Becoming catholic (western rite, usa)

[AwesomeSwedZach]

Hello, My name is Zachary. Im planing on becoming Catholic. I’ve heard about can Catholic RCIA. I am not baptised. When i join a local parish, do I need to go through rcia? And I’ve read it can take several years to go through it. I’ve read what the steps are and so on. But I cannot find if I have to do it?. And the thing about the rite of exorcism. And the minor exorcism (90-94). Does this mean im going to be exorcised? Im pretty nervous about that.

 

[1ke]

Yes, typically the RCIA process is the way a Catechumen (unbaptized person) enters the Church. You can make an appointment with the local parish pastor and he can explain how it is done locally. He can also discuss the timeframe, as that is highly dependent upon you, your prior exposure to Christianity, your knowledge, your “path”.

Regarding the Scrutinies, the minor exorcisms are simply prayers. TV and movies should not be your model in understanding what is meant by the Scrutinies.

Here are a couple of things you can read:

catholicsensibility.wordpress.com/2009/08/28/rcia-141-scrutinies/

onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/scrutiny-1.html

 

[suissemissed]

Hey Zachary, and welcome! As you have not been baptized, yes, you will need to enter the Church through the RCIA process. Different parishes have different programs, and the time period will vary between them. If you have lived as a Christian beforehand (despite not being baptized), the process might be shorter. But really, it depends on the parish priest and the RCIA director.

As for the exorcism question: I’m pretty sure there’s an exorcism for infants, but I’m not so sure when it comes to adults. Anyways, if there is, it’s certainly nothing to be worried about It would consist of a few simple prayers said during the Rite of Baptism to free you of any influence from evil spirits, and that’s all. See here for more information (scroll down to #89-91): catholicdoors.com/courses/baptism.htm

God bless, and I pray you have smooth sailing in RCIA! I am a convert myself, having previously been a non-denominational Protestant, and can safely say that nothing in life compares to Jesus and His Holy Catholic Church