Expert: Fr. Michael - 9/22/2010

Question
Dear Father, I would like to take RCIA lessons and then make a decision about converting to Catholicism. I am also a regular attendee of my local parish and receive blessings from the pastor. My wife and I were both baptized in the United Church of Christ but do not attend. My wife is happy for me to take the lessons and convert if it pleases me but has not expressed an interest herself. When I informed my pastor that I may want to convert he informed me that I would not be allowed to receive the sacrament because I would not be living in a Catholic marriage. Does that mean I can still become Catholic but I will never be able receive the sacrament? Also,does mean at my baptism I would not be allowed to receive the sacrament? Wouldn't it be strange and embarrassing to be baptized on stage with other converts and not receive the sacrament in front of an entire congregation. Maybe I should take the lessons, pray for my wives faith conversion and then we can both be baptized one day or not. Please tell me father that I have gotten all of this wrong? I can't imagine not being able to take communion and be Catholic nor can I imagine asking my wife to convert so that I can take communion.

Answer
All of what you are relating pertains not to traditional Catholicism, but to the New Order sect, which has departed from traditional Catholic teaching and actually uses differently-formulated Sacraments.

You should seriously consider getting direction from traditional priest about conversion to what is the traditonal Catholicism of 2000 years.  He can set up a program of study for you that is truly Catholic, not the New Order deviation.  There is a geographical listing at www.traditio.com/nat.htm.