Confirmation DENIED

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From your posts, Helen31, it would seem to me that your soul is in danger.
You’re being rebellious, it seems, toward the Church and that is always grave.

I prayed to Our Lady for you–Hope you return to an obedient spirit soon.
 
“Grave inconvenience” is not a vague term for those who interpret Canon Law. It is “legalese” for the highest standard. Compare it to “a just reason”.
 
As other posters have mentioned, my suggestion is also adult confirmation. I did that. It was awesome. My parish had a class that met on Saturdays mornings for 5 weeks, then we had the confirmation during Mass.
 
Helen31 said:
I’m starting to think the Orthodox Christians may be a better bet, but I hear they’re expensive.
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Sorry, but I’m a bit confused about this statement. In what way is the Orthodox Church chrismation (confirmation) “expensive”? They don’t charge you to be chrismated, or to join the church for that matter. So what expense can there be?
 
Helen31,

I do not recommend that you attempt to receive fellowship or sacraments within the Orthodox communion. There are documents of the Council of Ephesus (431 A. D.), the Council of Chalcedon (451 A. D.), and the Second Council of Nicaea (787 A. D.) that affirm the Apostle Peter is the head of the faith, the rock of the Church, and that the Roman Church has the chief rank and authority, all of which are rejected by the Orthodox communion even though they subscribe to those ecumenical councils. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, subscribes to the councils and she affirms everything in them. To join the Orthodox communion is to join a schismatic communion.

I know you are upset with what is going on in your situation; I would not be the happiest person if any priest told me, after I ask for Confirmation, that I don’t need it. Personally, I have yet to receive the Sacrament. I ask you, one Catholic to another, that you do not withhold going to Confession. Our Lord Jesus Christ told His Apostles in John 20 that if they forgive the sins of any they are forgiven and if they retain the sins of any they are retained. This goes well with Him saying “the one who hears you hears Me” and with St. Ignatius of Antioch advising Christians to respect the presbyter/priest as if he were one of the Apostles. Even if a priest denies giving you the Sacrament of Confirmation, go to him for Confession anyway. You would be more humble and godly than him in that case.

Your near death experience was quite the intense read. I’m glad you are alive and well. As for the title of the song that came on – that was rather neat. With God there are no coincidences.

I wish you well. May the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls make your Confirmation happen soon.

Pax tecum.
 
To the OP:

By now you should have contacted the Bishop’s office. What did they say?
 
Now, many years later, I feel like a got a permenant “incomplete” in sacramental life, as all the priests I know of or have talked to about it say I don’t need it.
[edited]
 
AniCS;10712192S:
Now, many years later, I feel like a got a permenant “incomplete” in sacramental life, as all the priests I know of or have talked to about it say I don’t need it.

I hope I am wrong, but please let us know the name of a priest that said you don’t need the sacrament of Confirmation.
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It is against forum rules to single out priests by name over things like this, since they may not have exactly said or done what the poster says they have said or done - the poster may be mistaken, or worse (no offence), and the priest is not here to defend himself and set the record straight.
 
credoicxc said:
Helen31,

I do not recommend that you attempt to receive fellowship or sacraments within the Orthodox communion. There are documents of the Council of Ephesus (431 A. D.), the Council of Chalcedon (451 A. D.), and the Second Council of Nicaea (787 A. D.) that affirm the Apostle Peter is the head of the faith, the rock of the Church, and that the Roman Church has the chief rank and authority, all of which are rejected by the Orthodox communion even though they subscribe to those ecumenical councils. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, subscribes to the councils and she affirms everything in them. To join the Orthodox communion is to join a schismatic communion.
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Actually the Orthodox Church doesn’t reject the teachings of these Councils. In fact they accept them as part of the Tradition of the church. The Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church were one Church during the times these councils, they didn’t split until 1054 AD.

By the way, the Orthodox Church does accept the primacy of the Pope. But they believe it is a primacy of honor, not of power. They reject the infallibility of the Pope, but of course that dogmatic teaching came much later.

Also, the Catholic Church acknowledges both the validity of Orthodox sacraments, (including Holy Orders) and that the Orthodox church has valid Apostolic Succession. The Canons of the Church allow Catholics to receive the sacraments, validly, from Orthodox priests if the necessity arises.
 
Read the bylaws. A club gets to make its own rules. You get to join if you like. Or stay home if you prefer.
 
Hi, “Helen31”.

Any update on this matter?

I think you can either let this bother you for MANY more years, or you can deal with it.

Since you have already gone through several steps, talking to your priest about getting confirmed should be easy. At the most, I think it would be only one year away (for example, if you go through the year’s Adult PREP class or RCIA).

I have seen children denied First Communion, but that has been justified. Usually, those children have skipped most of the PREP classes for that year (Grade 2), and their parents haven’t been very supportive of them during the year. Then they come to the last class and are very upset, whine, and cry when the priest tells them they have not completed the requirements for the year. Then they ask the priest if he could waive the requirements or bend the rules. But that would discredit all the hard work and conscientious attendance of all the other children–who did make the effort to attend all classes and do all the homework. After all, why interrupt your video game playing to attend PREP classes and do the homework if you can come to the last class only and whine your way to a First Communion? In these cases, I totally agree that the child should have to re-do the year and do it properly. Some of them treat it like a joke and their parents are no better.

Your situation is different. Confirmation versus Communion. And you are an adult, not a child.
But like I said, at most, I think it is less than one year away. Talk to a priest. Ask questions. Find out what it would take for you to address this matter. Then the ball is in your court and you have to decide if you are actually going to do it.
 
Helen31 said:
Yea I don’t know. The last time I went to confession, the very next day before I even had a chance to have a moment of impure thoughts, words or deeds, I had a near death experience or something like that. (should probabally be in a new post or something)
You see I was sitting at my desk at work, just another boring day at the LONELY office, and I got hungry for a snack. So I had some triscuts (I love triscuts). Anyway I forgot I was out of coffee, and the last one got lodged in my throat. It didn’t hurt a bit, but I couldn’t swallow my saliva, and I had no clue what was going on till I tried to inhale, and no air was getting in. So I tried to exhale, and no air was getting out. So I thought to myself, I must be choaking what do I do? I’ve known first aid/ cpr /heimlich my entire life but never had to use it, and now I’m the one that needs it.🤷
I finally got up from my chair and tried to do it to myself, but it didn’t work. I felt so alone, but a great song came on the radio, I forgot what it was because I was trying to figure out what to do. Anyways I knew the Lord was incontrol of all my worldly affairs (meaning my son would be fine if it was my time to go.) And I just got a really wonderful feeling, like such a warm and loving feeling penetrating heart and enveloping my soul. As soon as I felt that, I looked out the window of my second story office and saw a floor of clouds and just as soon as I saw it, it was like I was walking on those same clouds. I just got this feeling (practically knowing) that if I waited just a second or two longer it was going to be irrestiable. But I’ve got a job at hand. So I started harrassing my work buddy for help, she said I was turning blue and she couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me, and instead of giving her the international choking sign, I showed her how to do the heimlich manover and pointed to my neck. Thank God she was there!! After the triscut was dislodged I sat there regaining my breath and what comes on the radio? Gun’s & Roses “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”. Coincidence? Sure I’ll go with that. But what comes on the radio after that? Queen’s “Another one Bites the Dust.” I just said this is just too much, and I went home and called it day.
But what’s that got to do with confirmation? It’s on my bucket list. I was baptised a Roman Catholic, and raised one (although not a good one). We’re supposed to do the sacraments one at a time, just like my brothers and my sister.
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I like you 🙂

So, are you confirmed yet?
 
I didn’t read through the entire thread, maybe someone else has told you this already. I taught pre-confirmation at my Parish a couple years ago. It was a scripture study course. My students were 7th graders. Most of them couldn’t have cared less about the class. I did have a final exam for the course; however, failure would not be cause to deny them Confirmation. In other words, I had no accountability for their learning. I spoke to my DRE and Pastor about this, and my frustration. I was told that a request for Confirmation cannot be denied, period. The Pastor had just received his Canon Law degree at this time, so I trust he was right Furthermore he stated, you are not confirming your faith through Confirmation, nor is the Priest or Bishop confirming you into the Church. You instead, receive Confirmation from God. God confirms you. For that reason, Confirmation cannot be denied, even if the classes weren’t completed.

As others have told you, go back to your Parish priest and respectfully request the Sacrament of Confirmation. You cannot be denied.
 
Hi! Thanks for all the replies! I just wanted to give you guys an update. I have gone back to confession, and receieved the sacrament of reconcillation. I ate triscuts again, and I did not choke 😃 I remember one of the priests asking what the effects of confirmation were on my soul, and all I know is that it’s supposed to perfect it somehow. I also need to find a sponser, and do more community service (did plenty of it for fun while I was unemployed).
I suppose confirmation is on the back burner next to marriage, because it’s very common to do multiple sacraments at the same time (like the folks in RCIA), and they might have an idea of who to get hitched to. I’ve actually had some sort of “divine inspiration” if thats what you’d call it. There’s a fellow I’ve seen around church a few times, no ring on his finger. When I shook hands with him, he left me with this wierd impression like he’s Clark Kent or something (maybe cause he almost broke my hand), but I haven’t really said Hi or anything. I saw him again around town when I was driving around lost, for what ever reason I didn’t ask him for directions, I just drove off, and I can honestly say I turned GAY! Like 1950something GAY, giddy with uncorns and glitter and junk like that. This effect lasted a few days, so I used my gayness and I came up with a big fat Gay wedding, it took me like 20 minutes to come up with the completed wedding idea and I don’t know his name, or even if he’s the right one:shrug:
Anyways one of these days… I guess I’ll figure it out
 
Helen31 said:
Hi! Thanks for all the replies! I just wanted to give you guys an update. I have gone back to confession, and receieved the sacrament of reconcillation. I ate triscuts again, and I did not choke 😃 I remember one of the priests asking what the effects of confirmation were on my soul, and all I know is that it’s supposed to perfect it somehow. I also need to find a sponser, and do more community service (did plenty of it for fun while I was unemployed).
I suppose confirmation is on the back burner next to marriage, because it’s very common to do multiple sacraments at the same time (like the folks in RCIA), and they might have an idea of who to get hitched to. I’ve actually had some sort of “divine inspiration” if thats what you’d call it. There’s a fellow I’ve seen around church a few times, no ring on his finger. When I shook hands with him, he left me with this wierd impression like he’s Clark Kent or something (maybe cause he almost broke my hand), but I haven’t really said Hi or anything. I saw him again around town when I was driving around lost, for what ever reason I didn’t ask him for directions, I just drove off, and I can honestly say I turned GAY! Like 1950something GAY, giddy with uncorns and glitter and junk like that. This effect lasted a few days, so I used my gayness and I came up with a big fat Gay wedding, it took me like 20 minutes to come up with the completed wedding idea and I don’t know his name, or even if he’s the right one:shrug:
Anyways one of these days… I guess I’ll figure it out
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You are so awesome! 🙂

Just wish you would get confirmed.
 
Helen31 said:
Hi! Thanks for all the replies! I just wanted to give you guys an update. I have gone back to confession, and receieved the sacrament of reconcillation. I ate triscuts again, and I did not choke 😃 I remember one of the priests asking what the effects of confirmation were on my soul, and all I know is that it’s supposed to perfect it somehow. I also need to find a sponser, and do more community service (did plenty of it for fun while I was unemployed).
I suppose confirmation is on the back burner next to marriage, because it’s very common to do multiple sacraments at the same time (like the folks in RCIA), and they might have an idea of who to get hitched to. I’ve actually had some sort of “divine inspiration” if thats what you’d call it. There’s a fellow I’ve seen around church a few times, no ring on his finger. When I shook hands with him, he left me with this wierd impression like he’s Clark Kent or something (maybe cause he almost broke my hand), but I haven’t really said Hi or anything. I saw him again around town when I was driving around lost, for what ever reason I didn’t ask him for directions, I just drove off, and I can honestly say I turned GAY! Like 1950something GAY, giddy with uncorns and glitter and junk like that. This effect lasted a few days, so I used my gayness and I came up with a big fat Gay wedding, it took me like 20 minutes to come up with the completed wedding idea and I don’t know his name, or even if he’s the right one:shrug:
Anyways one of these days… I guess I’ll figure it out
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This may be the most confusing post I have ever read. It’s like a James Joyce novel.
 
Helen31 said:
lol, why thankyou Katrin! What do you know about all this stuff? You’re Jewish 😛
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I learned about the church 😛
And next time you see that Clark Kent guy, ask him how he wants to make up for that handshake that almost broke your arm last time
 
Helen31 said:
I remember one of the priests asking what the effects of confirmation were on my soul, and all I know is that it’s supposed to perfect it somehow.
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Perhaps this would explain more deeply the effects of Confirmation for you. 🙂

The Catechism of the Catholic Church
1302 It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.

1303 From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
—it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;
—it unites us more firmly to Christ;
—it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
—it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
—it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:
Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.

1304 Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the “character,” which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.

1305 This “character” perfects the common priesthood of the faithful, received in Baptism, and “the confirmed person receives the power to profess faith in Christ publicly and as it were officially (quasi ex officio).”
 
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