By Question Date
My Faith and Certain Prayers Crystal Friday, May 25, 2012

Question:

Dear Brother,

I just want to say that my faith has gotten so strong and I am so grateful to God for His many blessings, as I place everything in His hands and I received so much direction from Him.

What I'd like to know concerns my denomination which is Non-Denominational. I grew up in a Catholic and Lutheran household, however I never got baptized in any particular faith. I went to Catholic school, attended Mass and have also prayed to Our Lady and many Saints for their intercession regarding certain matters.

My question is, if a person is not baptized Catholic, but has adoration for the Saints and the Blessed Mother, is it okay to pray to them?

As whenever I do, I receive an abundance of guidance, peace and more. Also in regards to Our Blessed Mother, because their are many feast days honoring her, would it be okay for me to pray to her on those days.

If you could give me some insight about this, I would appreciate it very much.

God Bless,
Crystal



Question Answered by

Dear Crystal:

I praise God that you are strong in the faith. If you have not be baptized, you need to be. From your narrative I wasn't sure whether or not you are baptized.

Anyone who is validly baptized, from any denomination, whether they know it or not, is baptized in the Catholic Church. Jesus gave us only one baptism.

A valid baptism is one in which real water is used, the person is either immersed in the water, or water is poured (but the water must touch the skin), and the Trinitarian Formula is used (In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). Such persons validly baptised are imperfect members of the Catholic Church.

Those denominations who do not use the Trinitarian Formula, or do not use water, or use water that does not touch the skin are not validly baptized and thus are not Christian. Mormons, Jehovah Witness, and One Pentecostal Holiness, for example, are not Christian because they do not have a valid baptism. 

We welcome you to Mass, but you may not receive Communion unless you are Confirmed in the Catholic Church.

That goes beyond your question, but I am a teacher, I can't help it Wink

One does not have to be a "card-carrying" Catholic to pray any prayer.

I praise God that you wish to offer devotion to our (and your) Blessed Mother and to the Saints who are our older brothers and sisters who have gone before us in heaven.

Pray away.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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