Communion before Confirmation?

[TheColonel]

I’m confused. My Godson is 13 (almost 14) and he was baptized in the catholic Church when he was an infant.

He was not taken to church for 13 years but has been attending mass with his mother and me since mid 2013. He is enrolled in RCIA and Family Faith Formation (Crossroads for 8th graders.)

We have been told that he will make his first Reconciliation and then receive his First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil in 2014. HOWEVER, he has been told that there will be another year of RCIA AFTER First Communion before he can be Confirmed.

I read in this forum that receiving "First Communion before Confirmation is was a papal permission of the 20th century. If one does not receive First Communion at age seven, one must be confirmed before receiving Communion.”

Why is our parish able to override Church Canon on the order of Confirmation and Communion?

Also, is attendance at every Crossroads (Family Faith Formation) required for him to receive the sacraments? He has missed a couple of them due to weather and illness and we are worried that Confirmation and Communion could be in jeopardy.

 

[CatholicRaven]

In the United States, many parishes do First Communion before Confirmation, even if the child is over 7 years old–my 9-year-old is currently in classes for First Communion, in fact, as he was a bit immature at age 7 and we decided he wasn’t ready. (Adults coming into the Church, however, generally are Baptized and Confirmed and then receive First Communion.) I don’t know if this is an allowance made specifically for US churches (and perhaps other countries), or if each Bishop makes that call for his diocese, or what, but I would not presume that your Godson’s parish is doing anything wrong without a *whole lot *more proof than a quote on a message board (even this message board).

Ask the priest if you’re confused about it, but I suspect you simply misunderstand the rules.

As for the issue of attendance, that can vary a bit depending on the priest, the parish, and the circumstances. Usually, a couple of missed classes due to illness or weather is not going to delay a child’s reception of the Sacraments, but it really depends on how much he has missed. Have his mother speak with the instructor or DRE, and one of them can most likely get you an answer.

 

[ccmcmg]

In times past, confirmation was at or before First Communion (and First Reconciliation was before that).

However, perhaps his confirmation is being delayed so that he can receive it with his class next year.

Also, just because it’s on CAF, the Canons and Catechisms are what contain the rules of the Church, not the forum. Plus, there are sometimes varying guidelines (when available) for certain things. I do not know if this is one, but take that under advisement as well.

 

[pianistclare]

our Diocese has a 2 year prep rule for all Sacraments unless you are in children’s RCIA and need Baptism as well as Reconciliation and Communion.

Also, to compound that, our Bishop desires that teens be 15 to be Confirmed, and ALSO to have completed 2 years of catechesis plus a determined number of hours of dedicated instruction for Confirmation.

Talk to your DRE about the requirements in your area. It is my understanding that Bishops have the ultimate say on when a person is Confirmed and what type and amount of religious ed is necessary.

All will be well. Sounds like you are doing a good job supporting him in his faith journey.
God bless you!
pianist

 

[Phemie]

A priest has the faculty to confirm a non-Catholic adult being baptized or received into full communion. That’s not the case with the confirmation of a baptized Catholic which is reserved to the bishop.

The bishop may grant the faculty to a priest to impose the sacrament of Confirmation but it’s likely that your bishop has opted not to do so.

There is no Church law that says "First Communion before Confirmation is was a papal permission of the 20th century. If one does not receive First Communion at age seven, one must be confirmed before receiving Communion.”

 

[Joannm]

Why is he taking part in the Vigil?

 

[TheColonel]

I don’t know that he is taking part in the vigil itself, just that it has been designated as the weekend when his class will be receiving First Holy Communion.

I’m concerned that, while RCIA is really educational for him, Crossroads Family Faith Formation is not age-appropriate and he finds it childish and boring. It is also held at a very inconvenient time on Sunday, which is our family’s only day to be together. We need to drop everything to get him to Crossroads at 5pm, right in the middle of our family dinner. I don’t know that we can keep this up for another entire year.

It seems counterintuitive that someone completely new to the Church, who has not even been Baptized, is able to receive all of the first four sacraments at once, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Communion.

As to Church Law being silent concerning the order of Confirmation and Communion, suffice it to say that I have found enough Archdiocese stating online in writing that the order for Catecumens is indeed Confirmation THEN Communion and THEY cite Church doctrine as the reason. Communion at 7 and Confirmation at 12 was a 20th Century departure from the usual order of things.

Remember: “The absence of evidence is not to be misconstrued as evidence of absence.” I’m still looking for church law that determines these things.

Anyway, I was hoping for a definitive answer other than “You must do it this way because we say it this way.” That is precisely the attitude that has driven a lot of Catholics away throughout the years, including this one.

We’re hanging in there but no one budging on what appears to be a capricious local rule by fiat is not helping.

 

[Phemie]

It seems counterintuitive that someone completely new to the Church, who has not even been Baptized, is able to receive all of the first four sacraments at once, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Communion.

As to Church Law being silent concerning the order of Confirmation and Communion, suffice it to say that I have found enough Archdiocese stating online in writing that the order for Catecumens is indeed Confirmation THEN Communion and THEY cite Church doctrine as the reason. Communion at 7 and Confirmation at 12 was a 20th Century departure from the usual order of things.

Remember: “The absence of evidence is not to be misconstrued as evidence of absence.” I’m still looking for church law that determines these things.

It’s true that when the Church speaks of the sacraments of initiation she speaks of Baptism, Confirmation, Communion – in that order.

It’s also true that what is done for Catechumens is one thing and what is done for already baptized Catholics is another. Doesn’t seem fair, which is why some bishops are changing things but until they’ve all decided to follow the catechumenal model we are where we are.

Anyway, I was hoping for a definitive answer other than “You must do it this way because we say it this way.” That is precisely the attitude that has driven a lot of Catholics away throughout the years, including this one.

We’re hanging in there but no one budging on** what appears to be a capricious local rule by fiat **is not helping.

It’s the Bishop’s prerogative to confirm his own subjects and while Canon Law sets the age of Confirmation as the age of reason (unless in danger of dying) it also states that Bishops can set whatever age they deem appropriate.

Now, personally, I’d like to return to all three sacraments in infancy and, if I can’t have that, Confirmation and Communion in the same ceremony at the age of reason. But my bishop does not agree so what’s a gal to do? OBEY.

 

[TheColonel]

Yes, you are right about that. Catholics must OBEY!

We have a new Bishop here in Fort Worth and we will be meeting him in two weeks. If there’s a Q&A I might ask him if he might be inclined to change the way it’s being done.

 

[Phemie]

Yes, you are right about that. Catholics must OBEY!

We have a new Bishop here in Fort Worth and we will be meeting him in two weeks. If there’s a Q&A I might ask him if he might be inclined to change the way it’s being done.

Again you have to remember that your priest is not allowed to confirm your son without an express mandate from the bishop.

If Confirmation for his class is next year and he can receive Communion this year that is perfectly valid. That’s the order in which most baptized Catholics receive in North America and Europe. It’s changing but slooooowly.

 

[CatholicRaven]

We all generally do things we don’t like and don’t want to do, in order to have something we do need or want more. Many people suffer through a class they find boring in order to get the information and/or the grade they need. Of course, if you feel he needs more or deeper instruction than he’s getting, why not take that task on yourself? After all, you are his Godparent…

It is also held at a very inconvenient time on Sunday, which is our family’s only day to be together. We need to drop everything to get him to Crossroads at 5pm, right in the middle of our family dinner. I don’t know that we can keep this up for another entire year.

Seriously, THIS is a major concern? What, you can’t possibly change a family meal time, at least temporarily, because your Godson’s faith is worth the small sacrifice and inconvenience? Sorry, I just can’t summon any sympathy for this one. It’s not “family day,” anyway (though spending it with family is a good thing)… it’s the Lord’s Day. But maybe you were just venting… in which case, I take back my comments.

It seems counterintuitive that someone completely new to the Church, who has not even been Baptized, is able to receive all of the first four sacraments at once, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Communion.

Why? It doesn’t seem counterintuitive to me to do these Sacraments together if the person is prepared and old enough to understand their responsibilities (or a parent is able to take that responsibility on for them until they are old enough). IIRC, it used to be commonly done that way. But in any case, there is generally plenty of preparation before the Sacraments are received, so it’s not like the priest is grabbing people off the street and giving them all the Sacraments with no obligation or instruction. And parents and/or Godparents have the responsibility to help continue that instruction.

And as a side note: Since Baptism washes away sin, Reconciliation isn’t included there unless the person is already properly Baptized (and even then, Reconciliation is generally done beforehand, not at the same time).

As to Church Law being silent concerning the order of Confirmation and Communion, suffice it to say that I have found enough Archdiocese stating online in writing that the order for Catecumens is indeed Confirmation THEN Communion and THEY cite Church doctrine as the reason. Communion at 7 and Confirmation at 12 was a 20th Century departure from the usual order of things.

Are you talking about this being on your Godson’s Archdiocese’s website? If so, then I suggest again that you speak to the pastor about it. There is most likely a good reason for the way they do things–such as, perhaps your Godson is not considered to be a “Catechumen” because he’s not converting; he’s probably considered a “Confirmand” since he’s already a baptized Catholic. Which means the quote above is irrelevent to your situation. Not to mention, even if it was regular practice for Confirmands in his archdiocese, there are generally exceptions made for some situations.

Anyway, I was hoping for a definitive answer other than “You must do it this way because we say it this way.”

Wow, that seems like a bit of a harsh twist of what was said. And yet… don’t you do what Jesus said, simply because He said it? So why the problem with your local Bishop’s authority to define how members of his diocese are to prepare for and receive the Sacraments?

That is precisely the attitude that has driven a lot of Catholics away throughout the years, including this one.

Wait… so you’re saying you have fallen away from the Church because you don’t want to accept Her authority? If so, I’m very confused as to why you would even agree to be a Godparent–who is supposed to help him learn and live the faith–if you don’t accept the Church’s authority, don’t agree with the way things are done in the archdiocese, and find instruction in the faith tiresome and inconvenient rather than important? That just seems… odd to me. A cultural thing? A family obligation? Something else?

Will pray for you and your Godson.

 

[TheColonel]

CatholicRaven:

Why are YOU judging me and my family? You have no idea who we are or what our circumstances are. Your commentary is ugly, unnecessary, and unwarranted.

Kindly recuse yourself from this discussion thread so that rational thought might prevail.

 

[1ke]

I’m confused. My Godson is 13 (almost 14) and he was baptized in the catholic Church when he was an infant.

He was not taken to church for 13 years but has been attending mass with his mother and me since mid 2013. He is enrolled in RCIA and Family Faith Formation (Crossroads for 8th graders.)

Sigh.

As a Catholic, your godson does not belong in RCIA. Age appropriate faith formation, and possibly a catch-up curriculum would be appropriate.

We have been told that he will make his first Reconciliation and then receive his First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil in 2014. HOWEVER, he has been told that there will be another year of RCIA AFTER First Communion before he can be Confirmed.

He can make his first communion at any time. I am not sure why the pastor would be holding him back from starting to receive ASAP assuming your godson understands what the Eucharist is.

I read in this forum that receiving "First Communion before Confirmation is was a papal permission of the 20th century. If one does not receive First Communion at age seven, one must be confirmed before receiving Communion.”

You may have read that somewhere on this forum but that is not an accurate statement.

Why is our parish able to override Church Canon on the order of Confirmation and Communion?

Because the above is not a true statement.

And, as a baptized Catholic, his confirmation is reserved to the Bishop (unless the Bishop gives permission to the pastor to confirm him) and he will likely go for confirmation with the rest of his age group-- sounds about right, 10th grade.

Also, is attendance at every Crossroads (Family Faith Formation) required for him to receive the sacraments? He has missed a couple of them due to weather and illness and we are worried that Confirmation and Communion could be in jeopardy.

What is required is that his pastor believes he is properly formed and ready for each sacrament, which may or may not be the result of attending “Crossroads” programs.

 

[1ke]

I’m concerned that, while RCIA is really educational for him, Crossroads Family Faith Formation is not age-appropriate and he finds it childish and boring. It is also held at a very inconvenient time on Sunday, which is our family’s only day to be together. We need to drop everything to get him to Crossroads at 5pm, right in the middle of our family dinner. I don’t know that we can keep this up for another entire year.

I would suggest that you bring your concerns to your pastor.

It seems counterintuitive that someone completely new to the Church, who has not even been Baptized, is able to receive all of the first four sacraments at once, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Communion.

They receive three sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This is the tradition in the Latin Rite Church-- that adults receive all three at one time while children are initiated over time based on their growth in knowledge and faith.

As to Church Law being silent concerning the order of Confirmation and Communion

The law does not state an order for children. The law leaves it up to the bishops to determine the age in their diocese.

Can.* 912 Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy communion.

Can.* 913 §1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.

§2. The Most Holy Eucharist, however, can be administered to children in danger of death if they can distinguish the body of Christ from ordinary food and receive communion reverently.

Can.* 912 Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy communion.

Can.* 913 §1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.

Can.* 889 §1. Every baptized person not yet confirmed and only such a person is capable of receiving confirmation.

§2. To receive confirmation licitly outside the danger of death requires that a person who has the use of reason be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew the baptismal promises.

Can.* 890 The faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the proper time. Parents and pastors of souls, especially pastors of parishes, are to take care that the faithful are properly instructed to receive the sacrament and come to it at the appropriate time.

Can.* 891 The sacrament of confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at about the age of discretion unless the conference of bishops has determined another age, or there is danger of death, or in the judgment of the minister a grave cause suggests otherwise.

suffice it to say that I have found enough Archdiocese stating online in writing that the order for Catecumens is indeed Confirmation THEN Communion

That is if all three sacraments of initiation happen at one Mass because the Baptism and Confirmation Rites take place during the Liturgy of the Word (in place of the Creed) and Communion comes at the end of Mass.

However, there are many catechumens and candidates who are received into the Church without all three sacraments of initiation happening at the same time, for various reasons.

and THEY cite Church doctrine as the reason.

That does not make it an accurate statement.

Communion at 7 and Confirmation at 12 was a 20th Century departure from the usual order of things.

So what? It has varied over 2000 years. It will vary again in the future.

Remember: “The absence of evidence is not to be misconstrued as evidence of absence.” I’m still looking for church law that determines these things.

You won’t find it, it is left to the bishops to decide in their diocese how it will be done.

Anyway, I was hoping for a definitive answer other than “You must do it this way because we say it this way.” That is precisely the attitude that has driven a lot of Catholics away throughout the years, including this one.

Go talk to your pastor.

We’re hanging in there but no one budging on what appears to be a capricious local rule by fiat is not helping.

Obedience can be a hard thing to learn. I hope you and your godson will grow in the virtue of patience through this process. I am sorry that it is frustrating you and I do hope your pastor will have some solutions for you.

 

[CatholicRaven]

CatholicRaven:

Why are YOU judging me and my family? You have no idea who we are or what our circumstances are. Your commentary is ugly, unnecessary, and unwarranted.

Kindly recuse yourself from this discussion thread so that rational thought might prevail.

I did not intend any disrespect in my post. I was not being sarcastic; I truly am confused as to why you agreed to do something you seem not to agree with nor want to do. If it was worded poorly and came across as judgemental, irrational, or hurtful, I truly apologize and I respectfully withdraw from this discussion.

 

[ccmcmg]

CatholicRaven:

Why are YOU judging me and my family? You have no idea who we are or what our circumstances are. Your commentary is ugly, unnecessary, and unwarranted.

Kindly recuse yourself from this discussion thread so that rational thought might prevail.

CatholicRaven was not being disrespectful, but was trying to clarify the situation for both your answers and so that people could assist you by knowing more facts of the situation. Just because CatholicRaven might have said something you didn’t like or didn’t want to hear doesn’t make it ugly or judgemental.

I pray that you yourself are able to reconcile yourself with the Church fully. God bless your Godson and all the family.

 

[TheColonel]

I was hoping this did not have to go to this, but here we go.

Let’s take it in the original offender’s order (even though, wisely she has receded herself).

1. If the Church would accept my religious education of my godson, then he would have been receiving Communion for many months now. The fact is that our parish DEMANDs that RCIA and FFF be taught only by them. There is no “home school” option or I would have chosen it.
2. None of you know me or my family’s situation. My eldest son is severely disabled and Sunday between certain hours is all we have. I am a disabled Vet, and have been raising my Godson, as a father, since he was an infant. Your lack of understanding of family needs, yet your willingness to condemn my family is astounding, and frankly sinful. Be sure to confess it. You have sinned.
3. The condemner’s next paragraph was nothing but “dogma talking point word salad.” We’ll let it go at that.
4. Since all of the Baptisms, needed by those RCIA children who had not been Baptized, have been done, our Parish now refers to all of the RCIA kids as Catechumens. That’s not my word for it. Let’s not hide behind semantics.
5. I obey God and Jesus only. No one judges me but God. Especially not any of you.
6. The church is not a “her” it is an “it.” That being said, do you really want to go into the reasons so many Catholics left the church in the past half century? Child rape and cover-ups were institutionalized in the church until Pope Francis came along.

The church lost it’s moral authority over men the first time it decided to allow pedophile priests to have their way with children. It is only now, as an institution, slowly regaining MY trust. I did not stray from the church. The church strayed from Jesus. Jesus is and has always been with me and I have followed Him.

Judgmental people are yet another reason I stayed away. None of you are contributing to the discussion as rational people, but as doctrinal automatons. The Pastor and the Bishop are not infallible. The Holy Father is infallible ONLY on matters of dogma while speaking from the Holy See. So, let’s just end this discussion. I found out what I needed to find out.

You can say you will pray for me all you want but your judgement of me and my family is passive-aggressive sin and entirely on YOUR souls. I neither want nor need your phony prayers.

Please don’t respond. We’re done here.

 

[ccmcmg]

I was hoping this did not have to go to this, but here we go.

Let’s take it in the original offender’s order (even though, wisely she has receded herself).

1. If the Church would accept my religious education of my godson, then he would have been receiving Communion for many months now. The fact is that our parish DEMANDs that RCIA and FFF be taught only by them. There is no “home school” option or I would have chosen it.
2. None of you know me or my family’s situation. My eldest son is severely disabled and Sunday between certain hours is all we have. I am a disabled Vet, and have been raising my Godson, as a father, since he was an infant. Your lack of understanding of family needs, yet your willingness to condemn my family is astounding, and frankly sinful. Be sure to confess it. You have sinned.
3. The condemner’s next paragraph was nothing but “dogma talking point word salad.” We’ll let it go at that.
4. Since all of the Baptisms, needed by those RCIA children who had not been Baptized, have been done, our Parish now refers to all of the RCIA kids as Catechumens. That’s not my word for it. Let’s not hide behind semantics.
5. I obey God and Jesus only. No one judges me but God. Especially not any of you.
6. The church is not a “her” it is an “it.” That being said, do you really want to go into the reasons so many Catholics left the church in the past half century? Child rape and cover-ups were institutionalized in the church until Pope Francis came along.

The church lost it’s moral authority over men the first time it decided to allow pedophile priests to have their way with children. It is only now, as an institution, slowly regaining MY trust. I did not stray from the church. The church strayed from Jesus. Jesus is and has always been with me and I have followed Him.

Judgmental people are yet another reason I stayed away. None of you are contributing to the discussion as rational people, but as doctrinal automatons. The Pastor and the Bishop are not infallible. The Holy Father is infallible ONLY on matters of dogma while speaking from the Holy See. So, let’s just end this discussion. I found out what I needed to find out.

You can say you will pray for me all you want but your judgement of me and my family is passive-aggressive sin and entirely on YOUR souls. I neither want nor need your phony prayers.

Please don’t respond. We’re done here.

Brother,
Thank you for sharing with us; it might have been difficult or painful to do so, and I respect that. I appreciate your positions, even if I don’t agree with them. I could sit here and argue each point, but I won’t. Perhaps another day some of these posts will be helpful to you, especially since it was you who originally asked for help, and those responding were trying to help. None of us are perfect; not me, not the other contributors to this thread, not you, not the Pope, not the priests. I haven’t judged you. I can’t comment on others’ intentions, but can only state mine.

Your opinions are yours, and each of us has a right to our opinion. Just as each of us has a right to our feelings. I won’t tell someone that their feelings are wrong, because each of us is in a unique position and circumstance for those feelings, and rightly so. We can only resolve the issues or circumstances that cause those feelings. As for judgmental people, I would say that they are equal across the board, in all walks of life and faith. Some may come across more so, but I would still argue that it’s equal. However, we often feel judged more by a particular person or faith depending on our own relationship with that person or organization. Likewise, condemning or judging others who have judged or condemned us is no less sinful than their sin.

People inside the Church have made mistakes, horrendous mistakes. So have people outside the Church. However, it IS very horrendous considering the organization of what the Church is. If it was one child who was molested, and covered up, it would be too many, and if it was your own child, it wouldn’t matter if billions went unharmed. It would be 100% of your world, and that’s what matters. I can’t, and won’t, defend the sins against children and families that took place, in the Catholic Church. I can, and will, defends the billions who are faithful, practicing Catholics, and not condemn them for the sins of the molesters.

You asked that there was no response. But I didn’t want to leave this thread without sharing this with you. I do share this in charity and love with you. I won’t say that people haven’t judged you, but I can say I, and many, have not. Upon further sharing of your circumstances, the picture has become a little more clear. It’s hard to share all the background information sometimes, in a way that others understand, in the same way that we understand. I have issues in my life, that if I shared what I could without becoming a mess, would be treated harshly, but if I was able to share fully my feelings, the circumstances, the effects on me and my family, people would see it differently. It was impossible to know the circumstances of your situation since we didn’t know them. God bless you for caring for your Godson. Even if the Church, the people in the Church, or anyone else, doesn’t know of your true heart, of your circumstances, God does, and He understands.

If, or when, you return to the Faith, please know that you’ll be welcome. I appreciate so much what you are doing for your Godson. That seems to tell me that you still, deep down, are Catholic, and want to come home.

I pray you have Peace, and again come to see the joy of being Catholic.

 

[TheColonel]

There’s no “returning to the faith.” I’m there. Apparently you missed that whole portion of my story. I’ve been attending Mass in full Communion with the Lord since last April. Before that, I retained my faith in Jesus, but not in the institution of the church.

I simply do not abide by the excessive and arbitrary rules exercised by certain Bishops and Pastors as is my right. Only the Holy Father is infallible and then only on matters of dogma when speaking from the Holy See.

Many of you seem to believe that, to be Catholic is to follow the rules of men blindly. That’s not faith - that’s servitude. There is a word for that kind of servitude in Arabic: Islam. Perhaps that is a better religion for you.

I will not be returning to this thread again. No help here.

 

[ccmcmg]

Anyway, I was hoping for a definitive answer other than “You must do it this way because we say it this way.”** That is precisely the attitude that has driven a lot of Catholics away throughout the years, including this one.**

There’s no “returning to the faith.” I’m there. Apparently you missed that whole portion of my story. I’ve been attending Mass in full Communion with the Lord since last April. Before that, I retained my faith in Jesus, but not in the institution of the church.

I simply do not abide by the excessive and arbitrary rules exercised by certain Bishops and Pastors as is my right. Only the Holy Father is infallible and then only on matters of dogma when speaking from the Holy See.

Many of you seem to believe that, to be Catholic is to follow the rules of men blindly. That’s not faith - that’s servitude. There is a word for that kind of servitude in Arabic: Islam. Perhaps that is a better religion for you.

I will not be returning to this thread again. No help here.

I’m sorry that the only point you seem to take away from any of my posts is to turn something into a negative.

As bolded above, you said you were driven away from the Church; I do not see where you said you yourself were back in communion with the Church. As we know, one can’t assume anything online; look at those who did not know the full extent of your circumstances, made assumptions, and then were lambasted for doing so.

I do not believe, and while some do, many don’t, that we are to follow rules of men blindly. Don’t assume what’s in others’ hearts and minds, as you do not wish them to do so about you. One thing that we must assume responsibility for is finding out the reasons behind the rules. Once I understand the why of something, I can understand the rule a little better. That’s just how my own mind works, and I think it would give peace to many. However, some things are beyond comprehension of man, and man’s mind…the mysteries of the Faith. But I don’t think you have any issues with those, correct? It’s when our ‘rules’ so to speak are based on those same mysteries that it becomes harder to explain.

I still pray that you find the peace, joy and love in the Catholic Church that is there. Sometimes, it’s hidden a little too well. Whether you wanted it or not, I specifically offered my graces that I may have received in the Eucharist, and at Mass, last night, for you, and a few others. There are Catholics who care.