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Cindy Long wrote:

Hi, guys —

I am a Catholic and so is my daughter. My mother-in-law, who is almost 86, says she has always wanted to be Catholic and believes all the teachings of the Catholic Church.

  • Is there something that can be officially done to make her a true member of the Catholic Church?

I told her she was a Catholic if she believed it in her heart. I know she desires a Catholic Priest to officiate at her funeral service.

  • Is any of this possible for her?
  • Do you have any suggestions on reading materials?

I supplied her with some things and have purchased a Catholic Bible for her but am not sure what would be the best reading materials.

Thank you and God Bless!

Cindy Long

  { How does my 86-year-old mother-in-law become a Catholic and what's the best reading material? }

Mary Ann replied:

Hi, Cindy —

If she believes all that the Church teaches, at her age, all that is necessary is for her to meet with a priest, or have a priest come to see her so that it can be known that she knows what the Church teaches and accepts it.

If she is already baptized, she can be received into the Church at any time by making a profession of faith, receiving Confirmation, and receiving the Eucharist. Because of her age, you could ask that she be dispensed from going through the RCIA process (which goes from September through Easter). However, she can do the process if she likes. I would just hate to see her deprived of the sacraments for nine months when she has waited so long.

In any case, she should call a parish priest now. Perhaps she would be more comfortable if you called for her and you both went for an appointment.

Mary Ann

Mike replied:

Hi, Cindy —

In addition to my colleague's comments, if she is still a good reader, she should also consider buying a cheap copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

For reading materials, both of you can check out my books and periodical page here.

The Compendium of the Catechism would be a great choice too. It is totally written in a question and answer format.

Mike

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