Hello, My girlfriend has currently found the truth in the Mother Church and wishes to convert. She was presbyterian and has already been babtized. Does her babtism count? what are the steps she has to take? Are there any classes she needs to take before undergoing the sacraments? Thank you.

-- Raul R. Vidal (lawyer2dmax@yahoo.com), August 17, 2004

Answers

Her baprism i valid so long as it was trinitarian. And with water.

Lkewise, I beelive she had to take RCIA.

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), August 18, 2004.

Tell her to talk with her local priest about taking RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). These classes usually start in the fall, so now's the best time to find out about it! By taking this, she should be able to join on Easter. The priest should be able to point her in the right direction as to who teaches the RCIA classes.

Praise God for her decision to convert! I am a Protestant converting to Catholic. I will also be joining on Easter. I was baptized in my Protestant church at age 13. Althought Protestant baptisms are considered valid if all of the criteria are fulfilled, I have heard that in some places they give all candidates a "conditional baptism," as if to say, in case your previous baptism was invalid for some reason.... I'm not sure whether I or your girlfriend will have to receive this. I think it depends on the diocesan policy or the preference of the particular priest.

God bless,

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), August 18, 2004.