During Pre-Cana, when the Priest knew that my husband would not be converting, but was going to be active in the church, we never got a full explanation of what he can or cannot participate in. I know he cannot accept communion but what about other rituals and sacraments? For example, with Ash Wednesday coming up, we both wondered if this is something he can partake in? Can he use the holy water upon entrance? Can he kneel? Should he refrain from saying the Niacine Creed? Any other thoughts? Thank you.

-- Tricia Hoffman (trilawnd@aol.com), March 03, 2003

Answers

I believe he can go up to receive the ashes, someone correct me if I am wrong. As well as he can "use" the Holy Water.

These are all sacramentals which have a deep connection with our faith, why would he want to participate in things he doesn't believe in?

Joe

-- Joseph Carl Biltz (jcbiltz@canoemail.com), March 03, 2003.

I believe he can go up to receive the ashes, someone correct me if I am wrong. As well as he can "use" the Holy Water.

These are all sacramentals which have a deep connection with our faith, why would he want to participate in things he doesn't believe in? He can kneel as well, and participate in Mass, just not go to communion.

Joe

-- Joseph Carl Biltz (jcbiltz@canoemail.com), March 03, 2003.

Hi, Tricia,

Some things that your non-Catholic husband cannot receive are Holy Communion, Reconciliation (Penance), or Confirmation. He also would not be permitted to distribute Holy Communion. He don't think he would be able to join the Catholic fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus, although he'd probably be welcome as a guest at any of their functions.

He can pray all the prayers, use all the sacramentals, receive the blessings, stand, sit, and kneel with us. He can even join the choir (if he can sing!) He may attend parish retreats or missions, and join volunteer groups such as the pro-life committee.

If he believes what the Nicene Creed says, he surely may recite it. If he rejects parts of it, then I cannot imagine that he would want to recite those words.

I hope he always feels welcome and at home with us.

God Bless.

-- Anna <>< (Flower@youknow.com), March 03, 2003.

Your husband may participate in the saying of the mass, and yes he may genuflect, but unless he has been baptized (The Catholic Church now recognizes baptisms from any denomintation as long as you have been baptized with water and the use of the words In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) he may not use the sacramental blessing of yourself with holy water as it is a reminder of our common baptisms in Christ.

God Bless

-- Josh Hall (rhettbutler1984@yahoo.com), July 07, 2003.

"(The Catholic Church now recognizes baptisms from any denomintation as long as you have been baptized with water and the use of the words In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)"

That's not a new development or a change in the rules so to speak. Rules about these things can't or won't change anyways. Its impossible.

It's always been the case that a baptism is valid if done properly, despite who is doing it. If you go back and read the Council of Trent, it lays this out clearly.

In fact, any pagan can baptise a person as long as he intends to do what the Church intends by baptism, and furthermore, the base-line minimum of validity is set pretty low, thank God.

However, one cannot baptise himself... something to think about in more detail if you consider certain proposals about Baptism. Think about it.

"...he may not use the sacramental blessing of yourself with holy water as it is a reminder of our common baptisms in Christ."

Actually, they can use holy water. If fact, encourage it. Tricia, get him a blessed green scapular. If you don't have one or can't find one, I'll send you one.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), July 07, 2003.