Can I become Catholic without RCIA?

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Comgall

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Hi,

I want to convert to the Catholic faith but have a problem. I live in Northern Ireland where religious affiliation is extremely sensitive. I want to avoid creating scandal for my Protestant family and so would rather avoid RCIA. To be clear - I don’t intend to keep my Catholicism a secret but nor do I want to make life unnecessarily difficult for my family. Are there any alternatives to RCIA and is it possible to be received into the church in private? I look forward to reading your answers.
 
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If you are already a Christian where your baptism is considered valid by Catholicism, you may want to discuss with the praish priest to see the possibility of arranging someone (a Catholic/maybe a catechist) to go through with you some of those RCIA materials. There are possiblities for those arrangment. Depending on the parish where you live, you should discuss with the priest or get some information from someone who works there.
 
Thanks - I have a valid baptism (with certificate) from the Church of England, so this may be an option.
 
That’s good. You do not have to be baptized again; only to be received into the Church. The priest may need to verify your baptism though, which is a normal procedure. Ideally you have to go through a formal RCIA but the parish should have a discretion on that. So, I do not see much hurdle for you. Talking to the priest about your concern would solve this. You will most probably receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and be a full-fledged Catholic. Welcome home.
 
Well, on the positive side you’re already Christian, and the Church generally accept other Christian baptisms. You don’t really have to go through rcia, in fact I know of someone here in the United States who has a radio show on EWTN, Dr David Anders, he did not go through rcia, but I do think he had some private instruction. He was apparently already well studied. So, I understand the importance of it, and I went through it, but I also understand why that might not be a good fit for you.
 
Speak with your Pastor. He may decide to do private instruction.
 
Jesus said “whoever is ashamed of me I will be ashamed of” and “I came to set a father against his son and a mother against her son and a brother against brother” and “I came not to bring peace but the sword”.

If you’re not ready to forsake all and let people condemn you for following Christ, perhaps RCIA would be a very good thing for you to help you build courage and trust in God.
 
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