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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Can I become a Catholic? Helen Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Question:

Dear Sirs

I have not been baptised in any faith. My parents, both now deceased brought me up not to believe in God. Six months ago I attended a Catholic funeral mass and since then I have been going to mass every week, praying for guidance and I now want to become a Catholic.

I understand that I must apply for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. My question is concerning my 'civil' marriage. My husband who was also not baptised was previously married when he was 19. He was married in a Welsh Presbyterian church but he does not believe in God.

Given these facts will I be able to apply for the RCIA, become a Catholic and receive Holy Communion? Although my husband does not believe he is not 'anti' religion and supports my decision to convert.

Thank you



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Helen:

I praise God that you are interested in conversion to Christ and to His Church.

Since your husband is not baptized I do not think he has to apply for an annulment, but you need to check on that with the parish priest.

If he does not need an annulment, I believe you can be received into the Church per normal after RCIA and then have your marriage blessed in the Catholic Church. (Your husband does not have to convert for your marriage to be blessed in the Church).

I am not sure of the details here, but if you approach the priest of the parish that you will be taking RCIA he should be able to give you the details, or refer you to someone who works with the Diocese Marriage Tribunal who can answer these questions definitively.

May God bless you and welcome to the Church,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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