Anglican Invitation

[SixDays]

What does the Popes recent invitation to Anglican’s mean to an individual Anglican?
How is it different from the RCIA process?

I am an Anglican who has been trying for several years to join the Catholic Church.
However, due to job conflicts, I have never been able to complete the RCIA process.
I’m thinking that maybe the Popes new invitation might be helpful to me.

SD

 

[Sugabee43]

I am a former Episcopalian, and for me, it was a very casual transition. I got to know one of the local priests in a parish near my home, attended Mass daily, and he knew my background and my knowledge of the Catholic faith. I attended the RCIA classes when I could (I had a job with a wierd schedule, also), and he performed the initiation ceremony privately, with my sponsor and witnesses. That may be the route for you, as well. It’s important to develop that relationship with the priest, though, so that they are completely comfortable with your knowledge and intentions.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

What does the Popes recent invitation to Anglican’s mean to an individual Anglican?
How is it different from the RCIA process?

I am an Anglican who has been trying for several years to join the Catholic Church.
However, due to job conflicts, I have never been able to complete the RCIA process.
I’m thinking that maybe the Popes new invitation might be helpful to me.

SD

My understanding is that it applies to groups becoming Catholic and allowing them to maintain their traditions. An individual who wants to become Catholic still needs to call the local Catholic parish and inquire about the process.

Have you talked with the pastor or RCIA director about trying to accommodate your job conflicts?

 

[SixDays]

Oh yes, I’ve talked to the priest and deacon in charge of RCIA.
I was told that if I miss a class, I had to start over.
The classes start around June and, of course, its not over until the following Easter.

I know there is much to learn about the Catholic Church.
However, one thing I may never understand is why it is so difficult/complicated to join.

Its quite sad, actually.

SD

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Oh yes, I’ve talked to the priest and deacon in charge of RCIA.
I was told that if I miss a class, I had to start over.
The classes start around June and, of course, its not over until the following Easter.

Perhaps you could try another parish. This isn’t some kind of universal norm.

 

[kristanl]

Your best bet is to parish hunt and see if you can find one that accomodates your jobs schedule. Hopefully you will be able to find this. If not, hopefully you can find a priest who will help you be able to miss some classes but still be able to become a Catholic. You may want to mention you do not need to be baptized. (assuming you already have).

 

[Student09]

Oh yes, I’ve talked to the priest and deacon in charge of RCIA.
I was told that if I miss a class, I had to start over.
The classes start around June and, of course, its not over until the following Easter.

I know there is much to learn about the Catholic Church.
However, one thing I may never understand is why it is so difficult/complicated to join.

Its quite sad, actually.

SD

It IS sad. I had a difficult time finding an RCIA class, I tried four different parishes if I remember correctly, before I found one that worked with my schedule. One parish even told me that I was the only one who had expressed interest in the class, but even so, if they did have a class (with me being presumably the only person) they would not change the time so that I would be able to attend. Don’t they WANT new members???!?

But at the parish where I’m now taking my classes, I know the priest makes special accommodations for some of the members, like talking to them on the phone if they can’t come to class very often. We have homework if we miss a class but we certainly don’t have to start over.

Try different parishes and pray about it, you will find one that’s more flexible.