Can returning Cathoics receive the sacraments?
11th October 2009 - 28th Sunday In Ordinary Time

A friend of mine was baptized Catholic and received all of the sacraments of initiation. Many years ago, she converted to another denomination. Now she has decided to return to the Catholic Church. Can she receive the sacraments? - Ellen

Dear Ellen,

How wonderful that your friend has decided to come home!

I suggest your friend talk with her parish priest. He may suggest she go to reconciliation as preparation for her return. He can't require this, because he doesn't know the state of her soul. But if it's been many years since the last time she received that sacrament, it would probably be good for her.

He will also ask her to make a profession of faith similar to the non Catholic Christians make when they join the Catholic Church. She could do this at the Easter Vigil along with the adults being baptized into the Catholic faith. However, she can also do this privately at the discretion of the parish priest.

She will be able to receive the Eucharist once she has made her profession of faith.

Rick Potts, C.Ss.R.