Churches Obstecle To Join

[Theophilus76]

One of my very first posts to this forum had a similar title. This may be my last post. I’ll potentially end my open dialog with my Christ-loving brothers and sisters at Catholic.com with the same topic I started this dialog.

I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church. My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining. I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches.

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible. All of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involve immediate action upon accepting the Gospel of Christ. My experience shows that the Catholic church is very nonchalant about receiving new members. Their system for receiving new members only certain times of the year proves an underlying belief that people can function just fine with or without any of the sacraments. These actions speak louder than words.

I think the Catholic church does a superb job of teaching, but what benefit is teaching if nothing is done about it? I’m just fed up with trying to join at this point. I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

 

[Prodigal_Son]

One of my very first posts to this forum had a similar title. This may be my last post. I’ll potentially end my open dialog with my Christ-loving brothers and sisters at Catholic.com with the same topic I started this dialog.

I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church. My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining. I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches.

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible. All of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involve immediate action upon accepting the Gospel of Christ. My experience shows that the Catholic church is very nonchalant about receiving new members. Their system for receiving new members only certain times of the year proves an underlying belief that people can function just fine with or without any of the sacraments. These actions speak louder than words.

I think the Catholic church does a superb job of teaching, but what benefit is teaching if nothing is done about it? I’m just fed up with trying to join at this point. I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

In the first few centuries of Christianity, it was actually more common for people not to receive ANY of the sacraments until late in life – that is, after they expected they would not do any more sinning. Augustine talks about this at length. So you can be sure that “being converted” and “receiving baptism” were considered two very different things.

The Church has never taught that one needs baptism to be converted, only that once one is converted, one ought to be baptized.

Since baptism and communion should not be taken lightly, and since the Easter Vigil is a totally awesome time to become Christian, we have RCIA. (I think baptisms at Easter Vigil were a norm in the early Church too, but I’m not sure.) It is unfortunate that you feel like we’re too “casual” about the whole thing – and I’m sure some Catholic churches are too casual – but I don’t think having to wait a number of months to get communion is a bad idea.

 

[Gorgias]

Theophilus,

I’m sorry that your experience in the parish you’ve contacted has been a frustrating one for you. I hope you’ll stick around CAL and the Catholic Church. Perhaps you’ll consider other interpretations of what you’ve experienced…

I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

In what way were your requests “brushed off?” In requesting Confirmation, were you requesting it ‘right here and now’ or were you asking what the process of being welcomed into the Church? Did they talk about the process of being a Candidate and participating in RCIA?

When they said ‘wait until Easter’, did they mean “don’t bug us again until Easter”, or, perhaps, “when you participate in Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the Rite culminates in Confirmation on Easter Vigil”…?

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church.

This is awesome! One question: you assert that you understand all that you’ve encountered. As a person looking to enter the Church, have you encountered everything that you’re being asked to understand? In other words, have you been taught the width and breadth of Catholic doctrine and dogma? Are you certain you’ve encountered it all? A good RCIA program will at least introduce you to Catholic doctrine, so you have a starting point from which to proceed.

These programs typically (but not always) take in a group of people, not just one individual – after all, you’re being welcomed into a Church, not a solitary life of belief. That being the case, your fellow catechumens and candidates are the people with whom you take these first steps of fellowship – together, and as brothers and sisters in search of the Lord.

My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining.

Is is “resistance to joining”, or a request that you enter into the process that the Church has developed by which it welcomes new members?

I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

You mention that you’ve been asking only since June. RCIA programs typically begin in the fall (often, with an initial inquiry period). In most cases, “immediately accommodating a new adherent” means ‘inviting them to participate in RCIA.’

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches.

Hmm… over-generalize much?

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible.

I would presume that you’ve already begun to receive these gifts, through your baptism. “As soon as humanly possible” doesn’t necessarily mean “quick! Get ye to the church right! this! instant!”. It would, however, mean that you – as an adult – should understand all of what you’re committing yourself to, before you actually do so. Entry into the Catholic Church is not something to be taken lightly, or without significant thought and prayer. It places serious obligations upon you – obligations that you live out, through each day of your life; obligations which have impact on your salvation! The Church wants to make sure you understand these, prior to your verbal commitment!

All of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involve immediate action upon accepting the Gospel of Christ.

Do you understand the entire Gospel of Christ, as stated in Scripture and as taught by the Church? Do you know and believe everything that the Church teaches? As time has gone on, the Deposit of the Faith has become more fully and richly understood than it was during the time of the book of Acts. The Church has the same commitment as it did back then: when a person demonstrates that they understand the Gospel, they are eagerly welcomed into the Church.

 

[Gorgias]

continuing…

Theophilus,

My experience shows that the Catholic church is very nonchalant about receiving new members.

Again – don’t you think that this is at least an invalid extrapolation, if not a misunderstanding of the response you’ve received? Even if you’re correctly interpreting what you’ve been told (and, at this point, I’m not certain I’d draw that conclusion), it would only show that this parish – and not the entire Catholic Church – could stand to be re-energized…!

Their system for receiving new members only certain times of the year proves an underlying belief that people can function just fine with or without any of the sacraments.

Yet, you’re being ‘received’ at the beginning of the RCIA program – which is a process that includes catechesis, discernment, prayer, and the discernment of your RCIA leaders that they see evidence of the work of the Spirit in you! It’s not like they shake your hand on the Easter Vigil and say, “nice to meet you! Come on, get in line, it’s time for Confirmation!”

These actions speak louder than words.

I agree. And what they’re saying is, “this is something that we take very seriously. It’s not an overnight process. Can you walk this walk of faith? Will this be something that is more than one ritual on one evening? Are you ready – and can you demonstrate – that this is something that you intend to follow through, in the rest of your life?”

I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

I’m sorry that this is the way that you feel. Tell me, when does RCIA begin in the parish you’ve contacted? Have you been invited to join the program?

Blessings,

Gorgias

 

[JRKH]

One of my very first posts to this forum had a similar title. This may be my last post. I’ll potentially end my open dialog with my Christ-loving brothers and sisters at Catholic.com with the same topic I started this dialog.

I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church. My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining. I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches.

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible. All of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involve immediate action upon accepting the Gospel of Christ. My experience shows that the Catholic church is very nonchalant about receiving new members. Their system for receiving new members only certain times of the year proves an underlying belief that people can function just fine with or without any of the sacraments. These actions speak louder than words.

I think the Catholic church does a superb job of teaching, but what benefit is teaching if nothing is done about it? I’m just fed up with trying to join at this point. I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

I can understand your frustration. I’m sure that many can. I too went through something similar as I tried to come home to the Church.

But perhaps the question can be asked…How MUCH do you believe that the Catholic Church is right? If you allow your frustrations to dissuade you after only a couple of months…what does that say about your faith?

Think of the sower and the seed…We know that are not like the path where the seed of the word (Church teachings) falls and was immediately gobbled up or trampled. But what of the other types of ground? Are you being like the stoney ground (not roots)…the thorny ground (choked out) or are you to be the good ground where the word takes root and grows and - After a time and in the proper season - bears fruit.

Or consider the parable of the ten virgins and what patience they needed to wait for the bridegroom to come.

I don’t say the above to get down on you. As I say - I can understand your frustration.
However - it seems that waiting these few months is a small price to pay for so great a blessing.
God tests us - and He is testing you now. He’s asking you to be patient, obedient and humble. Please don’t turn aside from what you are convinced of as the truth because you are impatient with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

You know - December, or the Easter Vigil will come rather quickly whether you turn aside or not…I’d hate for you to turn aside now and then next spring find yourself wishing you hadn’t…

God bless you on your journey.

Peace
James

 

[Linusthe2nd]

One of my very first posts to this forum had a similar title. This may be my last post. I’ll potentially end my open dialog with my Christ-loving brothers and sisters at Catholic.com with the same topic I started this dialog.

I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church. My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining. I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches.

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible. All of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involve immediate action upon accepting the Gospel of Christ. My experience shows that the Catholic church is very nonchalant about receiving new members. Their system for receiving new members only certain times of the year proves an underlying belief that people can function just fine with or without any of the sacraments. These actions speak louder than words.

I think the Catholic church does a superb job of teaching, but what benefit is teaching if nothing is done about it? I’m just fed up with trying to join at this point. I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

You just need to be patient. The conviction of the Church, for a long time, has been that it is better to test the vocation of the aspirant by a long period of instruction. There are exceptions but not many. You have to remember also that you are dealing with human beings who can err in their judgements. We all have to deal with that. The important thing is not to loose faith but to persever.

Linus2md

 

[cheezey]

…
I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

**I first asked in November 2012, and then repeatedly. First response was February 2013 and was told ‘too late.’ I wasn’t, they were. 8 really bad classes later, I was dropped.
SO!
**

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church. My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining. I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches.

Disagree with the above wholeheartedly

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible. All of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involve immediate action upon accepting the Gospel of Christ. My experience shows that the Catholic church is very nonchalant about receiving new members. Their system for receiving new members only certain times of the year proves an underlying belief that people can function just fine with or without any of the sacraments. These actions speak louder than words.

**I agree with the bolded above.
Yet I also I completely understand the Church’s need to make this process worthy of the solemnity to join. It indeed should not be taken lightly.
I also understand the overwhelming need and solemnity of the candidate to join. Would a ‘casual’ candidate inquire repeatedly? I would think the chances are low enough to consider the candidate as serious, thus giving the benefit of doubt, rather than keeping the sheep from the Shepherd.

Can there not be a happy medium?
**

I think the Catholic church does a superb job of teaching, but what benefit is teaching if nothing is done about it? I’m just fed up with trying to join at this point. I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

Agreed, in that, there are many that do a superb job, yet many also do not. Looks like you and I didn’t find the good teachers.

Please don’t leave CAF!!

 

[Spencerian]

Theophilus,

I attended RCIA back in late 2004 and joined the Church in March, 2005.

As a person who came from no specific religious background, I think I can appreciate how other non-Catholic Christians might view the relative slowness of Catholic Christian initiation.

As two other posters have responded with excellent thoughts to help you, I will also ask you to be patient.

As Catholics, we tell other non-Catholic Christians that they are no less Christian than we, but that our ministry, the One Church founded by Christ Himself, has the fullness of faith. That is, we offer the complete ministry of Christ, as taught to his Apostles and passed down to bishops, deacons and priests and then to the laity. That’s over 2,000 years of teaching. No other Christian community (except the Orthodox) can make this claim because they don’t have Sacred Tradition (Christ’s teachings passed on by word of mouth and actions), which were codified into Sacred Scripture (the New Testament and other non-Biblical but inspired writings), all interpreted and taught in a unified way through our teaching authority of bishops and the lead bishop, the Pope, as the Magisterium. We Catholics don’t argue about ourselves of the core beliefs of our faith as some other Christian communities do because of these three marks.

What does *fullness *mean? It greatly suggests that we don’t trivialize the commitment and the knowledge you make and receive in joining the community.

To make a humorous contrast, the laity get off easy here. In danger of death, a priest can make you a Catholic immediately. Otherwise, the RCIA programs typically start in October and continue to the Easter Vigil, for some concluding by Pentacost, the Church’s birthday. That’s about 9 months.

To be a permanent Deacon (who can marry, give baptisms and assist the priest during Mass) takes at least 5 **years **of study and training.

To be a priest may take upwards of 7 to 10 **years **of study and training!

But, be a lay member of the Church or an ordained member, wow, how much you get to learn and will continue to learn!

I’m sorry as well that you might see that your parish is moving slow or seems un-energized by your desire. It may be that this parish isn’t the better fit, and you’re welcome to visit other nearby parishes that might have a better set of people. But don’t mistake your impatience to join as a sign that others aren’t genuinely interested in helping you.

 

[WaitingForJesus]

I’ve been anxious to join the Catholic church since June of this year (I’m a baptized Christian). I’ve requested the Sacrament of Confirmation several times with my RCIA director, my sponsor, and the parochial vicar at my parish. Most of these requests were brushed off, and finally, I was told to wait until next Easter, or maybe December.

…I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

The only explanation I have is this: I don’t think the Catholic church actually believes what it teaches…

If humanity really needs Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then humanity should receive them as soon as humanly possible. I’m just fed up with trying to join at this point. I truly think the Catholic church has lost sight of the true aim of Christianity - not simply teaching, but actually bringing people to Christ.

Theophilus, I am going to get a little weird on you. The evil one is planting seeds of doubt in your mind…trying to get you to walk away from the church our Lord founded because he doesn’t want you to receive all that it has to offer, most particularly the gifts we receive through the sacraments.

The sacraments are very beautiful and you will receive them. However, our Lord can give us grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit in many ways. HE is going to give you so much as you struggle through this. I promise.

I encourage you to stop thinking and start talking to our Lord about this. Tell him your frustration. Ask him “why are you making him wait”? (I assure you it is HIM that is doing this, and there is a very good chance HE will give you the answer if you keep asking). Offer him your anger and frustration for the souls in purgatory, conversions, or other intentions that are dear to your heart. Plead with him to give you the gifts of the Holy Spirit that you need right now to help you get through this interminable waiting. If you can do all of this in his presence, i.e. in front of the Tabernacle or Blessed Sacrament.

HE will help you. I know because it happened to me. Do not give up…

 

[Theophilus76]

I love digging for truth. Thanks to each of you who have responded. (Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17)

I expected to be recived within the next few weeks; right here right now would have been even better. I’ve been in RCIA for a few months now, and feel ready to full accent to all the Catholic church teaches. I was told by my parish priest that I have head knowledge and need to develop heart knowledge, and my RCIA director said perhaps they could work me in around early December. I just couldn’t understand the purpose for the wait.

I have not entertained the possibility that I haven’t been introduced to the width and breath of Catholic doctrine and dogma. Excellent point. I hadn’t considered this. This question gives me great pause. Perhaps I don’t understand the entire Gospel of Christ.

And yes, I truly do believe the Church believes what they teach. Thanks for letting me vent.

I was unaware that I was being received into the church by virtue of being in my RCIA program. I also was unaware there is a difference between conversion and receiving the sacraments. I feel totally converted. This is extreemly painful for me to admit, but upon reflection, I felt entitled to be received into full communion upon mental accent to what I’ve learned so far. (Oh dear God, please forgive my arrogance)

To Waiting_For_Jesus - no, I don’t think you were getting wierd on me. After reading these thoughts, I can easily see how this is possible.

I confess, I’m impatient. It’s quite obvious to me now. I just want to get on with the program. Typically, I would have left already, but what makes this wait soooo dificult is I truely believe in my heart of hearts the Catholic church posesses the fullness of truth. I don’t want to be on the outside one more milisecond. Even if I abandoned this effort, I have nowhere else to go. I love God with all of my heart, yet my old church is empty of meaning now. After seriously concidering all I’ve learned, this is the first time I can honestly say I love God with all of my mind.

Thanks everyone. I can attest to anyone who will listen that this CAF site has been instrumental in my decision to join and RCIA group, and has been invaluable for helping me stay the course. I love each and everyone of you!

 

[Alindawyl]

I understand the theological basis behind all of what I’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. It certainly makes more since that what I’ve encountered at my old church. My biggest stumbling block is the resistance encountered to actually joining. I simply don’t understand why clergy of any Christian church wouldn’t immediately accommodate a new adherent into their system of faith.

When a non-Catholic, baptized or not, becomes a Catholic, they make a profession of faith. Your experience as a non-Catholic Christian is probably that such professions of faith as about as detailed as “I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and savior”, but without really defining what that means. Catholic aren’t that vague. We are very concerned about the content of the faith. It’s not enough to say you follow Christ. You must be able to explain what that means.

Is the Christ you follow the one who established a single, specific Church founded on Peter and governed by his successors? Is the Christ you follow the one who said “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no life in you” and literally meant it? Is the Christ you follow an only child because his mother is still a virgin? Is the Christ you follow both true God and true man simultaneously? Is the Christ you follow going to judge you particularly at the end of your life, and generally along with all of humanity at the end of time? Is the Christ you follow one of three divine persons who are, although three in person, only one God? Is the Christ you follow ordinarily only going to forgive any mortal sins you commit if you come to him through his priests in sacramental confession? Is the Christ you follow the one who reiterated the understanding of marriage as intended by God from the beginning to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman?

And how do you live out that faith in Christ you claim to already have? Do you attend Mass weekly and also on Holy Days now, even though you aren’t Catholic yet, in order to demonstrate by your actions how ready you are? Do you participate in the Mass joyfully and with anticipation for the day you are able to receive Christ in the Eucharist? Do you already have a firm intention to go to Reconciliation regularly once you become Catholic? Do you pray, and if so how often and in what manner? Do you participate in the life of the Church by offering the gifts God has given to you in the service of others?

The determination of whether or not you are ready isn’t made by you. Does a student determine when he is ready for graduation, or is it the university’s determination after assessing the student’s coursework and grades? Does a sports team determine when they are ready for the championship cup, or is it presented to them by the league only after the team wins the championship game? Does an employee determine when they are ready for promotion, or does the boss of that employee make that determination? The competent authority in any particular situation is responsible for making such determinations. When it comes to becoming Catholic, the competent authority to determine when someone is ready is the Church. If you don’t understand why you are being asked to wait then you don’t yet accept and hold to all that the Catholic Church teaches and need more time to learn and pray.

It may be possible that you can be received into the Church earlier than the Easter Vigil next year. The RCIA specifically states that people can be accepted sooner (or their acceptance delayed) depending on their particular circumstances and how well they demonstrate that they are ready. But that assessment is not yours to make. Jesus admonished his followers to do as the Jewish leaders told them (although not to follow their example) because those leaders had the authority. He himself submitted to their authority when he allowed himself to be crucified, despite the fact that their authority was being exercised unjustly in that situation. Can we do no less? Today the Church has even greater authority than the Jewish leaders back then and it will never be exercised unjustly when it comes to matters of faith and morals, because the Church is headed by Christ himself and guided by the Holy Spirit. We must do as the Church tells us in matters of faith and morals even if we don’t understand why. If you are not ready to trust the Church in this by agreeing to follow the process, however long it takes, then are you truly ready to profess that you believe all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God?

You say that you understand the theological basis behind all you’ve encountered regarding Catholic teaching so far. One of those teachings is that the Eucharist (which can only be confected by a priest with valid Holy Orders) is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. Our Lord and savior is not simply spiritually present to us in the Eucharist, but REALLY present to us. If you believe that, then you should be prepared to do whatever it takes in order to receive him. If the Church ordered me to come crawling on my hands and knees to receive the Eucharist, I would not be pleased but would do it and treat it as an exercise in humility.

I encourage you to submit and follow the process. Do as WaitingForJesus suggested and pray, pray, pray. Please consider that God may be asking you to take this journey because it will give you something you need that you wouldn’t be able to acquire otherwise. God always give us what we need, and what we need isn’t necessarily what we want. That’s been painfully evident throughout my own life. But such temporary sufferings that God permits us to experience are always for the best in the end, no matter how much we may dislike them at the time.

 

[JRKH]

I love digging for truth. Thanks to each of you who have responded. (Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17)

I expected to be recived within the next few weeks; right here right now would have been even better. I’ve been in RCIA for a few months now, and feel ready to full accent to all the Catholic church teaches. I was told by my parish priest that I have head knowledge and need to develop heart knowledge, and my RCIA director said perhaps they could work me in around early December. I just couldn’t understand the purpose for the wait.

I have not entertained the possibility that I haven’t been introduced to the width and breath of Catholic doctrine and dogma. Excellent point. I hadn’t considered this. This question gives me great pause. Perhaps I don’t understand the entire Gospel of Christ.

And yes, I truly do believe the Church believes what they teach. Thanks for letting me vent.

I was unaware that I was being received into the church by virtue of being in my RCIA program. I also was unaware there is a difference between conversion and receiving the sacraments. I feel totally converted. This is extreemly painful for me to admit, but upon reflection, I felt entitled to be received into full communion upon mental accent to what I’ve learned so far. (Oh dear God, please forgive my arrogance)

To Waiting_For_Jesus - no, I don’t think you were getting wierd on me. After reading these thoughts, I can easily see how this is possible.

I confess, I’m impatient. It’s quite obvious to me now. I just want to get on with the program. Typically, I would have left already, but what makes this wait soooo dificult is I truely believe in my heart of hearts the Catholic church posesses the fullness of truth. I don’t want to be on the outside one more milisecond. Even if I abandoned this effort, I have nowhere else to go. I love God with all of my heart, yet my old church is empty of meaning now. After seriously concidering all I’ve learned, this is the first time I can honestly say I love God with all of my mind.

Thanks everyone. I can attest to anyone who will listen that this CAF site has been instrumental in my decision to join and RCIA group, and has been invaluable for helping me stay the course. I love each and everyone of you!

Hey - everyone needs to vent now and again…

Glad that we could be of help…

Peace
James

 

[Dorothy]

Spiritual formation needs to take place, and an understanding of what the Church teaches. It is not taken lightly to join the Church.

Confirmation is not given frequently…it is usually done once a year.

Faithful Catholics very much believe in what the Church teaches.

May the Lord be with you on your spiritual journey!

 

[cheezey]

I completely understand the Church’s need to make this process worthy of the solemnity to join. It indeed should not be taken lightly.
I also understand the overwhelming need and solemnity of the candidate to join. Would a ‘casual’ candidate inquire repeatedly? I would think the chances are low enough to consider the candidate as serious, thus giving the benefit of doubt, rather than keeping the sheep from the Shepherd.

Can there not be a happy medium?

 

[WaitingForJesus]

I love digging for truth. Thanks to each of you who have responded. (Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17)

…I was told by my parish priest that I have head knowledge and need to develop heart knowledge, and my RCIA director said perhaps they could work me in around early December. I just couldn’t understand the purpose for the wait…

Thanks everyone. I can attest to anyone who will listen that this CAF site has been instrumental in my decision to join and RCIA group, and has been invaluable for helping me stay the course. I love each and everyone of you!

Glad you seem to be feeling a little better now. Please keep us posted on your progress. There will be much rejoicing in both in Heaven and here when you are received in full communion with the Catholic church! God bless you Theophilus.

 

[Alindawyl]

I have not entertained the possibility that I haven’t been introduced to the width and breath of Catholic doctrine and dogma. Excellent point. I hadn’t considered this. This question gives me great pause. Perhaps I don’t understand the entire Gospel of Christ.

Even after you get to where you need to be for full initiation, you won’t understand it all. I’ve been an RCIA catechist for several years now, and am currently studying toward a masters degree in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in catechetics because I think it will make me a better catechist. The one thing I can state with certainty after years of study is that the more I know, the more I realize that I don’t know

Which is good, because that means we’ll never get bored spending eternity in heaven. There’s always more to understand or experience because God is infinite.

Many blessings on your faith journey. You’ll be in my prayers whenever I pray for our own candidates for full communion at my parish.

 

[MSSheBear]

I too found my entrance into the Church frustrating.:banghead: I was processed in a wonderful RCIA program. My understanding is why they had the “process” was to introduce us to a parish community so we would get used to the Catholic system. This involves more then just doctrinal knowledge. The Pastoral Associate also stated firmly that going through the 8 to 9 month process was the only way it was done except in extraordinary circumstances.

In my RCIA process, the Catechumens, Candidates, and Catholics missing Sacraments were all lumped into the same group and we all attended the same things except that a few of the rites were different. And we spent the exact same time in the process. This appears to be the norm in my area. :dts: Apparently several of us were fearful we’d never make it through. So what you have experienced isn’t unusual.