Baptized Catholic as a child but

[FormerXCatholic]

So I have a friend who was baptized Catholic as a child and I have even seen her baptismal record from 1986, it’s valid. Shortly after her baptism her mother left the church and never raised her Catholic. Can my friend go to the confessional and receive the Precious Blood and Body of Christ even though there was never a formal reconciliation or first communion rite?

 

[jmjZelie]

The same thing happened to me. My pastor had me go through the classes for RCIA even though i wasn’t to participate in most of the associated rites. He also worked with me over a few appointments to see where I was and decided to give me my First Holy Communion early but wait to confirm at the Easter vigil, as is usual for adult converts. I did have to go through my First Confession before my First Holy Communion though. It was really wonderful. Your friend should just contact the priest or even a deacon soon, and do whatever they tell her and they will help her come into full communion.

 

[Irishmom2]

So I have a friend who was baptized Catholic as a child and I have even seen her baptismal record from 1986, it’s valid. Shortly after her baptism her mother left the church and never raised her Catholic. Can my friend go to the confessional and receive the Precious Blood and Body of Christ even though there was never a formal reconciliation or first communion rite?

It is so nice of you to be concerned for your friend.

Your friend should contact a priest and join the next RCIA class. She will learn all she needs to know; go to reconciliation, first communion and be confirmed at Easter.

 

[Usige]

She should speak with her pastor first as she should have some preparation to receive the sacraments. Strictly speaking it is not required since she is already Catholic Canon 912 - “Any baptized person who is not prohibited by law can **and must **be admitted to Holy Communion”], but she shouldn’t just approach the sacraments willy-nilly. She should have an understanding of what it truly is and can receive with “faith and devotion” [Canon 913].

She should tell the pastor very clearly that she was baptized in the Catholic Church, but never catechized in the faith. Strictly speaking she should not be in RCIA, though that might be where she ends up. Some parishes also have adult catechism classes for adults to “catch up” on their sacrament prep. I merely mention this since the pastor should guide here rather than her simply signing up for RCIA as if that is her only option.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

So I have a friend who was baptized Catholic as a child and I have even seen her baptismal record from 1986, it’s valid. Shortly after her baptism her mother left the church and never raised her Catholic. Can my friend go to the confessional and receive the Precious Blood and Body of Christ even though there was never a formal reconciliation or first communion rite?

If she was indeed baptised Catholic 30 years ago and presuming that there is no intervening irregularity (e.g. having married outside the Church with someone with whom she is still living) then there is no canonical impediment to her receiving reconciliation and Eucharist, even immediately.

While this is normally celebrated as a moment of occasion in youth, this is 30 years beyond her baptism and there is nothing preventing her, as an adult, to returning to the practice of faith (even though she is completely uncatechised).

That said, she would do very well to participate in some sort of adult education programme in order to better understand…and also to do what is needed to eventually receive the sacrament of Confirmation. That process is highly localised and may be as little as a one day session or, in other dioceses, a more involved process.

they will help her come into full communion.

She does not have to be received into full communion with the Church – she is Catholic.