When returning to the Church

[Craisin]

I’m currently considering returning to the Church, although this is not yet certain. I grew up Catholic, but ended up joining a Protestant Church in my teens and am (still?) somewhat Protestant today.

1. If I do return to the Church, what process must I go through? I know there is something that people go through who have been excommunicated from the Church…like reciting the Creed…and what is it? Does it occur publicly or privately? Also, do I go to confession before or AFTER this?
2. I’ve been going up to recieve a blessing from the priest during Mass every Sunday. However, since I’m realizing now that sacramentally I’m still Catholic, is it inappropriate for me to go up even to recieve a blessing from the priest since I am considered excommunicated from the Church still?

Thanks.

 

[Aramis]

Unless your local bishop has authorized the practice of non-communicants coming forward, it’s inappropriate to do so, based upon statements by Cardinal Arinze.

Presuming you were baptised but not confirmed, you need to:

1. 
   *]Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican CCC Page Click Here) This tells you the normative beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.
   ]Go to confession.
   
   • ]include in your confession your time in another ecclesial community…
     *]any sins the church deems grave matter
     *]any sins you consider mortal
     
     *]make arrangements with the pastor for instructions in the faith if you have issues you need resolved
     *]keep going to Mass.

 

[Elizabeth502]

I wonder if taking instruction in another religion – and going to their services but not joining that religion – is the same as “leaving” Catholicism? I know some people who have done this – such as studying an Eastern religion, etc., yet they remain nominally Catholics.

 

[Aramis]

I wonder if taking instruction in another religion – and going to their services but not joining that religion – is the same as “leaving” Catholicism? I know some people who have done this – such as studying an Eastern religion, etc., yet they remain nominally Catholics.

No, they are not. As far as the Church is concerned, unless you formally inform your Ordinary, you’re still Catholic.

To stop being “Catholic” one must notify the ordinary either in writing or publicly in person. Even then, the church holds that one is still subject to the penalties in the afterlife for failing to meet one’s obligations to avoid sin.

Even excommunication does not terminate one’s status as a Catholic, subject to Canon Law. It does bar one from reception of the sacraments (other than reconciliation) until the rescript is granted by competent authority, and absolution is then granted. Depending on exactly what the excommunication offense was, that could be the bishop or other ordinary, Rome, or the Synod (in the case of Eastern Catholics).

Now, adoption of a non-Christian faith pretty much makes it irrelevant… Denial of Christ and Denial of the Holy Spirit are anathematized and have been since the 300’s… and are essentially mortal sins for even the least culpable folks.

 

[Elizabeth502]

Thank you, Aramis. Very helpful.

 

[1ke]

Craisin,

If you have already received all of your Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) then what you need to do is make an appointment with your priest for Reconciliation and a discussion on returning to the practice of the faith. All you need is a good confession.

Until you receive Reconciliation you should not receive the Eucharist.

 

[puzzleannie]

go to confession, tell the priest your history, and any sins you have committed in that time, receive absolution, and return to communion. If you were never prepared for your first confession and first communion, and/or confirmation, your parish has a process for people like you. You are not alone, you are entitled to the sacraments as a baptized Catholic, after due preparation and proper disposition. go for it. Welcome home!

 

[Craisin]

I have been both Baptized, recieved the Eucahrist, and have been Confirmed…just to clarify.

 

[FrDavid96]

I have been both Baptized, recieved the Eucahrist, and have been Confirmed…just to clarify.

Craisin,

All you need to do is to go to confession. Again, that is all you need to do. Once you make a good confession (including confessing your participation in protestantism), you can resume receiving Communion immediately, provided that you accept the Faith of the Church.

Adult education classes (formal or informal) might be appropriate in your situation. It might be appropriate for you to sit-in on the RCIA instruction (as a guest, not a participant). Since you describe yourself as “somewhat protestant” it seems like some adult ed. is indeed called-for.