Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 155.  Fri 10-11-91 16:48  (RECV'D)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Patrick Spellman
 Subject: Acceptence into the Church

³ I thought I'd let you know that I was able to talk with the local
³ priest about my wife's annullment.  Since I'm in the RCIA classes
³ now, and since my wife hasn't as yet filed for the annullment, I
³ would not be able to be accepted into the Church.  By the way, I've
³ never been married before so I have no annullment problems on my
³ side.  The priest briefly stated that the Church cannot accept some-
³ one into the fold in which She cannot bless a marriage.  I understand
³ the teaching and I shall pray that the annullment is quickly
³ resolved, although I know that it can take years for one to be
³ processed.  My questions for you:  Do you see any reasons why I
³ wouldn't be able to continue the RCIA?  Also, since the Easter Vigil
³ falls on April 18th next year (1992) (which, by the way, is also my
³ birthday) and knowing that the annullment would not be resolved, is
³ there any reason I wouldn't be able to be accepted into the Church
³ after the Vigil, say, sometime next summer?  I've been batpized before
³ in the Lutheran church so there is no reason for that ritual of
³ the Vigil.  Thanks for listening to me.  God bless.
 
Dear Patrick,
 
Certainly you can continue in RCIA.  Learning and information are its
first fruits, yet no one in the program is ever committed, expected
or pressured to go on to baptism when the course is completed.
 
One can be received into the Church at anytime after one's
preparation and instruction are completed.  In your situation, you
will be confirmed by the bishop, not by the priest who receives you.
 
You do not KNOW that annulment proceedings will be slow.  If your
wife applies, she should make a request for speed precisely BECAUSE
you are in RCIA and would wish to be received next April.  I hope she
applies at once.
 
By the way, can you PROVE you were baptized?  It might be well to get
a document from the church of your baptism now.  If such a document
is not forthcoming, a notarized statement by an eyewitness of your
baptism (other than yourself) might be sufficient.
 
You are in my prayers.
 
                                     Sincerely in Christ,
                                     Father Mateo