Eagerness to unite with christ
After 33 years of trying to soldier through my life on my own strength and understanding. I have, through a series of unexpected events, finally submitted to gods will and have accepted christs invitation into his heart. After praying to god to reveal what path I should walk with an open heart i began researching as many traditions as I could. The truth of the catholic church just absolutely swept me off my feet, and the more I learned the stronger my conviction grew. Ive been attending Mass at my local parish and meeting with the priest to learn more as often as he is able. I cant help but feel somewhat heartbroken to have to wait until easter 2027 to recieve the Holy Eucharist and commune with our lord the way it was intended. Also scared to delay my baptism as tomorrow is never garunteed.
At the same time I fully understand and respect the proccess of ocia/rcia and think it is an absolute necessity to confirm a person truly grasps the gravity of what it is to become catholic. I dont think I should be afforded any kind of special treatment by any means either. My friends and family are all protestant but have been ecstatic and fully supportive of me persuing a relationship with christ in whatever form it takes. They all have asked me why I have to wait to become baptized and make my declaration of faith in catholicism when the fate of your soul depends on it. In truth while I respect and agree with the proccess I find myself at a loss with how to respond when all i have to do is go to my family baptist church and they will baptize me right now in their minds. especially since the catholic church recognizes baptisms within that tradition [please correct me if I am wrong about that]. While I have been told about baptism of intention while undergoing your initiation I just cant help but feel uneasy about it.
So I guess I am just asking for some encouragement, and possibly some clarification in regards to how much your genuine intent to become catholic matters when it comes to the fate of our soul?
Thank you, god bless!!