Everybody into the pool — sorting the baptized candidates in the RCIA

Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash

4 thoughts on “Everybody into the pool — sorting the baptized candidates in the RCIA”

  1. Our Team had a discussion about what does “catechized” mean? I like your distinction about the pool and being able to swim….but it can be hard to translate that into real life.
    You mention the uncatechized (those who were baptized and that’s it) as needing “beginner level basics.” But often the catechized – the “doggie paddlers” often don’t have the “beginning level basics”
    How do you know when they ARE catechized? Going to church once in awhile? Do they need a certain level of understanding about God? the church? what? and what IS that level?
    I think we use that word “catechized” as a measurement that doesn’t always fit.
    In talking with seekers, I try to weigh how much they “know” verses what their heart is saying about their love of God in their lives and their willingness to put all of this into practice with the community.
    I watched a webinar recently that said most of our “catechized” church-goers are really in the pre-evangelization stage.
    My conclusion and support is that this is all the work of the Holy Spirit and I just pray and let Him work through us imperfect ministers of faith.

    1. Hi Marie. Thanks for your insightful comment. I am going to use it as the basis for a future article. I’ll link to it here once it is posted.

  2. Sr. Teresita Richards

    If those baptized Catholic but were never or barely catechized can theoretically be confirmed whenever they are ready, WHO is allowed to confirm them. I thought I heard that only the bishop can confirm these persons – unless he chooses to delegate it. If only the bishop can do it, then we’re back to once a year model. Yes? Whereas those who are baptized in another Christian denomination can be confirmed at any time of the year by our pastor. True? False?

    1. Hi Sr. Teresita. Someone baptized as a Catholic is normally confirmed by the bishop. However, in most dioceses, pastors can request faculties to confirm Catholics who are in a formation process in the parish. If the candidate is an adult, this request is usually granted. Dioceses differ, however, so you need to check on the regulations in your local area.

      Christians from other traditions celebrate the Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. That celebration includes confirmation and eucharist. In almost all dioceses, parish priests have been granted faculties by their bishop to celebrate Reception into Full Communion. There are some (few) exceptions, however, so check with your pastor or your diocesan office.

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