Catechumens vs. Candidates

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Lauren0615

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What are the differences between Catechumens and Candidates? How is the process of RCIA different if you are baptized vs. if you are un-baptized? I’d really appreciate any (name removed by moderator)ut, or any information! I will be beginning the process soon as a candidate!
 
Having gone through as a catechumen, I know there are a number of additional rites that catechumens have to undertake which candidates do not undertake.
 
Catechumens are those seeking baptism. Candidates are baptized Christians who seek to enter the Catholic Church.

Ideally the process for the two is different and respects the baptismal status of the candidates. For example, the period of preparation for a candidate is not fixed; it should take as long as needed but place no unneeded burden on the candidate. Catechumens should spend at least one full liturgical year in preparation for baptism. In most parishes this distinction is completely ignored.
 
Do you happen to know what exactly the process is like for a candidate? I’m just very nervous about all of it! I know in my heart that I’m ready. However, I’m normally the type of person to research on my own, and to figure things out for myself. I don’t like the thought of having to show up to a class, or having to find a sponsor. Do you have to stand in front of the church at some point?
 
How was your RCIA experience? Did you all do mostly everything together?
 
Generally there are weekly classes where you will learn the basics of what the Church teaches and what it means to be a Catholic. Sponsors vary. Some parishes ask the candidates to find a sponsor, others have people willing to become sponsors and match them up with the candidates. There are various rites you will go through and ultimately will be received into the Church and complete your sacraments of initiation. All along the way you will have the support of your parish, the other candidates, and your catechists.
 
In many parishes it is all together because there are so few certified Catechists in this area, and the priest often, wants them to share the experience.
 
I was a candidate and went through RCIA - I was the only one. Every Sunday the Priest called me up front and then sent me off to class. I loved RCIA and appreciated the prayers and support of the congregation.
 
We had quite a small class, so yes, we did everything together. I was the only catechumen for many of the rites (there was another person being baptised, but they were completing some rites at another church for personal reasons) and all the candidates would come and we would sit together to show support.
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Catechumens should spend at least one full liturgical year in preparation for baptism. In most parishes this distinction is completely ignored.
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But with fairness to those parishes, it is not the calendar that determines the readiness of the heart for baptism.
 
Ask your parish how it is done where you live. It seems like every single parish/diocese does things slightly or sometimes very differently.
 
I’m currently a candidate in RCIA. At my parish candidates and catechumens are in the same class, several months of weekly meetings where you learn the teachings of the church, I have my third scrutiny today and then on the Easter vigil I’ll go to confession for the first time, then confirmation, then first communion.
 
Lauren0615 said:
How was your RCIA experience? Did you all do mostly everything together?
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I was a validly baptised Methodist who went through the RCIA program to convert in 1992 so I was a candidate. In our group there was another Methodist. We went through exactly the same process as the catechumens except for the day we became Catholics at Easter. The unbaptised were baptised and the two of us who were already baptised had a short acceptance procedure for us to become Catholic.
 
Hereiam said:
it is not the calendar that determines the readiness of the heart for baptism.
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I’m sure there’s already a thread about this, but I do find it interesting they delay baptism so long. I definitely need to do some research into it!
 
Whitney said:
I’m sure there’s already a thread about this, but I do find it interesting they delay baptism so long. I definitely need to do some research into it!
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Yeah, its really odd…can you imagine if the response to the Ethiopian eunuch Phillip would have said…“I’ll come back in a year and baptize you!” Or if the apostles, following Pentecost would have not baptized Jews into the Church until a year after they had professed an interest in becoming Christians?
 
Whitney said:
I’m sure there’s already a thread about this, but I do find it interesting they delay baptism so long. I definitely need to do some research into it!
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In the early Church it was a three year process.
 
I just wish it wasn’t necessary to go through such a process. I’ve been researching a lot on my own time, as well as attending mass for the past year. I feel as if it should be a decision between yourself and God, and that you shouldn’t necessarily have to go through rhe whole process. Especially if you already feel ready, and have that foundation.
 
No. The calendar doesn’t determine readiness, the Church does. And the Church says basically not to rush catechumens. See the text of the RCIA.

The Church’s view is that catechumens should have at least a year of preparation. In most parishes this gets reduced to three months or so. (We’re talking about the period after the Rite of Acceptance and before the Rite of Election.) That hardly seems like it’s either in line with the Church’s view or fair to the catechumens.
 
It’s not always about book learning. Obedience, no matter how one feels is important too. There is no “it’s between me and God only” when you are part of The body of Christ. Obedience to The Church is what God wants of us too.
 
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From a legalistic perspective perhaps, but i think your claim, although perhaps is indeed what you have seen, is not the common ocurrance, and i would say that if the Pastor feels the catechumen are ready to teceive the sacrament, his wisdom out trumps our opinions.
 
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