Question about sacrament of confirmation

[bitterhope]

What is required of an adult who decides to present themselves for confirmation? If the adult was raised Catholic yet left the church and has decided to return, what is the normal process? If the adult is in an invalid marriage, how does that change things? And if the adult has been vocal about things that are opposed to Christianity (not believing Jesus is God, not believing in the Trinity, etc), is it proper for their sponsor or another adult that has knowledge of these beliefs to inform the Pastor?

 

[1ke]

What is required of an adult who decides to present themselves for confirmation?

They’d make their desire for confirmation known to the pastor. The pastor would assess what needs to happen regarding reconciliation and resumption of the sacramental life, any catechesis, sacramental preparation, marriage situation, etc. The process adult confirmation takes varies by diocese and by parish. Once prepared (whatever mechanism that entails) the person would either go to confirmation with the bishop (again, varies by diocese as to how the bishop coordinates this) or the pastor would be delegated to confirm the person.

If the adult was raised Catholic yet left the church and has decided to return, what is the normal process?

There is no one process, because people are different and have different situations. A person who was very well catechized might take a different path than one who is not. One who has a marriage situation might take longer than one who does not. The bishop may only do adult confirmations at certain times of the year, another bishop may delegate to the pastor. Some parishes have enough resources to run both an RCIA and an adult confirmation catechesis program, others don’t and so put them together for catechesis.

If the adult is in an invalid marriage, how does that change things?

In general, the invalid marriage would have to be rectified first before a return to the sacraments, and the administration of confirmation.

And if the adult has been vocal about things that are opposed to Christianity (not believing Jesus is God, not believing in the Trinity, etc), is it proper for their sponsor or another adult that has knowledge of these beliefs to inform the Pastor?

Well, one would hope the candidate would discuss this with the pastor. But certainly the sponsor could.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

What is required of an adult who decides to present themselves for confirmation? If the adult was raised Catholic yet left the church and has decided to return, what is the normal process? If the adult is in an invalid marriage, how does that change things? And if the adult has been vocal about things that are opposed to Christianity (not believing Jesus is God, not believing in the Trinity, etc), is it proper for their sponsor or another adult that has knowledge of these beliefs to inform the Pastor?

This is between the adult and his priest. If a sponsor becomes aware that there are concerns like an invalid marriage, it is his or her responsibility to let the adult know as well as the priest. If this is somebody who is not a sponsor, then that person needs to MHOB (mind his/her own business). How would that person know that the adult has not already made these things known to the priest and sponsor? How would that person know that the adult has not repented of his previous sins and confessed and been forgiven?

 

[bitterhope]

Thank you for the replies. I was asked to sponsor this person. I was told by the person several things that are not in line with our faith and their reasons for seeking to return are odd as well. This person has not been forthcoming with their parish according to what they told me personally. Would it be better to simply decline being the sponsor or is it better for me to speak to the pastor?

I am related to this person and I will always continue to love them and pray for them and their family. If I decline being their sponso they are likely to retaliate. This individual is mentally ill (actual diagnosis not just assumed to be) and I care very deeply for them, their soul, and the family. If they proceeded with the process, will it be damaging to their soul?

 

[CB_Catholic]

Thank you for the replies. I was asked to sponsor this person. I was told by the person several things that are not in line with our faith and their reasons for seeking to return are odd as well. This person has not been forthcoming with their parish according to what they told me personally. Would it be better to simply decline being the sponsor or is it better for me to speak to the pastor?

I am related to this person and I will always continue to love them and pray for them and their family. If I decline being their sponso they are likely to retaliate. This individual is mentally ill (actual diagnosis not just assumed to be) and I care very deeply for them, their soul, and the family. If they proceeded with the process, will it be damaging to their soul?

You need to speak to a priest about this–not necessarily at first the priest who will be responsible for their return, but get advice from a priest who can give you the correct advice. Nobody here can or should answer your question about damage to their soul, as mental illness mitigates some things and we are not privy to anything about them and should not make any presumptions about them. This really is not a matter for an internet forum. God bless you.

 

[bitterhope]

You need to speak to a priest about this–not necessarily at first the priest who will be responsible for their return, but get advice from a priest who can give you the correct advice. Nobody here can or should answer your question about damage to their soul, as mental illness mitigates some things and we are not privy to anything about them and should not make any presumptions about them. This really is not a matter for an internet forum. God bless you.

Thank you. I think you are correct. I do want the best for her and pray one day she finds the peace she needs. I will contact my priest tomorrow. She attends a different church so it is not her pastor that I will be seeking advice from. I learned the process she needs to take from 1ke at least. I will pass that on to her after speaking to my priest if he agrees that I should continue to help her in this process.

 

[MaryT777]

Thank you. I think you are correct. I do want the best for her and pray one day she finds the peace she needs. I will contact my priest tomorrow. She attends a different church so it is not her pastor that I will be seeking advice from. I learned the process she needs to take from 1ke at least. I will pass that on to her after speaking to my priest if he agrees that I should continue to help her in this process.

Sounds like a good plan of action. May God bless you for caring so much for this person as to seek out assistance as to how to best help her.

I hope your meeting with the priest goes well and thing work out well for her.

Mary.

 

[bitterhope]

Sounds like a good plan of action. May God bless you for caring so much for this person as to seek out assistance as to how to best help her.

I hope your meeting with the priest goes well and thing work out well for her.

Mary.

I spoke to my priest and I will decline to sponsor her. He helped me form a plan of action depending on what she chooses to do from there. Thank you all for your advice.