Expert: Edward Bode - 9/30/2010

Question
Hello :)  So, it's confirmation year, and it's my time :)  My dad was Lutheran
and my mom was Catholic when they were married, and my dad wanted me
and my siblings to be raised in his religion, but we never attended church
until I was about five, and my mom convinced my dad to convert to
Catholicism.  I have had my first communion and we go usually go to church.  
Tonight, however, I realized that the only baptism I have ever had was when I
was little, and I had been baptized Lutheran.  Am I allowed to be confirmed?  
Our will I have to have a Catholic baptism?  Thank you.

Answer
Nice that you are proceeding with your membership in the Catholic Church.
Before Confirmation, your pastor will want to have a record of your Baptism.  Generally speaking, the Catholic Church does accept certificated baptisms from most recognized churches.  However, if you have any concerns, you can ask for "conditional" Baptism in the Catholic Church.  [The condition is that you have not yet received a valid baptism.]
A further thought:  Usually, first receptions of two other Sacraments precede Confirmation: the sacraments of Reconciliation [Penance] and Holy Eucharist [Communion].  So, you can check about these with your pastor.
Further information on the Sacraments appears in The Catechism of the Catholic Church, available online at:
www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
Material on the Sacraments begin on page 311 [paragraphs 1210].
I hope these thoughts are of help.  
If you desire more from me, feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Jennifer.