RECEPTION OF BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS INTO THE FULL COMMUNION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND RITES FOR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES DIOCESE OF PORTLAND ME

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1 RECEPTION OF BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS INTO THE FULL COMMUNION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND RITES FOR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES DIOCESE OF PORTLAND ME 1

2 OVERVIEW Slides available at paulturner.org/talks Who s Who Applications Rite of Reception 2

3 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Children of Catechetical Age Reception from Orthodoxy Conditional Baptism Persons with disabilities The Sacrament of Reconciliation Sponsors Confirmation Exceptional Circumstances Danger of Death 3

4 THE EASTER VIGIL IS DESIGNED FOR THE BAPTISM OF THE ELECT, NOT THE RECEPTION OF BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS! THE RECEPTION OF BAPTIZED CANDIDATES MAY TAKE PLACE AT ANY TIME OF YEAR! ALL PRELIMINARY RITES FOR BAPTIZED CANDIDATES ARE OPTIONAL 4

5 WHO S WHO? 5

6 Valid Baptism Trinitarian formula and meaning Not baptism in the name of Jesus Not Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier Baptism with water by immersion or pouring 6

7 Uncatechized Catholic Those baptized as infants who have received little or no catechesis, nor the sacraments of confirmation or first communion [Part II, Section 4] Give catechesis appropriate to the circumstance A priest needs permission from the bishop to confirm Catholics, even if they were prepared with an RCIA group 7

8 THE CANDIDATE Definition in 400 Uncatechized, baptized Catholics Those validly baptized in other Christian communities Common vision Preparation Rites 8

9 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES 409 The high point of their entire formation will normally be the Easter Vigil National Statutes (NS) 33 It is preferable that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil 9

10 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES NS 26 It is not generally recommended [that] the sacramental reception of such candidates [be] completed on the same occasion as the initiation of candidates for baptism 10

11 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES RCIA 562 [USA] Pastoral considerations may suggest that along with Christian initiation the Easter Vigil should include the rite of reception of already baptized Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church 11

12 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES 477 Anything that would equate candidates for reception with those who are catechumens is to be absolutely avoided. 12

13 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES 563 [USA] The celebration of their reception at the Easter Vigil provides the candidates with a privileged opportunity to recall and reaffirm their own baptism. 475/2 The person to be received should be consulted about the form of reception [cf 564 USA] 13

14 DATES OF INTEREST 1972 Ordo initiationis christianæ adultorum 1974 Provisional English 1986 correspondence between the US & the Vatican on combined rites 1986 US National Statutes 1988 RCIA in English 20?? revised translation 14

15 Contents IV: De præparandis ad confirmationem et eucharistiam adultis qui, infantes baptizati, catechesim non receperunt! Part II: Particular Circumstances! 1. Initiation of children of catechetical age...! V: Ordo initiationis puerorum qui ætatem catecheticam adepti sunt! 4. Preparation of uncatechized adults! VI: Textus varii! 5. Reception of baptized Christians! Appendix: Ordo admissionis valide iam baptizatorum in plenam communionem ecclesiæ catholicæ! Appendix II: Acclamations, hymns, songs 15

16 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES 409 The high point of their entire formation will normally be the Easter Vigil National Statutes (NS) 33 It is preferable that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil 16

17 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES NS 26 It is not generally recommended [that] the sacramental reception of such candidates [be] completed on the same occasion as the initiation of candidates for baptism 17

18 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES RCIA 562 [USA] Pastoral considerations may suggest that along with Christian initiation the Easter Vigil should include the rite of reception of already baptized Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church 18

19 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES 477 Anything that would equate candidates for reception with those who are catechumens is to be absolutely avoided. 19

20 SOME PUZZLING QUOTES 563 [USA] The celebration of their reception at the Easter Vigil provides the candidates with a privileged opportunity to recall and reaffirm their own baptism. 475/2 The person to be received should be consulted about the form of reception [cf 564 USA] 20

21 APPLICATIONS 21

22 OPTIONAL PRELIMINARY RITES FOR CANDIDATES (411 - USA) Welcoming the Candidates Sending the Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion Penitential Rite 22

23 OPTIONAL PRELIMINARY RITES NS 31 Designed for those who have received relatively little Christian upbringing 23

24 SACRAMENTS FOR [CATHOLIC] CANDIDATES 408 The period of catechesis should as a rule coincide with Lent 409 The high point of their entire formation will normally be the Easter Vigil. At that time they will make a profession of the faith in which they were baptized, receive the sacrament of confirmation, and take part in the eucharist. 24

25 SACRAMENTS FOR [CATHOLIC] CANDIDATES 409 (cont.) If, because neither the bishop nor another authorized minister is present, confirmation cannot be given at the Easter Vigil, it is to be celebrated as soon as possible and, if this can be arranged, during the Easter season. 25

26 SACRAMENTS FOR [CATHOLIC] CANDIDATES NS 26 Although it is not generally recommended, if the sacramental initiation of such candidates is completed with confirmation and eucharist on the same occasion as the celebration of the full Christian initiation of candidates for baptism, the condition and status of those already baptized should be carefully respected and distinguished. 26

27 THE RITE OF RECEPTION 27

28 THE RECEPTION OF VALIDLY BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS II/5 Some began their formation catechized, others not Conceived without preliminary rites Written for an individual candidate Occasion probably a Sunday mass 28

29 RECEPTION OF CANDIDATES 473 The rite is so arranged that no greater burden than necessary (see Acts 15:28) is required for the establishment of communion and unity. 29

30 NS 31 Those who have been baptized but have received relatively little Christian upbringing may participate in the elements of catechumenal formation so far as necessary and appropriate, but should not take part in rites intended for the unbaptized catechumens. 30

31 NS 31 (CONT.) Those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate. 31

32 NS 33 It is preferable that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil lest there be any confusion of such baptized Christians with the candidates for baptism, possible misunderstanding of or even reflection upon the sacrament of baptism celebrated in another Church or ecclesial community, or any perceived triumphalism in the liturgical welcome into the Catholic eucharistic community. 32

33 DEVELOPMENT OF NEW RITE Order of Reconciling Apostates, Schismatics or Heretics (Durandus, 13 th c.) In force at time of the Reformation The practice of conditional baptism Vatican II: Rite of Reception 33

34 AT THAT FIRST EUCHARIST V 3 We pray for those who wander from the fold; O bring them back, Good Shepherd of the sheep. Back to the faith which saints believed of old, Back to the Church which still that faith does keep. Thus may we all one Bread, one Body be; Through this blest Sacrament of Unity. 34

35 DECREE ON ECUMENISM 3 The children who are born into these Communities and who grow up believing in Christ cannot be accused of the sin involved in the separation, and the Catholic Church embraces them as brothers [and sisters], with respect and affection. 35

36 DECREE ON ECUMENISM 7 There can be no ecumenism worthy of the name without a change of heart. For it is from renewal of the inner life of our minds, from self-denial and an unstinted love that desires of unity take their rise and develop in a mature way. We should therefore pray to the Holy Spirit for the grace to be genuinely self-denying, humble, gentle in the service of others, and to have an attitude of brotherly generosity towards them.so we humbly beg pardon of God and of our separated brethren, just as we forgive them that trespass against us. 36

37 DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 1988 Catechesis has been combined Combined rites have become common The school year model has governed formation and celebration The rite of election and Easter Vigil have shifted their focus 37

38 VISION FOR CATECHESIS Inviting baptized Christians to formation Ask about Christian background Discern readiness The Creed all that the Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims 38

39 Occasion for the Rite of Reception Any time of year, when candidates are ready May be celebrated at Easter Vigil, combined rite may be used at Easter Vigil, however any appearance of triumphalism should be carefully avoided (RCIA 389/2) Keeping baptism distinct Helping other Christians to our table 39

40 THE RITE OF RECEPTION OF VALIDLY BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS 487 May take place on a Sunday, on other days the Mass for the Unity of Christians 490 Invitation, coming of your own free will 491Profession of Faith 492 Act of Reception Confirmation 40

41 THE RITE OF RECEPTION OF VALIDLY BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS 495 Celebrant s sign of welcome 496 General Intercessions 497 Sign of peace 498 Liturgy of the Eucharist 41

42 HOW THE EASTER VIGIL BENEFITS Clarifies the links among baptism, spring and resurrection Clarifies link between baptism and confirmation Practical issue of numbers 42

43 HOW THE CANDIDATES BENEFIT Each may be received when ready Honors baptism without triumphalism Accommodates the annulment timetable 43

44 HOW THE PARISH BENEFITS People witness the reception of new members at different times of throughout the year They may give personal attention to the candidates 44

45 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Children of Catechetical Age Reception from Orthodoxy Conditional Baptism Persons with disabilities The Sacrament of Reconciliation Sponsors Confirmation 45

46 The Reception of Children If the child is below the age of reason, a juridic act replaces the liturgical rites, and confirmation and communion follow later E.g., parents or guardians make a declaration in the presence of the pastor or his delegate, and reception is noted in parish register 46

47 Receiving from Orthodoxy Normally the parallel Eastern Catholic rite performs this ritual May be done by Roman Catholic minister, but it does not receive into Roman Catholic Church Performed without ceremony Reception into Roman Rite possible, complicated, not advised 47

48 CONDITIONAL BAPTISM Canon If there is a doubt whether a person has been baptized or whether baptism was conferred validly and the doubt remains after a serious investigation, baptism is to be conferred conditionally. 48

49 2 Those baptized in a non-catholic ecclesial community must not be baptized conditionally unless, after an examination of the matter and the form of the words used in the conferral of baptism and a consideration of the intention of the baptized adult and the minister of the baptism, a serious reason exists to doubt the validity of the baptism. 49

50 3 If in the cases mentioned in 1 and 2 the conferral or validity of the baptism remains doubtful, baptism is not to be conferred until after the doctrine of the sacrament of baptism is explained to the person to be baptized, if an adult, and the reasons of the doubtful validity of the baptism are explained to the person or, in the case of an infant, to the parents. 50

51 DIRECTORY FOR THE APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES AND NORMS ON ECUMENISM (PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY, 1993) 99a There is no doubt about the validity of baptism as conferred in the various Eastern Churches. It is enough to establish the fact of the baptism. In these Churches the sacrament of confirmation (chrismation) is properly administered by the priest at the same time as baptism. There it often happens that no mention is made of confirmation in the canonical testimony of baptism. This does not give grounds for doubting that this sacrament was also conferred. 51

52 b With regard to Christians from other Churches and ecclesial Communities, before considering the validity of baptism of an individual Christian, one should determine whether an agreement on baptism (as mentioned above, n. 94) has been made by the Churches and ecclesial Communities of the regions or localities involved and whether baptism has in fact been administered according to this agreement. It should be noted, however, that the absence of a formal agreement about baptism should not automatically lead to doubt about the validity of baptism. 52

53 c With regard to these Christians, where an official ecclesiastical attestation has been given, there is no reason for doubting the validity of the baptism conferred in their Churches and ecclesial Communities unless, in a particular case, an examination clearly shows that a serious reason exists for having a doubt about one of the following: the matter and form and words used in the conferral of baptism, the intention of an adult baptized or the minister of the baptism. 53

54 d If, even after careful investigation, a serious doubt persists about the proper administration of the baptism and it is judged necessary to baptize conditionally, the Catholic minister should show proper regard for the doctrine that baptism may be conferred only once by explaining to the person involved, both why in this case he is baptizing conditionally and what is the significance of the rite of conditional baptism. Furthermore, the rite of conditional baptism is to be carried out in private and not in public 54

55 RCIA 480 The sacrament of baptism cannot be repeated and therefore it is not permitted to confer it again conditionally, unless there is a reasonable doubt about the fact or validity of the baptism already conferred. If serious investigation raises such prudent doubt and it seems necessary to confer baptism again conditionally, the minister should explain beforehand the reasons why this is being done and a non solemn form of baptism is to be used. The local Ordinary is to decide in each case what rites are to be included or excluded in conferring conditional baptism. 55

56 GUIDELINES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS WITH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (USCCB, 1995): RECONCILIATION 23 persons with mental disabilities often are conscious of committing acts that are sinful to some degree and may experience a sense of guilt and sorrow. As long as the individual is capable of having a sense of contrition for having committed sin, even if he or she cannot describe the sin precisely in words, the person may receive sacramental absolution. Those with profound mental disabilities, who cannot experience even minimal contrition, may be invited to participate in penitential services with the rest of the community to the extent of their ability. 56

57 24 Catholics who are deaf should have the opportunity to confess to a priest able to communicate with them in sign language, if sign language is their primary means of communication. They may also confess through an approved sign language interpreter of their choice (Canon 990). The interpreter is strictly bound to respect the seal of confession (C and ). When no priest with signing skills is available, nor sign language interpreter requested, Catholics who are deaf should be permitted to make their confession in writing. The written materials are to be returned to the penitent or otherwise properly destroyed. 57

58 25. In the case of individuals with poor communication skills, sorrow for sin is to be accepted even if this repentance is expressed through some gesture rather than verbally. 58

59 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: CONFIRMATION 16 Persons who because of developmental or mental disabilities may never attain the use of reason are to be encouraged either directly or, if necessary, through their parents or guardian, to receive the sacrament of confirmation at the appropriate time. 59

60 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - EUCHARIST 20 the criterion for reception of holy communion is the same for persons with developmental and mental disabilities as for all persons, namely, that the person be able to distinguish the Body of Christ from ordinary food, even if this recognition is evidenced through manner, gesture, or reverential silence rather than verbally. Cases of doubt should be resolved in favor of the right of the baptized person to receive the sacrament. The existence of a disability is not considered in and of itself as disqualifying a person from receiving the eucharist. 60

61 THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION RCIA 482 If the profession of faith and reception take place within Mass, the candidate, according to his or her own conscience, should make a confession of sins beforehand, first informing the confessor that he or she is about to be received into full communion. Any confessor who is lawfully approved may hear the candidate s confession. 61

62 RECEPTION INTO FULL CATHOLIC COMMUNION NS 36. The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation with candidates for reception into full communion is to be carried out at a time prior to and distinct from the celebration of the rite of reception. As part of the formation of such candidates, they should be encouraged in the frequent celebration of this sacrament. 62

63 RECONCILIATION RCIA 408 The period of catechesis for these adults should e properly coordinated with the liturgical year. This is particularly true of its final phase, which should as a rule coincide with Lent. During the Lenten season penitential services should be arranged in such a way as to prepare these adults for the celebration of the sacrament of penance. 63

64 UNCATECHIZED ADULT CATHOLICS NS 27 The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation with candidates for confirmation and eucharist is to be carried out at a time prior to and distinct from the celebration of confirmation and the eucharist. As part of the formation of such candidates, they should be encouraged in the frequent celebration of this sacrament. 64

65 SPONSORS RCIA 483 At the reception, the candidate should be accompanied by a sponsor and may even have two sponsors. If someone has had the principal part in guiding or preparing the candidate, he or she should be the sponsor. 65

66 BAPTISMAL SPONSORS Can To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must: 1/ be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function; 2/ have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause; 3/ be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on; 4/ not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared; 5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. 66

67 Initiation, Maturity, Transfer Deferred Confirmation Baptism of Adults Emergency Baptism Eastern Rites Rite of Reception 67

68 Constant Meanings Gift of the Holy Spirit For the purpose of bearing witness 68

69 RCIA 215 In accord with the ancient practice followed in the Roman liturgy, adults are not to be baptized without receiving confirmation immediately afterward, unless some serious reason stands in the way. The conjunction of the two celebrations signifies the unity of the paschal mystery, the close link between the mission of the Son and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the connection between the two sacraments through which the Son and the Holy Spirit come with the Father to those who are baptized. 69

70 Catechism 1285 Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. 70

71 Catechism 1285 (cont.) For by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed [LG 11]. 71

72 Catechism 1308 Although Confirmation is sometimes called the sacrament of Christian maturity, we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need ratification to become effective. 72

73 Code of Canon Law 879 The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church. 73

74 Canon 889 Every baptized person not yet confirmed and only such a person is capable of receiving confirmation. To receive confirmation licitly outside the danger of death requires that a person who has the use of reason be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew the baptismal promises. 74

75 Canon 890 The faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the proper time. Parents and pastors of souls, especially pastors of parishes, are to take care that the faithful are properly instructed to receive the sacrament and come to it at the appropriate time. 75

76 Canon 891 The sacrament of confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at about the age of discretion unless the conference of bishops has determined another age, or there is danger of death, or in the judgment of the minister a grave cause suggests otherwise. 76

77 Complementary Norm The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accord with the prescriptions of canon 891, hereby decrees that the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Latin Rite shall be conferred between the age of discretion and about sixteen years of age, within the limits determined by the diocesan bishop and with regard for the legitimate exceptions given in canon

78 Meanings Initiation and the paschal mystery Completion of baptismal grace Becoming more perfectly bound to Christ and the Church Being enriched by grace of the Holy Spirit Becoming witnesses who spread and defend the faith by word and deed 78

79 What is not here Becoming a Catholic Personally accepting my faith Ratifying a commitment to the Church 79

80 Initiation, Maturity, Transfer Deferred Confirmation Baptism of Adults Emergency Baptism Eastern Rites Rite of Reception 80

81 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES 81

82 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES - RCIA For a catechumen unable to go through all steps May all be done on one occasion or more Requires adequate catechesis and discernment Reception, liturgy of the word, prayer, exorcism and anointing, blessing of water, renunciation, profession of faith, rite of baptism, white garment, lighted candle, confirmation, eucharist These may be amplified or divided into parts 82

83 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES - RCIA Rite of reception [acceptance] Liturgy of the word Prayer (penitential rite) Exorcism and anointing Blessing of water Renunciation, profession of faith Rite of baptism White garment, lighted candle Confirmation Eucharist 83

84 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES - RCIA NS 20 The abbreviated catechumenate, which the diocesan bishop may permit only in individual and exceptional cases should always be as limited as possible. It should extend over a substantial and appropriate period of time. The rites prior to sacramental initiation should not be unduly compressed, much less celebrated on a single occasion. The catechumenate of persons who move from one parish to another or from one diocese to another should not on that account alone be abbreviated. Easter Vigil, if possible; mystagogy if possible (NS 21) 84

85 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF A PERSON IN DANGER OF DEATH (RCIA ) 372 designed particularly for use by catechists and laypersons; a priest or a deacon may use it in a case of emergency. But normally a priest or a deacon is to use the abbreviated form of Christian initiation given in nos , making any changes required. 85

86 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF A PERSON IN DANGER OF DEATH (RCIA ) Try to complete catechesis If a priest presides, he confirms if possible If time is pressing, just baptize 86

87 CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF A PERSON IN DANGER OF DEATH (RCIA ) Opening rite Dialogue about faith with candidate and godparents Gospel reading Prayer Renunciation and profession of faith Baptism, confirmation, communion 87