Communion Before Confirmation

[Dave27360]

On the other hand, in using the word “confirmed,” most cradle Roman Catholics are referring to their reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation which most likely occurred between somewhere between the ages of 8-18 and (except in very recent times in a limited number of dioceses) most always occurred after receiving First Eucharist.

I use “most” in the paragraph above because there are also baptized but previously unconfirmed Roman Catholics who receive the Sacrament of Confirmation (as well First Eucharist if they have not already received it) along with the catechumens and candidates at the Easter Vigil.

Hence, different understandings of “Communion before Confirmation.”

And now I wonder if I have clarified or added to the confusion.

.

Terminology has caused some confusion. When I put Communion Before Confirmation my meaning of Confirmation was the second meaning which I quoted above. I was baptized validly outside of the Catholic church. I lived a Christian life prior to my intentions of converting. If I fit the criteria for communion I want to be able to receive communion. I fit the criteria of believe in transubstantiation, being in a state of grace, not in a state of excommunication, and observe the Eucharistic fast. I no longer consider myself protestant. I still need to go through RCIA for further education. These “traditions” may be why my RCIA suggested that I speak with the priest of the parish.

 

[felsguy]

Terminology has caused some confusion. When I put Communion Before Confirmation my meaning of Confirmation was the second meaning which I quoted above. I was baptized validly outside of the Catholic church. I lived a Christian life prior to my intentions of converting. If I fit the criteria for communion I want to be able to receive communion. I fit the criteria of believe in transubstantiation, being in a state of grace, not in a state of excommunication, and observe the Eucharistic fast. I no longer consider myself protestant. I still need to go through RCIA for further education. These “traditions” may be why my RCIA suggested that I speak with the priest of the parish.

Dave

I don’t think any one of us here could give a definitive answer regarding your particular situation. That’s why it would be a good idea to speak with whomever at your parish would make that decision. Most likely that would be the pastor. To be diplomatic, you might ask your RCIA director to arrange a time for you, the director, and your pastor to sit down and explore your options. That’s what we do at our parish when there are out of the ordinary situations.

I would add that while baptised non-Catholics often do go through the entire RCIA program for instruction, it is not an absolute requirement. In fact, again quoting from the National Statutes (particular laws re RCIA for the dioceses of the United States promulgated by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops), “those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community shoould not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate.”

Finally I would add a few personal observations: 1) how RCIA actually is conducted varies widely from diocese to diocese and from parish to parish; 2) at the parish level it is the pastor who ultimately determines how RCIA is conducted; and 3) discussions need to be very tactful when that local determination does not follow the Rite and/or the statutes precisely.

My prayers as you continue your journey to "full communion. May it be smooth and swift.

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[Dave27360]

I think it would be best to give the priest a call and arrange a time. My RCIA director suggestion I contact one of the priests at the parish about this so there is no need to ask the RCIS director to schedule a time for me. The RCIA director also gave me a useful wikipedia article on “Spiritual Communion”. I will talk to my priest about being able to receive communion and take their advise.