Rite of Sending/Election

[Joannm]

This should have been settled before the rite and usually it is.

But in a case like the OP explained i dont see it fit that a person who is most likely not willing to convert should go through this rite, it should be an established fact that they by their own free will are doing this.

That is what they are being questioned during the rite, if they by their own free will are willing to receive the sacraments.

We had a situation a few years ago where a person “dropped out” about 2 weeks before Easter. It seems that his conversion was causing major problems at home that he thought were settled. He sincerely wants to become Catholic but for very valid reasons needs to hold off. We are hoping that he will be able to come to terms with the situation and indeed become a Catholic.

 

[fdesales]

There’s something about this that bothers me.

In one sense, signing the book is no big deal.

Except…

If the rites mean something, then you want to do them correctly and for the right people. If your same candidate was adamant that he wanted to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, would you be “pastoral” and say “oh, why not?”

Rituals, just like Sacred Writ or any experience whatsoever, means different things to different people.

If I had said “NO” and absolutely refused such a request, (which in my mind is a ritual, not a sacrament…) what would be the experience of the ritual of the Rite of Elect for this CANDIDATE???

“**Dang, burn, freakin coordinator, jerk, wouldn’t let me sign the Book. I wanted to sign a stinkin’ book and he wouldn’t let me. I wonder if all Catholics are such uncaring people. Is it such a big deal to sign a book??? Oh, and now that I’m thinking about this, that guy could stand to lose a few pounds… And his class on Marriage? BOORRRINGGG!!!”.

“Uhmph. He has a Camaro and tells ME about “giving things up for Lent”!!! Maybe he should practice what he preaches…”**



You see where this is going? The point of RCIA is to lead people to Christ by sacramental formation. The experience they get from the liturgy is more important than whether a book was properly signed or not. Look at the big picture here… If someone makes a mistake during the Rite of Welcome and doesn’t bless the ears correctly, are we to get worried and scrupulous???

I hope I am not offending, but I don’t see “signing the book as a Candidate” such a major faux paus. I explain what the Book is for, and most are quite understanding. I am speaking of a couple people in 8 years of my experience. Make a big stink and scandalize? Or let 'em experience Christ by “reaffirming” what they did during their first baptism?

Thanks for your advice, but I hope you understand that I have learned, as an RCIA coordinator, that one of the best traits to have is FLEXIBILITY. Be adamant about the truths we teach. But other areas, you have to be flexible, because the big picture is to get them to experience Christ, not me as a the “king of my domain”.

Regards

 

[fdesales]

No, it could just mean that he or she really isn’t ready but could have been pushed along by the RCIA director or sponsor or relative. It’s like someone who really feels they shouldn’t be getting married but goes through with the wedding anyway because they have it all set up and don’t want to disappoint people. Deciding not to go through with baptism could mean they just want to hold off for another year, maybe something is going on in their life that they didn’t expect, or maybe they began to have doubts during their Lenten experience. I would rather have someone back out for a good reason then to go through it half heartedly.

Agree. Who needs another “pew warmer”? This person would likely fall away in a few years, anyway. Sometimes, God allows such things to happen so that later in life, they become more certain about this decision. We had one guy this year going through the process, but was having serious marital issues. I was concerned, and I spoke to my pastor about this. He gave me some interesting advice: Perhaps it’s better that he DOES NOT become Catholic. “Huh?” What’s the point of becoming Catholic and then your marriage goes down the drain a few months later? Some people think that becoming Catholic is like the AA program, a fix-it for every problem. Unfortunately, it does not fix all problems in all cases. And guess what gets blamed when it doesn’t work?

So yea, I agree, we have to make it clear that the choice must be there’s, and they must be comfortable with any subsequent persecution they’ll receive, and be ready to work on any problems they have. I’ve seen a number of reasons for ENTERING the program, and all are welcome… But, at the end of the program, it should now be THEIR religion. Hey, we’ll be around next year if they don’t feel right!!!

Regards

 

[anjoh66]

We had a situation a few years ago where a person “dropped out” about 2 weeks before Easter. It seems that his conversion was causing major problems at home that he thought were settled. He sincerely wants to become Catholic but for very valid reasons needs to hold off. We are hoping that he will be able to come to terms with the situation and indeed become a Catholic.

But thats a whole different story and a valid reason.

What i mean is that going through the rite without intention to recieve the sacraments would be hypocrisy and a lie in front of the bishop when he ask if the person is willing to recieve the sacraments.

 

[jem0715]

I had my Rite of Election yesterday. It was fantastic!

But just to offer a little insight - anyone unbaptized, signed the book and went in front of the Archbishop.

Anyone who was already baptized had their name called and they just stood in their places; they did not sign the book.

My own personal view is that I would not want to participate in this lovely ceremony (I am still just amazed at how beautiful it was yesterday!) if I wasn’t planning on converting at the end of it all. I wouldn’t feel right.

But that’s me; everyone has their own journey.

I think as his sponsor you can share your feelings with him and let him tell you where he stands. I hope and pray that everything works (worked? I think I’m a little late here!) out for the both of you!

God Bless

 

[SaintPatrick333]

I’m presently a Catechumen and I missed the rite of acceptance as well as the rite of election though I made the rite of sending. It was partly in due to my slowly overcoming anxiety that I’ve struggled with for several years now. While I felt like I wanted to attend the rite of election this last sunday I chose not too for a myriad of reasons, none of which being good ones either. Ultimately I let my anxiety that I had been doing well against, to keep me from taking part in this rite. I feel really bad about it. My understand is that it is not “mandatory” however strongly encouraged. My sponsor is my Parish Deacon and the needs of his family prevented him from being able to attend the rite of election this sunday (I kind of used that as grounds for telling myself I couldn’t make it since the Diocese Cathedral is about an hour away–my anxiety comes from travelling btw). I really want to sign the book of the elect, not for the sake of having my name in a book but because I want to do everything properly (or at least as best as I can) and do right by Christ and His Church.

What I’d like to know is what are my options? I’ll certainly be bringing this up with my Deacon since as I’ve said, he’s my sponsor. But in the meantime I’m wondering for outside advise. Should I wait now until next year so I can make the rite of acceptance and the rite of election? During the rite of sending the Priest asked us catechumens (well our sponsors actually) if they felt we were ready to go on to be elect and they answered yes. By not having signed the book am I not amongst the elect? I truly feel that I am not, though I desire to continue on with this journey towards baptism and confirmation, that I may receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Is it possible or proper to meet with the Bishop some time when he is available and sign the book? I understand that its what is in our hearts that allows us to progress or retreat but are there any avenues for correcting my mistake of missing the rite of election? Thank you all for any direction you might offer! God Bless!

 

[Hmgbrd]

I’m presently a Catechumen and I missed the rite of acceptance as well as the rite of election though I made the rite of sending. It was partly in due to my slowly overcoming anxiety that I’ve struggled with for several years now. While I felt like I wanted to attend the rite of election this last sunday I chose not too for a myriad of reasons, none of which being good ones either. Ultimately I let my anxiety that I had been doing well against, to keep me from taking part in this rite. I feel really bad about it. My understand is that it is not “mandatory” however strongly encouraged. My sponsor is my Parish Deacon and the needs of his family prevented him from being able to attend the rite of election this sunday (I kind of used that as grounds for telling myself I couldn’t make it since the Diocese Cathedral is about an hour away–my anxiety comes from travelling btw). I really want to sign the book of the elect, not for the sake of having my name in a book but because I want to do everything properly (or at least as best as I can) and do right by Christ and His Church.

What I’d like to know is what are my options? I’ll certainly be bringing this up with my Deacon since as I’ve said, he’s my sponsor. But in the meantime I’m wondering for outside advise. Should I wait now until next year so I can make the rite of acceptance and the rite of election? During the rite of sending the Priest asked us catechumens (well our sponsors actually) if they felt we were ready to go on to be elect and they answered yes. By not having signed the book am I not amongst the elect? I truly feel that I am not, though I desire to continue on with this journey towards baptism and confirmation, that I may receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Is it possible or proper to meet with the Bishop some time when he is available and sign the book? I understand that its what is in our hearts that allows us to progress or retreat but are there any avenues for correcting my mistake of missing the rite of election? Thank you all for any direction you might offer! God Bless!

I went through the Rites of Sending and Election this weekend in my Diocese. The Cathedral was so full that not everyone could individually sign the book. There was one representative from each Parish in the Diocese sent with a book with our names in it. He then represented and answered for us. Each Parish only had one representative that went forward to the Bishop. All of the rest of us stood respectfully and answered the responses in accordance with the Service. There were many parishes there. It was a lovely service. Too bad that you missed yours! And it was certainly nothing to be frightened of! We were all in the same situation! Afterwards there was a big reception with refreshments to meet the Bishop. If your name was given to the Bishop as one of those who were sent along with the others, I don’t see any problem. It might already be written in the book as mine is! I did not get to sign. But it is there! Ask your Deacon/Sponsor about your questions,