How to welcome people in irregular unions to the Church

[ComplineSanFran]

I have a solution to the problem of gays, unwed moms, etc. who are in an awkward position with regard to the CC.

Send them to my Episcopal church and maybe to the Lutherans. We need the numbers, and we’re willing to minister to them where they are.

My Episcopal parish (and Diocese) in San Francisco is very happy with all the good people who have left the RCC and joined our community. We have priests who have been received by the Bishop (as priests in good standing with the Episcopal Church) and we have ex-Sisters, as well as many laity. We have many of your gay brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel badly for all the pain they experienced but I am glad they found a welcoming and inclusive Body of Christ in our home.

 

[DOMINEAUXILIUM]

I agree, I’ve seen rather a few with Rainbow flags and vestments though.
There exists a vast, cavernous gulf in acting charitable, kind, helpful AND doning the glitter rainbow stole as a sacred part of your vestments. I’ve never seen a Priest wearing a " We help divorced persons, reconcile " stole wether it be with spouse or Church or both. Or “We understand single ,never married parents might want to be Catholic too”, not just gay ones. I am divorced, I was raised Baptist but would very much like to be come a Roman Catholic . For over a year and a half ( a few months prior to Lent of 2017) I have made an intense effort,starting with much and continuing with much prayer , then on to learn all I could about Catholicism. Reading hundreds of articles,documents,books,as well as watching everything from EWTN, every Ven.Archbishop F. Sheen episode to Sacred Heart productions and most especially the YouTube channel "Sensus Fidelium “. I’ve been drawn, mostly due to my upbringing and prayer to more Orthodox, traditional Catholicism. Most specifically FSSP, which blessedly, there is a parish run by the Order of St.Benedict near me. Sadly, I’ve not been able as of yet, due to health problems, to attend that church.
But, it can be painful just to introduce myself sometimes in more contemporary parishes. I’m in no way attacking you or your comment. Yours is just top at the list right now. I do believe that overall the reason converts search out Catholicism is its intrinsic truth. We are sinners, I don’t expect false pity, but if it’s impossible to become part of the church due to past sins ( I do agree an annulment should not be an " easy as pie” arrangement) but what and how and when, by who , etcetera are we to be able to join in the mystical body of Christ, his Bride the Church. IT is horrifically daunting. A vast chunk of RCIA is … well, lacking in knowledge,charity,zeal, and so forth. I know it is difficult for the laypersons that have this as thier duty. But the acceptence as they are, and for the education and proper Cathechism of these,and my own, lost souls swimming to the "Barque of Peter " in this whirlpool of uncertainty that is our world these days, to be treated unkindly at the onset is enough to colour the whole journey. For the Catholic church is to be in all places, at all times, the one and only Apostolic Holy Mother Church. With out which faith in, baptism, confirmation and sacraments of we are doomed to the fires eternal.
Now balance that thought with this sight. Two handsome young gentleman coming OUT OF CHURCH hand in hand. Along with numerous other equally, generally disturbing trends.I truly feel as if there is a scarlet “A” pinned to my heart. How did the rainbow “S” become a parade header?
I do believe thier should be a liason of sorts as if any sinner repents and wants to be made pure to accept the graces of the Church it should be considered a blessing, for all.
( again I’m not suggesting any such actions by you at all,please forgive my abundance of text)

 

[TheLittleLady]

A vast chunk of RCIA is … well, lacking in knowledge,charity,zeal, and so forth.

This post, as one from another poster, makes me cry.

First, the “sausage grinder” assembly line that is titled RCIA in many parishes is dismal at best.

We are called to reach out to people as individuals. Each comes from a different point in their faith journey. The way we offer instruction and preparation to go through the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults in most parishes is in dire need of complete overhaul.

Each person who works for or volunteers for a parish must the words of this song. I listen to it every day before I walk into the parish office.

The work done by the “Forming Intentional Disciples” movement is needed everywhere. Perhaps if you can grit your teeth and get through the hoops in place now, you can become part of the solution.