How is this fair?

[Phemie]

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.

Read again what the OP wrote in a later post:

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 think there is a very good reason for her to be in RCIA for a longer rather than a shorter period. There has to be a relative certainty that Catholicism is not just her “religion of the week.”

 

[tafan]

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.

Yes, she does need to make a profession of faith, I agree with that. It is my understanding that is all that is needed for her to be in full communion with the church, not confirmation. My post was predicated on the fact that she has learned and accepted the teachings of the Church, which is why I said that she needed her priest’s blessing. I just have a problem with converts being forced to wait through a year of RCIA, when it does not seem necessary. And it does seem strange that a pastor is telling her it is predicated on confirmation, as I do not believe that is the case. It seems to be an indication of someone making and excuse for the delay.

I will say I did not read the later post about her age at 17 and various religions she has been through, my bad as I should have been more carefule. It does seem likely, in this case, she does need more time.

 

[EvelynEVF]

In the case of an adult, or a child past the age of reason, I’ve never heard of Confirmation being done separately from the profession of faith and reception of first Eucharist. Maybe in danger of death, but this obviously isn’t the case here.

OP, RCIA is ideally for the non-baptized, who are starting from scratch in their catechesis, but it is often the case that baptized Christians still get lumped in with them for classes, for efficiency’s sake. Given your exploration of other religions, I’m not surprised that they want you to do some formal catechesis, to make sure you don’t have some things tangled up in your head. We’re fortunate that converting doesn’t take years, like it used to long ago!

Hang in there. If you stick with it, you’ll eventually make it, and then the real journey will begin!

 

[MarianD]

For the record, I’m male.

“MarianD” stands for “Marian Devotion”, not my name.

I think there is a very good reason for her to be in RCIA for a longer rather than a shorter period. There has to be a relative certainty that Catholicism is not just her “religion of the week.”

If I had a penny for the amount of times I’ve been told this, I’d be able to feed a starving nation with 3 course meals.

The fact of the matter is this: many people in the world follow a religion only because they were told to. I feel God allowed me to stray and experience the good and bad of a lot of other religions so that I myself may believe for reasons other than “I was told to believe”.

As a result, when it comes to theological debates and comparative religion, I can hold my weight and then some.

So “religion of the week”? More like “The end of a search and the beginning of a journey”. All that matters is that I know this and God knows this, even if the rest of the world would just love to think I go religion hopping.

 

[ConstantineTG]

The fact of the matter is this: many people in the world follow a religion only because they were told to. I feel God allowed me to stray and experience the good and bad of a lot of other religions so that I myself may believe for reasons other than “I was told to believe”.

God bless you.

I feel I am the same way. While I did not go “faith hopping”, I did have issues in my life which made me borderline agnostic at one time. I believe God allowed me to question my faith so that I will learn more about it. Living a life of blind faith is not good. We should all be well catechized. I’m thankful that even at times I refuse to hold His hand, He kept holding mine so that I do not stray too far away and that I may find myself back.

 

[Corki]

The fact of the matter is this: many people in the world follow a religion only because they were told to. I feel God allowed me to stray and experience the good and bad of a lot of other religions so that I myself may believe for reasons other than “I was told to believe”.

As a result, when it comes to theological debates and comparative religion, I can hold my weight and then some.

Congratulations on finding your way home.

I don’t mean any offense, but a review of your posts shows that there are some gaps in your understanding of the Catholic faith. Even you yourself pointed out in your first post in this thread, you only learned recently that you couldn’t receive Communion. A good Catechetical program of study, whether RCIA or another program, would be a good way to fill in those gaps and add some depth to your body of knowledge.

So “religion of the week”? More like “The end of a search and the beginning of a journey”. All that matters is that I know this and God knows this, even if the rest of the world would just love to think I go religion hopping.

This is only partly true. It also matters that the pastor believes you are properly disposed to be accepted into the Church. That is a matter of personal faith but also a matter of knowing what it is that you are committing to for a lifetime.

 

[puzzleannie]

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.

there is no flaw in the RCIA “program” as it contains a provision for exactly what you recommend (as I stated in my post btw). The problem is that OP’s pastor for reasons we do not know and cannot comment upon has decided that the timing for her sacraments and the preparation should follow the procedure he has set up for her. Since he knows her needs, and we do not, we cannot comment on this schedule.

 

[MarianD]

there is no flaw in the RCIA “program” as it contains a provision for exactly what you recommend (as I stated in my post btw). The problem is that OP’s pastor for reasons we do not know and cannot comment upon has decided that the timing for her sacraments and the preparation should follow the procedure he has set up for her. Since he knows her needs, and we do not, we cannot comment on this schedule.

*His. I really have to change my name on this forum lol

But it wasn’t the pastor who decided I’d have to wait. Here’s a quick and basic summary of how this situation went:

• I went to Mass, received Communion because I was baptized with the Trinitarian formula
• I read on this forum that unconfirmed people cannot receive Communion, so I stopped receiving
• A couple of weeks later, I began getting more and more angry at the fact that I couldn’t receive my Lord physically
• I went to confession (which I heard I don’t have to do because I’m not confirmed, but I do it anyway because I still sin), confessed, and asked my priest 2 questions. One of them was whether or not I, as a baptized Episcopalian-turned-Catholic, who is in the Church’s RCIA program so that I can be confirmed, can receive Communion. He said it’s Church custom that I wait until Easter Vigil when myself and everyone else doing RCIA are confirmed
• I came home and a couple of days later posted this thread

But for the record, even though I was baptized in an Episcopalian Church (and for simplicity’s sake say “Baptized as an Episcopalian”), at the time, I didn’t really know the differences between the denominations of Christianity, and I didn’t care for them. I wanted to be baptized as a Christian, regardless of where it was, so long as it was with a Trinitarian formula because I wanted to step up my relationship with God (at the time, I didn’t believe that baptism was necessary for salvation).

 

[KarenElissa]

The problem is you are not Catholic. You may believe as the Church does and you may be trying to live as a Catholic, but strictly speaking, you are not Catholic. When you stand in front of your parish and make a profession of faith, THEN you will be Catholic. Until that point, you can not participate in any of the sacraments. The sacraments are a sign of unity and until you are official united to the Church, you may not receive them.

Yes, the waiting stinks! Yes, I understand you want to receive them now, but for whatever reason, your pastor has said you should wait. The RCIA process can be a good time to develop patience and obedience. Participate in what you can and wait patiently for the time when you can receive the sacraments. And wait in obedience to your pastor.

As for what everyone else is doing, that is none of your business or your responsibility. Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you have the right to do whatever you want.

 

[MarianD]

So when you say I can’t participate in any of the Sacraments, this no doubt includes Confession as well, right?

Then what would be the point in living as a Catholic, trying to abstain from sin and even caring about God until Easter Vigil? If I can’t receive Confession, then my sinning and lack of forgiveness for them can be legitimately excused.

Make no mistake: even if the Church told me “You may sin until Easter” I’ll try not to, but I’m just saying this as an extreme statement.

Can I still go to Confession and get my sins absolved anyway?

 

[ConstantineTG]

• I went to Mass, received Communion because I was baptized with the Trinitarian formula

That is not enough. You must be in a state of grace, which means you have to go to confession before receiving

• I read on this forum that unconfirmed people cannot receive Communion, so I stopped receiving

Not true. Children usually receive Communion at age 8, Confirmation around 12-14.

Maybe what they meant is not the Sacramental Confirmation, but confirmation that you have been received in the Church. That is true that you should formally be received first.

• A couple of weeks later, I began getting more and more angry at the fact that I couldn’t receive my Lord physically

I suggest prayer and meditation. The desire for God should not breed anger. Perhaps this is a sign that you’re still a ways to go on your Catechisis?

• I went to confession (which I heard I don’t have to do because I’m not confirmed, but I do it anyway because I still sin), confessed, and asked my priest 2 questions. One of them was whether or not I, as a baptized Episcopalian-turned-Catholic, who is in the Church’s RCIA program so that I can be confirmed, can receive Communion. He said it’s Church custom that I wait until Easter Vigil when myself and everyone else doing RCIA are confirmed

Again, not true. First Confession comes before First Communion before Confirmation.

What happens during Easter Vigil is that Catechumens receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist). At this point you will be received into the Church. At this point all you have is Baptism and since you have become part of another church, your union with the Church is not perfect so you have to wait out the entire process

• I came home and a couple of days later posted this thread

But for the record, even though I was baptized in an Episcopalian Church (and for simplicity’s sake say “Baptized as an Episcopalian”), at the time, I didn’t really know the differences between the denominations of Christianity, and I didn’t care for them. I wanted to be baptized as a Christian, regardless of where it was, so long as it was with a Trinitarian formula because I wanted to step up my relationship with God (at the time, I didn’t believe that baptism was necessary for salvation).

That is good. But patience is indeed a virtue, so is humility. I suggest submitting yourself to the decision of your pastor and wait for this perfect time.

 

[VetA]

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.

they cant (rightly) receive either, if they do they have committed sacrilege

 

[KarenElissa]

So when you say I can’t participate in any of the Sacraments, this no doubt includes Confession as well, right?

Yes, no sacraments includes confession. Right before you are received into the Church, you will be given the opportunity to go to confession since you are generally received into the Church and confirmed at the same time, but until then you will have to wait.

Then what would be the point in living as a Catholic, trying to abstain from sin and even caring about God until Easter Vigil? If I can’t receive Confession, then my sinning and lack of forgiveness for them can be legitimately excused.

Simple, one of the signs of readiness to be received into the Church is conversion. The idea you might as well keep sinning and not worry about it, would be a sign that you are not ready to be Catholic.

That is a large part of the point of RCIA. The Catholic Church is not a me and Jesus thing. Being Catholic means being part of a community. RCIA is a chance for the community, generally represented by the RCIA team and your sponsor, to get to know you and for you to get to know them. They will want to see signs of conversion before they can recommend that you be received into the Church.

 

[MarianD]

I’m sorry but I’m still going to Confession. I’m not comfortable with the fact that if (or rather when) I sin, I can’t get my sins absolved even if I’m repentant. Tomorrow isn’t promised, and dying in a state of sin and not being able to see God and enjoy Heaven with Mary is not an option. Even if it means disobeying the Church, the eternal absence of God is not something I’ll risk.

Plus, even though I’ve explained to the priest my situation, he still allowed me to confess and still absolved me of my sins.

 

[wisdom_3_5]

After perusing the above posts the word that comes to my mind is obedience. Its not about what is fair and what is not fair. And its certainly not about other people and their sins and what they do or don’t do.

You are 17, obedience will be one of the most difficult exercises you will have to do, especially now. Have you ever read any material on any of the Saints. Almost all of them had to go through a period where they were not believed, were told to be silent on certain matters etc. Yet they did what they were told. Obedience is always a difficult struggle, but it yields much fruit.

Yes, God has called you back Home to His Church, He knows how this works. Perhaps He wants you to grow, to sacrifice, to learn. In the early days of the Church it took 3 years to become Catholic! God is only asking for your obedience for, what? 6 or 7 months? You can do this! Be strong!

Humble yourself, sacrifice, be obedient.

 

[Spirithound]

Can I still go to Confession and get my sins absolved anyway?

Plus, even though I’ve explained to the priest my situation, he still allowed me to confess and still absolved me of my sins.

Logically speaking, a baptized person would have to be given the opportunity to confess before the Easter Vigil so he/she could receive Holy Communion that night.

So, if you have explained your situation to your pastor, including the fact that you have not been received into the Catholic Church yet, and he has still heard your confession, then you are doing it right.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Even if it means disobeying the Church, the eternal absence of God is not something I’ll risk.

This statement is disheartening because obedience is the Church is important in our faith as well. This is the sad heresy that many Protestant denominations profess today, that the Church is not needed, only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Lets not forget that the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ, and to disregard the Church is to disregard Christ himself.

 

[MarianD]

In regards to obedience: I have read many stories of Saints enduring injustices committed against them by people and by clergy in error, and I’ve read of their patience in these trying times.

My desire for Communion reminds me of my second favorite Saint (my absolute favorite being Mary of course), St. Therese de Lisieux’s desire for Communion when she was little. You’d see how strong this desire is if you’ve read The Story of a Soul. It’s a great book.

I’ve often wondered how they could be so obedient. wisdom 3:5 - You’re absolutely right that obedience is important. But I just can’t seem to be obedient. I always have to fight. I’ve tried fighting God’s concept of sin (to no avail, obviously), and now I’m trying to fight this Church custom. The first I’ve accepted, the second I’m struggling against even now.

Pray that I may receive such obedience, so God may take pity and mercy on me. Please and thank you.

Logically speaking, a baptized person would have to be given the opportunity to confess before the Easter Vigil so he/she could receive Holy Communion that night.

So, if you have explained your situation to your pastor, including the fact that you have not been received into the Catholic Church yet, and he has still heard your confession, then you are doing it right.

I told my priest that I was baptized as an Episcopalian. I received first communion from them after my baptism, though this wasn’t the true Communion because it wasn’t the literal Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.

Here’s how the conversation went:

Me: *
Priest: “You’re Catholic though, right?”
Me: “I was baptized as an Episcopalian but converted to Catholicism recently”
Priest: “When did you convert”
Me: “A couple of months ago”
Priest: [Talked about how it’s Church custom that I wait until Easter when I’m confirmed before I receive Communion again]

Then we went on with the Confession, I gave an Act of Contrition, and he absolved me of my sins. This, to me, was him indirectly saying that I can still go to Confession so long as I believe, even though I haven’t made an “official” (if that’s the correct word to use) Profession of Faith and haven’t gotten confirmed yet.*

 

[Spirithound]

Here’s how the conversation went:

Me: *
Priest: “You’re Catholic though, right?”
Me: “I was baptized as an Episcopalian but converted to Catholicism recently”
Priest: “When did you convert”
Me: “A couple of months ago”
Priest: [Talked about how it’s Church custom that I wait until Easter when I’m confirmed before I receive Communion again]

Then we went on with the Confession, I gave an Act of Contrition, and he absolved me of my sins. This, to me, was him indirectly saying that I can still go to Confession so long as I believe, even though I haven’t made an “official” (if that’s the correct word to use) Profession of Faith and haven’t gotten confirmed yet.*

Here’s the thing: you haven’t converted to Catholicism. There is a process to follow that culminates in a formal Profession of Faith and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. You need to let him know that you have not been formally received into the Catholic Church.

Even if he makes the same decision, to hear your confession and absolve you, this is your full disclosure.

 

[JHow]

…Then we went on with the Confession, I gave an Act of Contrition, and he absolved me of my sins. This, to me, was him indirectly saying that I can still go to Confession so long as I believe, even though I haven’t made an “official” (if that’s the correct word to use) Profession of Faith and haven’t gotten confirmed yet.

I also converted and went through RCIA as an adult “candidate”. I remember you do have to (required) go to confession before your first communion and confirmation (which is usually at Easter). In my case, I went to confession right before receiving my first communion. It sounds like you are going earlier, which I don’t suppose there is anything that says you can’t, but I don’t think it logically rules out the necessity to wait until Easter for communion.