Converting without going through RCIA for an already baptized protestant

[JackODonnell]

Hello everybody! I am 16 and deeply want to convert to Catholicism however, my protestant mother and so-lukewarm-he’s-basically-protestant father are strongly opposed to this (my mother is anyway and my dad goes along with her on this) and said no. When I was 14 my family started going to a Baptist church somewhat regularly. We were never really a family that went to church very often before that (Christmas, Easter and the occasional Sunda when family was in town) but, this church just felt…off. At first I thought it was just because I was a confirmed a Lutheran but the feeling persisted as long as the feeling I should become a priest so I did what any speech and debate kid would do…read a large amount of books and did a ton of Internet research. During this year of research I came to the conclusion that the Catholic Church is the true church started by Jesus. As well I have also been atending mass and adoration weekly. I asked my parents about converting and as I mentioned above. So now we get to my question: is there any way I can convert without going to RCIA? I was baptized in a Presbyterian church.

 

[SnowRose]

You were baptised and confirmed Lutheran, then baptised Presbyterian? That’s not the same thing.

I’ll leave the RCIA question to others on CAF for a better answer.

 

[Mtatum1958]

You really didn’t state the reply from your parents to your wish to join the Catholic Church.

 

[JackODonnell]

Oops! I got that fixed. Thank you for pointing it out. But of a typo on my part

 

[Dlee]

Talking with a priest is your best answer. He can advise you as to whether or not you need to go through RCIA (parishes do these things differently) or some other path. Also, there is the issue with your parents. You probably need their consent based on your age.Good luck!

 

[Mtatum1958]

As you stated you are 16. As a minor and at home, you owe obedience to your parents, even if you do not agree with their decision. I would encourage you to continue to explore and learn about the Catholic faith.

To answer your question, yes it is possible. There have been many that have “read” themselves into the faith. It still would mean several meetings with a priest to ensure you really knew the faith and understood in full the importance of this decision. RCIA is the most common, and most times the most beneficial path.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

As you stated you are 16. As a minor and at home, you owe obedience to your parents, even if you do not agree with their decision.

And once you are off on your own you can convert and start working toward becoming a priest if you are indeed being called to that.

These in-between years will be a great lesson in patience, obedience, and humility for you. They will make you a better priest, if indeed you are being called to that…

 

[MaryEstelle2]

Cont. to read, but try to read Catholic writings or approved books of the Church.
RCIA can enrich what you think you already know.
Speak with Father and see if there aren’t a few youth activities you can get involved in.
Wait 2 years as then you are of legal age. Take the plunge with respect to your family.
Don’t dive into the deep end 'til you know how to swim.
I wish you well and will pray for you.

 

[JackMcCoy]

I am probably wrong, but I think RCIA is something you will have to go through to become a Catholic. But talk to a priest.

 

[KatyCatholic]

Yes, the typical, ordinary way is through the rcia program. For special circumstances, a priest can “expedite” your entry, though this is a very rare case and is often reserved for those already in a role of leadership with a deep theological understanding or someone who is in an emergency life and death situation.

But, ordinarily, rcia. for minors, simply ask your parents … what parent is going to hand their child a snake when they ask for a loaf of bread?

 

[Pup7]

But, ordinarily, rcia. for minors, simply ask your parents … what parent is going to hand their child a snake when they ask for a loaf of bread?

Anti-Catholic ones, for starters. Trust me - they’re out there. And he’s already said his parents are opposed to him converting.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Joining youth group is a good idea. Most even nominal parents are not opposed to youth group for high school. That will give you service opportunities that are good for your collage applications, means you are in a safe place doing wholesome things.

 

[TheLittleLady]

"What is meant by coming into full communion with the Church?

Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for already baptized Christians. In most cases, these individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called Candidates, usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Although some preparation may be with Catechumens preparing for baptism, the preparation for Candidates is different since they have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ, and many have also been active members of other Christian communities. The Candidates may be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil or at another Sunday during the year depending on pastoral circumstances and readiness of the Candidate. "

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-te...e-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/index.cfm

 

[vallancec]

If your parents have said no. I suggest you wait a few years until you are on your own before coming into the church. I would keep reading and praying until that time,

 

[1ke]

I am 16 and deeply want to convert to Catholicism however, my protestant mother and so-lukewarm-he’s-basically-protestant father are strongly opposed to this (my mother is anyway and my dad goes along with her on this) and said no.

If they said no, you need to respect that while you are a minor. You can convert when you are 18.

So now we get to my question: is there any way I can convert without going to RCIA?

If that’s your attempt to circumvent your parents’ “no”, please desist. You can convert when you are 18.

Whether a baptized non-Catholic goes through the RCIA process or not is up to the local pastor.

 

[thistle]

Hello everybody! I am 16 and deeply want to convert to Catholicism however, my protestant mother and so-lukewarm-he’s-basically-protestant father are strongly opposed to this (my mother is anyway and my dad goes along with her on this) and said no. When I was 14 my family started going to a Baptist church somewhat regularly. We were never really a family that went to church very often before that (Christmas, Easter and the occasional Sunda when family was in town) but, this church just felt…off. At first I thought it was just because I was a confirmed a Lutheran but the feeling persisted as long as the feeling I should become a priest so I did what any speech and debate kid would do…read a large amount of books and did a ton of Internet research. During this year of research I came to the conclusion that the Catholic Church is the true church started by Jesus. As well I have also been atending mass and adoration weekly. I asked my parents about converting and as I mentioned above. So now we get to my question: is there any way I can convert without going to RCIA? I was baptized in a Presbyterian church.

I doubt it and wonder why you would want to do that. I was a baptised Methodist before converting and I went through the RCIA program. It was very educational and taught me a lot about the Church and the faith. I was married to a Catholic and I attended Mass with her every week. I probably went to Mass more often than many Catholics. I read a lot. My wife had many books about the faith but its not the same as going through a process where you interact with others on the same journey and have a priest teaching and answer questions. I gives you time to decide if converting is really for you and it gives the priest the chance to see if you are ready.
Personally, I believe every non-Catholic thinking about converting should go through RCIA and not try to take any shortcuts.

 

[DarkLight]

But, ordinarily, rcia. for minors, simply ask your parents … what parent is going to hand their child a snake when they ask for a loaf of bread?

Likely the parents believe the Catholic church to be a false church. Why would they assent to their child converting to a false faith?

 

[wkj_123]

But, ordinarily, rcia. for minors, simply ask your parents … what parent is going to hand their child a snake when they ask for a loaf of bread?

He stated his mother is Protestant. I would imagine from her point of view he is asking for a snake and she is trying to give him a load of bread.

 

[2towers]

May God bless you Jack! In a sense, you are already Catholic by desire. Many of the Saints in the church wanted to join orders before they were of age. Some had to wait a few years, others a little longer.

Since you are a minor, you wont be able to convert just yet, but God already knows of your desires. You have already begun to receive his blessings, I feel quite sure. Put these two years to good use. Choose a good Catholic college if possible, it will make the conversion process even easier trust me. If not, these short two years will pass much faster than you realize.

If you have a part time or summer job, you can order some Catholic books, I recommend Rediscover Catholicism, even though it was written for people coming back to the Church many converts, including myself have read it. There are other books as well. Hang out here, pray the rosary, you could order one of those, for less than the cost of a meal.

You have your whole life ahead of you to enjoy a life with God, I am SO excited for you!
Very best wishes!
2t

 

[ShastaRose]

RCIA is fun! You have a group of people like yourself and a couple of teachers, sit around and discuss the readings, the Mass, the church, etc., and usually there is coffee and cookies. Had a good time, made friends at RCIA. It’s also good to hear about the background of others who may have come from other churches, maybe didn’t go to church for 30 years or something. Just very interesting. I got to add a few items to the discussion. Had a laugh about the astonished face of the pastoral associate who was our leader, when I was telling about the old European tradition of the Sin Eater. Anyway, just good fellowship.