tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121296330278170688.post9127859085835836461..comments2008-05-06T13:06:54.899-07:00Bryan Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040773309359417883noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121296330278170688.post-23719322685062411642008-05-06T13:06:00.000-07:002008-05-06T13:06:00.000-07:00I agree John. I think that only in the most exceptional of cases should the norm be violated (and frankly, I can't think of too many such cases). In all other cases, the unbaptized should be explicitly and warmly invited to come forward for a blessing by the priest. And if they keep coming back to church, the priest will do well to help such persons explore the possibility that God is calling them to the sacrament of rebirth, to becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.Bryan+http://www.blogger.com/profile/02040773309359417883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121296330278170688.post-33494394601319724602008-05-06T10:29:00.000-07:002008-05-06T10:29:00.000-07:00I think what a priest should do is to give the unbaptized person a blessing. Inclusion is by baptism.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08175436606440160664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121296330278170688.post-71382106443806989742008-05-04T10:24:00.000-07:002008-05-04T10:24:00.000-07:00Thanks for your comment and question. I'm in agreement with your former sub-dean. We do have to be pastorally sensitive and responsive. I also think that such cases are the exceptions that uphold - rather than call into question - the canonical norm. And so yes, if this happens, it is vital to follow up with such persons with an eye towards the possibility of baptism.Bryan+http://www.blogger.com/profile/02040773309359417883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121296330278170688.post-8656242084967954252008-05-04T07:42:00.000-07:002008-05-04T07:42:00.000-07:00This is a very thoughtful essay and you make some really good points. I do have a question, though.<BR/><BR/>From a pastoral viewpoint, if someone not baptized comes forward to communion, should they be denied? The former sub-dean of my cathedral parish used to say he had two answers to that question; one canonical, one pastoral. Canonically, yes, only the baptized are permitted to come forward to communion. The canons are very clear on that point. From a pastoral perspective, though, he'd say he would give that person communion, if they felt so moved to come forward, but would then try and follow up with that person and work with them toward baptism.<BR/><BR/>I'd be curious to know your thoughts on this. Thank you for this fine essay.talonsilverhawkhttp://talonsilverhawk.livejournal.com/noreply@blogger.com