Serious illness and converting to Catholicism

[Graceejou]

Hello all,

I hope I have posted this in the right section, I wasn’t really sure how my situation fit in, so please forgive me if this isn’t the right place to post this and if you could, maybe suggest a better section? I have searched around for an answer about this question and will certainly speak to my priest about it for my specific concern but I am wondering:

What happens if a person who is in the process of RCIA and converting from a protestant religion (I was also baptized as a teen) who has a serious, chronic illness and will be facing serious and significant health issues in the very near future? For example, I have a serious, progressive disease that has necessitated many hospitalizations in the past, ongoing treatments, etc. I have been able to attend almost all of the RCIA sessions and I know if that were to become an issue, the parish would work with me.

But I’m wondering, what is the policy of the Church for people who are in the middle of converting but haven’t finished all of the things that are necessary to do so yet (RCIA, confirmation, etc) but have a very real possibility of becoming very ill or worse before being able to finish? Sort of like racing against the clock of becoming Catholic officially, not just in my mind, heart & spirit. I know that my status in the church is already not a good one since I have been married for 18 years to a Catholic who was divorced before we met and is currently going through the process of annulment so we’ve not been able to have our marriage validated in the Church.

I’ve prayed a lot about this and that’s what led me to finally posting this question here. I’m working really hard and very serious about my decision to convert and want to be a useful, respectful person that not only benefits* from *the blessings of being Catholic, but is a blessing to the Church with my service & devotion.

Again, I’m just asking, in general, what is done with people in the process of converting but become very ill and possibly die, before being able to go through with the formal process? Is there a blessing or dispensation that exists that might allow me a temporary respite from some of the rules around some of the sacraments, allowing me to participate? I ask this with complete respect for ALL of the sacraments.

Many thanks for your thoughts.

 

[bben15]

Hello all,

I hope I have posted this in the right section, I wasn’t really sure how my situation fit in, so please forgive me if this isn’t the right place to post this and if you could, maybe suggest a better section? I have searched around for an answer about this question and will certainly speak to my priest about it for my specific concern but I am wondering:

What happens if a person who is in the process of RCIA and converting from a protestant religion (I was also baptized as a teen) who has a serious, chronic illness and will be facing serious and significant health issues in the very near future? For example, I have a serious, progressive disease that has necessitated many hospitalizations in the past, ongoing treatments, etc. I have been able to attend almost all of the RCIA sessions and I know if that were to become an issue, the parish would work with me.

But I’m wondering, what is the policy of the Church for people who are in the middle of converting but haven’t finished all of the things that are necessary to do so yet (RCIA, confirmation, etc) but have a very real possibility of becoming very ill or worse before being able to finish? Sort of like racing against the clock of becoming Catholic officially, not just in my mind, heart & spirit. I know that my status in the church is already not a good one since I have been married for 18 years to a Catholic who was divorced before we met and is currently going through the process of annulment so we’ve not been able to have our marriage validated in the Church.

I’ve prayed a lot about this and that’s what led me to finally posting this question here. I’m working really hard and very serious about my decision to convert and want to be a useful, respectful person that not only benefits* from *the blessings of being Catholic, but is a blessing to the Church with my service & devotion.

Again, I’m just asking, in general, what is done with people in the process of converting but become very ill and possibly die, before being able to go through with the formal process? Is there a blessing or dispensation that exists that might allow me a temporary respite from some of the rules around some of the sacraments, allowing me to participate? I ask this with complete respect for ALL of the sacraments.

Many thanks for your thoughts.

If they were in danger of death, they would receive all the sacraments of Christian initiation immediately. Hence, a deathbed conversion. If they were later to recover, they would still be full-fledged Catholics.

If you aren’t in danger of death, then I guess you would have to wait. But, if they were a candidate, it would be easier for them because they could meet with the priest privately and finish up whatever instruction they needed. They would then be fully initiated.

 

[Graceejou]

If they were in danger of death, they would receive all the sacraments of Christian initiation immediately. Hence, a deathbed conversion. If they were later to recover, they would still be full-fledged Catholics.

If you aren’t in danger of death, then I guess you would have to wait. But, if they were a candidate, it would be easier for them because they could meet with the priest privately and finish up whatever instruction they needed. They would then be fully initiated.

Thank you for the suggestion about the Rosary, I hadn’t thought of doing that. I’ve not really learned what it’s for or how to pray with it, but I have a Rosary that belonged to my mother-in-law. I will try to learn

With my illness, I can go from seeming OK today and then suddenly become sick (kidney failure). I would just be so disappointed if I go to the DR on Tuesday (he’s called me in to dicsuss “irregular” blood test results and what my next step will be. It could mean dialysis, transplant, who knows? I have 5 children at home and a wonderful husband, so I’m trying to balance them and deciding what to do with the next step. I have very violent reactions to antibiotics (like near death) so it is actually a matter of if I were hospitalized for a routine issue but needed antibiotics, things could turn down the wrong path quickly.

 

[Linusthe2nd]

Hello all,

I hope I have posted this in the right section, I wasn’t really sure how my situation fit in, so please forgive me if this isn’t the right place to post this and if you could, maybe suggest a better section? I have searched around for an answer about this question and will certainly speak to my priest about it for my specific concern but I am wondering:

What happens if a person who is in the process of RCIA and converting from a protestant religion (I was also baptized as a teen) who has a serious, chronic illness and will be facing serious and significant health issues in the very near future? For example, I have a serious, progressive disease that has necessitated many hospitalizations in the past, ongoing treatments, etc. I have been able to attend almost all of the RCIA sessions and I know if that were to become an issue, the parish would work with me.

But I’m wondering, what is the policy of the Church for people who are in the middle of converting but haven’t finished all of the things that are necessary to do so yet (RCIA, confirmation, etc) but have a very real possibility of becoming very ill or worse before being able to finish? Sort of like racing against the clock of becoming Catholic officially, not just in my mind, heart & spirit. I know that my status in the church is already not a good one since I have been married for 18 years to a Catholic who was divorced before we met and is currently going through the process of annulment so we’ve not been able to have our marriage validated in the Church.

I’ve prayed a lot about this and that’s what led me to finally posting this question here. I’m working really hard and very serious about my decision to convert and want to be a useful, respectful person that not only benefits* from *the blessings of being Catholic, but is a blessing to the Church with my service & devotion.

Again, I’m just asking, in general, what is done with people in the process of converting but become very ill and possibly die, before being able to go through with the formal process? Is there a blessing or dispensation that exists that might allow me a temporary respite from some of the rules around some of the sacraments, allowing me to participate? I ask this with complete respect for ALL of the sacraments.

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Sounds like you have a good pastor there. If the situation you describe is likely, it may be possible for you to receive all the Sacraments immediately. Certainly you could receive them if the threat were imminent. But ask him, he may want to or may need to get permission from the Bishop.

Linus2nd

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

From a fellow Catholic Convert I will keep you in my prayers. How about every day do some reading from some of the following books

A. Life of the Saints.
B. A book on prayer
C. A book on Converts in the Church. (Marcus Grodi/Scott Hann etc.
D. Another good book is " Catholic for Dummies"
E. Ask the priest if he could advise you on some good books to read.
F. The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Write to some Convents asking them to pray for you in your sickness.
Let us know on the Forum your not well and that you need prayers.

Follow the priests instructions, most probably Fr. will give you the Sacrament of the Sick when you are received into the Church, trust in the Lord that He will get you to that stage and beyond and live a good Catholic life for many years and be a good Witness.

May the God of Abraham , Isaac, Jacob be always with you and May his face always shine upon you.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

I am no expert but I would think that if you were in danger of death, that a priest could baptize you, give you Holy Communion, and Anointing of the Sick. (Confirmation has to be authorized by the bishop.) If you were to die before this could happen, do not worry. The Church has always believed that Catechumens are covered by Baptism of Desire.

Of course, in regular life, your husband’s first marriage is an impediment to your current marriage being recognized by the Church. I hope that this impediment can be resolved for your sake, and your husband, and children.

 

[Cathoholic]

Graceejou. Keep up the great work (response to God’s grace) and welcome home!

I am keeping you in my prayers and please keep my in yours too.

God bless.

Cathoholic

 

[Deana83]

I don’t know if you posted this in the right place or not but I’m so glad you posted this question. I was wondering the same thing a few months ago while attending RCIA and I asked the priest who was at our class. Basically, my question was similar to yours; I don’t consider myself Protestant anymore but I’m not completely in communion with the RCC yet because of annulment issues. So if I’m hospitalized what do I put down for religion? Nothing? He asked me if I believed in the teachings of the church, which I do completely. I have no desire to worship in any other church, if I’ve been brain washed they did a good job of it. Actually, my beliefs were strengthened more by my personal research and this website. Anyway, he told me I was Catholic as far as he was concerned and that I could put down Roman Catholic for my religion. I could receive the Annointing of the sick but not the Eucharist but if I was dying he’d probably let me receive communion also.

 

[Petaro]

If you have been baptised properly as per the correct ritual, then I don’t really believe that the conditional baptism you will receive after the RCIA instruction is absolutely necessary if in danger of death. The church would welcome you without a lot of formality. If you haven’t been baptised speak to your priest about expediting the process. I was baptised by a presbyterian doctor as I did not breath at birth. I was conditionally baptised later in a formal catholic baptism, but any Christian baptism using the proper words whilst continually pouring the water on the head will do the job as long as it is done by a christian. Welcome. Ask your priest for the sacrament of the sick asap.

 

[bben15]

Thank you for the suggestion about the Rosary, I hadn’t thought of doing that. I’ve not really learned what it’s for or how to pray with it, but I have a Rosary that belonged to my mother-in-law. I will try to learn

With my illness, I can go from seeming OK today and then suddenly become sick (kidney failure). I would just be so disappointed if I go to the DR on Tuesday (he’s called me in to dicsuss “irregular” blood test results and what my next step will be. It could mean dialysis, transplant, who knows? I have 5 children at home and a wonderful husband, so I’m trying to balance them and deciding what to do with the next step. I have very violent reactions to antibiotics (like near death) so it is actually a matter of if I were hospitalized for a routine issue but needed antibiotics, things could turn down the wrong path quickly.

1. You’re welcome! I’m glad that I am increasing devotion to the Rosary!
2. First off, you should probably talk to your pastor about receiving Extreme Unction, considering your condition.

Because of your condition, I think that private instruction with a priest would be best suited for you. Once you have completed your instruction, you will be fully initiated. Talk to your priest, and he can arrange private instruction. Good luck!

 

[Upfront43]

Thank you for the suggestion about the Rosary, I hadn’t thought of doing that. I’ve not really learned what it’s for or how to pray with it, but I have a Rosary that belonged to my mother-in-law. I will try to learn

With my illness, I can go from seeming OK today and then suddenly become sick (kidney failure). I would just be so disappointed if I go to the DR on Tuesday (he’s called me in to dicsuss “irregular” blood test results and what my next step will be. It could mean dialysis, transplant, who knows? I have 5 children at home and a wonderful husband, so I’m trying to balance them and deciding what to do with the next step. I have very violent reactions to antibiotics (like near death) so it is actually a matter of if I were hospitalized for a routine issue but needed antibiotics, things could turn down the wrong path quickly.

Hello, I don’t know about your specific health issue. As someone who spent nearly 30 years on Dialysis I can tell you that your not in immediate danger of dying if the only issue you have is ESRD (End-Stage-Renal-Disease). If my case is of any help you should have plenty of time to become a great Catholic. If you have any other question about Kidney failure let me know. I might take a while to answer since I’m currently battling much more serious health issues than Kidney failure. I wish you the best may the Lord help you.

 

[Graceejou]

From a fellow Catholic Convert I will keep you in my prayers. How about every day do some reading from some of the following books

A. Life of the Saints.
B. A book on prayer
C. A book on Converts in the Church. (Marcus Grodi/Scott Hann etc.
D. Another good book is " Catholic for Dummies"
E. Ask the priest if he could advise you on some good books to read.
F. The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Write to some Convents asking them to pray for you in your sickness.
Let us know on the Forum your not well and that you need prayers.

Follow the priests instructions, most probably Fr. will give you the Sacrament of the Sick when you are received into the Church, trust in the Lord that He will get you to that stage and beyond and live a good Catholic life for many years and be a good Witness.

May the God of Abraham , Isaac, Jacob be always with you and May his face always shine upon you.

Thank you so much, your response gave me such peace. And thank you for the book suggestions, I’m an avid reader and I am happy to have new things to add to my list of “To Be Read”.

I didn’t know I could write to a convent to ask for prayer, what a wonderful idea! Our parish actually has a convent attached to it. The sisters moved in 3 years ago and teach at the parish school. We also have very close to us, a major seminary. I’ve thought of inviting some of the students over for a Sunday meal because I know a lot of them are lonely for their families as they study. Maybe they would be a good group to ask to pray for me as well?

I did speak with my priest and he said he would do whatever necessary to make sure I am able to complete the process, even if it means he has to come to the hospital and instruct me one-on-one. That gave me a huge amount of peace. The issue with my illness is that from day to day, it changes. Sometimes I feel OK. Sometimes, not so much. Sometimes it’s really bad and it is life threatening. I can go to bed tonight and be OK and wake up tomorrow and need to be hospitalized without doing anything to cause it. It also raises my risk of brain aneurysm greatly and that’s my biggest concern.

Thank you all for your kind words and prayer. What a journey this is!

 

[Graceejou]

If you have been baptised properly as per the correct ritual, then I don’t really believe that the conditional baptism you will receive after the RCIA instruction is absolutely necessary if in danger of death. The church would welcome you without a lot of formality. If you haven’t been baptised speak to your priest about expediting the process. I was baptised by a presbyterian doctor as I did not breath at birth. I was conditionally baptised later in a formal catholic baptism, but any Christian baptism using the proper words whilst continually pouring the water on the head will do the job as long as it is done by a christian. Welcome. Ask your priest for the sacrament of the sick asap.

I was baptized at age 16 by full immersion (a big dunk in a special pool made just for baptism). And thankfully, I finally found my baptism certificate last night. It says that I was baptized in the name of The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. I also looked up my former denomination and the church and according to the Vatican website (I think), it would be considered a valid baptism, even though my former denomination was the most anti-Catholic denomination on the planet. They devoted a huge majority of their teaching to why the Catholic church is evil, the Pope the anti-christ, etc. It was actually that which lead me TO the Catholic faith rather than away from it.

 

[Graceejou]

Hello, I don’t know about your specific health issue. As someone who spent nearly 30 years on Dialysis I can tell you that your not in immediate danger of dying if the only issue you have is ESRD (End-Stage-Renal-Disease). If my case is of any help you should have plenty of time to become a great Catholic. If you have any other question about Kidney failure let me know. I might take a while to answer since I’m currently battling much more serious health issues than Kidney failure. I wish you the best may the Lord help you.

Thank you so much!

Unfortunately, the ESRD is the result of another illness which attacks my kidneys, liver, brain & spleen. My father died from this disease when he was 59 after being transplanted when he was my age. So you are right, the ESRD isn’t in and of itself going to cause immediate death, some complications I have because of it (a serious heart problem and a weak spot in my brain that is constantly watched for stroke/aneurysm), are. I’ve gone from “just fine” to “call the EMT and spend 3 weeks in the hospital” in the same hour and for no apparent reason. It’s like having a time bomb inside I can go up to a month and feel pretty good (relatively) and then spend 6 months in and out of hospitals, treatments, surgeries and recovering from them. I have the bonus having a life threatening allergy to almost all antibiotics so an infection of my kidneys is so difficult to treat. I feel for you since I know how draining it is to have ESRD. I’ve chosen (at this time) not to do dialysis but I might want to ask you some questions about it sometime if you’re up to it?

I am very happy that you are willing to help me when able and I will also pray for your health and well being.

 

[Graceejou]

I don’t know if you posted this in the right place or not but I’m so glad you posted this question. I was wondering the same thing a few months ago while attending RCIA and I asked the priest who was at our class. Basically, my question was similar to yours; I don’t consider myself Protestant anymore but I’m not completely in communion with the RCC yet because of annulment issues. So if I’m hospitalized what do I put down for religion? Nothing? He asked me if I believed in the teachings of the church, which I do completely. I have no desire to worship in any other church, if I’ve been brain washed they did a good job of it. Actually, my beliefs were strengthened more by my personal research and this website. Anyway, he told me I was Catholic as far as he was concerned and that I could put down Roman Catholic for my religion. I could receive the Annointing of the sick but not the Eucharist but if I was dying he’d probably let me receive communion also.

My priest said the same thing, that as far as he and the Church is concerned, I am now Catholic even though I haven’t been fully initiated. He said I could have a Catholic mass, be buried in a Catholic cemetery, Anointing of the Sick, etc. That made me feel a lot better.

 

[Linusthe2nd]

My priest said the same thing, that as far as he and the Church is concerned, I am now Catholic even though I haven’t been fully initiated. He said I could have a Catholic mass, be buried in a Catholic cemetery, Anointing of the Sick, etc. That made me feel a lot better.

God Bless, we will pray for your perseverence in Faith. Do you have a rosary? Saying the rosary and meditating on the Mysteries can be a great comfort.

Linus2nd