Q: There was a major eruption in our OCIA advisory group the other night when we were talking about Catholics that by reason of expediency are grouped in with Catechumen and Candidates.  This would obviously be those that were only Baptized Catholic and nothing further, those who received Penance and Eucharist and wish Confirmation.

The folks in the group insisted that they be also called Candidates.  I disagreed.  While the process may call for them to be ‘treated’ as a Catechumen ( uncatechized) or missing Sacraments, I don’t think its wise to muddy the waters further by calling them ‘Candidates’.

Thoughts?

And your wonderful new book on Candidates, Full Communion with Us, will be my reading for the Holiday break… with a highlighter handy.

Blessings upon all you do locally and for the broader Church!
==

A: The typical edition in Latin never uses the word “candidate” for validly baptized Catholics preparing for confirmation and communion. But the English translation for use in the United States does—over and over again. See the basic principle in OCIA 400, and then the use of the term in 405 and 407 before going on to the optional rites for candidates, which may include these Catholics–as well as 589.

Because the OCIA applies the word “candidate” to baptized, uncatechized Catholics, it may be used for that group—at least in the United States.

View All Blog Posts | Explore Books | Submit a Blog Question | Share Post via Email