Sacrament of Reconciliation - first confession

[vlad_kaz]

Dear friends,

I was baptized in a Protestant church about 10 years ago. Then following years of reflection, prayer and reading, I decided to come to the Catholic Church, attend Catholic Mass and made a request to the local priest to officially join the Catholic Church.

My first communion being planned in January, I wanted to confess for the first time. I wish I had read the guidelines on the website of the Diocese of Paris before attending confession, because now I know I did not do any of the things that we listed there, such as starting with “Bless me father for I have sinned” (Well the French version), or reciting the Act of Contrition before the absolution formula. Even if I did recite the latter, it is because I asked the priest whether I could/should do it.

The priest did not criticize anything, he listened to my sins and offered me a penitence to perform, and of course said the prayer of absolution.

I will surely confess a second time before my communion, but I wanted to know whether my first confession counts as valid? Do other Catholic always follow the ritual/the exact formulas or I am just being a bit paranoid and obsessing with the instructions? What should I do for my next confession?

I would really appreciate your help,
Sincerely yours,

Vlad

 

[pianistclare]

Dear friends,

I was baptized in a Protestant church about 10 years ago. Then following years of reflection, prayer and reading, I decided to come to the Catholic Church, attend Catholic Mass and made a request to the local priest to officially join the Catholic Church.

My first communion being planned in January, I wanted to confess for the first time. I wish I had read the guidelines on the website of the Diocese of Paris before attending confession, because now I know I did not do any of the things that we listed there, such as starting with “Bless me father for I have sinned” (Well the French version), or reciting the Act of Contrition before the absolution formula. Even if I did recite the latter, it is because I asked the priest whether I could/should do it.

The priest did not criticize anything, he listened to my sins and offered me a penitence to perform, and of course said the prayer of absolution.

I will surely confess a second time before my communion, but I wanted to know whether my first confession counts as valid? Do other Catholic always follow the ritual/the exact formulas or I am just being a bit paranoid and obsessing with the instructions? What should I do for my next confession?

I would really appreciate your help,
Sincerely yours,

Vlad

Be at peace.
if you want to study the formula, great. But you did fine. The priest was obviously very understanding and kind to you. I do use the formula, and I have to say…that this is one thing that is common in RCIA classes; they tend to not spend enough time on Reconciliation. But there’s no reason why you can’t learn about it and go “by the book” so to speak. Many of the younger priests are not fussy about it though.
God bless you, and welcome home.
You’re FINE.

 

[vlad_kaz]

Be at peace.
if you want to study the formula, great. But you did fine. The priest was obviously very understanding and kind to you. I do use the formula, and I have to say…that this is one thing that is common in RCIA classes; they tend to not spend enough time on Reconciliation. But there’s no reason why you can’t learn about it and go “by the book” so to speak. Many of the younger priests are not fussy about it though.
God bless you, and welcome home.
You’re FINE.

Thank you so much for your kind words of welcome and consolation. I am much more relieved now. The thing is that there aren’t really any RCIA classes here in France for Christians joining the Catholic Church, and even non-Christians (with no baptism) do not seem to have to follow courses. I have kept searching for such courses on the internet and they do not exist. And when I have asked about them more than once to my priest, but he did not even know what I was talking about. Is it normal for different countries to have such different rules and rites?

PS. I also discovered the Supreme Creator through music and then His Words. I used to be a concert pianist before I abandoned my career.

 

[pianistclare]

Thank you so much for your kind words of welcome and consolation. I am much more relieved now. The thing is that there aren’t really any RCIA classes here in France for Christians joining the Catholic Church, and even non-Christians (with no baptism) do not seem to have to follow courses. I have kept searching for such courses on the internet and they do not exist. And when I have asked about them more than once to my priest, but he did not even know what I was talking about. Is it normal for different countries to have such different rules and rites?

PS. I also discovered the Supreme Creator through music and then His Words. I used to be a concert pianist before I abandoned my career.

MON AMI!!!



I’ll send you a friend request, LOL
I’ll dig up some resources online for you.
Welcome to the fora. :tiphat:

 

[vlad_kaz]

MON AMI!!!



I’ll send you a friend request, LOL
I’ll dig up some resources online for you.
Welcome to the fora. :tiphat:

Merci beaucoup, and thank you for your sympathy and your cordial messages. Peace be with you.

 

[phil19034]

Thank you so much for your kind words of welcome and consolation. I am much more relieved now. The thing is that there aren’t really any RCIA classes here in France for Christians joining the Catholic Church, and even non-Christians (with no baptism) do not seem to have to follow courses. I have kept searching for such courses on the internet and they do not exist. And when I have asked about them more than once to my priest, but he did not even know what I was talking about. Is it normal for different countries to have such different rules and rites?

PS. I also discovered the Supreme Creator through music and then His Words. I used to be a concert pianist before I abandoned my career.

I going to assume you understand spoken English. Assuming you do, I highly recommend you go to FORMED.org and subscribe for an individual account ($9.99 US Dollars per month)

FORMED has lost of great videos and eBooksto learn the Faith. Since you were asking about the liturgy of Confession, I suggest starting with Epsiode 3 of the new series “Forgiven,” which is on the Sacarment of Confession

Then, watch the rest of “Forgiven” and all 20 Epsiodes of the “Symbolon” series

God Bless

 

[jcrichton]

Dear friends,

I was baptized in a Protestant church about 10 years ago. Then following years of reflection, prayer and reading, I decided to come to the Catholic Church, attend Catholic Mass and made a request to the local priest to officially join the Catholic Church.

My first communion being planned in January, I wanted to confess for the first time. I wish I had read the guidelines on the website of the Diocese of Paris before attending confession, because now I know I did not do any of the things that we listed there, such as starting with “Bless me father for I have sinned” (Well the French version), or reciting the Act of Contrition before the absolution formula. Even if I did recite the latter, it is because I asked the priest whether I could/should do it.

The priest did not criticize anything, he listened to my sins and offered me a penitence to perform, and of course said the prayer of absolution.

I will surely confess a second time before my communion, but I wanted to know whether my first confession counts as valid? Do other Catholic always follow the ritual/the exact formulas or I am just being a bit paranoid and obsessing with the instructions? What should I do for my next confession?

I would really appreciate your help,
Sincerely yours,

Vlad

Hi, Vlad!

…in my experience most parish Priests will receive the penitent regardless of his/her preparations… the important thing is that we are resolved to give up our unrighteous acts, to surrender our life of sin to God. The Priest should have ask you to repeat with him the Act of Contrition… however, because of your conversion he may have been specially understanding in forgoing most formalities.

Your Confession is valid. God’s concern is with your contrite heart and your determination to Return to Him.

…if you do not commit any sins between now and your First Communion, I do not think it is necessary for a second Confession; however, since you are aware of the formalities, you can do some research on the net and download various guides and formulas so that when you do need them you could put them to practice.

Welcome Home! :hug3:
:extrahappy::extrahappy::extrahappy:

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

Thank you so much for your kind words of welcome and consolation. I am much more relieved now. The thing is that there aren’t really any RCIA classes here in France for Christians joining the Catholic Church, and even non-Christians (with no baptism) do not seem to have to follow courses. I have kept searching for such courses on the internet and they do not exist. And when I have asked about them more than once to my priest, but he did not even know what I was talking about. Is it normal for different countries to have such different rules and rites?

PS. I also discovered the Supreme Creator through music and then His Words. I used to be a concert pianist before I abandoned my career.

Hi, Vlad!

…contact EWTN (try Father Mitch Pacwa) there should be something right on their web site…

…as for the confusion… I think that too many times those who have experienced persecution seem to live under the fear of attracting too much attention… they may relax their doctrinal adherence because they do not want to seem too strict/old fashioned, and too pro-Church.

…perhaps this is your new Calling… we, the laity, are also Called to Evangelize; work with your local Priest and parishioners on building the Body of Christ through a fully functional RCIA program; also, consider the fact that your Talents can be useful as you Serve God through your knowledge and skills–not only through playing an instrument but by teaching others to serve God in the Church, through music.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[vlad_kaz]

Thank you so much Phil and Angel (and of course Clare) for all the information you have shared with me so generously. My situation seems to be much clearer now.

But today, when I contacted another priest in Paris about my situation, a new question popped up in my mind, to which my own priest gave even a more confusing answer.

The other priest told me, that given that my admission to full communion with the Catholic church is not yet effective, my confession does not do anything. Is that true?

And then my own priest told me, that I am in communion with the church, but the communion is not “full.” He then told me that the confession was meant to prepare me for my full communion which will take place during a Mass in January. Can that be true? Can non-Catholic Christians confess at a Catholic church? Or was he preparing this for me as an exercise? I am really confused.

The other priest told me that many priests do not know how the process really works, because not only (sadly) no one becomes Christian anymore (not surprising for France), they have ever less so other Christians becoming Catholic (not surprising again either, as the historical Protestant community was expelled from the country, and there remains a tiny minority, and of course many people of Catholic-heritage who join Evangelical churches).

Please forgive my long message. And I thank you all again for your cordial support and help.

 

[jcrichton]

Thank you so much Phil and Angel (and of course Clare) for all the information you have shared with me so generously. My situation seems to be much clearer now.

But today, when I contacted another priest in Paris about my situation, a new question popped up in my mind, to which my own priest gave even a more confusing answer.

The other priest told me, that given that my admission to full communion with the Catholic church is not yet effective, my confession does not do anything. Is that true?

And then my own priest told me, that I am in communion with the church, but the communion is not “full.” He then told me that the confession was meant to prepare me for my full communion which will take place during a Mass in January. Can that be true? Can non-Catholic Christians confess at a Catholic church? Or was he preparing this for me as an exercise? I am really confused.

The other priest told me that many priests do not know how the process really works, because not only (sadly) no one becomes Christian anymore (not surprising for France), they have ever less so other Christians becoming Catholic (not surprising again either, as the historical Protestant community was expelled from the country, and there remains a tiny minority, and of course many people of Catholic-heritage who join Evangelical churches).

Please forgive my long message. And I thank you all again for your cordial support and help.

Hi, Vlad!

…since I am a born Catholic, I do not fully understand the procedures for RCIA… however, I can understand how the Sacrament of Confession would not be in effect until you make your profession of Faith since all of the Sacraments depends upon being Catholic (born into the Faith with parents and God-parents representing the infants/children and going through the RCIA program)… for instance: some non-Catholic groups do not believe in the Sacraments; for them they are basic tenets of faith that are mostly symbolic; a person being Baptized from such perspective is not accepted as having received a valid Baptism; however, if the convert comes from a group which accepts Baptism in the theological sense that the Catholic Church Teaches then that Baptism is accepted as valid.

So your Confession may be understood as Confession of will (if you were to die, God forbid) before being received in the Faith, you would have been initiated from your desire to join the Body of Christ (making you, as I understand it, a valid Catholic by virtue of will/desire).

…as for the confusion and lack of catechesis… it is understandable that much has become disused and formulas and knowledge lost (it has happened throughout Church history); that is why I believe that your situation could develop well beyond your particular experience if you were willing to work in your local parish assisting the Priests in organizing an RCIA program…

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[vlad_kaz]

Hi, Vlad!

…since I am a born Catholic, I do not fully understand the procedures for RCIA… however, I can understand how the Sacrament of Confession would not be in effect until you make your profession of Faith since all of the Sacraments depends upon being Catholic (born into the Faith with parents and God-parents representing the infants/children and going through the RCIA program)… for instance: some non-Catholic groups do not believe in the Sacraments; for them they are basic tenets of faith that are mostly symbolic; a person being Baptized from such perspective is not accepted as having received a valid Baptism; however, if the convert comes from a group which accepts Baptism in the theological sense that the Catholic Church Teaches then that Baptism is accepted as valid.

So your Confession may be understood as Confession of will (if you were to die, God forbid) before being received in the Faith, you would have been initiated from your desire to join the Body of Christ (making you, as I understand it, a valid Catholic by virtue of will/desire).

…as for the confusion and lack of catechesis… it is understandable that much has become disused and formulas and knowledge lost (it has happened throughout Church history); that is why I believe that your situation could develop well beyond your particular experience if you were willing to work in your local parish assisting the Priests in organizing an RCIA program…

Maran atha!

Angel

Good evening Angel,

Thank you so much for all the information you have shared with me. So if we put it simply, one must be in “full communion” in able to receive sacrements?

I do not understand then why my priests says I am in communion, just not full, and that the confession I made will prepare me for the profession of faith and taking communion on the same day?

Also it is strange to me that from what I have read, people confess first before even their first communion, but that won’t be my case because both ceremonies will take place at the same mass.

The other priest I have spoken to believes that many priests do not necessarily know how conversion from Protestantism exactly works. If this is the case, and these anomalies are caused unintentionally, will my conversion to Catholicism be valid nevertheless?

I seem so lost now and do not know where I stand and what I will have to do correctly

Thank you all, God bless you abundantly,

Vlad

 

[tawny]

I going to assume you understand spoken English. Assuming you do, I highly recommend you go to FORMED.org and subscribe for an individual account ($9.99 US Dollars per month)

FORMED has lost of great videos and eBooksto learn the Faith. Since you were asking about the liturgy of Confession, I suggest starting with Epsiode 3 of the new series “Forgiven,” which is on the Sacarment of Confession

Then, watch the rest of “Forgiven” and all 20 Epsiodes of the “Symbolon” series

God Bless

We use FORMED in both RCIA/CCD & the Adult Faith Formation courses. My Parish has paid for the subscription for use by all of the Parishioners. They only have to go on-line & enter the Parish code. Great resource tool.

 

[jcrichton]

Good evening Angel,

Thank you so much for all the information you have shared with me. So if we put it simply, one must be in “full communion” in able to receive sacrements?

I do not understand then why my priests says I am in communion, just not full, and that the confession I made will prepare me for the profession of faith and taking communion on the same day?

Also it is strange to me that from what I have read, people confess first before even their first communion, but that won’t be my case because both ceremonies will take place at the same mass.

The other priest I have spoken to believes that many priests do not necessarily know how conversion from Protestantism exactly works. If this is the case, and these anomalies are caused unintentionally, will my conversion to Catholicism be valid nevertheless?

I seem so lost now and do not know where I stand and what I will have to do correctly

Thank you all, God bless you abundantly,

Vlad

Hi, Vlad!

…a Catholic born to the faith is usually Baptized as an infant (I had a death-crib experience, was Baptized on the eighth day of my birth–which, by the Grace of God, resuscitated me [had not been breathing for hours]… Mom, being a devote Catholic not only brought me up in the Faith but was also my Catechist; at age 7, I received my First Communion; right before, I went to Confession; right after the Communion, I was Confirmed); the process is the same for all; the difference is that, due to various circumstances, there are minor functional practices…

…as for the Priest info: 1) You are indeed being prepared… think of it as a rehearsal for an important engagement (what could be more important than joining full Confession with the Mystical Body of Christ?); you are engaging in the mechanics of your profession: looking into your heart for the errors committed against God, neighbors, and self; getting into your inner-consciousness to find both the joy and sadness that the soul-searching provides as you contemplate God’s Mercy (Confession and Absolution) and your gain by rejecting sin as you strive to Serve Christ both in the Temple of God (your body) and in the House of God (the Church). It is putting together that which you are being taught (knowledge and practice) with that which you feel/unfolds in your heart (the thirst for God in the Fullness of the Faith).

1. …there is confusion in the local Church because, as the Jews, it is hard for Catholics to open themselves to the integration of non-Catholics into the Church… hundreds of years of experience (division, oppression, confrontation…) and it is also due to ignorance… many Priests may not have had a lot of experience with converts… they are not up to date on what the procedures may be… and, if they are like me, they may be oblivious to the practices of the various non-Catholic groups and their credos and the validity given/denied by Rome.

Please do not be disconcerted! Every Catholic should be more than welcoming to you and all converts (though too often we lack generosity and the ability to assist due to our own lack of understanding of our Faith). Please feel free to post every issue that becomes problematic as I, and others here, will search the web and speak to our local Priests to help you on your journey Home!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[CB_Catholic]

Good evening Angel,

Thank you so much for all the information you have shared with me. So if we put it simply, one must be in “full communion” in able to receive sacrements?

I do not understand then why my priests says I am in communion, just not full, and that the confession I made will prepare me for the profession of faith and taking communion on the same day?

Also it is strange to me that from what I have read, people confess first before even their first communion, but that won’t be my case because both ceremonies will take place at the same mass.

The other priest I have spoken to believes that many priests do not necessarily know how conversion from Protestantism exactly works. If this is the case, and these anomalies are caused unintentionally, will my conversion to Catholicism be valid nevertheless?

I seem so lost now and do not know where I stand and what I will have to do correctly

Thank you all, God bless you abundantly,

Vlad

All of our RCIA candidates who are validly baptized in another Christian faith make their first Confession before they make their Profession of Faith and are Confirmed and receive their First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. That is the way things are normally done in RCIA. It is also the normal procedure for children. You are fine in that respect. It is really not confusing. It is the normal process for RCIA candidates.

Catechumens do not receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation because they are baptized at the Easter Vigil and all their sins are remitted at that time.

 

[vlad_kaz]

All of our RCIA candidates who are validly baptized in another Christian faith make their first Confession before they make their Profession of Faith and are Confirmed and receive their First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. That is the way things are normally done in RCIA. It is also the normal procedure for children. You are fine in that respect. It is really not confusing. It is the normal process for RCIA candidates.

Catechumens do not receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation because they are baptized at the Easter Vigil and all their sins are remitted at that time.

Thank you so much Carolyn, your message comes as a breath of fresh air in my times of confusion. That is exactly the procedure I am following.

What is the answer then, to the question of the other priest who told me that until I make the Profession of faith, I am not in full communion with the Catholic Church, and therefore not in a position to receive any Sacraments (meaning confession in his terms) ?

 

[vlad_kaz]

All of our RCIA candidates who are validly baptized in another Christian faith make their first Confession before they make their Profession of Faith and are Confirmed and receive their First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. That is the way things are normally done in RCIA. It is also the normal procedure for children. You are fine in that respect. It is really not confusing. It is the normal process for RCIA candidates.

Catechumens do not receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation because they are baptized at the Easter Vigil and all their sins are remitted at that time.

(Continued from last message) and when you do, would you also be kind enough to provide me with sources to support this fact so I could tell that aforementioned priest about it? Thank you so very much.

Best regards,
Vlad

 

[jcrichton]

Thank you so much Carolyn, your message comes as a breath of fresh air in my times of confusion. That is exactly the procedure I am following.

What is the answer then, to the question of the other priest who told me that until I make the Profession of faith, I am not in full communion with the Catholic Church, and therefore not in a position to receive any Sacraments (meaning confession in his terms) ?

Hi, Vlad!

Carolyn brought up the point that I had overlooked… when we are Baptized we are immersed in the Faith (initiated) and Baptism covers (Cleanses) all sin, including Original Sin and sins we have committed.

…in the early Church errors arose where people were neglecting/waiting on being Baptized until their later years so that they would be in a state of Grace from the Absolution provided by Baptism…

When an adult/young adult/older child receives Baptism he/she will also receive Absolution from all sin–the RCIA program should have covered this issue.

Once we are received in the Faith then the Sacrament of Confession takes effect since Catholic Theology abides by Scriptures and Apostolic Teaching that we must confess our sins. After the initial state of Grace from Baptism, Catholics must seek Reconciliation with God through the Sacrament of Confession in order to regain the Grace lost through the state of unrighteousness that sin engenders.

…so basically (I believe) the problem you’re having is not with procedure but with implementation and definition… the Priest may not have been clear enough, for your understanding, when he was attempting to explain that until you are received in the Fold (the Church) the Sacraments do not apply—like a new-born we must learn to crawl before we can walk… at your celebration (Baptism) all of the Graces will come flooding down: Baptism (includes the Cleansing of Confession), Confirmation (you affirm your determination to grow and remain in the Faith), Communion (you partake of the Fullness of the Faith as you receive the Body and Blood of Christ and you begin your walk in Christ, in the Communion of the Saints, in the Catholic Church).

Our goal, as Catholics, is to emulate Christ, to resist the devil (sin/temptation), and to be Holy, as our Father in Heaven is Holy–short of that, when we transgress, we have access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession so that God may renew our Grace.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[CB_Catholic]

(Continued from last message) and when you do, would you also be kind enough to provide me with sources to support this fact so I could tell that aforementioned priest about it? Thank you so very much.

Best regards,
Vlad

Hi. The answer you received from jcrichton is very good, but I think it still left your question unanswered fully. According to this source from the Vatican, the reason a person who is already baptized who is in RCIA can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation without technically being in full communion with the Church is because that rule is a Church law, not a divinely revealed law, thus the Church has the authority to make exceptions to it, and has done so with the RCIA. If they were not baptized, they could not receive any of the sacraments except Baptism, and that rule is not able to be changed. Here is a link to the article from the EWTN website concerning this:

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur104.htm

I hope this is helpful and answers your question. I am not a theologian or canon lawyer so any disputing this is above my pay grade. I have to take the word of those in the Vatican that are the experts.

 

[vlad_kaz]

Hi, Vlad!

Carolyn brought up the point that I had overlooked… when we are Baptized we are immersed in the Faith (initiated) and Baptism covers (Cleanses) all sin, including Original Sin and sins we have committed.

…in the early Church errors arose where people were neglecting/waiting on being Baptized until their later years so that they would be in a state of Grace from the Absolution provided by Baptism…

When an adult/young adult/older child receives Baptism he/she will also receive Absolution from all sin–the RCIA program should have covered this issue.

Once we are received in the Faith then the Sacrament of Confession takes effect since Catholic Theology abides by Scriptures and Apostolic Teaching that we must confess our sins. After the initial state of Grace from Baptism, Catholics must seek Reconciliation with God through the Sacrament of Confession in order to regain the Grace lost through the state of unrighteousness that sin engenders.

…so basically (I believe) the problem you’re having is not with procedure but with implementation and definition… the Priest may not have been clear enough, for your understanding, when he was attempting to explain that until you are received in the Fold (the Church) the Sacraments do not apply—like a new-born we must learn to crawl before we can walk… at your celebration (Baptism) all of the Graces will come flooding down: Baptism (includes the Cleansing of Confession), Confirmation (you affirm your determination to grow and remain in the Faith), Communion (you partake of the Fullness of the Faith as you receive the Body and Blood of Christ and you begin your walk in Christ, in the Communion of the Saints, in the Catholic Church).

Our goal, as Catholics, is to emulate Christ, to resist the devil (sin/temptation), and to be Holy, as our Father in Heaven is Holy–short of that, when we transgress, we have access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession so that God may renew our Grace.

Maran atha!

Angel

Thank you so much Angel. The issue is that I have been baptized many years ago in a Protestant church and I have surely committed numerous sins ever since. That is why it is vital for me to have received the Sacrament before making my solemn entrance into the church.

Hi. The answer you received from jcrichton is very good, but I think it still left your question unanswered fully. According to this source from the Vatican, the reason a person who is already baptized who is in RCIA can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation without technically being in full communion with the Church is because that rule is a Church law, not a divinely revealed law, thus the Church has the authority to make exceptions to it, and has done so with the RCIA. If they were not baptized, they could not receive any of the sacraments except Baptism, and that rule is not able to be changed. Here is a link to the article from the EWTN website concerning this:

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur104.htm

I hope this is helpful and answers your question. I am not a theologian or canon lawyer so any disputing this is above my pay grade. I have to take the word of those in the Vatican that are the experts.

Carolyn, thank you very much for your answer and the link. Thanks to you all, my doubts are gone and I feel much more at peace in regards with the procedure.

 

[jcrichton]

Thank you so much Angel. The issue is that I have been baptized many years ago in a Protestant church and I have surely committed numerous sins ever since. That is why it is vital for me to have received the Sacrament before making my solemn entrance into the church.

Carolyn, thank you very much for your answer and the link. Thanks to you all, my doubts are gone and I feel much more at peace in regards with the procedure.

Hi, Vlad!

It seems that you are at ease having checked the link provided by Carolyn; I see this experience as an opportunity for you to serve Christ through establishing a RCIA program at your local parish… the commitment you have to find yourself worthy of Christ’s Body demonstrate your intense devotion to Fellowship; there might be others who would be turn away from their path at facing seemingly contrary (to their conversions) understanding/teachings… Know that when you are Received by the Church you will be able to engage in weekly, if not daily, partaking of the Sacraments (Confession and Eucharist).

Your growth in the Faith can also be a Blessing to the parishes in your area that do not have a formal RCIA (functioning) program.

I pray that the Holy Spirit emboldens you to take the necessary steps to assist those who will come after you and will be knocking heads with discernment and orientation.

Merry Christmas!

Maran atha!

Angel