Confirmation help between two churches

[rkrumchak]

I am a member of a parish that I love. I’ll call it parish A. I grew up in parish B and received all of my sacraments there. My children also received their sacraments there except for confirmation. Can I have my children make this sacrament there? The reason I want to is because my parents and some of my brothers and sisters and their families are still there. My children want to receive the sacraments with their cousins. My parents have enrolled them in the CCD program but the priest said that I have to be a member. Is this right? I want to do the right thing, but I can’t imagine why a priest would turn someone away.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

It is technically most appropriate that you and your children receive sacraments at the parish in which you reside (based on the geographical borders of the parish, not where you filled out a registration card). That’s what Canon Law specifies/expects. However, in practice in most of the US, it is the discretion of the pastor (presuming the bishop also permits) to allow these things to be at your parish of your choice, if different than your residence, with many pastors desiring you to be registered there.

 

[Horton]

Typically you would need to get the permission of your current pastor (Parish A) to enroll your children in a sacramental program at another parish. Ultimately it is up to the pastor of Parish B.