Sponsor for Baptism and Canon Law

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I thought I would revisit this thread to give an update concerning the pastor of my brother’s parish who approved him as sponsor for baptism here.

It seems he also approved him for much more than that. My stepfather died on Feb. 8. My brother, whom this thread is concerning received Holy Communion at the funeral.

When I saw that happen I started to shake and become very upset. I know my brother is living in sin with his “wife” yet he is receiving Holy Communion. However I suspected it was not his fault entirely.

I called his pastor today and he explained to me that he is also allowed to receive Holy Communion because he “is in the process of convalidation”.

To this date, no convalidation has taken place.

Ken

It is hard for us to be specific in each case. Generally a person must be in “good standing with the Church” to be a Sponsor. His specific situation may contain details that we don’t know. If many people know that he is invalidly Married that should pose a public scandle issue. However if few know and they know that the Marriage is invalid only because of Form. Then maybe that is the best pastoral decision. The only thing anyone here can offer is a general opinion based on the facts presented.

 

[Mintaka]

I’m as nitpicky as anybody, guys, but I think you ought to let the pastor and the bishop handle the pastoral stuff here. They’re the ones who have charge of your brothers’ souls; and they’re the ones who will get in trouble with the Lord if they’re doing wrong, not your brothers. Also, do remember that the bishop and the priest have pretty substantial powers to bind and loose for pastoral reasons.

That said, it’s a pity that you’re being scandalized by all this. But also, it’s a pity that you’re letting yourself be scandalized. There’s a point beyond which this sort of matter is no longer our business. Let go, and let God worry about it.

What you should be doing is praying for a speedy convalidation.

 

[Titus]

Being in the process of convalidation means nothing, though it is laudable. The process is merely a means to the end- convalidation and re-entry to the Sacraments. It’s like people receving First Eucharist at Sesison #1 of the First Eucharist programme. Crazy.

But the other posters are right, you do not have the *care of souls. *It’s the Pastor who does, and the Bishop above him.

But the part that worried me most was the criminal case idea. It sounds (to me, very far from the actual situation) like your family has big problems that go beyond this one issue. I suggest you reach out your brother in charity.

 

[kleary]

It is hard for us to be specific in each case. Generally a person must be in “good standing with the Church” to be a Sponsor. His specific situation may contain details that we don’t know. If many people know that he is invalidly Married that should pose a public scandle issue. However if few know and they know that the Marriage is invalid only because of Form. Then maybe that is the best pastoral decision. The only thing anyone here can offer is a general opinion based on the facts presented.

The St. Joseph Foundation and the Diocese are in agreement with me, that he is not a valid sponsor for the Sacrament until after the convalidation of his current invalid marriage. However I am sure I mentioned previously that his “wife” threatened to pull their daughter out of religious education/first holy communion classes if the Diocese overruled his pastor. The Chancery office heard this from me and therefore they decided it would do more harm than good to enforce Canon Law in this matter.

That was that and I dropped it. Our family began to reconcile after Christmas, most recently with the death of my stepfather. Then my bro goes right up and receives Holy Communion. I called his pastor concerning it and his pastor said that since he “is in the process” he can receive Holy Communion and has been doing so for some time. The same with sexual relations with her- he can continue under no pain of mortal sin.

That is abominable. Fornucation is mortal sin. Every time he lies with her he commits another mortal sin again and again. Yet his pastor says no! He admits him to Holy Communion with his blessing- even though THEY ARE NOT MARRIED IN THE EYES OF GOD AND THE CHURCH- and live a normal married life. No pastor has the authority to allow one of his parishioners to commit mortal sin! You would believe this- the parish secretary, when I tell her I hear the truth from Catholic Answers, she tells me, “This is the real world, not Catholic Answers.”

Ken

Ken

 

[kleary]

I will end this thread with today’s confirmation from my pastor. That my brother’s pastor had no right authorizing him to be sponsor at Baptism and definitely wrong in telling him it is ok for him to receive Holy Communion while he awaits convalidation of his marriage.

When I called my brother’s pastor he confirmed that he believes differently than those of us who think he is wrong for what he is doing.

May God have mercy on his soul. Please pray that he turns from his modernist liberal attitude for he is causing much strife in our family and also allowing my brother to commit mortal sin day after day after day and Sunday after Sunday.

Ken