This Catholic Journey
Wow what a conundrum!
Lord willing , your parish priest should know what to do. My two cents is kindly beg your Mom to attest to your baptism! It is clear that the baptism as a child "took" and that all you should need is absolution.
but I am no expert. I will pray your Mom recants. The RCIA folks unfortunately aren't alwyas the best sources for info sadly.
Perhaps you could call Catholic Answers, or contact Jimmy Akin thru his blog. He knows everything!!
These obstacles will make your entry into the Church even more precious. But boy it can be hard sometimes! It;s not the same as showing up at a membership class for one week and Your'e In!
I appreciate the prayers for my mom. Just asking her made her quite upset.
I did contact Catholic Answers. It was decided I should wait to see what the priest says. If they insist I should not need to go to reconciliation or that the conditional baptism does not need to be held privately, I will ask to speak with the priest and I will show him the documents that support this idea.
You're right about the membership class... and what you said gave me a chuckle. My parents have been attending the same church for two years and they are just now talking about taking the "membership class"... though they've essentially been members the whole time, attending Bible studies, etc.
What would be the problem with attending confession before the Easter vigil? Like maybe on Holy Thursday night before Mass starts?
Yes this is very tricky. I looked at the canon law and it doesnt really say much. The act of conditional baptism on someone who is already baptized is nothing, because it is in the form "if this person is not baptized, etc".
This question is asked here: http://www.ewtn.com/library/Litu...y/
zlitur104.htm
its about 2/3 of the way down. It says that the act of wanting the baptism is somewhat like perfect contrition and therefore relieves you of your sins. However this is a very dubious thought. I would think it preferable to be conditionally baptized in private and go to confession prior to your confirmation and reception of the eucharist at the easter vigil. (This is what the catholic encyclopidea says, but it is a rather old refrence.)
Also you could ask the question on the EWTN question forums, in canon law section probably, though they all know alot and have been able to answer my questions before.
I think you have the right plan. Ask your priest.
:) Do not be afraid.
I've watched catechumins get baptized and confirmed and receive the most Holy Eucharist. It's a magnificently beautiful and Holy time. The entire Church is praying for you. Much love.
Cyndi
Hi Amber,
Unfortunately, what you are dealing with is a widespread problem in our parish RCIA programs. Many of the directors and leaders are ill-equipped and ignorant of the very teachings that should be a necessity to know in there position. Many of the Lay Ministry programs, like the one I'm in, that are provided for these people are run by dissenters who either dance around the border of heresy or simply cross it with trumpets blaring.
What's good about it is that this is another cross that you get to bear on your way to the Easter Vigil. Diligently seek answers and, when you find them, show them to your RCIA director and your parish priest. It will be a good learning experience for you and them! Also, if things don't seem to be progressing or you continue to be confused, try seeking an audience with the bishop via letter or email. He is the shepherd and will likely have the most knowledge of canon law.
Don't let it get you down. Satan is going to keep throwing stumbling blocks in front of you and will try to do anything to keep you from Confirmation and from receiving Christ for the first time. Carry your cross, it is truly a blessing for you that you have been given it and can be used to increase your faith and the love of Christ!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us, sinners.
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