How is this fair?

[MarianD]

How is it fair that I’m denied Communion simply because I haven’t been Catholic long enough to be confirmed, but people who don’t confess mortal sins, sin freely and happily, and have never heard the word Transubstantiation can receive Communion whenever they want?

I’m not saying either group is better than the other, but don’t you think the whole “Not being able to receive Communion before confirmation” thing is a little bit unfair?

I physically and spiritually feel a difference between when I received Communion (before I knew I couldn’t because I haven’t been confirmed yet) and when I stopped receiving. I feel empty, I feel devoid of Christ’s presence in my body, and I feel like I’m being indirectly shunned by the Church as a whole. Communion really is more than just bread and/or wine people—it is the very Bread of Life. Try not receiving Communion for over a month and I promise that, if you cared about receiving the Body of Christ, you will physically and spiritually feel a difference.

 

[baltobetsy]

If I read your religious affiliation correctly, you are in RCIA, waiting to be received into the Catholic Church. That doesn’t mean you are Catholic but not yet confirmed. It means you are not yet Catholic. Once you are received into the Church, you will truly be Catholic and able to receive Holy Communion.

Confirmation is not necessary to receive Holy Communion. Catholic children make their first Confessions and receive their First Communion several years before they are confirmed.

While you wait, offer your longing to God in reparation for all those who receive Communion thoughtlessly and without love. You can also make a spiritual communion. You can google some lovely prayers for that.

Betsy

 

[MarianD]

If I read your religious affiliation correctly, you are in RCIA, waiting to be received into the Catholic Church. That doesn’t mean you are Catholic but not yet confirmed. It means you are not yet Catholic. Once you are received into the Church, you will truly be Catholic and able to receive Holy Communion.

Confirmation is not necessary to receive Holy Communion. Catholic children make their first Confessions and receive their First Communion several years before they are confirmed.

While you wait, offer your longing to God in reparation for all those who receive Communion thoughtlessly and without love. You can also make a spiritual communion. You can google some lovely prayers for that.

Betsy

I’ve been told that if I’m baptized with a Trinitarian formula and agree with the dogmas and doctrines of the Catholic Church (i.e. not in schism with the Magisterium), I’m Catholic. The priest at my local Church affirmed this by saying that I’m Catholic but not yet confirmed when I asked him about the Communion issue.

The RCIA classes I’m taking are for my leading up to Confirmation. They aren’t for me to learn about the teachings of the Church because I already know them, though it doesn’t hurt to review and get a different viewpoint on each teaching from the Catechists. The description for the RCIA classes my Church gave included this, saying that they are either for unbaptized people and/or Catholics wanting to get confirmed and learn more about their faith.

But what you said in your last paragraph is all I can do for the time being. The greatest penance isn’t fasting from food, it’s fasting from the Body of Christ.

 

[Corki]

I’ve been told that if I’m baptized with a Trinitarian formula and agree with the dogmas and doctrines of the Catholic Church (i.e. not in schism with the Magisterium), I’m Catholic. The priest at my local Church affirmed this by saying that I’m Catholic but not yet confirmed when I asked him about the Communion issue.

If you were Baptized Catholic but raised non-Catholic, this is true.

If you were Baptized in a non-Catholic denomination but with a Trinitarian rite, you are a Candidate. That means, in “church speak” that you are considered a member of the Church, as all Christians are, but are not yet in full Communion with the Church.

The RCIA classes I’m taking are for my leading up to Confirmation. They aren’t for me to learn about the teachings of the Church because I already know them, though it doesn’t hurt to review and get a different viewpoint on each teaching from the Catechists. The description for the RCIA classes my Church gave included this, saying that they are either for unbaptized people and/or Catholics wanting to get confirmed and learn more about their faith.

RCIA, in most parishes includes Candidates such as yourself and Catechumens who are those who have not been Baptized yet.

As a Candidate you will eventually be accepted in the Church by way of your profession of faith and completion of the Sacraments of Initiation (Communion and Confirmation). Until then, even though you consider yourself Catholic, you are not subject to the provisions of canon law that apply to Catholics nor do you have access to the Sacraments.

 

[MarianD]

If you were Baptized Catholic but raised non-Catholic, this is true.

If you were Baptized in a non-Catholic denomination but with a Trinitarian rite, you are a Candidate. That means, in “church speak” that you are considered a member of the Church, as all Christians are, but are not yet in full Communion with the Church.

Mine is a complicated situation. I was baptized in an Episcopal Church when I was 14 through my own will. I later left Christianity in favor of Islam, then Hinduism, then Atheism, then Deism and finally back to Christianity in a period of 3 years (I think God willed for me to experience these religions so I may have reason to believe, but that’s another story). I “became” a Catholic only recently at 17.

I know that the Episcopal/Anglican Church has strong ties to the Catholic Church, and many Anglicans describe themselves as Catholics with different devotions, so would this be described as a non-Catholic denomination? Also, is my baptism somehow invalid because I left Christianity after being baptized?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I know that the Episcopal/Anglican Church has strong ties to the Catholic Church, and many Anglicans describe themselves as Catholics with different devotions, so would this be described as a non-Catholic denomination? Also, is my baptism somehow invalid because I left Christianity after being baptized?

Anglicans may consider themselves as somewhat Catholic, but the Catholic Church does not consider them Catholic. So you are a non-Catholic Christian who is seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. You will make a profession of faith, be confirmed, and receive your First Communion at a single Mass.

You can’t “lose” your baptism. Once you are baptized then you are baptized forever.

Welcome home!

 

[diggerdomer]

How is it fair that I’m denied Communion simply because I haven’t been Catholic long enough to be confirmed, but people who don’t confess mortal sins, sin freely and happily, and have never heard the word Transubstantiation can receive Communion whenever they want?

I’m not saying either group is better than the other, but don’t you think the whole “Not being able to receive Communion before confirmation” thing is a little bit unfair?

I physically and spiritually feel a difference between when I received Communion (before I knew I couldn’t because I haven’t been confirmed yet) and when I stopped receiving. I feel empty, I feel devoid of Christ’s presence in my body, and I feel like I’m being indirectly shunned by the Church as a whole. Communion really is more than just bread and/or wine people—it is the very Bread of Life. Try not receiving Communion for over a month and I promise that, if you cared about receiving the Body of Christ, you will physically and spiritually feel a difference.

Being Confirmed is not a prerequisite for communion.

 

[Newbie2]

I’ve been told that if I’m baptized with a Trinitarian formula and agree with the dogmas and doctrines of the Catholic Church (i.e. not in schism with the Magisterium), I’m Catholic. The priest at my local Church affirmed this by saying that I’m Catholic but not yet confirmed when I asked him about the Communion issue.

The RCIA classes I’m taking are for my leading up to Confirmation. They aren’t for me to learn about the teachings of the Church because I already know them, though it doesn’t hurt to review and get a different viewpoint on each teaching from the Catechists. The description for the RCIA classes my Church gave included this, saying that they are either for unbaptized people and/or Catholics wanting to get confirmed and learn more about their faith.

But what you said in your last paragraph is all I can do for the time being. The greatest penance isn’t fasting from food, it’s fasting from the Body of Christ.

Understand as well that RCIA isn’t just about knowledge, it’s a process. Take that zeal for the Eucharist and nuture it. Perhaps you can witness to others about the importance…religious education, evangelization, etc.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Mine is a complicated situation. I was baptized in an Episcopal Church when I was 14 through my own will. I later left Christianity in favor of Islam, then Hinduism, then Atheism, then Deism and finally back to Christianity in a period of 3 years (I think God willed for me to experience these religions so I may have reason to believe, but that’s another story). I “became” a Catholic only recently at 17.

I know that the Episcopal/Anglican Church has strong ties to the Catholic Church, and many Anglicans describe themselves as Catholics with different devotions, so would this be described as a non-Catholic denomination? Also, is my baptism somehow invalid because I left Christianity after being baptized?

Confirmation is not a requirement. However, since you were not baptized in the Catholic Church, a Profession of Faith is required. Confirmation should be combined with that. You need some minimum instruction before making that Profession. Given the short-handedness of leaders/teachers it is usually necessary to provide that instruction in RCIA.

I have found that those baptized elsewhere are also a valuable asset in the RCIA process. They bring their previous experience to the class which supports discussions and questions. Many are critical of the lack of community building in Sunday morning mass, when most are focused on the liturgy. The RCIA helps one integrate into that parish community.

 

[smswife]

I just want to point out that those you mention who are receiving in a state of mortal sin are committing another mortal sin. They cannot just “receive whenever they want” anymore than you can.

Or to put it another way,you have the same free will that they do, but you are choosing to obey instead.

 

[Spirithound]

How is it fair that I’m denied Communion simply because I haven’t been Catholic long enough to be confirmed, but people who don’t confess mortal sins, sin freely and happily,… can receive Communion whenever they want?

It’s not fair. Specifically, it’s not fair that they are committing a further sacrilege every time they receive. Please take solace in the fact that you are not in their rank.

 

[puzzleannie]

How is it fair that I’m denied Communion simply because I haven’t been Catholic long enough to be confirmed, but people who don’t confess mortal sins, sin freely and happily, and have never heard the word Transubstantiation can receive Communion whenever they want?

I’m not saying either group is better than the other, but don’t you think the whole “Not being able to receive Communion before confirmation” thing is a little bit unfair?

.

where are you getting this information on the order of the sacraments?
number one, neither you nor I has any information or knowledge about the condition of the soul, state of faith or anything else about the person receiving communion next to us, and it is highly improper to assume such knowlege or judge that person. Second, knowledge of the meaning of the word Transubstantiation is not a requirement for reception of communion. Third there is no canon law that says you cannot receive communion before confirmation if you are already baptized Catholic, in fact in most dioceses the practice is the opposite. Those who have received neither sacrament and have passed the usual age for first communion prepare for and receive both sacraments at the same celebration. “Fairness” is not even an issue in this discussion. The only issue is your own preparation and proper disposition for the sacrament, and for guidance with that you should be in contact with your pastor. If he has delegated someone to oversee your preparation who is confusing you or you don’t understand any part of the process, please call and ask for an appointment do discuss your questions with him.

 

[MarianD]

where are you getting this information on the order of the sacraments?
number one, neither you nor I has any information or knowledge about the condition of the soul, state of faith or anything else about the person receiving communion next to us, and it is highly improper to assume such knowlege or judge that person.

I’m referring to people in general. It’s obvious when you see 5 cars in the parking lot on Saturday for Confessions and then on Sunday during all 4 masses the parking lot is full. I highly doubt that many people did not commit any mortal sins.

Second, knowledge of the meaning of the word Transubstantiation is not a requirement for reception of communion.

By “the word Transubstantiation”, I meant the concept. Namely, that the Host is the literal Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ and not just symbols.

Third there is no canon law that says you cannot receive communion before confirmation if you are already baptized Catholic, in fact in most dioceses the practice is the opposite. Those who have received neither sacrament and have passed the usual age for first communion prepare for and receive both sacraments at the same celebration.

One of the priests in my local parish said it was Church custom that I wait until after I am confirmed to receive communion since I was baptized as an Episcopalian.

 

[puzzleannie]

I’m

One of the priests in my local parish said it was Church custom that I wait until after I am confirmed to receive communion since I was baptized as an Episcopalian.

then you are not yet Catholic, I see, and since your OP was misleading I missed this. Welcome Home. Yes, you may not receive communion until you have been properly instructed in the faith, and in discernment with the priest who is overseeing your formation, are properly disposed for the sacrament and yes that instruction should take into account your previous faith formation. You must make a profession of faith and yes that happens in the same celebration with Confirmation and first communion, and in your case, as a baptized member of the Body of Christ, preceded by sacramental confession. The fact remains we cannot judge what other people in church alongside us know or believe or even speculate about the state of their soul. And yes you are being held to the same standard as every other Christian.

 

[markomalley]

How is it fair that I’m denied Communion simply because I haven’t been Catholic long enough to be confirmed, but people who don’t confess mortal sins, sin freely and happily, and have never heard the word Transubstantiation can receive Communion whenever they want?

Who said that they were allowed to do so?

If it’s a matter of physically going up to receive communion, who in the world said that you physically could not do so? Just go to any other Catholic parish in your area and you can receive whenever you want.

Minor problem: both you and they would be committing a sacrilege of the Blessed Sacrament. See CCC 2120 and 1 Cor 11:29

I’m not saying either group is better than the other, but don’t you think the whole “Not being able to receive Communion before confirmation” thing is a little bit unfair?

I physically and spiritually feel a difference between when I received Communion (before I knew I couldn’t because I haven’t been confirmed yet) and when I stopped receiving. I feel empty, I feel devoid of Christ’s presence in my body, and I feel like I’m being indirectly shunned by the Church as a whole. Communion really is more than just bread and/or wine people—it is the very Bread of Life. Try not receiving Communion for over a month and I promise that, if you cared about receiving the Body of Christ, you will physically and spiritually feel a difference.

I can appreciate what you’re saying. My suggestion is to offer up your suffering in union with the suffering of Christ (see Col 1:24 and Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris). And you can make a “spiritual communion” at any time. See John Paul II’s encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia.

Right now, as a baptized Christian, you can offer yourself up as a living oblation in union with the sacrificial offering of Christ at the altar (See Rom 12:1). You can adore the Lamb of God when the priest elevates Him. You can concentrate on what really is happening at the Mass (see Scott Hahn’s The Lamb’s Supper for a very easy to comprehend exegesis, as well as other references). Even without receiving the Lamb, you can get more out of Mass than 90% of those who present themselves for communion.

But as far as “fair,” well, in doing the right thing, you are actually **being **fair to the Lord. These other people about whom you refer are the ones who are not being fair, are they?

 

[markomalley]

By the way, you might want to make this, or another similar, act of Spiritual Communion:

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee
​

 

[EvelynEVF]

Marian, I just want to say that I totally hear you.

When I was a Candidate, my confirmation was delayed twice for reasons outside my control, and every weekend I saw people who lived openly in mortal sin (no private judgment here; they were totally open about it), go up and receive Jesus. Try not to focus on them; focus on longing for Jesus. Ask your priest/deacon for blessings outside of Mass, to pray that your faith would increase and that you would find a good spiritual practice as an outlet for your longing. Meet privately with your DRE or clergy for spiritual direction. Make sure you get every last question answered.

In short, do everything you would do as a Catholic, except receive the sacraments. Your spiritual life does not need to be on hold while you wait for Confirmation and Communion. Nothing you said implies that it is; I’m just thinking of what helped me get through the last months.

Oh, and pray for those people who shouldn’t be receiving!

 

[tafan]

If I understand the situation correctly, I believe the original poster has a valid point, and it is a flaw in our RCIA programs IMO. If she was validly baptized, and now as an adult has learned and accepted the Catholic faith, there is no reason why she should have to wait for the sacraments, sometimes upto a year. She should be able, with a priest’s blessing, to go to confession, and then receive communion. Waiting for confirmation is a valid excuse for the delay, it sounds like she has been told that “as an excuse” for a RCIA program’s policy.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

She should be able, with a priest’s blessing, to go to confession, and then receive communion.

Only Catholics can receive communion. And the OP isn’t Catholic until she makes a profession of faith. The profession of faith and Confirmation happen at the same Mass. That will be the same Mass where she will receive the Eucharist.

How long it takes from the time she starts until she makes her profession of faith is open. There isn’t a set time as there is for catechumens. It’s up to her pastor, RCIA director, and the OP to discern when she is ready. I’m guessing that her pastor and director don’t see things the way she does.

Perhaps they’re waiting for her to get past the idea presented in the first post that she is in a position to judge that the people around her are all in a state of mortal sin.

 

[Kat127]

I’m referring to people in general. It’s obvious when you see 5 cars in the parking lot on Saturday for Confessions and then on Sunday during all 4 masses the parking lot is full. I highly doubt that many people did not commit any mortal sins.
.

I understand your frustration but be careful with this attitude. As the previous poster mentioned you cannot know what is going on with other people. They could confess at a different parish, they could have a private confession time, they might actually be devoid of mortal sin. At the end of the day, it isn’t your business.

As for your struggle, offer it up to God. The Church values obedience, and you are obeying your pastor. Take heart in the fact that you are not the only one frustrated with the RICA process but it is what it is.