According to Catholic law and rules, is postponing of the Rite of Acceptance OK?
8
votes
1
answer
190
views
This is a follow-up question for Are those instructed before baptism considered catechumens before entering the catechumenate formally?
In Czech Republic the pre-baptismal formation is often called "preparation for baptism" or something like this, but not "catechumenate" - the Rite of Acceptance or the start of catechumenate start near the end of this period, even as late as the first sunday of Lent, when the Rite of Election should take place. In the light of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults , this practice seems to be a misunderstanding of how the Christian initiation should be performed.
While this practice may be fine for those hesitating, why should those desiring to be baptised wait months or even years until they will be allowed to express this desire publicly? Why do they have to be called "inquirers" and denied of catechumens' rights, while they are effectively catechumens except for that they are not recognized as such? I understand there are some practical reasons for this, but I feel some important aspect of Christian intiation is missing in those "preparation for baptism" groups.
My question is: is there any canon law/ liturgical rule saying that postponing the Rite of Acceptance when the inquirer is determined they want to be baptised is OK/ forbidded/ tolerated, but discouraged? And why?
Asked by Pavel
(3450 rep)
Apr 20, 2013, 01:39 PM
Last activity: May 23, 2014, 01:16 PM
Last activity: May 23, 2014, 01:16 PM