When do already baptized RCIA candidates go to Confession?

  • Thread starter Thread starter whosebob
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
W

whosebob

Guest
JMJ + OBT​

When, typically, do previously validly baptized (e.g. a converting Methodist) RCIA candidates receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving Confirmation and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil?

My guess is that their confessions would be heard sometime during Holy Week, perhaps Good Friday would make a lot of sense. I also heard that it might be Holy Saturday, and that sounded strange as I thought that traditionally no sacraments are celebrated that day except in the cases of grave necessity.

What if a previously validly baptized RCIA candidate, say one or two months into the formation process, wishes to receive the Sac. of Reconciliation (perhaps regularly) well before the Easter Vigil. Can a parish priest allow this on a case-by-case basis if the candidate exhibits genuine faith and proper understanding as regards that sacrament?

Thanks for your insights.

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

IC XC NIKA
 
This is a big question that caused me much consternation and confusion during my incoming to the Church. Finally, I picked up the phone and called Fr. George Rutler, who was then at St. Agnes Church in NYC. (I knew him from my Episcopaliand days.) His answer was:

You are eligible to receive the Sacraments when the Priest who is preparing you deems that you are ready.

(Note: he presumed that one is prepared by a Priest. ?]).

I made my general confession in early February and was confirmed at the Easter Vigil in April. Since the monk who received my general confession advised coming to the Sacrament monthly, I made another confession before being received into the Church.

God bless you. And welcome home.
 
I’m in RCIA right now, and in our little timetable it has confession during the holy week, before confirmation and first communion.
 
40.png
RosieGirl:
I’m in RCIA right now, and in our little timetable it has confession during the holy week, before confirmation and first communion.
Click to expand...
This probably works well for most people. Nut cases like me had to take a different path . . .:whacky:
 
Thanks for asking something that I was confused about.

Kat
 
Just don’t buy into that failed 1970’s experiment of receiving first communion before going to the sacrament of penance for (at least) the first time.

Some abusive “liturgists” are still trying to sell the idea that conferssion before communion is not necessary and this runs contrary to Church direction.
 
whosebob said:

JMJ + OBT​

When, typically, do previously validly baptized (e.g. a converting Methodist) RCIA candidates receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving Confirmation and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil?

My guess is that their confessions would be heard sometime during Holy Week, perhaps Good Friday would make a lot of sense. I also heard that it might be Holy Saturday, and that sounded strange as I thought that traditionally no sacraments are celebrated that day except in the cases of grave necessity.

What if a previously validly baptized RCIA candidate, say one or two months into the formation process, wishes to receive the Sac. of Reconciliation (perhaps regularly) well before the Easter Vigil. Can a parish priest allow this on a case-by-case basis if the candidate exhibits genuine faith and proper understanding as regards that sacrament?

Thanks for your insights.

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

IC XC NIKA
Click to expand...

Being Baptized they can approach the Sacrament anytime in the process, it’s up to the pastor. However with that said they should also be encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation within a week or two of receiving the other Sacraments. When ever that happens. By the way that should not be at the Easter Vigil with the Catechumens but at some other time before or after Easter. Unless there is some necessity to use a combined Rite at the Easter Vigil.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
By the way that should not be at the Easter Vigil with the Catechumens but at some other time before or after Easter. Unless there is some necessity to use a combined Rite at the Easter Vigil.
Click to expand...
JMJ + OBT​

Really? I believe you, but from what sources are you drawing that? I have been to the Easter Vigil in at least six parishes in six different states, ranging from traditional to quite progressive, and the two rites were combined every time.

Just to make sure we’re on the same page: I’m talking about a person or persons receiving Baptism and Confirmation and First Holy Communion, and another person or persons receiving only Confirmation and First Communion. In other words, candidates and catechumens both being fully received into the Church at the same Easter Vigil.

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

IC XC NIKA
 
whosebob said:

JMJ + OBT​

Really? I believe you, but from what sources are you drawing that? I have been to the Easter Vigil in at least six parishes in six different states, ranging from traditional to quite progressive, and the two rites were combined every time.

Just to make sure we’re on the same page: I’m talking about a person or persons receiving Baptism and Confirmation and First Holy Communion, and another person or persons receiving only Confirmation and First Communion. In other words, candidates and catechumens both being fully received into the Church at the same Easter Vigil.

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

IC XC NIKA
Click to expand...

It is the same here. We also Confirm and give first Eucharist to previously uncatechized Catholics at the Vigil. The later requires specific permission from the bishop but is freely granted.
 
whosebob said:

JMJ + OBT​

Really? I believe you, but from what sources are you drawing that? I have been to the Easter Vigil in at least six parishes in six different states, ranging from traditional to quite progressive, and the two rites were combined every time.

Just to make sure we’re on the same page: I’m talking about a person or persons receiving Baptism and Confirmation and First Holy Communion, and another person or persons receiving only Confirmation and First Communion. In other words, candidates and catechumens both being fully received into the Church at the same Easter Vigil.

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

IC XC NIKA
Click to expand...

The emphasis by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate as well as from other places has been to draw the line between Catechumens and Candidates more distinctly as noted in #506, #566 and many other places. I agree 9 1/2 parishes out of 10 only use the combined Rites always have and always will unless someone pushes for a change. If you notice the way the Rite is written it assumes that the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation for the Elect and the Rite of Reception of the Baptized into full union. Are distinct and separate liturgical celebrations. As an Appendix the Combined Rites are included.

475.2 must be carefully considered and the last sentence of 477 must be followed. This is why I harp so much on Candidates not be dismissed for BOW, The Rite of Acceptance is distinct and liturgically separated from the Rite of Welcome. If possible the two groups should also be catechized separately. Because Candidates are only catechized for as long as necessary for each individual and are welcomed to the Eucharist as soon as they are individually ready. Only adult Baptism (with exceptions) must take place at the Easter Vigil, Reception can take place at any time during the year. My parish is now this year considering after many years of combined Rites. Only Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil and Reception at Pentecost.
 
I will be received into the Church early next year (that is, 2005). I am baptized, but as it was an Evangelical baptism, which does not acknowledge the sacramental/salvic nature of the rite, the intention of the baptism, and thus validity, has been called into question, so I will be conditionally baptized immediately prior to my confirmation and First Communion. But as my baptism will be conditional, I will first go to Confession, probably the evening before my confirmation, to ensure I am absolved of any sin committed since my original baptism if it was indeed valid.
 
40.png
twf:
I will be received into the Church early next year (that is, 2005). I am baptized, but as it was an Evangelical baptism, which does not acknowledge the sacramental/salvic nature of the rite, the intention of the baptism, and thus validity, has been called into question, so I will be conditionally baptized immediately prior to my confirmation and First Communion. But as my baptism will be conditional, I will first go to Confession, probably the evening before my confirmation, to ensure I am absolved of any sin committed since my original baptism if it was indeed valid.
Click to expand...
I also agree with the NAFC that Conditional Baptism should be private to avoid the confusion over re-Baptism.
 
Why would someone get a conditional baptism? Should I get one?
I was baptised in a full gospel church.
 
40.png
RosieGirl:
Why would someone get a conditional baptism? Should I get one?
I was baptised in a full gospel church.
Click to expand...
A person or persons should be responsible for investigating the validity of Baptisms for Candidates. If there is a resaonable doubt to the validity a private Conditional Baptism should take place. Because remember that without valid Baptism you cannot validly receive any other Sacrament.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top