Bringing you the "Good News" of Jesus Christ and His Church While PROMOTING CATHOLIC Apologetic Support groups loyal to the Holy Father and Church's magisterium
Home About
AskACatholic.com		 What's New? Resources The Church Family Life Mass and
Adoration		 Ask A Catholic
Knowledge base
AskACatholic Disclaimer
Search the
AskACatholic Database
Donate and
Support our work
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
New Questions
Cool Catholic Videos
About Saints
Disciplines and Practices for distinct Church seasons
Purgatory and Indulgences
About the Holy Mass
About Mary
Searching and Confused
Contemplating becoming a Catholic or Coming home
back
Homosexual and Gender Issues
Life, Dating, and Family
No Salvation Outside the Church
Sacred Scripture
non-Catholic Cults
Justification and Salvation
The Pope and Papacy
The Sacraments
Relationships and Marriage situations
Specific people, organizations and events
Doctrine and Teachings
Specific Practices
Church Internals
Church History

WishToBecomeCatholic wrote:

Hi, guys —

I'm a young female who was never baptized who wishes to become part of the Catholic faith. My husband of four years is Catholic. We were married in the Catholic Church and we went through the mandatory training before making our promise before God.

My problem is a chronic illness I've been struggling with for over two years now. This illness makes me unable to leave the house on some days and planning anything on a more-than day-to-day basis is very difficult as I never know how I'll feel before my day actually starts.

  • Will be possible for me to study the Catholic faith and become part of this faith, doing most of the studies and work from home?

I understand, of course, there are certain [meetings/events] I will have to attend but because I'm so limited, I was hoping there is some way for me to do most the work from home.

I have tried doing some research on this subject, but so far I've come up empty handed.

Thank you for this great service, donations will be made as a thank-you.

WishToBecomeCatholic
  { Since I have a chronic illness, can I still become a Catholic by studying at home? }

Mike replied:

Dear WishingToBecomeCatholic,

It is fortunate that you sent us this question.

Besides what my colleagues and I can provide for an answer I'm sending this to Fr. Jonathan and a good friend, Rob Coutinho, who is Catholic and like you, has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), though your illness may differ. Both of you may find it helpful to share trails and victories with this illness. Tell me if you want to exchange e-mails.

That said, here's my two cents.

If your illness is really debilitating, you may be able to watch a T.V. Mass and have an Extraordinary Ministry of the Eucharist come weekly to bring you the Blessed Sacrament. As to the studying aspect, I would be interested in what others think. Personally, I don't see any problem with learning the faith at home. The key to being a faithful Catholic is:

  • Knowing the faith and
  • Practicing it by your actions

I'm sure your husband's pastor can:

  • get you on the right road, and
  • discern the best path for you based on your specific illness and how debilitating it.

There will be nuances for each person with any chronic illness so we can't give one answer.

I also found this posting in our database that Rob answered for us:

I hope this helps, and . . . Welcome to the Family!!

Mike

Fr. Jonathan replied:

Dear WishToBecome,

Talk to your pastor. I am sure he will be accommodating.

Fr. Jonathan
Please report any and all typos or grammatical errors.
Suggestions for this web page and the web site can be sent to Mike Humphrey
© 2012 Panoramic Sites
The Early Church Fathers Church Fathers on the Primacy of Peter. The Early Church Fathers on the Catholic Church and the term Catholic. The Early Church Fathers on the importance of the Roman Catholic Church centered in Rome.