One should not connect/confuse the thoughts, rituals, and beliefs of man, with those of God.

The “church” is not the replacement for God. It’s not right or wrong, it’s irrelevant.

Perfect verses for that Hop.

Bob, I don't see anything close to being "ok" with what that Priest is doing, in fact because he's making a conscious decision to exclude the child from communion, uh.. that's bad.

it's not that easy or straight forward unfortunately.

I’ve seen where they won’t baptize a child very young . They basically said the same thing because the child didn’t understand what was really going on , didn’t understand the gift they were receiving , and the whole right or wrong thing .

I understand the age thing to an extent . But the handicapped may or may not reach a point where they can fully comprehend the whole situation? So what in the world are they supposed to do to save those kids ?! So I do think that’s wrong .

In my own personal opinion tho I know that the big guy will definitely take in the children who have not been saved in the ceremony(s) , they don’t know any better there innocent. He’s showed me mercy and saved me so anybody else should be good brother !

good words, thanks!

They should try another Catholic church as each priest has their own ways unfortunately. Our church offers First Communion to anyone who completes the classes.

My wife's priest would not perform our wedding as I am Lutheran. We just registered at a different Catholic church and had no issues.

that's the problem in my case. He can't complete the classes. I get that, but there needs to be another means.

I'm not a fan of any catholic church's views on communion. I think it should be open to all, nit just Catholics. It's the Lord's table not a catholic table. As for this occurance I'm against the church again.

I think the priest has built his life on believing that things should be a certain way, and he's likely taking a stand here because it would violate his core principles to do so.

Personally, stuff like this is why I do have some minor issues with how Catholic/Lutheran religion works. They have traditionally, and still do IMHO, place too much stock in the opinion of humans as it relates to your spiritual relationship with God. Your relationship with God is between you and him. I think most Baptist churches that I've been to operate that way, as do Methodist that I've seen. I don't have a ton of exposure to other denominations, but I had Catholic friends in college and the perspective on salvation/communion/confirmation really varied widely from being quite similar to my Baptist beliefs, to stuff like this priest where you couldn't participate in certain activities without being viewed a certain way. The whole concept of a Pope, or priests that you confess to, or any human being who has the authority to deny communion or any other religious activity, is difficult for me as a Baptist to even comprehend.

Just some thoughts - not trying to bash. Baptists aren't perfect - at least yall don't pretend to not drink and dance.

there is a reason you always take two baptists fishing with you.

The classes should be taught in such a manner as to accomodate him learning the material. More than likely it is not an issue of intelligence at all but simply the inflexibility of the 'church' to meet the need presented.

not saying i agree
but we both see the reasoning
its a Sacrament
serious stuff

I would agree. Honestly, I don't know what my son knows bout religion. He knows that Jesus loves him, that much I do know.

He knows Jesus loves him is all that matters, the religious part is legalism and Paul warned against that.

The Catholic Church takes a very legalistic standpoint on matters of faith. It has written rules that members must follow, and they stick to them. Historically that has been both a strength and a weakness for them. That boy didn't follow the steps the Catholic Church requires one to follow. Therefore he didn't get to go through confirmation. They won't confirm anyone without completing these steps. While this is sad for the boy, you have to respect the church's conviction and refusal to compromise what they feel is right.