RCIA class 2018-2019 ✝️

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I would agree with this if the candidate or catechumen knew what the qualifications of a sponsor were. The sponsor has to be a Catholic in good standing, meaning he/she has received the sacraments of initiation and if married, be married according to the Catholic Church, if not married, be living single life according to the Catholic Church. A spouse should not sponsor a spouse, a parent should not sponsor a child or vise versa.

The sponsor should be a good practicing Catholic in good standing and able to receive the Eucharist under regular circumstances.

This was a huge issue in our parish last year. We had several couples where one spouse sponsored the other. In two cases the couple had married in the Catholic Church so the Catholic spouse was in good standing, in a few more the Catholic spouse had been refraining from receiving due to being married civilly only. However there were two spouse sponsors who were in second or third attempts at marriage with their current partner. The Catholic spouse did not refrain from receiving the Eucharist even after the talk about the sacrament of matrimony. We had two women who were in irregular marriages with no intent to change the situation who were brought in at Easter.

The RCIA directors knew all of this and did nothing about it. They were afraid they would run people off if they talked about the hard stuff. Thankfully we will have change this year in many of the ways things are handled. We will also have very qualified sponsors.
 
I have been in one on one RCIA classes since around May. This is what the parish offers. I am very happy with it as I am an invalid, mental illness is only part of it; and it is difficult to be around people. The Monsignor is trained as a therapist and said that he felt it was righteous (not in those words) that I found my way to him; but I am seeing a nun, she is delightful and I am so happy to have her as my teacher. She always encourages me with what is going on in my personal life as we study every week. Its such a blessing. She sends me home with readings every week and she answers all my questions about the faith. I also am looking forward to finally being able to receive the Eucharist. I am in an unstable living situation but I trust that this work I have done in RCIA won’t be lost to harm. I have finally found a Catholic Church home.
 
The directors felt if they probed too deep into issues such as marriage and such, telling folks they would need to have irregular marital situations investigated and resolved people would decide to not convert. My argument back was they probably were not ready for conversion if that would turn them away.
 
If they aren’t told the truth during RCIA and Confirmation prep, where else are they going to hear the truth???

It is the just and loving thing to gently and privately explain the Church’s requirements before allowing them to convert while ignorant of those requirements. Grave sin is involved…I would expect more forthrightness from the RCIA leaders.
 
ShowersofRoses said:
I would expect more forthrightness from the RCIA leaders.
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But, why did the priest admit them to the sacraments?! Even if the RCIA leaders were uncomfortable, the priest should have stepped in. He is, after all, the Shepard of the flock!
 
Yes, exactly, that’s why I’m so shocked!

I didn’t add in the priest’s culpability in my post, but I should have. If the leaders didn’t inform him of any irregularities, I would think he should have double-checked to make sure.

We had to fill out paperwork and explain our marriage status…it was all handled confidentially but it was handled.
 
Actually they kept the priest in the dark about it. This was a deacon and his wife, the priest trusted them to do the right thing. It wasn’t until I started to notice this stuff going on and brought it to the priest that he became involved and that was after the fact.

The priest is a good and holy man, he just put too much faith in a deacon who should have known better.
ShowersofRoses said:
. Grave sin is involved
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This was my issue exactly! Was I in grave sin? Did I cause grave sin? I not only spoke to my priest about this stuff generally but personally.

A new system has been put in place to change the way things are handled now. Actually I will be doing the paperwork for RCIA including directing those in irregular marital situations to the priest for further investigation. Since I already work here at the parish and have volunteered with RCIA, and have a good understanding of the issues it just made sense for me to do it.

The paperwork had only the very basic information on it. It didn’t even ask for marital status. They are really going to hate the intake form I’m going to use.
 
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Update… I submitted my request for information on RCIA on the Parish website last Wednesday. I’ve heard nothing. I told myself that if they don’t respond then I’m not meant to start this year. I’m not one to re-submit a question. If they’re not interested I’m quite comfortable with that. 🙂
 
If I were you, I’d just show up. I don’t know how many times I’ve had various online requests for various things ignored. You will be welcomed.
 
I don’t know about your parish, but mine is quite outdated and never checks their website or email. I think asking in person will guarantee results.

But I’m very glad you took that step, and I’ll pray a miracle occurs and someone actually emails you. 😆

Unless the Holy Spirit pushes you into the office to ask about the class first. I’ll pray for that, too. 😁
 
Meh. The RCIA folks should be better at answering messages…

But, for what it is worth, my own email to RCIA was answered after just over a week.
 
Yup, absolutely.

If you really want to attend, you’ll get there. 😀
 
RCIA this week was very good. I hope you all are enjoying your classes as well! 😃
 
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