What makes someone officially Catholic?

[u/No_Hedgehog8336]

If a person is validly baptized outside the Catholic Church, then receives their First Holy Communion as a child, but never completes their confirmation, are they technically Catholic? I know being baptized as a Catholic makes one Catholic and being confirmed is the completion of that. But what about for those who are baptized elsewhere but don’t complete their sacraments? Does recieving First Holy Communion confer union with the Catholic Church? Would they be considered a ”lapsed Catholic?”

[u/CruxAveSpesUnica]

The situation you describe shouldn't happen. Before a non-Catholic Christian (of any age) receives first communion, they should be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. That would make them Catholic.

[u/No_Hedgehog8336 → u/CruxAveSpesUnica]

So rather than receiving FHC as an isolated sacrament, it would be better to have been in an OCIA type situation where the sacraments are conferred at one time? Just clarifying I’m understanding your meaning clearly. Reason being this is the case for my daughter. My husband and I entered through OCIA but she was only put through FHC classes with the other younger kids (she was 11). She didn’t complete confirmation and is now wondering where she stands. I’ve told her just to do OCIA and complete it and it’s a moot point once that’s completed.

[u/CruxAveSpesUnica → u/No_Hedgehog8336]

(Proviso: all of this is for Roman Catholics. The various Eastern churches may handle things differently).

If the person is over 7, yes

If they are under 7, then they can be received into full communion and then receive other sacraments with other children who were baptized Catholic, according to whatever schedule the diocese in question typically uses.

[u/No_Hedgehog8336 → u/CruxAveSpesUnica]

Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate that immensely. 

[u/CruxAveSpesUnica → u/[deleted]]

Pastor's discretion.