[Mark in the Old South]

Let me get back to you on this one. I am trying to remember the explanation I received on such things when I was confirmed. The Priest was explaining the need for sincerity on the part of the person being confirmed to make our vows valid and licit. I will do some fact checking to make sure I explain my point clearly. Feel free to offer up what you think while I do this.

[ArrogantBustard]

I think that anyone employed as a teacher of theology (even a volunteer CCD teacher) should profess that oath (or something very like it). And that any Catholic should be able either to profess it in good conscience OR be actively seeking to rectify any discrepancies. Most of us, I suspect, have had our moments of doubt. I certainly have.

[Jim Noble]

The Priest was explaining the need for sincerity on the part of the person being confirmed to make our vows valid and licit

Let me be clear about what I was saying:

I know dozens and dozens of Catholics. My wife is Catholic. My children go to CCD.

But I don't know ANY Catholics who are faithful, if that profession of faith which you posted is the definition.

Of course, you are free to say that all Catholics who do not believe as the Church teaches "aren't Catholic"-you can even say, as some have here, that the Pope "isn't catholic"-but this is absurd.

The visible Catholic Church is made up of the bishops, the priests, the deacons, and the laity-and the fraction of that group which could validly and licitly make that profession of faith is miniscule-bishops included.