Can I still receive Communion?

[slewi]

Hello!

I recently am returning to the faith after many years absence. I was baptised Methodist, then went to Catholic school where I received First Holy Communion. During my return I have been going to mass, confession and communion.

I just signed up with a new parish, and am starting RCIA classes this month. Now father comes and tells me they have no record of my receiving communion in second grade at the school I attended. He told me I would have to go through everything, including first confession and first holy communion all over again, and that those sacraments and confirmation can all be done over Easter Vigil. He called it a technicality.

Father said I can go to confession, but I am confused as to whether or not I can receive? I know I went through three years of catholic school, have pictures and fond memories of my having been an altar boy, receiving my first communion and others. I don’t want to commit a sin if I’m not supposed to receive, but at this point in my transition, I don’t want to be without the sacraments I now rely on. Can you help?

Stephen

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Stephen,

There seems to be a blind spot in your sacramental history. But you were validly baptised. You didn’t do anything wrong. You were instructed along with all the Catholic children. I would suggest that you talk to a priest in another parish. You shouldn’t need to go through a whole RCIA program. You do need to be prepared for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. If you run into more trouble, write me privately on the forum and I will see what I can do.

I don’t see why you cannot continue to go to Confession and receive Holy Communion.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.