Not sure what to do..any advice?

[guess246]

Just as some background info, about two years ago I experienced a conversion and after being brought up as a lukewarm Catholic, I decided last year to come back to the Church and receive the rest of the Sacraments of Initiation. I joined RCIA at the parish closest to my home, which I now regret since I should’ve done a little more research and visited the others in my area before committing to this one (but that’s story of its own). Anyway, the parish that I’m attending put me in RCIA since that’s the only program they have for catechesis. After doing some reading on these forums and a few other websites, I found that I would be able to at least receive my first Communion before the Confirmation mass. I talked to the RCIA director about it earlier this week and received a call from her husband (one of the deacons) today telling me I had to wait. He was saying that at this parish they have first Communion at the Easter Vigil mass (and that I’d be Confirmed on May 16, which I don’t mind waiting for) and I need to go through that process with all of the candidates. My question is, would it be wrong to talk to a priest at a different parish and see if I’d be able to receive there, or at least get his opinion on the situation? Or should I just talk to the pastor or parochial vicar at the one I’m attending, even though I have a feeling that they’d have the same answer as our deacon did? I’m at a loss of what to do since I offered to even sit down with our pastor and talk it over to show that I feel absolutely prepared and have more than the knowledge that any 7 year old receiving their first Communion would have. I just feel so disheartened since from what I’ve been reading I should be able to, being that I was baptized Catholic. Any and all opinions are welcome, I could just really use some advice about what I should do. Thank you in advance and God bless.

 

[RhodyRich]

Welcome back! God chose you and He has been waiting for you.

I don’t see a problem with talking to anyone you like in the Church but I would recommend that you complete the RCIA program. Study hard. Pray much. Attend Mass frequently. Most of all take time to listen to God.

God bless
Rich

 

[Moscati]

I know how you’re feeling–I was raised protestant, and have been considering Catholicism on my own for several years before I decided to take the plunge and actually talk to a priest and do RCIA and everything. I am to be Confirmed and make my first Communion at the Vigil this year. I hate waiting, and a lot of what I’ve been taught I already knew. But at the same time, the waiting has been a blessing. It’s taught me how incredibly mportant the Blessed Sacrament is, reshaped the way I thought about it, helped me offer all my impatience and longing up. Have you been to Adoration? That may help, too. RCIA is also about getting you connected and involved inside the parish (at least it’s supposed to be)–mine has been great for that reason too. Not too much longer now!

 

[tee_eff_em]

I usually stay out of RCIA threads (not being experienced in it), so I do not have any advice regarding your hunger for the Eucharist, but I am curious: Why would your parish not administer Confirmation at the Easter Vigil?

tee

 

[Julian0404]

Patience and Obedience are virtues that you need to practice at the moment. You joined the RCIA, they are teaching truth, stay with the program.
You address the time before you receive “as if” it is a waste. Read, Study, listen to tapes use the time to advance your understanding. Also, practice “spiritual communion”. Look it up, it can provide a great relief.
Jesus waited from His 12th year to His 33rd year before He took up His mission at the bequest of His Mother, Mary. Pray the rosary each day you wait and meditate on the Patience that Jesus demonstrated.

 

[The_Reginator]

In addition to the above posts I would like to add that your idea of talking to your pastor could be well worth the effort. You may not get the answer you want but in sharing your concerns you may gain new insights into God’s plan for you.

Reggie.

 

[Highwayhound]

Patience and Obedience are virtues that you need to practice at the moment. You joined the RCIA, they are teaching truth, stay with the program.
You address the time before you receive “as if” it is a waste. Read, Study, **listen to tapes **use the time to advance your understanding. Also, practice “spiritual communion”. Look it up, it can provide a great relief.
Jesus waited from His 12th year to His 33rd year before He took up His mission at the bequest of His Mother, Mary. Pray the rosary each day you wait and meditate on the Patience that Jesus demonstrated.

Do people still use “tapes”?

Julian is right. Use the time to your benefit. This will make the time go faster.

God bless

 

[guess246]

I know how you’re feeling–I was raised protestant, and have been considering Catholicism on my own for several years before I decided to take the plunge and actually talk to a priest and do RCIA and everything. I am to be Confirmed and make my first Communion at the Vigil this year. I hate waiting, and a lot of what I’ve been taught I already knew. But at the same time, the waiting has been a blessing. It’s taught me how incredibly mportant the Blessed Sacrament is, reshaped the way I thought about it, helped me offer all my impatience and longing up. Have you been to Adoration? That may help, too. RCIA is also about getting you connected and involved inside the parish (at least it’s supposed to be)–mine has been great for that reason too. Not too much longer now!

There’s a parish near by that has adoration 24/7. I’ve haven’t been yet (I’m kind of new to the area), but I’m definitely making a point start going often, especially if it can help me wait it out until the Easter Vigil. I feel exactly how you do, learning what I already know etc. but hopefully this will be a blessing for me as well. Thank you!

 

[guess246]

I usually stay out of RCIA threads (not being experienced in it), so I do not have any advice regarding your hunger for the Eucharist, but I am curious: Why would your parish not administer Confirmation at the Easter Vigil?

tee

I really have no idea, I was under the impression that it would be at the Easter Vigil mass until today. I guess it might have something to do with the bishop’s schedule since they want to have the mass at the basilica, but I wasn’t given an actual explanation.

 

[guess246]

In addition to the above posts I would like to add that your idea of talking to your pastor could be well worth the effort. You may not get the answer you want but in sharing your concerns you may gain new insights into God’s plan for you.

Reggie.

I’ve decided I’m probably going to talk to our deacon again at the next RCIA meeting just to clarify a couple things and then possibly go on to talk to our pastor, even if it’s just to get how I feel off my chest. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll definitely be keeping my mind open and ready to accept whatever answer I get.

 

[guess246]

Julian0404:

Patience and Obedience are virtues that you need to practice at the moment. You joined the RCIA, they are teaching truth, stay with the program.
You address the time before you receive “as if” it is a waste. Read, Study, listen to tapes use the time to advance your understanding. Also, practice “spiritual communion”. Look it up, it can provide a great relief.
Jesus waited from His 12th year to His 33rd year before He took up His mission at the bequest of His Mother, Mary. Pray the rosary each day you wait and meditate on the Patience that Jesus demonstrated.

Do people still use “tapes”?

Julian is right. Use the time to your benefit. This will make the time go faster.

God bless

Now that I’ve been able to think it over for a while, I’ve realized that I posted that while I was still upset without giving myself a chance to calm down. I do need to exercise some patience, you’re right. I’ll continue praying, making acts of spiritual communion, and keep on studying daily, along with your other suggestions. Thank you both.

 

[ICXC]

Welcome Home!!!

Prayer, adoration, obedience and patience are neccesary and the best advice.

If you feel strongly enough in your desire, I would suggest that when you speak to the Deacon impress upon him your deep longing for the Eucharist and your strong desire to speak with the Priest to see if it is possible. If possible, allow the Deacon a chance to direct you to the Priest so there is not a feeling of you going around him on either of your consciences. You may not be able to receive any sooner but you will kickstart your relationship with both the Deacon and the Priest.

Regardless of what happens stick with the class and remember that your participation in the class can be helpful to the others taking it as well, your witness can be of immeasurable help. Often our journey in to the church community is a lot lonelier than it should be, you could unite your wait and longing with theirs.

I have to believe that through God’s providence you are at Parish where He wants you, you are getting the instruction He wants you to be getting so please do not let this be a stumbling block for you on your faith journey.

You are in our prayers.
Todd

 

[puzzleannie]

I usually stay out of RCIA threads (not being experienced in it), so I do not have any advice regarding your hunger for the Eucharist, but I am curious: Why would your parish not administer Confirmation at the Easter Vigil?

tee

because in OP’s diocese, like mine, the bishop has reserved to himself the privilege of confirming baptized Catholic adults and youth, and has designated a date for this. Also to avoid confusion with the unbaptized, the RCIA rites recommend separating the reception of the baptized from the Easter celebration. This recommendation is often ignored, to the great confusion of many.

It may also by that OP’s deacon does not know every one in the parish programs by name, or if he does, cannot recall at a moment’s notice (any more than I can) what is their status if they ask him a question on the fly. If you asked me in the same circumstance I would have to sit down with you and your records to make sure I was giving you correct info for your own personal situation. I have 24 adults, 18 teens 20 children just for RCIA/confirmation/full communion, not to mention 129 for first communion and 66 for confirmation. If you asked me the same question I would probably give you a blank stare. I am sure I drive candidate’s nuts asking the same questions over and over but I have to be sure we have not overlooked anything relevant to their preparation and reception.

If you ask me “when is Confirmation?” or “when is my first communion” I would have to give you a third degree to come up with the right answer