[siunevada]

Almost three years ago a woman I work with asked me about the process for coming into the Catholic Church. I sent her to our parish priest.

I was more than willing when she asked me to be her sponsor and the RCIA team agreed. I thought it would be easy, she knew more about the Church than I did.

About two weeks into it I asked her, "What about your husband?" The question had never entered her mind. It turns out he is a non-practicing Catholic. But just enough of a Catholic to know what having their marriage blessed in the Church means. And he refuses to do it.

We have continued with the RCIA process. She has gone through the Rite of Election, she just hasn't been able to receive the sacraments of initiation.

We've watched for a second year as Easter came and went. This year she was able to attend the Vigil Mass. Last year, it was too much of a heartbreaker for her.

And we continue on. Her marital situation has not changed and their relationship is hitting a dead end, unfortunately. Her, I'm confident in. Him, I pray for every day.

Sometimes this thing is not easy and routine. We get called to witness in ways we would not prefer. That doesn't matter.

If I was in your situation, I would make an appointment to see your priest. Just lay your problems out on the table. There may not be a resolution pleasing to you but maybe it will lead to better understanding by everyone.

[Salvation]

Has she already received the Sacraments of Initiation?

Trust in the Lord and pray!

Her husband has an issue of some kind, and I'm sure it could be resolved in a "Welcome Back, Catholics" class.

The resource we use for our class is "Catholics Can Come Home Again and I now understand they also have a website.

God bless you for standing by your friend!