Can I Bypass RCIA?

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Okay, here’s my situation… I’m 20 years old, and was a non-denominational Protestant for as long as I can remember. My father used to be a Church of God (non-denom) minister back when I was 7 years old, and says that he baptized me (though I can’t remember it). I was homeschooled throughout my childhood since the 1st grade, and since I wasn’t exposed to the atheistic ideology present in our school systems today, I remained very passionate about my Faith. I’ve always loved reading theology, especially books by C.S. Lewis. However, I had never researched the whole “Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant question” until about 6 months ago. One of the things I like to do is write “essays” about various topics of the Faith, and I was planning on writing an essay about “Why The Catholic Church Is False.” But before I did, I knew I needed to do a lot of research so that I didn’t end up sounding stupid 😛 (glad I did that!) That’s why I began my research on Catholicism… and lo and behold every one of my arguments and presuppositions about the Catholic Church fell away upon examination.

To make a long story short, I’ve spent the last 6 months researching Catholicism (and the Orthodox Churches) like crazy… I’ve come to fully believe with every part of my soul that the Catholic Church is the Truth. I believe in the Real Presence, in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Our Lady, in the Infallibility of the Church, in all the Sacraments, etc. I’ve participated in numerous Masses, though of course not taking Communion. So, naturally, I want to become a full member of the Church by being Confirmed.

However, when I attempted to join my local parish’s RCIA program this fall, I was told I had joined too late into the program and would have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil to be confirmed 😦 I was totally heartbroken… on top of that, my soul is in torment because I’m still separated from Christ’s Body (the Church), and I can’t stand the idea of waiting that long to come into full communion! I have sins I need to confess, I want to receive Christ in the Eucharist, etc. And probably the worst part of all this is that I know I’m more knowledgeable about the Catholic Faith than any of the catechumens who are now just finishing that RCIA program! 😦 I’m not trying to boast, but it’s a simple fact… I felt I could have taught that RCIA class!

So anyways, if you haven’t guessed it by the title of this thread, my question is this: Can I bypass RCIA and be confirmed within a reasonable amount of time? I’ve tried looking elsewhere on the web for help, and it certainly seems that due to my particular circumstances (my knowledge about the Catholic Faith and the fact that I’m already a Christian), I shouldn’t have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil. The RCIA guidelines are actually against me going through the whole RCIA program. Should I just contact my local diocese and ask to be confirmed (and conditionally baptized, since I can’t be sure my dad’s baptism was valid) in a private ceremony? Would that be appropriate? What does everyone think? I’m tired of waiting for no reason at all to become a Catholic 😦

Thank you all in advance for your advice!
 
As I understand it, RCIA is not a formal/necessary ritual part of a conversion to Catholicism. I was baptised & confirmed as an adult in Germany (where I spent a year studying), without any formal Catechesis. My pastor at the time said that he knew me, and knew that I had a love and reverence for Scripture and as such he felt sure I would “be alright”.

Essentially, it is at the discretion of the pastor, with permission of the bishop. In your situation, I’m sure something could be arranged if you present your situation to a pastor who knows you. Baptisms of adults need not necessarily take place at the Easter Vigil, and in fact they are common throughout Eastertide. Maybe you could receive a six week session of intense Catechesis, before being received at Pentecost.
 
Forget waiting till next year - find a traditional priest & hell take care of everything you need . Youre not the first to experience this .
[SIGN]Pax et Bonum[/SIGN]
 
The purpose of RCIA is not a graduation in the catholic faith, it is not meant that someone should be a Ph.D. or likewise.

The main purpose is to give the person time to reflect upon the faith and the church and also time to settle things like validity of baptism, marriages, etc.

I have been studying the catholic faith for approx 3 years and was accepted as a catechumen last lent.

The priest of my parish contacted another parish that has an RCIA program and told them that they could skip the first course where they look into the teachings of the church.

The RCIA we are now completing was not so much about the teachings, it was more about strengthening the faith and about prayer, so i cant say that i learned something new during this time of RCIA.

Nevertheless it was a good time where i could research myself and work with my weak faith, yes, praying has never been something i indulge in strongly.

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

We had in our group a man that has been studying and participating in retreats to monasterys for about 10 years, still he completed the RCIA and by value of him being baptised in the swedish church he and the rest of the baptised candidates will be recieved into full communion today on holy thursday.

Finally you must never look upon yourself as being apart from christ even though you cant for the moment recieve the communion, if you are validly baptized you are already a part of the church by value of your baptism, and if you are not validly baptized you are a part because of your desire.

Talk to a priest maybe after the easter you can be accepted as a catechumen or candidate after the validity of the baptism has been examined.

You must know that the main purpose of RCIA is to give you time to consider if you really wanna do this, and it is also a way for the church to see if your intentions are to become a lifelong catholic.

I know it can be very frustrating, i hated my priest when he some years ago said that it must take time, at least 2 years he said, i really wanted to kill him 😃

Since then i have come to understand the wisdom behind the preparation and that he was right when he said:
It is never good if things happens too fast, the more time it take, the better it is, christ knows whats in your heart.

Remember that the Lord walked upon this earth for 3 years doing RCIA before he gave the commandment of baptism.

My advice is, stay calm, like my priest said to me last easter, soon it will be your turn, at that time it felt very far away, but now the time has come.

Be strong and stay firm, if you really want it, it will be there in due time.
 
I’d ask around.

When I wanted to be confirmed (I was baptized Catholic, raised Methodist, practiced nothing at all for decades), the first church I went to wanted to put me through the entire RCIA program; I knew I didn’t need that (thanks to what I learned at Catholic Answers), so I went to a different parish, and lo and behold, I was confirmed about five months later.

I did, however, participate in RCIA classes during those months. The purpose was twofold: to help me learn, and to show others in the church that I was sincere and knew quite a bit.

Now, our deacon jokes that if people have questions, ask me, since I probably know more than he does. (Nowhere close to being true, of course, but it’s flattering nonetheless.)

Anyway, talk to a couple of different RCIA directors–or better still, priests–and see what they have to say.
 
suissemissed said:
Okay, here’s my situation… I’m 20 years old, and was a non-denominational Protestant for as long as I can remember. My father used to be a Church of God (non-denom) minister back when I was 7 years old, and says that he baptized me (though I can’t remember it). I was homeschooled throughout my childhood since the 1st grade, and since I wasn’t exposed to the atheistic ideology present in our school systems today, I remained very passionate about my Faith. I’ve always loved reading theology, especially books by C.S. Lewis. However, I had never researched the whole “Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant question” until about 6 months ago. One of the things I like to do is write “essays” about various topics of the Faith, and I was planning on writing an essay about “Why The Catholic Church Is False.” But before I did, I knew I needed to do a lot of research so that I didn’t end up sounding stupid 😛 (glad I did that!) That’s why I began my research on Catholicism… and lo and behold every one of my arguments and presuppositions about the Catholic Church fell away upon examination.

To make a long story short, I’ve spent the last 6 months researching Catholicism (and the Orthodox Churches) like crazy… I’ve come to fully believe with every part of my soul that the Catholic Church is the Truth. I believe in the Real Presence, in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Our Lady, in the Infallibility of the Church, in all the Sacraments, etc. I’ve participated in numerous Masses, though of course not taking Communion. So, naturally, I want to become a full member of the Church by being Confirmed.

However, when I attempted to join my local parish’s RCIA program this fall, I was told I had joined too late into the program and would have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil to be confirmed 😦 I was totally heartbroken… on top of that, my soul is in torment because I’m still separated from Christ’s Body (the Church), and I can’t stand the idea of waiting that long to come into full communion! I have sins I need to confess, I want to receive Christ in the Eucharist, etc. And probably the worst part of all this is that I know I’m more knowledgeable about the Catholic Faith than any of the catechumens who are now just finishing that RCIA program! 😦 I’m not trying to boast, but it’s a simple fact… I felt I could have taught that RCIA class!

So anyways, if you haven’t guessed it by the title of this thread, my question is this: Can I bypass RCIA and be confirmed within a reasonable amount of time? I’ve tried looking elsewhere on the web for help, and it certainly seems that due to my particular circumstances (my knowledge about the Catholic Faith and the fact that I’m already a Christian), I shouldn’t have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil. The RCIA guidelines are actually against me going through the whole RCIA program. Should I just contact my local diocese and ask to be confirmed (and conditionally baptized, since I can’t be sure my dad’s baptism was valid) in a private ceremony? Would that be appropriate? What does everyone think? I’m tired of waiting for no reason at all to become a Catholic 😦

Thank you all in advance for your advice!
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At the minimum you will be hooked up with a Sponsor (if you do not already have one) You will spend some time discussing the Catholic faith, beliefs and practices while information is gathered and your Baptism is investigated. Afterwards you will participate in the Rite of Welcome and depending on your situation a decision will be made as to your readiness by you, your sponsor and your Pastor. He can then request permission from the Bishop to receive you with the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion.
 
suissemissed said:
OkaySo anyways, if you haven’t guessed it by the title of this thread, my question is this: Can I bypass RCIA and be confirmed within a reasonable amount of time? I’ve !
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welcome home
first advice: next week, after Easter, start calling around to local parishes and ask to speak to pastors–not secretaries, not DREs, not RCIA directors, but pastors and ask for a personal appointment to discuss an important pastoral matter.

ask the question and relate your history exactly as state here for each priest you meet until you find one who is willing to implement RCIA as it is intended for your personal situation, and yes your understanding is correct.

Baptized Christians do not go through the entire preparation, study and rites intended for the unbaptized
New candidates should be accepted year round and NEVER told to come back later

What you know is not as important as what you believe and accept, and it takes more than study and research to arrive at point where you can make a sincere profession of faith and ask for Confirmation and Eucharist, and before you can make a general confession of sins of your past life. There does need to be a period of formation. Nor is conversion the proper term to use for a baptized Christian who is already living in conformity with the scripture and sincerly seeking to understand and do Christ’s will.

The priest can obtain permission to confirm you and bring you into full communion with the Church at anytime during the year (or possible the bishop will confirm at a time and place designated by him if he reserves that privilege for himself). Even if you participate with the RCIA group for part of your formation, it is not required or even preferred that you celebrate the sacraments at Easter, or that you be forced to wait beyond the time you are ready.

Focus on ready. It is, however, for the Church, the pastor and bishop, to decide what constitutes readiness, preparation, worthy disposition for sacraments of the Church.
The most important and often hardest part of your formation will be patience, humility and obedience to the Church as the local parish and diocese represents her for you.

again, welcome home.

i will also offer an observation from my experience, backed up by that of colleagues with more experience than me: quite often the person who takes the longest and has the hardest time with acceptance of all the Church teaches is the well-informed, scripturally knowledgeable non-Catholic Christian who has been a devoted adherent of their own faith, or the person who has taken pains to acquire a great body of theological learning and study. There are probably a lot of reasons for this, but discerning together with the pastor when this candidate is ready for sacraments is an art and there is no boilerplate rule for a time period or passing a written an exam, that can say when this will happen.
 
RCIA is not just about gaining knowledge about the Church, it is about becoming a part of the Church. Like you, I studied and read about Christianity and Catholicism for months before stepping into any church or deciding on the Catholic Church. My parish let me start attending RCIA in February until August (with some time off in the summer) and then I started up again with the regular RCIA that started in August, so I had to repeat a lot of the material in the new session.
If you can’t start RCIA right away, attend Mass every Sunday, get to know the people in your future parish, keep reading and learning. RCIA is not about knowing more than the next person, it is about becoming a part of the body of Christ. So slow down, it will happen, don’t let pride (and personel desire) get in the way of your journey. God bless you on your journey!
 
I would definitely talk to a pastor. Start by attending the Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter vigil. There you will see the richness of our Catholic Faith in action. As an RCIA director I start people when they come to me–even if I am in Mystagogia, I will meet with then and assess their needs. Often times I will meet with them during the summer , one on one until the sessions begin again in the fall. I truly feel that when the Holy Spirit directs someone to the Church, then the Church had better respond. I love the idea that the Church allows someone who is baptized to come in when they are ready and not just at Easter time. Does it make it a little messy–yes, but what a wonderful mess.
 
As an RCIA director we start people when they come and even if they are in Mystagogia, I want to know about its need. I like the Church rules they allows someone who is baptized to come in when they are ready and not just at Easter time.
Its really very good.

Thanks,
Mark
 
Thank you all so much for your help! 🙂 I’ve just emailed my pastor and asked to set up an appointment with him after Easter. Praying that the Lord leads me into the Church at the right time 🙂 And yes, I’ll be patient if need be 😛

God bless you all!
 
suissemissed said:
Okay, here’s my situation… I’m 20 years old, and was a non-denominational Protestant for as long as I can remember. My father used to be a Church of God (non-denom) minister back when I was 7 years old, and says that he baptized me (though I can’t remember it). I was homeschooled throughout my childhood since the 1st grade, and since I wasn’t exposed to the atheistic ideology present in our school systems today, I remained very passionate about my Faith. I’ve always loved reading theology, especially books by C.S. Lewis. However, I had never researched the whole “Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant question” until about 6 months ago. One of the things I like to do is write “essays” about various topics of the Faith, and I was planning on writing an essay about “Why The Catholic Church Is False.” But before I did, I knew I needed to do a lot of research so that I didn’t end up sounding stupid 😛 (glad I did that!) That’s why I began my research on Catholicism… and lo and behold every one of my arguments and presuppositions about the Catholic Church fell away upon examination.

To make a long story short, I’ve spent the last 6 months researching Catholicism (and the Orthodox Churches) like crazy… I’ve come to fully believe with every part of my soul that the Catholic Church is the Truth. I believe in the Real Presence, in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Our Lady, in the Infallibility of the Church, in all the Sacraments, etc. I’ve participated in numerous Masses, though of course not taking Communion. So, naturally, I want to become a full member of the Church by being Confirmed.

However, when I attempted to join my local parish’s RCIA program this fall, I was told I had joined too late into the program and would have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil to be confirmed 😦 I was totally heartbroken… on top of that, my soul is in torment because I’m still separated from Christ’s Body (the Church), and I can’t stand the idea of waiting that long to come into full communion! I have sins I need to confess, I want to receive Christ in the Eucharist, etc. And probably the worst part of all this is that I know I’m more knowledgeable about the Catholic Faith than any of the catechumens who are now just finishing that RCIA program! 😦 I’m not trying to boast, but it’s a simple fact… I felt I could have taught that RCIA class!

So anyways, if you haven’t guessed it by the title of this thread, my question is this: Can I bypass RCIA and be confirmed within a reasonable amount of time? I’ve tried looking elsewhere on the web for help, and it certainly seems that due to my particular circumstances (my knowledge about the Catholic Faith and the fact that I’m already a Christian), I shouldn’t have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil. The RCIA guidelines are actually against me going through the whole RCIA program. Should I just contact my local diocese and ask to be confirmed (and conditionally baptized, since I can’t be sure my dad’s baptism was valid) in a private ceremony? Would that be appropriate? What does everyone think? I’m tired of waiting for no reason at all to become a Catholic 😦

Thank you all in advance for your advice!
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I was in your situation a year ago!!! 🙂 I was also non denom Protestant, and then became Catholic! and I was also very frustrated with the waiting I had to go through. lol. Put it all in God’s hands 🙂 my conversion took time, even though I thought I was ready, but God also wanted to test me before I actually became Catholic. Maybe it won’t happen with you, I dont know. But in any case, that is really wonderful that He had lead you to the Church!! 😃 that is a great gift. God bless!
 
First off, let me just say that I FEEL your pain. I know how hard it is to wait, especially when you want to receive the Sacraments and know what you are missing. Sometimes the priest and parish staff aren’t sensitive to your feelings because they are either cradle Catholics or they have forgotten what it’s like to be in your situation; please forgive them.

That said, I think that if you end up going through the RCIA route, I want you to know that there are many benefits to this. When I first decided that I wanted to become Catholic, I was also knowledgeable, eager to receive the Sacraments, and concerned wholly with the truth of Catholicism. What I did not think of at the time was my integration into the community. Sometimes as a convert it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that Christ established a family. What RCIA helped me do was meet the people in my parish, get involved (comfortably!) in parish activities, make friendships with my fellow RCIA candidates, and receive acceptance and encouragement from the community. Just today I walked to church, found out there was no Mass, and was offered a ride home by a fellow parishioner who was leaving the church. We talked and shared, and I felt that the Lord had given me the opportunity to meet another person. He is not just nourishing me in the Sacraments; He is slowly but surely making me more and more a part of the family.

A year is a long time to wait, and I hope that you can be received into the Church soon. Yet know “that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Rom. 8:28).
 
suissemissed said:
Okay, here’s my situation… I’m 20 years old, and was a non-denominational Protestant for as long as I can remember. My father used to be a Church of God (non-denom) minister back when I was 7 years old, and says that he baptized me (though I can’t remember it). I was homeschooled throughout my childhood since the 1st grade, and since I wasn’t exposed to the atheistic ideology present in our school systems today, I remained very passionate about my Faith. I’ve always loved reading theology, especially books by C.S. Lewis. However, I had never researched the whole “Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant question” until about 6 months ago. One of the things I like to do is write “essays” about various topics of the Faith, and I was planning on writing an essay about “Why The Catholic Church Is False.” But before I did, I knew I needed to do a lot of research so that I didn’t end up sounding stupid 😛 (glad I did that!) That’s why I began my research on Catholicism… and lo and behold every one of my arguments and presuppositions about the Catholic Church fell away upon examination.

To make a long story short, I’ve spent the last 6 months researching Catholicism (and the Orthodox Churches) like crazy… I’ve come to fully believe with every part of my soul that the Catholic Church is the Truth. I believe in the Real Presence, in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Our Lady, in the Infallibility of the Church, in all the Sacraments, etc. I’ve participated in numerous Masses, though of course not taking Communion. So, naturally, I want to become a full member of the Church by being Confirmed.

However, when I attempted to join my local parish’s RCIA program this fall, I was told I had joined too late into the program and would have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil to be confirmed 😦 I was totally heartbroken… on top of that, my soul is in torment because I’m still separated from Christ’s Body (the Church), and I can’t stand the idea of waiting that long to come into full communion! I have sins I need to confess, I want to receive Christ in the Eucharist, etc. And probably the worst part of all this is that I know I’m more knowledgeable about the Catholic Faith than any of the catechumens who are now just finishing that RCIA program! 😦 I’m not trying to boast, but it’s a simple fact… I felt I could have taught that RCIA class!

So anyways, if you haven’t guessed it by the title of this thread, my question is this: Can I bypass RCIA and be confirmed within a reasonable amount of time? I’ve tried looking elsewhere on the web for help, and it certainly seems that due to my particular circumstances (my knowledge about the Catholic Faith and the fact that I’m already a Christian), I shouldn’t have to wait until next year’s Easter Vigil. The RCIA guidelines are actually against me going through the whole RCIA program. Should I just contact my local diocese and ask to be confirmed (and conditionally baptized, since I can’t be sure my dad’s baptism was valid) in a private ceremony? Would that be appropriate? What does everyone think? I’m tired of waiting for no reason at all to become a Catholic 😦

Thank you all in advance for your advice!
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suissemissed,

If I may give you another perspective…

If entering into the Church was dependent upon “book knowledge” of Catholic dogmas, we could just have a test, and you could “CLEP” out of the RCIA! However, RCIA is a period of sacramental formation. Sacrament in the broad sense - experiencing God through visible signs. This experience takes time, time to consider one’s own personal journey and living it in our daily walk, as well as liturgical gatherings and apostolic action. Thus, the catechesis is only a small part of the training one receives when desiring to become fully Catholic. Thus, reading about the Catholic faith, while good and well, does not necessarily give one a “period of sacramental formation”.

Karl Rahner once said that Christians will either be a mystic, one who has experienced the supernatural, or they will fall into mediocrity or legalism. Thus, it is indeed VERY important that we do take seriously the consideration of the recommendations that RCIA be a longer period of time. (and continue with the Mystagogy period)

With that said, there is an OPTION in allowing someone already well-versed in walking the Christian faith and experiencing Christ in Liturgy with entering into the Church much sooner. I have reservations about putting aside the time requirments on this, but if I do allow it when asked by particular people, such as a formerly active Anglican we just had this Vigil who joined us in January…

When people come in August, we find very few who are actually in a position to say they really are well-versed in liturgical experience of the Risen Christ. In addition, it is unlikely that they have any sort of fellowship with the members of our local church. RCIA provides these opportunities, and I have found that those Protestants who did the entire process (although probably prefering the shorter route - don’t we all?) were much appreciative after the Vigil was done.

While people may suggest that you seek the shorter and easier route, take into consideration that the Church recommends a longer period of time to learn other sorts of “knowledge” required to be a fruitful Catholic. A time spent with a good sponsor is so important, and often an overlooked aspect of RCIA.

Regards

Fdesales
 
JaredR said:
First off, let me just say that I FEEL your pain. I know how hard it is to wait, especially when you want to receive the Sacraments and know what you are missing. Sometimes the priest and parish staff aren’t sensitive to your feelings because they are either cradle Catholics or they have forgotten what it’s like to be in your situation; please forgive them.

That said, I think that if you end up going through the RCIA route, I want you to know that there are many benefits to this. When I first decided that I wanted to become Catholic, I was also knowledgeable, eager to receive the Sacraments, and concerned wholly with the truth of Catholicism. What I did not think of at the time was my integration into the community. Sometimes as a convert it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that Christ established a family. What RCIA helped me do was meet the people in my parish, get involved (comfortably!) in parish activities, make friendships with my fellow RCIA candidates, and receive acceptance and encouragement from the community. Just today I walked to church, found out there was no Mass, and was offered a ride home by a fellow parishioner who was leaving the church. We talked and shared, and I felt that the Lord had given me the opportunity to meet another person. He is not just nourishing me in the Sacraments; He is slowly but surely making me more and more a part of the family.

A year is a long time to wait, and I hope that you can be received into the Church soon. Yet know “that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Rom. 8:28).
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Indeed. Being integrated into the “Sea of Catholicism” will help people from falling away. The “catch and release” of the candidates into a large parish, is made much easier if they get to know some of the people. That people do not feel part of the parish is a major reason why many new Catholics fall away - it is not exactly a small percentage - which should tell us that this social integration should not be overlooked or bypassed. We are indeed a community of faith.

Regards

Fdesales
 
Definitely. Entering the church is truly a case-by-case basis, at least in my parish.

I didn’t finish RCIA and I also was accepted into the church on a Tuesday evening.

I’ll keep you in my prayers!
 
I will say that a well run RCIA can be invaluble. Not only will you get the Teaching, but they’ll make sure you feel like a welcome member of the community. I know that for some converts, there can be an issue of feeling a bit like a fish out of water in a Catholic Community. A good RCIA program will help smooth this out as well.

Though if you want, you might could opt to do as others say, bypass but then join a program as a sponsor when that oppertunity rolls around. It’s up to you, but I might encourage you to join an RCIA if you feel like that’s a possibility.
 
You might look around at other parishes in your area. Some RCIA programs take place multiple times a year – not just during Lent/Easter.
 
I just completed the RCIA program and was confirmed this Easter Vigil. I have to say that I enjoyed the RCIA process, the participants, and all of the community building activities we participated in.

I did complain a few times about the amount of time I was spending between Mass, RCIA, and RCIC. Now that my RCIA class is complete, I can say that I am going to miss gathering and speaking with the friends that I made. I’m also going to miss the time and attention that our Priest spent with us answering any questions that we had during class. My husband also joined me for class, and we enjoyed the time together as well.

I highly recommend the RCIA program.
 
To the OP - I understand where you’re coming from. I too had a very good knowledge of the Church, but felt compelled to go through RCIA. Yes, it took many months. Yes, it was a commitment to attend every Wednesday. And yes, I wouldn’t have traded that time.

Not only did I learn some things that I didn’t know (We’re not always as smart as we think that we are), but the fellowship that I gained with my classmates, and the RCIA team are invaluable.

Separate yourself from the need for immediate gratification, and embrace the journey.
 
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