Expectations of the baptized joining the Catholic church?

[DarkLight]

I’m sure this gets asked all the time, but what are the expectations in terms of classes and such for those validly baptized in another tradition? I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on Catholic doctrine and lifestyle (thanks to having theology training!), but also have some special issues that I’m not sure a standard catechist would be prepared to deal with.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I’m sure this gets asked all the time, but what are the expectations in terms of classes and such for those validly baptized in another tradition? I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on Catholic doctrine and lifestyle (thanks to having theology training!), but also have some special issues that I’m not sure a standard catechist would be prepared to deal with.

It depends on the parish and the diocese. They have their requirements. If you are concerned sit down and have a talk with the pastor. He can always decide that you do not need the classes that they normally require.

 

[DarkLight]

It depends on the parish and the diocese. They have their requirements. If you are concerned sit down and have a talk with the pastor. He can always decide that you do not need the classes that they normally require.

Thanks. I was hoping there were some general guidelines - I don’t know exactly when I’ll be ready to get started formally, and I have no idea where I’ll be geographically at that time, or even if I’ll be able to stay in one place for the whole process.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Thanks. I was hoping there were some general guidelines - I don’t know exactly when I’ll be ready to get started formally, and I have no idea where I’ll be geographically at that time, or even if I’ll be able to stay in one place for the whole process.

Typically the most parishes and dioceses use the RCIA process for both catechumen (those not baptized) and candidates (those baptized). This is generally done because of limited resources and shared instruction.

There are cases were a priest might give individual lessons but due to the work load on priests today no one can expect that.

You should be ready to do what is normal for the parish/diocese. While there might be exceptions no one should expect to be treated so.

Again, the best place for the answers is from the pastor of the parish you will enter into.

 

[DarkLight]

Thanks…I’m not trying to ask for special favors, but I ask because I have a history of religious abuse and some specific issues relating to this. There are some intense difficulties that I would not feel comfortable addressing in a group setting, or possibly even with someone who was not prepared to handle that sort of thing. I’ve had many difficulties with people who are unaware of religious or spiritual abuse or unwilling to acknowledge its effects. I can sit through classes, but I think I would not be able to truly ask questions or engage in that sort of setting, because I would be too afraid of being attacked yet again.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Thanks…I’m not trying to ask for special favors, but I ask because I have a history of religious abuse and some specific issues relating to this. There are some intense difficulties that I would not feel comfortable addressing in a group setting, or possibly even with someone who was not prepared to handle that sort of thing. I’ve had many difficulties with people who are unaware of religious or spiritual abuse or unwilling to acknowledge its effects. I can sit through classes, but I think I would not be able to truly ask questions or engage in that sort of setting, because I would be too afraid of being attacked yet again.

Sounds like it might be two seperate things then. Maybe working with a priest on that…but sitting in RCIA classes to learn the teachings of the Church…you don’t have to share everything in RCIA…and Id bet you would be surprised about what some of us go through…but don’t talk about in large groups.