Q: I just started a temporary assignment from a priest who apparently had the practice that people were in RCIA, and once he felt they were ready, he would have them enter the Faith. In other words, he never waited to have everyone enter the Faith at the Easter Vigil all at the same time.
Is this something that is permitted?
Is this something that may actually be recommended?
Currently, there are several people in the loop. One is ready to enter the Faith (baptized Protestant, already received his First Confession, he needs to receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion).
If this method is permitted, and observing the RCIA book, this can be done at any designated Mass, whether a daily Mass or a weekend Mass, right? Any other advice you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless you.
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A: Yes, it is advisable to do the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church apart from the Easter Vigil, preferably at a Sunday Mass, but possible at a weekday Mass. Use Part II section 5 of the RCIA.
However, if they are unbaptized, then you need the bishop’s permission to baptize adults apart from the Easter Vigil.
Note that the Protestant needs not just confirmation and first holy communion, but the act of reception, which you find in those paragraphs of the RCIA.
You do not need the bishop’s permission to confirm in this case. You have permission from canons 883/2 and 885/2.