I think the Catholic Church needs some change

[cargau]

To me, this reflects a protestant view of accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

I would love to see us go the proper order of the Sacraments.

I didn’t intend for it to be a protestant view (alyhough, I( now see your point). But, reception of all sacraments requires the full consent of the will. That is why a marriage can be annulled if either party was coerced into getting married. It is appropriate and yes, very Catholic, to ensure the the confirmant is receptive to the sacrament.

 

[bstorm]

I didn’t intend for it to be a protestant view (alyhough, I( now see your point). But, reception of all sacraments requires the full consent of the will. That is why a marriage can be annulled if either party was coerced into getting married. It is appropriate and yes, very Catholic, to ensure the the confirmant is receptive to the sacrament.

This is not entirely true. My family member was confirmed when he was 3 years old. He clearly did not consent to this, but his parents did give consent instead. Many infants are baptized when they are days, weeks or months old with the consent of their parents. On the other hand, the sacrament of matrimony cannot be received at the age of 3 just because a parent gives their consent.

 

[mini_me640]

I didn’t intend for it to be a protestant view (alyhough, I( now see your point). But, reception of all sacraments requires the full consent of the will. That is why a marriage can be annulled if either party was coerced into getting married. It is appropriate and yes, very Catholic, to ensure the the confirmant is receptive to the sacrament.

I’m pretty sure neither of my babies fully consented to their baptism…

 

[JNdoum]

Maybe a 4 hour mass isn’t the way to go. It was a bad idea, but I’m just trying to figure out ways to do more than “just go to church”. Also, Catholic doctors, nurses, policemen, firefighters chose their profession and they knew working weekends is necessary before choosing their profession. No one forced them to pick their jobs. If you’re worried about fulfilling your Sunday obligation, talk to a Priest about it.

No one ever has to worry about going into a hospital and wonder if a doctor is on call, or if he’s at church for however many hours. There is always a doctor on call…just like firefighters and policemen. No offense, but what you said didn’t make much sense.

The last bold-like above, Priests chose their profession. No one forced them into it. it’s their job.

Your statement about priests is entirely false (at least partially, I may have used a strong word there). Priests do choose the priesthood, they are called to it. I am pretty confident that I have been called, and believe me, it would have been one of my last choices. My entire life I have wanted a family, and I was looking forward to a career as a lawyer. I had a lot of dreams, which I am going to have to sacrifice to serve God as He has called me to. It isn’t really a choice at all, besides choosing to do as God tells you. I imagine it’s rather similar with firemen, policemen, and nurses. These are not easy jobs, and you are as much called to serve people in this way as you are called to the religious life. It was uncharitable of you to say that “no one forced them into it,” or that they should not be given consideration for the hardships they suffer, even if they did actively pick out their career.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Your statement about priests is entirely false (at least partially, I may have used a strong word there). Priests do choose the priesthood, they are called to it. I am pretty confident that I have been called, and believe me, it would have been one of my last choices. My entire life I have wanted a family, and I was looking forward to a career as a lawyer. I had a lot of dreams, which I am going to have to sacrifice to serve God as He has called me to. It isn’t really a choice at all, besides choosing to do as God tells you. I imagine it’s rather similar with firemen, policemen, and nurses. These are not easy jobs, and you are as much called to serve people in this way as you are called to the religious life. It was uncharitable of you to say that “no one forced them into it,” or that they should not be given consideration for the hardships they suffer, even if they did actively pick out their career.

:clapping::clapping::yup:

Thank you for hearing God’s calling.

God bless you in your discernment of a priestly vocation.

 

[cargau]

This is not entirely true. My family member was confirmed when he was 3 years old. He clearly did not consent to this, but his parents did give consent instead. Many infants are baptized when they are days, weeks or months old with the consent of their parents. On the other hand, the sacrament of matrimony cannot be received at the age of 3 just because a parent gives their consent.

Actually the responibility for consent goes to the parents when a child is not capable to do so. Still, the necessity of freely choosing the sacrament is in tact. A parent, for example cannot be forced to baptize their child against their will.

 

[mellowcalico]

Ok, maybe not a year. How about children do a 3 month mission(during summer) between Junior and Senior year of high school. Converts do classes and take one week of vacation from work to complete their mission. The money? Not sure about that one. The government hands money out like candy, so maybe we can start there

It would only work in certain areas of the US. Not all countries have “summer break” like we do for their schooling; and even in this county, not everyone gets 3 months off. The school district I live in only has a summer break of two months (July and August).

Besides, for confirmation, shouldn’t it be about yourself and your commitment to the Church? How you fit in, what your next step (maybe vocation) will be. Not missionary work?

 

[asia53]

Unfortunately in the teen years, rebellion and independence may mean moving away from the Church. They show their independence by refusing to go to Mass or be confirmed. Parents can push to a certain extent, but they have a lot more influence with their younger children.

Most definitely! My parish confirms at 13, the crosstown parish confirms at 14 ( this was changed last year from 13). We had a great number of parents from the crosstown parish enroll their 13 year olds in our Confirmation program. So many, Father finally had to put a moratorium on crosstown enrollment. It’s our largest class ever.

I hear from the crosstown parents exactly what you said above.

 

[bstorm]

Actually the responibility for consent goes to the parents when a child is not capable to do so. Still, the necessity of freely choosing the sacrament is in tact. A parent, for example cannot be forced to baptize their child against their will.

That is true, but irrespective of the parental consent a 3 year old will not be married or ordained a priest. For confirmation a parental consent is sufficient, so in principle this sacrament can be received at a younger age and this way might actually be better and more beneficial to the person confirmed.