Initiation into the Catholic Church, traditionally done at the Easter Vigil, will occur this year on May 30, the vigil of Pentecost, because of the ongoing closure of public Masses.
“We can’t do it privately because we initiate them into a community, into a parish. Not to have anyone there defeats the purpose,” Laura Bertone, director of the archdiocese of San Francisco’s office of worship, said.
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone had selected the vigil of Pentecost as a replacement because of its close connection to the descent of the Holy Spirit, and because of the hope that restrictions on public gatherings will have been lifted then.
Along with public Masses, religious education classes were suspended on March 17. RCIA groups have largely continued to meet through Zoom, although catechesis has concluded. “For the most part it’s check-in, fellowship and community,” she said.
The unique circumstances in the church today, like Mass cancellations or Pope Francis’s “Urbi et Orbi” blessing March 27, have also prompted questions about “indulgences from the pope, or what happens if I don’t go to Mass,” Bertone said.
RCIA groups have been disappointed, Bertone said, at the delay in their reception into the church, but she said “a little struggle isn’t necessarily a bad thing….
Other planned sacramental celebrations like confirmation and first Communion have been cancelled or rescheduled as well, Bertone said….
The above comes from an April 5 story in Catholic San Francisco.
A small price to pay for the grace of the Catholic faith, and I say this as a convert of 41 years. And if they have to wait longer, still a small price to pay. The converts will have the rest of their lives to grow as Catholics.
Easter vigil Mass is the most important mass in the year, especially if the Jesuits allow you to attend on the Vetus Ordo. I had to watch it in the internet from San Fernando St. Vitus FSSP. Still, better than the oppressive Novus Ordo by far.
Gratias, you do not seem either grateful or thankful that people are entering the Church, “even” if by way of the ordinary form of the Mass. That’s sad. Can you not rejoice in people entering the Church? Maybe you should post as Grumpius.
Anyone can baptize a person (even the parent of a baby – born or miscarried) if he/she is in endanger of death and wants baptism. It should be registered with the bishop later if possible.
I believe the formula is: “I baptize thee (full name if possible, or first name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” A small amount of Holy water or just plain tap water should be allowed to flow down the forehead while pronouncing the words.
Catholic priests can correct me if I am wrong on any of this. If the person survives, he/she can be baptized conditionally by a priest later if they are doubts.