RA #215 - Do You Want a Big Brain?
Grace Before Meals Video Shoot with Fr. Leo, Trip to Steubenville, Lenten Music, Who Can Receive the Eucharist, and Win a Free Copy of Timez Attack! 206-984-1899 for feedback!
Links and songs from this episode:
- Learn about Catholic Investing from Epiphany Funds
- Grace Before Meals with Fr. Leo Patalinghug
- Numbers League Card Game
- Mythimatical Battles Game
- Timez Attack
- Steubenville Faith & Media Conference
- Win a Free Copy of Timez Attack from the Rosary Army Website
- I Will Walk With U from Popple and Manual3
As I said over on the blog for Catholic in a Small Town, our RCIA group was asked to meditate on John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
I don’t think it was the INTENTION of the RCIA leader to introduce me to the idea of redemptive suffering, but it worked that way.
Actually, Greg, I think that your experience of baptism, confirmation, and eucharist in that order is the way that it was first intended to be. These are the sacraments of initiation, in that order. That’s why the RCIA celebrates them that way, even for children. An eight year old going through RCIA must be confirmed at the Easter Vigil at which he is baptized, and the priest who baptizes him must be the one to confirm him. Later, he may go through the confirmation process with his peers, but he will not be re-confirmed. He will receive a blessing from the bishop instead.
Reconciliation is not a sacrament of initiation. We have inserted reconciliation into the mix for children baptized catholic because we have, for valid pastoral reasons, made confirmation a sort of “coming of age” sacrament, at least in most U.S. dioceses. There are dioceses in which children are still confirmed before first eucharist, in keeping with the ancient order. So I wouldn’t write off your experience as just some crazy seventies experiment.
This is a discussion that is still very active, with the bishops themselves discussing from time to time if it is necessary to have every diocese do the same thing…and of course theologians and liturgists like to discuss the pros and cons of earlier confirmation.
On your other big topic of the day…when I am in Atlanta I attend a parish at which the following announcement is made as communion begins:”Catholics who wish to receive communion, the body and blood of Christ, should follow the directions of the ushers. Catholics who do not wish to receive eucharist at this time, Catholics who have not yet received their first communion, and those who do not share our Catholic faith are invited to come forward for a blessing. To receive the blessing, please cross your arms on your chest like this..” And then they demonstrate. I didn’t know what to think of this announcement at first, but as I heard it over and over I decided that it was really a pretty positive way of telling visitors that they could not receive, but were still very welcome. I’d be interested to know what you think, and if this is an announcement made at all Atlanta parishes.
@TJ - Thanks for the additional clarification about confirmation. As far as that announcement, I *wish* that was standard at our parishes, but it’s not. I think that’s a very respectful way of addressing it.
My kids, especially my second grader, would looove that Timez Attack game you’re giving away. And Mom would love for him to learn the times tables without flash cards.
Keep up the good work Greg and Jennifer! I love your show. I’ve listened to all 215 episodes.
I’ve listened to Rosary Army podcast since it first started and want to thank you again for persevering. I’ve seen much fruit from your efforts. When I listened to your original podcast about Timez Attack I tried it out on the website as soon as I could. My son struggles in school. He is 12 yrs old but is at a 4th grade level right now. He saw the program and was excited about it. I wanted to purchase the full version but haven’t yet due to budget constrictions at this time. Our family is practicing Dave Ramsey’s suggestions on finances. I highly recommend it. Also, I will be moving my 401k to Epiphany Funds. I, too, saw the article in the Nat’l Catholic Register. Anyway, it would be great to win the Timez Attack game.
May God bless you on the trip to Steubinville. I know your sacrifice of time will bear fruit.