Q: Is permission of the bishop required for initiation outside the Easter Vigil. We have a 13 year old with autism in our “special needs” religious formation program. He is easily overwhelmed by sensory overload. There is some question, considering the length of the vigil, as to whether it will be difficult for him to reamain undisturbed by the length and celebration, making it difficult and uncomfortable for him.
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A: RCIA 34 §2 gives the bishop authority to determine whether and when adult initiation may be celebrated apart from the Easter Vigil. I suggest you check with your bishop’s office. This is a reasonable request.