Dont HAVE to go through RCIA?

[justawhisper]

hello all!

i have a quick question about RCIA. i read that sometimes one does not HAVE to go through the RCIA in order to be confirmed if the knowledge is there? im sure i have to go through it, as the only real knowledge i have is via books and a few others things. but i read about that somewhere and it had me wondering, how is that so? any (name removed by moderator)ut would be great.

 

[kell0618]

Technically, RCIA is in place for the unbaptized and those baptized in another Christian faith. Having said that, our parish requires that most who are seeking confirmation and have only received Baptism and Eucharist, attend the RCIA program. Most people in that situation have not been adequately Catechized and benefit greatly from the information contained within the RCIA program. If someone who is already Catholic and lacks only Confirmation, the Parish Priest may decide that only a more brief refresher ‘course’ one on one or in a small group will adequately prepare the person for Confirmation.

For a convert to ‘skip’ the RCIA program would most likely require a)personal instruction with a Priest or b) the candidate is a Christian minister in another faith who the priest has deemed to be well Catechized in the Catholic faith. This is a rare occasion though it does happen.

Hope I helped!

Kelly

 

[Anne1964]

I think it often depends on the size of the parish and the resources available. Some will require you to attend RCIA and some won’t.

When I told our parish priest I wanted to be confirmed he placed an announcement in the bulletin for a few weeks to see if there were any other adults who were interested. He then organized a class for us.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

hello all!

i have a quick question about RCIA. i read that sometimes one does not HAVE to go through the RCIA in order to be confirmed if the knowledge is there? im sure i have to go through it, as the only real knowledge i have is via books and a few others things. but i read about that somewhere and it had me wondering, how is that so? any (name removed by moderator)ut would be great.

RCIA is for those who are not Baptized or were Baptized as infants and never raised in the Christian Faith. They should spend 3 to 6 months in Inquiry having their main questions about the Catholic Faith and practice answered. Then move through the Catechumenate for at least one full liturgical year. Being Baptized at the next Easter Vigil.

It can accommodate those who were Baptized and raised in another Christian community. They Could spend anywhere from 2 to 4 months in Inquiry before moving into Candidacy. They can spend 3 to 12 months cepending on their specific situation before being Received into the Church.

A Person who is a practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and wants to be Confirmed. Might spend only a few weeks in Inquiry and a few months in Sacramental Formation before being Confirmed.

 

[puzzleannie]

hello all!

i have a quick question about RCIA. i read that sometimes one does not HAVE to go through the RCIA in order to be confirmed if the knowledge is there? .

RCIA is for the unbaptized, but has been adapted to provide parallel rites for baptized non-Catholics who are preparing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Baptized Catholics undergo whatever preparation for Confirmation has been designated by their bishop. A better distinction, when it comes to participation in a class for doctrinal formation is “catechized” vs “uncatechized” that is, has a basic grounding in Christian doctrine vs no exposure to doctrine, practice and morality. Or, “evangelized” vs “unevangelized” that is, has heard the initial proclamation of the gospel and has already embarked on a relationship with Jesus Christ, or has no exposure to scripture and does not know Christ. Since persons of any of the three canonical statuses could fall into either of those classifications, the class or formation program should fit their needs.

That is why in most parishes there is one class, since all who approach the Church are considered to be essentially uncatechized and unevangelized. That betrays a laziness in the initial, essential process of interviewing candidates and discovering their needs, questions and grounding in the fundamentals of the Christian faith. However, do realize parish resources are limited as to time, space, and people willing to take on this ministry, and do understand your parish is doing its best to meet your needs.

The first requisite for progress in the spiritual life, and preparation for the sacraments is certainly part of this, is humility and obedience to authority. In my experience (over 20 yrs) in RCIA and sacramental prep, those adults who have been living a committed life in another faith are the ones with the most questions, the most spiritual and personal difficulties to resolve, and the most to un-learn before they approach the sacraments. Please be guided by the wisdom of the Church in this matter, even if it often appears that this wisdom is being filtered through persons who though willing, are not always able.

 

[1ke]

hello all!

i have a quick question about RCIA. i read that sometimes one does not HAVE to go through the RCIA in order to be confirmed if the knowledge is there? im sure i have to go through it, as the only real knowledge i have is via books and a few others things. but i read about that somewhere and it had me wondering, how is that so? any (name removed by moderator)ut would be great.

Back in the day, converts would receive private instruction from “Father”. That, of course, is not typical today because there are fewer priests, larger parishes, etc. So, instead of “private instruction” it is done via a group program such as RCIA. RCIA can be led by a Deacon, Priest, or trained lay person.

In some places, and in some circumstances, people do still receive private instruction from a priest and are then Confirmed. This is rare.

So, to answer your question, preparation and instruction are required… and diocese and parishes decide what form the instruction takes.

 

[puzzleannie]

in our diocese the bishop announced a special one-time program during Lent to prepare baptized Catholic adults for first confession and first communion, which will continue after Easter for Confirmation. His goal is to reach out to Catholics so they may complete their Christian initiation, especially those who through circumstances (such as migrant workers) were unable to receive them in youth. 11 half-hour TV broadcasts were prepared by various priests and sisters of the diocese, shown on public TV (the diocese owns the station) twice a week, with follow-up classes in the parishes. We have 22 people participating in this parish. They are making confession tomorrow, will receive first communion the 5th Sunday of Lent, and Confirmation on May 3 in diocesan celebration. The candidates are also expected to participate in a Disciples in Mission group during Lent (the diocesan evangelization program) which is an hour of prayer and faith-sharing with the Sunday gospels.

details are on the diocesan website cdob.org, look under Bishop’s Lenten Sacramental Initiative for complete details on broadcast topics, lesson plans, scripture resources etc.

 

[mattwcu]

I am going to be confirmed on Easter Vigil day and have not gone through RCIA. I attend a parish run by the FSSP and receive catechesis once a week for an hour or two usually on a saturday afternoon.

I can’t tell you how positive the experience has been. I have heard so many horror stories about RCIA that it kind of put me off for a while until I found this parish and I haven’t looked back.

 

[mamar]

my husband was raised protestant but has been practicing cahtolicism w/ my family for several years. i convinced him to approach the paster around christmas time to ‘make things right’…he missed the cuttoff for RCIA. our pastor asked him to get a copy of the cathchism and start reading and they would regroup after the holidays. my husband has been reading, although, there is not much ‘new’ information in there. yes, there are some ‘issues’ that he may have, but nothing new for most people.

the priest who runs RCIA at our parish called and left a message a couple of weeks ago, asking to arrange a meeting w/ my husband to possibly get him his sacraments in time for the easter vigil. unfortuneately the meeting got cancelled due to an illness, so now we are shooting for next week.

my hope and prayer is that my husband and our priest can work things out, and he will be official. i know my parish priests very well as i am very involved in the church. i am sure it was all a shock to hear that my husband was not catholic.

my parish is huge…so if they are willing to do this for us, i am not so sure how rare it may be. i kind of get the feeling that if you ask w/ a sincere heart, they (your priests) will hold your hand and make it happen. i pray it happens in this case, and yours (OP)!

 

[gvogt4]

Skipping the formalities of who RCIA is designed for, may I suggest that if you have the opportunity to attend RCIA, and assuming that your parish has a quality program (this varies quite a bit), this could be a very positive experience for you. Go for it!

 

[puzzleannie]

We bend over backwards to offer special consideration, offer on-line or other alternatives for study, set up special classes, flexible to anyone’s work or school schedule, I have at this time 5 different meeting times for adults preparing for sacraments. [we spend more time, effort and money on 30-40 adults than I do on 500+ elementary children in CCD]. The only adults who are really committed and are following through are those in the “regular” Sunday morning RCIA and adult confirmation class. In my experience, the more consideration you give the less commitment you see from the candidate. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people, for whom we made special arrangements, who actually followed through and completed even the minimal preparation and requirements we asked for the sacraments.

 

[mamar]

I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people, for whom we made special arrangements, who actually followed through and completed even the minimal preparation and requirements we asked for the sacraments.

well, you can bet that is not my husband, he is willing to do what father says he should do in order to prepare for easter.

thank you for all the time and effort you put forth for people…i know it is hard dealing w/ luke warm people. i am in my 2nd year of being a cathecist for ccd, and sometimes it seems as though the parents are not willing to put the time in.

 

[SMHW]

This is another case where it is useful to define what is meant by “RCIA” at a given parish.

You’d think it ought to mean the same thing everywhere. But in general I think most people are NOT referring to rites of any kind. Rather they are referring to a bunch of classes and social events that are supposed to catechize, evangelize, and form any group of people that the parish decides to be in need of catechesis, evangelization, and formation.

I think it is very confusing to people on this forum when they are told that only the unbaptized ought/need to ‘go through RCIA’ and then are told by their parish that they ‘need to go through RCIA’. Such people are often (but not always) hearing the same word used to mean two separate things.

 

[John_Lilburne]

From the Introduction to the Rite of Confirmation:
“3. … For those who were baptized in infancy and are confirmed only as adults the plan for the catechumenate is used with appropriate adaptations.”
“12. … Sometimes the preparation of baptized adults for confirmation coincides with preparation for marriage. In such cases, if it is foreseen that the conditions for a fruitful reception of confirmation cannot be satisfied, the local Ordinary will judge whether it is better to defer confirmation until after the marriage.”
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, pages 479 and 483).

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has a section:
“Preparation of Uncatechized Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist”. It includes, using the USA numbers:
“408. The period of catechesis for these adults should be properly coordinated with the liturgical year. This is particularly true of its final phase, which should as a rule coincide with Lent. During the Lenten season penitential services should be arranged in such a way as to prepare these adults for the celebration of the sacrament of penance.
409. The high point of their entire formation will normally be the Easter Vigil. …”.
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 246).

 

[LeahInancsi]

Skipping the formalities of who RCIA is designed for, may I suggest that if you have the opportunity to attend RCIA, and assuming that your parish has a quality program (this varies quite a bit), this could be a very positive experience for you. Go for it!

AMEN!!!

Has anyone actually died from attending RCIA?

That may sound sarcastic, but I’m very sincere. While RCIA may have originally been intended to teach Christianity, I think in the US it is more geared to teaching Catholicism.

In my parish, if you don’t complete CCD and are confirmed with the other 15 year olds in the fall, then you go through RCIA regardless of your baptism. I don’t know if this is parish or diocese policy. There were several baptized Catholics in my RCIA class and they all appeared to enjoy themselves.

I met so many people through RCIA who gave me a circle of friends to serve as a foundation to meet more people in a new church.

Try it, you’ll like it.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

This is another case where it is useful to define what is meant by “RCIA” at a given parish.

You’d think it ought to mean the same thing everywhere. But in general I think most people are NOT referring to rites of any kind. Rather they are referring to a bunch of classes and social events that are supposed to catechize, evangelize, and form any group of people that the parish decides to be in need of catechesis, evangelization, and formation.

I think it is very confusing to people on this forum when they are told that only the unbaptized ought/need to ‘go through RCIA’ and then are told by their parish that they ‘need to go through RCIA’. Such people are often (but not always) hearing the same word used to mean two separate things.

That may be the case and I agree that the parish pastors should start using the term in the correct manner and stop confusing people.

 

[m134e5]

hello all!

i have a quick question about RCIA. i read that sometimes one does not HAVE to go through the RCIA in order to be confirmed if the knowledge is there? im sure i have to go through it, as the only real knowledge i have is via books and a few others things. but i read about that somewhere and it had me wondering, how is that so? any (name removed by moderator)ut would be great.

Some priests will allow people to receive the Sacraments of initiation without RCIA if they have already been baptized, and are exceptionally knowledgeable in the Faith. Some priests will give candidates private instruction for a time until they are ready to be brought into the Church. Some priests insist on RCIA.

I am a very strong supporter of RCIA. It helps you learn how to function in the parish. It helps you learn how to choose your battles (when you have a fit every time the smallest rule in the GIRM isn’t followed, it makes you a very unpleasant person to be around- you have to learn to prioritize- RCIA helped me learn to choose my battles…and that isn’t to say I don’t get angry when it is appropriate, or say something when I need to). It also gives you a chance to get to know some people who are on the same journey as you- as well as active members of the parish (the RCIA team, if there is one).

 

[gvogt4]

Wow! That’s all I can say.

Dear justawhisper,

Make an appointment with your pastor or his designate. Explain your personal circumstances. Ask how to proceed. Follow your pastor’s directions and guidance. Whatever path you are directed to take, increase your prayer life, spend time with THE WORD in the Word, always seek that which will help you progress in your conversion (which, for all of us is ongoing), continue the study of our wonderful Faith, surround yourself with like-minded LOVING people, participate in the Mass as often as possible, seek to do God’s will in all you do, and be good to His people (especially those that are in most need, whether physically or spiritually). These things will strengthen your relationship with God regardless of the definition or “true” purpose of RCIA. May the Lord continue to bless you in this and all endeavors in which you seek Him.

 

[LeahInancsi]

That may be the case and I agree that the parish pastors should start using the term in the correct manner and stop confusing people.

If that is the case, then what are you going to do with the Baptists, etc. who have no clue about Catholicism? Poorly catechised Catholics are a big enough problem as it is without compounding the problem by bringing in ignorant Protestants.

I was a catechumen and am doing just fine or better without special treatment than the baptized Christians in my RCIA class. I’m probably the most active in parish activities than anyone else in my class. I had a solid knowledge of Catholicism (thanks to my grandmother) before I started RCIA.

My solution is to broaden those to be included in RCIA. Instead of “Chrisitan”, perhaps “Catholic” would be better.

 

[SMHW]

If that is the case, then what are you going to do with the Baptists, etc. who have no clue about Catholicism? Poorly catechized Catholics are a big enough problem as it is without compounding the problem by bringing in ignorant Protestants.

I don’t think anyone is disputing the fact that someone coming into the Church should be catechized. And often the unbaptized, baptized non-Catholics, and un-catechized Catholics need similar instruction.

But what Br. Rich and I were discussing was that the term “RCIA” is often more identified with instruction classes than with the rites themselves. My personal opinion is that many people consider the actual rites, such as (in the case of the unbaptized) the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, the Rite of Election, the Scrutinies, and other associated rites, as insignificant events on the road to the Easter Vigil.

IMO, when people hear “RCIA” they should think of the above mentioned rites, normally held during Sunday Masses, not some Faith Formation class that meets during the middle of the week.