Question about Communion

[zenith15]

I am finishing up RCIA classes and the remainder of my class is ready to do their Profession of Faith and be accepted into the church. However, because I have annulments I am waiting for–which may take a year or more–I cannot do this. I have been baptized in another Christian denomination, and am currently married to my third husband–we have been together 12 years and have a son.

I am wondering this…due to a serious health condition of my husband’s (he is awaiting a liver transplant due to hepatitis), we do not currently perform the marriage act. His health is just not up to it. Since this is the case, I am wondering if I might actually be able to take communion and do a profession of faith after all–as we are basically living as “brother and sister” for the time being. I plan to discuss it with the deacon who is assisting me in the annulment process but I was just wondering if anyone here might know?

 

[ConstantineTG]

This is not a question for random, anonymous internet users on a public forum to answer. Ask your priest and follow his advice whether you like it or not. Or if you wish to be persistent, go to the office of your Bishop and ask someone there (it would be great if the Bishop himself would be available to answer your question, but usually priests who are subject matter experts would be working at the Bishop’s office). Again, follow their advice no matter how you feel about it.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

This is something your priest/confessor would have to address. Ask him and follow his instructions.

 

[puzzleannie]

you need to make an appointment with the pastor without delay. Have the RCIA director set this up for you. Depending on the ramifications of his health issue, which are none of our business, your reception may possibly be moved forward. This is simply not a topic for a public forum it is too specific and personal.

 

[Chatter163]

Also, RCIA candidates are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. That is next spring. Since this is only July, they have some to to go, as well. It may all work out perfectly.

 

[Phemie]

Also, RCIA candidates are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. That is next spring. Since this is only July, they have some to to go, as well. It may all work out perfectly.

Candidates are received into full communion anytime they’re ready, or at least that’s what the RCIA says, so in the OP’s parish this may be happening soon.

 

[zenith15]

Right, it happens a few times a year for candidates. I will be discussing this with the priest–just thought someone might have heard of a similar case, that’s all.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Right, it happens a few times a year for candidates. I will be discussing this with the priest–just thought someone might have heard of a similar case, that’s all.

Issues like this is a case-to-case basis. What applied to someone else won’t apply to you. The priest has to evaluate your situation and make a decision.

 

[Spirithound]

I have been baptized in another Christian denomination, and am currently married to my third husband–we have been together 12 years and have a son.

I am wondering this…due to a serious health condition of my husband’s (he is awaiting a liver transplant due to hepatitis), we do not currently perform the marriage act. His health is just not up to it. Since this is the case, I am wondering if I might actually be able to take communion and do a profession of faith after all–as we are basically living as “brother and sister” for the time being. I plan to discuss it with the deacon who is assisting me in the annulment process but I was just wondering if anyone here might know?

Since you have been baptized already, you will be expected to make a confession, including confessing your invalid marriage and illicit marital relations. To validly confess the sexual activity out of wedlock, you must be committed to not committing that sin again. This means that if the declaration of nullity does not come down, you cannot have sex with this man again, regardless of whether he becomes healthy again. It is not sufficient for you to be merely circumstantially impeded from carrying out the act.

 

[zenith15]

Since you have been baptized already, you will be expected to make a confession, including confessing your invalid marriage and illicit marital relations. To validly confess the sexual activity out of wedlock, you must be committed to not committing that sin again. This means that if the declaration of nullity does not come down, you cannot have sex with this man again, regardless of whether he becomes healthy again. It is not sufficient for you to be merely circumstantially impeded from carrying out the act.

You bring up an interesting point.

My RCIA teachers told me I could begin going to confession regularly. This struck me as odd, because if my anullments have not yet come through and my current marriage has not yet been blessed by the church, then as you noted, technically speaking I would be , I guess, persisting in manifest grave sin, and how can one go to confession and be absolved if that is the case? Yet both the priests as well as all the RCIA instructors–all of whom are aware of my circumstance–said it would be fine. It’s very confusing.

 

[ConstantineTG]

You bring up an interesting point.

My RCIA teachers told me I could begin going to confession regularly. This struck me as odd, because if my anullments have not yet come through and my current marriage has not yet been blessed by the church, then as you noted, technically speaking I would be , I guess, persisting in manifest grave sin, and how can one go to confession and be absolved if that is the case? Yet both the priests as well as all the RCIA instructors–all of whom are aware of my circumstance–said it would be fine. It’s very confusing.

This is why I am saying you ask priests. You get things from the internet and now you are confused. I know its easier to ask on a forum because its anonymous and you can do it anytime. But the quality and authority of advise is much better if you ask the right people. I am not saying the people here are not trust worthy, there are a lot of wonderful people here who are knowledgeable and will try hard to give you a good answer. But situations like yours are complicated and would really need the guidance of a clergy, a religious, or someone who is specially trained to handle this situation.