Can one baptized in the SSPX receive Communion?

[GregoryMurray]

Here is my situation:

I became a Catholic under the guidance of an SSPX priest using the Baltimore Catechism to teach me the faith. I was baptized on December 8, 2013, and received my First Communion. Now, however, after further study, prayer, and reflection, I wish to join my local “mainstream” parish, put the SSPX behind me, and just become a regular Catholic.

Three days ago I went to my local parish and went to confession, told the priest of my situation and confessed my sins. He absolved me. However, it never occurred to me that being baptized in the SSPX, not just a straying Catholic returning to the fold, might be an issue (if it is). This morning I went to Mass at my parish and received Communion.

Afterwards I was directed to the office in order to register. I explained I’ve actually never been a member of an official parish, so this will be my first. I was told by the office person that I can’t receive Communion until I go through the RCIA program and become a Catholic, that SSPX isn’t Catholic, and that therefore I’m not a Catholic yet. Then I was told, by the same person, that I also couldn’t receive Communion until I and my spouse (one-and-only marriage for both of us), who is not a Catholic, have a Catholic wedding.

Needless to say, all of these revelations surprised me. Are they true?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

No. This “office person” sounds to me like he or she seriously overstepped his or her personal authority. I recommend discussing your situation with the pastor of the parish. While you might be asked to make a statement of faith, there should be no reason you would be required to go through RCIA. Once you are ready to go through preparation for confirmation, you may be placed in the RCIA program for the sake of convenience, but you would still be able to receive Communion in the meantime.

As for your marriage, if you were married by an SSPX priest, you may need to have your marriage regularized (since the SSPX do not have faculties to act as official witnesses of Catholic marriages). But if there are no impediments to the marriage, then getting your marital status regularized should be fairly simple. Your marriage situation would also be something to discuss with the pastor to get his (name removed by moderator)ut and recommendations.