RCIA Sponsor Advice Needed

[o_senhor_falado]

Hi, folks

I’m currently an RCIA sponsor for a friend who also happens to be one of my roommates. Up until recently he has been very enthusiastic about the whole process; it’s been a real blessing to see God working in his life. However, he has one major issue with joining the Church: he’s gay and doesn’t feel that he can live a celibate life. He says he believes everything else the Church teaches, and he accepts that it is the True Church, but he doesn’t believe that he should be required to be celibate. He has more or less withdrawn from RCIA at this point, which of course greatly saddens me. It’s really disappointing to me personally, but more importantly, it’s saddening to not see him come into full communion with the Church. I’m wondering what I should do. Is there anything I really can or should do? I’ve of course been praying for him, but I just don’t know how hands-on I should be. Should I be straight-up and just tell him that celibacy for homosexuals is required in the Church and that he just accept that, or should I take a different, less confrontational approach? I care about him and want him to go to heaven. What should do?

 

[Convert2013]

well he needs to know all of Church teaching on the matter. Make sure he knows it with Scripture for him to read along with the CCC, etc. All you can do is guide him to the answers and pray for him. He needs to pray for himself as well to overcome his sinful urges …like we all do! Church teaching is not going to change because it’s God’s word.

I would have him meet with the Priest to discuss his concerns. He should be meeting with the Priest at some point anyway during RCIA to see where he is spiritually.

God Bless!

 

[glendab]

As an RCIA sponsor you are required to tell your sponsee ALL that the Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches about the topic of homosexuality.

The method of delivering this information is crucial. If you act “holier than thou” about and deliver a “condemning” message, that’s how it will be taken. If you do so with the love of God in your heart then that too will show.

You might also consider stressing the efficacy of the Sacraments in the life that your friend is about to enter into. They work. They will provide the graces necessary for your friend to conquer his particular sinful inclinations IF he asks for that grace and he will need a bunch to overcome his difficulty.

Also stress he won’t be the first person who has his particular problem and he won’t be the last. If he is truly desiring to please God, then his own heart will show him the ugliness of his particular sinful inclination and he will desire to be free of it. Then God can help him. But if he has disclosed this to you to show how he thinks the Church is lacking in its “intolerance” then perhaps his time hasn’t come yet and you’ll need to let go and let God.

You aren’t responsible of the results of delivering the message, but you are responsible for telling him the truth.

Glenda

 

[TARRAT]

I’m not sure how he will take it but tell him that all unmarried catholics are called to be celebate, just in case he thinks he is being picked on just because he is homosexual. It is a struggle for many but not impossible.

 

[PJM]

=o_senhor_falado;11680043]Hi, folks

I’m currently an RCIA sponsor for a friend who also happens to be one of my roommates. Up until recently he has been very enthusiastic about the whole process; it’s been a real blessing to see God working in his life. However, he has one major issue with joining the Church: he’s gay and doesn’t feel that he can live a celibate life. He says he believes everything else the Church teaches, and he accepts that it is the True Church, but he doesn’t believe that he should be required to be celibate. He has more or less withdrawn from RCIA at this point, which of course greatly saddens me. It’s really disappointing to me personally, but more importantly, it’s saddening to not see him come into full communion with the Church. I’m wondering what I should do. Is there anything I really can or should do? I’ve of course been praying for him, but I just don’t know how hands-on I should be. Should I be straight-up and just tell him that celibacy for homosexuals is required in the Church and that he just accept that, or should I take a different, less confrontational approach? I care about him and want him to go to heaven. What should do?

may I suggest allowing him to read my response and then discussing it

Here my friend is the advice of a lifelong 69 yr. old Catholic

1. Celibacy is required of everyone outside of marriage.
2. Sex outside of marriage is always a Mortal sin [read 1 Jn.5:16-17 & Jn. 20: 19-23]
3. All of us have our Crosses to carry: Lk. 14:27 “And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple” …Mt.10:24 The disciple is not above the master, nor the servant above his lord” This is how we are to prove of love of God in humble obedience.
4. All sexual activity outside of marriage is a Mortal sin [read 1 Jn.5:16-17 & Jn. 20:19-23]
5. God CAN provide the necessary grace to live a celibate life if one asks with a sincere heart
6. Heaven and Hell are REAL & Eternity is Forever!
7. Of the hundreds of Thousands of living things on earth ONLY man can freely choose to sin or not to sin. This ability comes at a price of “final judgment by Our God.” Actions always have consequences. Man alone can choose to love God or Hate God.
   Isaiah 43: 7&21
   “And every one that calleth upon my name, I have created him for my glory, I have formed him, and made him. &This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.”
8. This is a critical choice for your friend. God does not force obedience; but He desires it and expects it.

I will pray for him too.
God Bless,
Patrick

 

[Catholic1954]

Step back and let him struggle it out for himself. It sounds like you are still quite young and the thought of spending the next 50 -60 years celibate is something he is going to have to accept in his own way and time. Keep praying for him; the seeds have been planted and there is still time for him to go back to RCIA in the future.