FAQs about RCIA

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An updated list…

INITIAL QUESTIONS
  1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
  2. In the unusual situation that I do not go through RCIA, what can I expect?
  3. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
  4. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
  5. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
  6. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
  7. How long does RCIA take?
  8. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED
  1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
  2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
  3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
  4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
  5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
  6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
  7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer.
  8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
  9. What is a catechumen?
  10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
  11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
  12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
  1. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
  2. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
  3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
  4. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
  5. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?
  6. What is a conditional baptism?
  7. What is a candidate?
  8. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
  9. When may I or when must I go to confession?
  10. I am an Orthodox Christian. Do I go through RCIA to become Catholic?
FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN’T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
  1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
  2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?
FINAL STEPS
  1. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
  2. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?
 
Would someone like to take a stab at the first question:
  1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
 
I’d add as the first questions either “What is RCIA and who is it for?” or “I want to become Catholic What do I do?”
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Would someone like to take a stab at the first question:
  1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
Click to expand...
This will be up to your priest. Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, “Who is my priest?” or “I have a priest?!”

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as “your” priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.
 
jmcrae said:
This will be up to your priest. Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, “Who is my priest?” or “I have a priest?!”

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as “your” priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.
Click to expand...
Is non-participation in RCIA available only to those who have already been baptized? I’m thinking that there is no alternative for someone who isn’t baptized but I’m open to correction.

Would it also be appropriate to say something here about RCIA being more than just catechetical sessions? There are elements of faith formation, community building, and perhaps most importantly the rites themselves. Someone who doesn’t go through RCIA would be received into the church, but wouldn’t go through the rites of welcoming or sending, or the call to continuing conversion.
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Is non-participation in RCIA available only to those who have already been baptized? I’m thinking that there is no alternative for someone who isn’t baptized but I’m open to correction.
Click to expand...
This is correct - unbaptized people have to go through the RCIA process, with the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, Scrutinies, and then all three Sacraments of Initiation at the same Mass.
Would it also be appropriate to say something here about RCIA being more than just catechetical sessions? There are elements of faith formation, community building, and perhaps most importantly the rites themselves.
Click to expand...
Yes, exactly. The purpose of RCIA is not to produce theologians, or apologists, but to produce Church members who have a strong sense of belonging.
Someone who doesn’t go through RCIA would be received into the church, but wouldn’t go through the rites of welcoming or sending, or the call to continuing conversion.
Click to expand...
This is also correct. Instead, they would go through a process of private instruction with either a priest or a qualified lay person, and would be received into the Church on an appropriate Sunday after it was ascertained that the person is ready not only to believe what the Church teaches, but also to be an active and participating member of the local parish. 🙂
 
Does this seem accurate?

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?

It sounds like you’re thinking that RCIA means “catechism class.” This isn’t true. Even people who know a great deal about Catholic teaching can benefit from RCIA. Remember that the purpose of RCIA is to produce Church members with a strong sense of belonging. RCIA includes not only catechesis, but faith formation and community building. RCIA also includes the rites themselves including the Rite of Welcoming and Call to Continuing Conversion.

However, if you are already baptized and would like to skip RCIA you can talk with your pastor. (If you have never been baptized then RCIA is the only way to come into the Church.) Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, “Who is my priest?” or “I have a priest?!”

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as “your” priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.
 
KarenElissa said:
I’d add as the first questions either “What is RCIA and who is it for?” or “I want to become Catholic What do I do?”
Click to expand...
Agreed. I’d do these question first, and then move questions 7 and 8 to position 2 and 3.

INITIAL QUESTIONS
  1. I want to become Catholic. What do I do?
  2. What is RCIA?
  3. How long does RCIA take?
  4. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
  5. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
  6. In the unusual situation that I do not go through RCIA, what can I expect?
  7. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
  8. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
  9. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
  10. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
 
Also, the Orthodox question makes more sense at the top as question #1.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
  1. I am an Orthodox Christian. Do I go through RCIA to become Catholic?
  2. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
  3. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
  4. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
  5. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
  6. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?
  7. What is a conditional baptism?
  8. What is a candidate?
  9. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
  10. When may I or when must I go to confession?
 
Another thought… do we need to put something in here about rites, as in Latin Catholic vs. Eastern Catholic? For example, should we mention that an Orthodox Christian should enter the Eastern Church of their rite? What about options of rites for other people investigating the church? What about when one spouse already belongs to an Eastern rite?
 
Rolltide said:
Another thought… do we need to put something in here about rites, as in Latin Catholic vs. Eastern Catholic? For example, should we mention that an Orthodox Christian should enter the Eastern Church of their rite? What about options of rites for other people investigating the church? What about when one spouse already belongs to an Eastern rite?
Click to expand...
Maybe just say, “Since individual circumstances vary, if you are a member of an Orthodox Church becoming Catholic, please contact the nearest available Eastern Rite Catholic Church for more information about retaining your Rite, and issues around changing over to the Latin Rite.” 🤷
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Does this seem accurate?

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?

It sounds like you’re thinking that RCIA means “catechism class.” This isn’t true. Even people who know a great deal about Catholic teaching can benefit from RCIA. Remember that the purpose of RCIA is to produce Church members with a strong sense of belonging. RCIA includes not only catechesis, but faith formation and community building. RCIA also includes the rites themselves including the Rite of Welcoming and Call to Continuing Conversion.

However, if you are already baptized and would like to skip RCIA you can talk with your pastor. (If you have never been baptized then RCIA is the only way to come into the Church.) Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, “Who is my priest?” or “I have a priest?!”

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as “your” priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.
Click to expand...
I don’t see anything to change. I used fewer words only, it’s #7 of my original answer post.
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
I don’t see anything to change. I used fewer words only, it’s #7 of my original answer post.
Click to expand...
That info will also be good to include in the “how long does RCIA take” question. 🙂

Here’s an updated list:

INITIAL QUESTIONS
  1. I want to become Catholic. What do I do?
  2. What is RCIA?
  3. How long does RCIA take?
  4. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
  5. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
    Answer: forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=4531539&postcount=27
  6. In the unusual situation that I do not go through RCIA, what can I expect?
  7. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
  8. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
  9. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
  10. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED
  1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
  2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
  3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
  4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
  5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
  6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
  7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer.
  8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
  9. What is a catechumen?
  10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
  11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
  12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
  1. I am an Orthodox Christian. Do I go through RCIA to become Catholic?
  2. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
  3. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
  4. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
  5. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
  6. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?
  7. What is a conditional baptism?
  8. What is a candidate?
  9. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
  10. When may I or when must I go to confession?
FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN’T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
  1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
  2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?
FINAL STEPS
  1. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
  2. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?
 
Maybe we can do these two at once:
  1. How long does RCIA take?
  2. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
How long does RCIA take?

Br. Rich:
As long as necessary, each individual will be different. The RCIA process is not a cookie-cutter program. It is possible that many people may go along together and form a bond and assist each other. But it is also possible that there will be several different small groups that form not all moving at the same rate.

jmcrae:
As long or as short as you need. Catechumens who have no previous religious experience should spend at least one full calendar year (52 Sundays) in the Period of Catechesis. This is in addition to the Period of Inquiry, the Period of Purification, and Mystagogia.

My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

Br. Rich:
No, Inquiry should be available at any time. Formal Catechesis because of lack of parish resources may be delayed. But no one should ever be turned away or told to wait until fall!

jmcrae:
Speak to the pastor of the parish to let him know of your situation, and then (if he gives you permission) contact the RCIA Coordinator to find out how to get caught up.

Anyone want to try editing/combining the answers to the two questions?
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Maybe we can do these two at once:
  1. How long does RCIA take?
  2. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
How long does RCIA take?

XXXXXXXXX:
As long as necessary, each individual will be different. The RCIA process is not a cookie-cutter program. It is possible that many people may go along together and form a bond and assist each other. But it is also possible that there will be several different small groups that form not all moving at the same rate.

XXXXXXX:
As long or as short as you need. Catechumens who have no previous religious experience should spend at least one full calendar year (52 Sundays) in the Period of Catechesis. This is in addition to the Period of Inquiry, the Period of Purification, and Mystagogia.

My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

XXXXXXX:
No, Inquiry should be available at any time. Formal Catechesis because of lack of parish resources may be delayed. But no one should ever be turned away or told to wait until fall!

XXXXXXX:
Speak to the pastor of the parish to let him know of your situation, and then (if he gives you permission) contact the RCIA Coordinator to find out how to get caught up.

Anyone want to try editing/combining the answers to the two questions?
Click to expand...
Actually the RCIA program is directly under the local Parish Priest who is directly under the Bishop. Most parishes are under order to try to meet USCCB guidelines and many if not most simply do not have the money or volunteers to comply. It is worth remembering the words of Pope Gregory – 40 days. 40 days is repeatedly used in the Bible as a period of discernment. Btw in the first 500 years zero was the standard. Today the USCCB does desire a 2 phase program basically one group is exploring faith and the second group is teaching catholism. As you may have noticed via other threads I have a problem with substituting guidelines for religion/facts/doctrine/etc. The rules as far as I know are still – RCIA is left to the local authority to administer.

Additionally the Bishop can at his discretion admit anyone at anytime, and often grants equal privilege to parish priests
 
Texas_Roofer said:
Actually the RCIA program is directly under the local Parish Priest who is directly under the Bishop. Most parishes are under order to try to meet USCCB guidelines and many if not most simply do not have the money or volunteers to comply. It is worth remembering the words of Pope Gregory – 40 days. 40 days is repeatedly used in the Bible as a period of discernment. Btw in the first 500 years zero was the standard. Today the USCCB does desire a 2 phase program basically one group is exploring faith and the second group is teaching catholism. As you may have noticed via other threads I have a problem with substituting guidelines for religion/facts/doctrine/etc. The rules as far as I know are still – RCIA is left to the local authority to administer.

Additionally the Bishop can at his discretion admit anyone at anytime, and often grants equal privilege to parish priests
Click to expand...
The RCIA is an official Liturgical Rite of the Catholic Church and therefore must be followed. It does have within it specific exceptions when certain conditions exist. The Local Bishop can also act outside of it when certain conditions exist, otherwise he is also expected to follow it. The Local Bishop is expected to supply the necessary resources as is the pastor. Those resources come before the parish picnic, Youth Ministry ski trip, Vacation Bible School, and technically even before the childrens CCD program.
 
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