Can I do RCIA from home online?

[Keags47]

Hi, I would like to become a convert. I originally was attending child catechism classes when I was 6-7, but stopped going and I haven’t recieved any of the sacraments. Im almost 20 and for the past year my heart has been called to the church, but now after going back to mass after this long i spoke to my local parish priest on email. When I asked him about classes he answered my 1st email saying I should see him as soon as possible, so i did just before a weekday mass. I went into his office and I spoke with him directly, he asked me to leave my name and contact details; it’s been 2 weeks since and I haven’t heard anything, I emailed him twice on the same email he hasn’t answered since the first. I also sent his receptionist an email with no avail, it almost seems as if he isnt interested because he did tell me im the only one who has enquired about it. So I’m wondering if I learn everything online, if I know all the classes and learn about the faith, could I prove to him I truly desire conversion and recieve the sacraments to be who I truly desire to be. I understand it’s about patience and humility, but can I not do it and save any questions I have and ask him directly. I truly desire this I have been called to the faith not by anyone, I truly believe this is God calling me. Theres not a single day that goes by that my chest does not ache for christ and his church. I can’t include a link but the website is: Hi, I would like to become a convert. I originally was attending child catechism classes when I was 6-7, but stopped going and I haven’t recieved any of the sacraments. Im almost 20 and for the past year my heart has been called to the church, but now after going back to mass after this long i spoke to my local parish priest on email. When I asked him about classes he answered my 1st email saying I should see him as soon as possible, so i did just before a weekday mass. I went into his office and I spoke with him directly, he asked me to leave my name and contact details; it’s been 2 weeks since and I haven’t heard anything, I emailed him twice on the same email he hasn’t answered since the first. I also sent his receptionist an email with no avail, it almost seems as if he isnt interested because he did tell me im the only one who has enquired about it. So I’m wondering if I learn everything online, if I know all the classes and learn about the faith, could I prove to him I truly desire conversion and recieve the sacraments to be who I truly desire to be. I understand it’s about patience and humility, but can I not do it and save any questions I have and ask him directly. I truly desire this I have been called to the faith not by anyone, I truly believe this is God calling me. Theres not a single day that goes by that my chest does not ache for christ and his church.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Going to admit, I did not read the entire post (breaking it up in paragraphs would really help!!)

Your priest will meet with you, discuss the options. Are you already baptized? That makes a difference
Also, your priest may arrange private instruction, it is all going to start with speaking to your pastor

 

[Keags47]

Hi sorry I’m not baptized and I’m new here I included everything in my story books worth of wording was just venting in away I guess

 

[Horton]

If you are not baptized you must go through some sort of RCIA. You cannot learn to be a proper Catholic on your own without guidance. Go to the parish office and request an appointment with the priest.

it almost seems as if he isnt interested

Never take a priest’s actions personal unless he very specifically makes it personal toward you. They are incredibly busy men.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

It’s not just about classes; it’s also about community and having others to learn from and grow with. Sure, you can do most of what you describe (my own RCIA was 6 weeks with mostly self study and priest meetings one on one, but I still had a group to meet with, and that was one of his conditions for allowing me to do things this way). Our faith, despite the Protestant claims of my youth, isn’t just a personal experience of Jesus nor is it a solo endeavor. We’re a Church because we are in this together.

That said, I’m sure there’s a reasonable solution for you if you are patient but persistent.

 

[CRV]

One point I’d like to add, is have you considered the reason you have not had any further replies form either the priest or the parish is because

1. your email has gone into the junk folder instead of the inbox [after 6yrs my emails still on occasion go into the junk folder, so the parish secretary and I have a system now where I message her to let her know I have sent an email and to check the junk folder ). So perhaps a polite courtesy call to enquire if your email has been received will be of help here.
2. Due to the busy schedules of one of both of the PP or parish secretary, perhaps they haven’t replied yet because they are trying to organise a time or person in which to give you lessons or set up an RCIA program there, and haven’t worked all this out yet. Solution is the same as in #1 above - polite phone call to ask if any RCIA classes will be starting soon?

Others have given you great advice in earlier posts, especially the point concerning whether you are Baptized or not. Learning what the Church teaches, what Catholicism is all about is a lot of info, but is only part - the other parts are partaking of the Sacraments, being part of a Catholic community, support from fellow Catholics throughout your life etc.

Phone the parish secretary or go and see her and try to establish where in this process of joining the Church you are/can begin - enter the Catholic Faith.

 

[Dlee]

It may be that your priest is working out the details - waiting to see if anyone else is interested, etc. Our parish hasn’t started RCIA yet this year due to priest changes and such.