Do I have to go through RCIA?

[Joshua7]

Here’s the situation…

I became a Catholic in 2006 after a year of researching it and Eastern Orthodoxy. I had been an anti-Catholic for several years, and had to move through each point of the Catholic faith in order to even consider it a viable Christian denomination.

I’m a theology student at a Protestant biblical university, and without trying to sound conceited, I’ve done a lot in the areas of theological studies. Theology is my profession, so when it comes to knowing the essentials of Catholic doctrine, I think I know what I need to know and then about a thousand things besides. Yes, my training has been in Protestant theology, but nearly all of my private study has been devoted to Catholic theology.

I started attending RCIA at my local church, but could not continue going because of other committments. I am not baptized, I’m ready to enter into the Catholic faith. One of the biggest benefits I could receive from RCIA is time to really meditate on my decision, which is something I’ve done for a year and a half now.

Is there a way I could avoid going to RCIA, but perhaps participate in the various rites throughout the calendar and be baptized next Easter?

 

[Jenny_Z]

I studied Catholic Theology for years, and thought the same as you… but I am incredibly greatful that I went through RCIA instead of trying to speed through.

Even though I knew “the rules” already, the relationships and experiences I had (and still have!) are well worth it. I’d urge you to try to go anyway, it’ll deepen your faith greatly.

 

[WanderAimlessly]

Since you stated that you are unbaptized and coming from a protestant denomination, the answer will probably be yes. Proper catechesis is required of all entering into the Church.

 

[scylla]

Talk to a Priest, they probably can help you. I am not sure how but that is what I would do if I were you.

Now if it is a crummy Priest who tries to waste your time or doesn’t seem interested feel free to check for a second opinion. Most Priests are good holy men, but there are some bad eggs out there.

God Bless and you are most welcome to the Church,
Scylla

 

[Joshua7]

I had talked to the priest in my parish, but he, though a holy man, did not seem to know much about RCIA issues like mine. Maybe my bishop could help me out?

 

[jfallaw]

I’ve been “starting” to convert fully to Catholicism for years now. My family is Catholic, though not practising. My dad was a Protestant, though, and never allowed me to be baptised as an infant; instead I was baptised in the Baptist church when I was eight. But my Grandpa (very devout, God rest him) always taught me about Catholicism when I visited him over the summer, and took me to mass. I have studied alot of theology too, and especially the catechism and other Church documents. However, my priest still strongly urged me to go through RCIA. I also don’t have the opportunity to attend RCIA- I work nights. So I was kind of wondering about that too. My priest seems unwilling for me to be confirmed without RCIA, though I honestly know more about Catholicism that 90% of the people at my church (also not bragging!). I was wondering if the bishop could be asked about that, too. I’ll just have to look him up.

 

[jmcrae]

Joshua;

There is the possibility of private instruction with a priest, but this is at the priest’s discretion. One of the reasons for having RCIA is to release the burden of individual instruction from the priest, and allow the inquirers to study as a group, together.

This has many benefits. I had been studying Catholicism - the Catechism, history, etc. - and attending Mass daily for 17 years when I entered RCIA in 2000. I was received with my group in April of 2001. I learned a great deal in RCIA, despite my extensive background experiences. It was also nice to have a kind of ready-made community of friends from Church that I was already part of, when I entered the Church - there is a great deal to be said for friendship and fellowship.

I am also continuing to learn many things - it’s actually quite mind-blowing how deep and wide the Catholic Church actually is.

 

[puzzleannie]

the normal way unbaptized persons are received into the Catholic Church is through the RCIA, Rites of Christian Initiation. Catechesis (study of doctrine) is part of the process of preparing for these rites, essential, but only a part. Please see the pastor and get going. You did not become Catholic if you have not yet been baptized. You may have made a conscious decision to pursue that path, but it is the Church who welcomes you through the sacraments of initiation, and it is through the grace of the sacraments, beginning with baptism, that you become Catholic and have the fullness of grace. Welcome home. come on over to the evangelization forum where the mods have placed discussion of all matters relating to RCIA.

 

[puzzleannie]

I had talked to the priest in my parish, but he, though a holy man, did not seem to know much about RCIA issues like mine. Maybe my bishop could help me out?

you can certainly call the bishop, who will refer you to the pastor of your nearest parish to begin the RCIA process. You may also ask to speak to the diocesan director of RCIA for more info.

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

Here’s the situation…
I started attending RCIA at my local church, but could not continue going because of other committments. I am not baptized, I’m ready to enter into the Catholic faith. One of the biggest benefits I could receive from RCIA is time to really meditate on my decision, which is something I’ve done for a year and a half now.

Is there a way I could avoid going to RCIA, but perhaps participate in the various rites throughout the calendar and be baptized next Easter?

The requirement to attend RCIA might be waived. In fact you can insist that it be waived, but priests are reluctant to tell you that because there are big benefits in the program. At the end of the day the priest cannot refuse to recognise a baptism.

 

[BobP123]

Since you stated that you are unbaptized and coming from a protestant denomination, the answer will probably be yes. Proper catechesis is required of all entering into the Church.

One needs to be baptized in order to be a Christian. A “Protestant” baptism is valid and a person does not need to be “rebaptized” in order to join the Catholic Church.

 

[puzzleannie]

I am not baptized, I’m ready to enter into the Catholic faith. One of the biggest benefits I could receive from RCIA is time to really meditate on my decision, which is something I’ve done for a year and a half now.

Is there a way I could avoid going to RCIA, but perhaps participate in the various rites throughout the calendar and be baptized next Easter?

my remarks are addressed to OP, who says he is not baptized. RCIA is the preparation for the rites, so obviously you need that part of it. What you can probably skip is the Inquiry or initial evangelization period, because you are already past that. You will find however, if your experience is typical of bible literate members of other denominations who are well versed in the Christian faith, that even more and deeper questions, specifically related to Catholic doctrine and practice, will arise during the period of the catchumenate and you will want to be in a “support network” when that occurs, which is also part of RCIA. I would certainly contact the pastor of the parish where you prefer to be initiated now so that you may be prepared for the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of the Cathechumate at the earliest opportunity, and begin your journey toward reception into the Church through the Easter sacraments. Again and again, welcome home. Issues specifically related to RCIA are discussed on the evangelization forum so you may find some answers there on past threads as well.

 

[puzzleannie]

The requirement to attend RCIA might be waived. In fact you can insist that it be waived, but priests are reluctant to tell you that because there are big benefits in the program. At the end of the day the priest cannot refuse to recognise a baptism.

OP states he is not baptized, so in this discussion we are not addressing the issue of a baptized Christian candidate being received into full communion with the Catholic Church. anyone interested in that discussion can follow any of the several threads on the evangelization forum.

 

[MelanieAnne]

RCIA takes all ~ and they will be in varying points of understanding ~ and brings them all to readiness for full participation in the various sacraments of the church.

Some in RCIA are very far advanced in their learning & understanding, others are less so. The experiences of all are valuable to everyone. It may be that the wisdom of one will vastly benefit another. I see this as part of a good plan for all.

I think it is great that the church requires RCIA for everyone. Too many churches are too hasty to baptize and adopt members into their midst with little or no understanding as to what they are getting into. RCIA requires a long period of formation and learning. When a member is finally confirmed, they have a good understanding. This should be viewed as a positive.

I sort of wonder about the humility of someone who thinks they might be “too good” for RCIA.

 

[John_Lilburne]

From the liturgical book “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”:
“307 Exceptional circumstances may arise in which the local bishop, in individual cases, can allow the use of a form of Christian initiation that is simpler than the usual, complete rite (see no. 34,4).
The bishop may permit this simpler form to consist in the abbreviated form of the rite (nos. 316-345) that is carried out in one celebration. Or he may permit an expansion of this abbreviated rite, so that there are celebrations not only of the sacraments of initiation but also of one or more of the rites belonging to the period of the catechumenate and to the period of purification and enlightenment (see nos. 308-311).
The extraordinary circumstances in question are either events that prevent the candidate from completing all the steps of the catechumenate or a depth of Christian conversion and a degree of religious maturity that lead the local bishop to decide that the candidate may receive baptism without delay.”

In the USA’s edition of the RCIA the above paragraph is n. 331 (The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 214).

A lot of the RCIA book is available in the edition for England and Wales at catholic-ew.org.uk/liturgy/Resources/Rites/RiteRitual.html#RCIA .

 

[Genesis315]

As has been pointed out, talk to your priest and discuss your situation. He’ll help you work something out

 

[jmcrae]

I sort of wonder about the humility of someone who thinks they might be “too good” for RCIA.

After several years, and observing a lot of people starting the process of conversion, it seems to me that it’s usually the ones who think they have no need of RCIA, who have no concept whatsoever of how much there is to learn - who think that it’s just Protestantism with better liturgies and more of Mary - who aren’t anywhere near ready to become Catholic.

The ones who have figured out that they need some help getting a grasp of all this learning, and even those who are downright terrified of the amount of work involved, are usually the ones who seem to do best; I still see them around the parish, volunteering and helping out, even years later.

 

[BlestOne]

This past Easter I got to see one of my dearest friends admitted into the church through RCIA. He is a theology student too and has gone from Baptist to feeling he is called to the priesthood. Like you, he also didn’t want to go to RCIA. Our pastor very wisely made him attend RCIA for several reasons, one being that there are things you will learn about Catholic practices and doctrine, that you probably never thought to ask. The other was discipline… Our pastor thought it wise for him to attend so that if he does enter the priesthood, he can get a first hand look at the questions and difficulties of others joining the Church. My friend is probably more knowledgeable than 99% of the Catholics in our parish as far as biblical and doctrinal studies… but he admitted to me later that he did learn and he was glad he was made to go through the RCIA process.

 

[Genesis315]

I had a friend who had an advanced degree in theology and had been studying Catholicism and attending Mass everyday for two years before she finally converted. She met with the priest, and after speaking with her, he said she didn’t need to go to RCIA–but she chose to go anyway. She said she learned some things, but more importantly, she knew to ask questions that others may not have even thought of, and so everyone learne even more because of her presence. So, for your friend to attend RCIA, it would not just be for his own benefit.

In fact that’s a good lesson itself, we are all united as members of one Body and we all help sanctify each other!

 

[quiet52]

Please don’t take short-cuts in your process of conversion. As an RCIA leader I initially felt somewhat intimidated by a young man with a sound biblical education who is vastly more well-read than I am about Catholicism. He has read Chesterton, Aquinas, and more from the doctors of the Church than I have. He was a treasure to our group and to me because of his knowledge of the faith – but that doesn’t mean he didn’t learn. We can’t learn how to live the faith in isolation. He learned about practicing the faith – and it is in relationship with others that we learn what living the Catholic lifestyle really means. His participation in the RCIA helped him to be a better husband and Christian person in practice, not just mentally. RCIA is more than an teaching about what we believe – if well-done it includes sharing about our journeys of faith and praying together. Remember that our faith doesn’t merely involve our personal relationship with God – it requires our involvement in the community of faith.
I don’t know of any parishes near me without an RCIA program, usually led by a lay catechist. My prayer for you is to look forward to this process of conversion … and remember that when you receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and first Eucharist) … that this is the beginning of your being a Catholic Christian … not a “graduation” or goal.