Go - No Go for RCIA?

[Guyonthestreet]

Mary - I am not really intested in her titles other than she is the Mother of God. I cannot see myself every owning statues of her, leaving flowers at grottos to her, carrying medals with her on it, and so on.

Her perpetual virginity - I dont think about it and probably never will.

Her assumption into heaven - again, something I dont see myself ever thinking about very much, so I would neither agree nor disagree about it with the dogma.

The rosary - at present I dont ever see myself owning a rosary or praying the rosary.

Immaculate Conception - I dont ever see myself ever wondering about this in any great detail so I would neither agree nor disagree with the dogma.

I will always pray the hail Mary with respect and reverence. Any service I am at that has other prayers, I would always pray with respect and reference.

Eucharist - I truely believe this is the real Presence

Confession - I truely believe God gave the apostles the power to lose and retain therefor I need to confess my sins to a priest and seek forgiveness and make penance. I also equally believe God can forgive my sins without recourse to a priest.

Infallibility - I do not believe the pope is infallible when he speaks by himslef - I do believe what he pronounces could be infallible if he speaks as the head of the council of bishops after proper consultation with the council.

Bishops and priests - I may never be able to completely lose my distrust of them as individuals and respect their office as would be expected of me. I would always be a questioning, confrontational individual - thats who I am.

Trinity - no issues.

Praying to saints - no issues.

Is the catholic church the only church founded with apostolic succession and therefor the only true church - absolutely not.

Is the catholic church the only way to get to heaven - absolutely not.

Given where Im at right now, if I approached a priest to talk to him about inquiring about joining an RCIA program - would he be likely to say Go or No Go??

 

[Religio71]

Mary - I am not really intested in her titles other than she is the Mother of God. I cannot see myself every owning statues of her, leaving flowers at grottos to her, carrying medals with her on it, and so on.

You don’t need to own statues of Mary, leave flowers at grottos (hahaha), or wear medals with her on them.

Her perpetual virginity - I dont think about it and probably never will.

You are required to believe in it as a Catholic. You don’t need to think about it on a day to day basis (I rarely think about it), however you still have to believe in it.

Her assumption into heaven - again, something I dont see myself ever thinking about very much, so I would neither agree nor disagree about it with the dogma.

You are required to believe in it as a Catholic. You don’t need to think about it on a day to day basis (I rarely think about it), however you still have to believe in it.

The rosary - at present I dont ever see myself owning a rosary or praying the rosary.

I haven’t said the rosary in a long time. You don’t have to either. I do like saying the Hail Mary.

Immaculate Conception - I dont ever see myself ever wondering about this in any great detail so I would neither agree nor disagree with the dogma.

You are required to believe in it as a Catholic. You don’t need to think about it on a day to day basis (I rarely think about it), however you still have to believe in it.

I will always pray the hail Mary with respect and reverence. Any service I am at that has other prayers, I would always pray with respect and reference.

Eucharist - I truely believe this is the real Presence

Confession - I truely believe God gave the apostles the power to lose and retain therefor I need to confess my sins to a priest and seek forgiveness and make penance. I also equally believe God can forgive my sins without recourse to a priest.

Infallibility - I do not believe the pope is infallible when he speaks by himslef - I do believe what he pronounces could be infallible if he speaks as the head of the council of bishops after proper consultation with the council.

Catholics don’t believe the Pope is always infallible, and this is a common mistake that non-Catholics believe. He is only infallible in certain, specific situations, and this rarely occurs.

Bishops and priests - I may never be able to completely lose my distrust of them as individuals and respect their office as would be expected of me. I would always be a questioning, confrontational individual - thats who I am.

And why do you distrust them? We are all sinners, right up to the Pope.

Trinity - no issues.

Praying to saints - no issues.

Is the catholic church the only church founded with apostolic succession and therefor the only true church - absolutely not.

We do not believe that the Catholic Church is the only Church with apostolic succession. The Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Polish National Catholic Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East all have apostolic succession, valid sacraments, and valid orders. However, we do believe that we have the fullness of the Truth, without any deletions or additions that the above groups may have.

Is the catholic church the only way to get to heaven - absolutely not.

We believe that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven. Because we believe that the Catholic Church has the fullness of Truth revealed by and in Christ, we believe that it offers the “best” road to salvation. However, we do believe that it is possible for others to be saved that are not in visible communion with the Catholic Church.

Given where Im at right now, if I approached a priest to talk to him about inquiring about joining an RCIA program - would he be likely to say Go or No Go??

Well, many see the RCIA like seminary. Not everyone that goes into seminary will become a priest. It is a long process that helps you discern if it is for you. The vast majority DO become priests, however some do not. Maybe your priest will see RCIA like this. However, he may want you to discuss WHY you don’t believe certain things, and whether you’ve read scripture and other literature related to those beliefs.

Feel free to discuss here WHY you don’t believe certain things (or don’t think about them much), and what you have read on those subjects. Also, why would you want to go through RCIA if you do not think about certain beliefs that are required for Catholics to believe? It’s okay to not think about things like Mary’s perpetual virginity after becoming Catholic (since it doesn’t really have a role in our day to day Catholicity, but we DO believe in it), however we do believe in it, even if we don’t think about it all the time.

 

[VARC]

Infallibility - I do not believe the pope is infallible when he speaks by himslef - I do believe what he pronounces could be infallible if he speaks as the head of the council of bishops after proper consultation with the council.

No Go. There is a lot of wiggle room with true church and salvation outside the church issues but papal infallibility has to be accepted by catholics. You must believe that the pope is infallible all by himself when he teaches dogma that must be given assent.

 

[Guyonthestreet]

You are required to believe in it as a Catholic. You don’t need to think about it on a day to day basis (I rarely think about it), however you still have to believe in it.

How do you get to the point of believing something to be true if your simply not minded to think about it at all. I’ve read quite a bit around Mary’s perpetual virginity from here, This Rock, Ive listened to EWTN and Ive read quite a few other catholic authors - cant tell you who right now as Ive not got access to the books and Im hopeless with remembering authors. I just cannot make myself even think about Marys virginity, at all, so therefor cannot see how I can say I believe in it. It doesnt seem relevant to me at all on any spiritual level.

However, we do believe that we have the fullness of the Truth, without any deletions or additions that the above groups may have.

That’s the part Im not so completely sure of yet.

Also, why would you want to go through RCIA if you do not think about certain beliefs that are required for Catholics to believe?

Im wondering out loud if RCIA would help fill the gaps. I dont believe the right place for me is me alone with my bible. I was asked by a nun at what point in time do I think I will have all my questions answered before I commit to something. It was a pointed question and made me think.

 

[Guyonthestreet]

No Go. There is a lot of wiggle room with true church and salvation outside the church issues but papal infallibility has to be accepted by catholics. You must believe that the pope is infallible all by himself when he teaches dogma that must be given assent.

Am I right in thinking there have only been 2 infallible pronouncements in all this time and both were Marian Dogmas?

 

[Religio71]

How do you get to the point of believing something to be true if your simply not minded to think about it at all. I’ve read quite a bit around Mary’s perpetual virginity from here, This Rock, Ive listened to EWTN and Ive read quite a few other catholic authors - cant tell you who right now as Ive not got access to the books and Im hopeless with remembering authors. I just cannot make myself even think about Marys virginity, at all, so therefor cannot see how I can say I believe in it. It doesnt seem relevant to me at all on any spiritual level.

I believe that gravity is a principle that is true and exists, yet I rarely think about it. I know that I was came from my mom and dad, yet I don’t think about that.

Mary’s perpetual virginity is not something that affects your day to day Catholic life. However we do believe it.

That’s the part Im not so completely sure of yet.

Do you mind elaborating on this?

Im wondering out loud if RCIA would help fill the gaps. I dont believe the right place for me is me alone with my bible. I was asked by a nun at what point in time do I think I will have all my questions answered before I commit to something. It was a pointed question and made me think.

I think you are in a good place at this point. You aren’t expected to believe in or know everything prior to RCIA. In fact, it seems that you’re well ahead of most people that are in RCIA, simply by participating in this type of forum. RCIA will help give you more context for the majority of beliefs, however you’ll need to do reading on your own. I think you should talk to your priest specifically about the issues you are having. I’m sure he’ll let you in RCIA anyway, as you don’t have to believe everything prior to RCIA. However, I would talk to the priest about the doctrines you have difficulty with.

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

No Go. There is a lot of wiggle room with true church and salvation outside the church issues but papal infallibility has to be accepted by catholics. You must believe that the pope is infallible all by himself when he teaches dogma that must be given assent.

Wait a minute VARC? dont you think infallibility is better answered by a practicing Catholic than a non catholic? your explanation does not even come close to explaining infallibility.

How many times has a Pope excercised excathedra “infallibility”? in all 2000 years of history? I dont think you can count them all on one hand. The pope in himself is not infallible. The teachings of Jesus Christ of which the Pope holds to unchanged when he speaks on faith and morals is done with the protection of the Holy Spirit, meaning he cannot teach error when he speaks excathedra. We may not even hear him speak excathedra in 10 lifetimes. The Pope is a man, he himself is not impecable.

To my brother O.P I would recommend R.C.I.A and hear the true teachings of the Catholic faith from the horses mouth, not out here in never ever land. You make the choice to accept Jesus teachings and his magesterium who have already proven to be willing to go to their deaths before denying the Catholic Church’s faith in Jesus Christ. R.C.I.A will instruct you, not force you. If you have the will and time to find out if this is truly the Rock Jesus built. At least then, if you reject this Catholic Truth, you will be able to explain to practicing Catholics why? The Church does not convert you, it is by will of God and the Holy Spirit.

Peace be with you on your journey.

 

[bpbasilphx]

Look at it this way:

Go to RICA to find out what the Catholic Church actually teaches on these and other issues.

I’m going to say something that will doubtless get brickbats thrown at me.

EVERYBODY is a “cafeteria Catholic.”

There are devotions, forms of spirituality, and such that appeal to different people–and the same ones will either have no charms for others, if not actually repulse them.

I myself, for example, am turned off by overly sweet art and statuary.

Maybe some of these things just wait for the Lord to show you.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . .
Given where Im at right now, if I approached a priest to talk to him about inquiring about joining an RCIA program - would he be likely to say Go or No Go??

First, One does not commit to becoming Catholic by entering RCIA; one commits to studying about the Church. As a result of that study one decides whether or not to enter the Church.

Second, one does not join the Church because one understands and agrees with all the teachings. One enters because one has concluded that the Church is the source of truth. Note that we all believe in some ultimate authority: God, experts, or self. If we opt for God, it is not what the experts say God says, or what we think God says. It has to be an authentic source validated by God. One enters the Church if through study and God’s gift of Faith we come to believe that the Church is that validated source.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Given where Im at right now, if I approached a priest to talk to him about inquiring about joining an RCIA program - would he be likely to say Go or No Go??

That’s a decision for you to make.

You don’t have to know everything and believe everything prior to starting RCIA. The time spent in RCIA will allow you to learn what it is Catholics believe and how they live. Once you have a chance to learn more, then you will discern whether you should be baptized or complete your sacraments of initiation.

I think the question is not what you already believe or whether you think you can or cannot accept certain church teachings. I think the question is whether you have an open mind and open heart so that you can explore these issues and questions.

 

[kristanl]

Am I right in thinking there have only been 2 infallible pronouncements in all this time and both were Marian Dogmas?

You are correct about this. You just have to believe that when the Popes said these dogmas that they were speaking infallibly…
I think you should go to RCIA to inquire about the faith. I think there are many things you will learn, which will either bring you closer or further from the Church. (Hopefully closer!!)
I dont know what your present religion is, but if you were brought up not taught a lot about Mary, then that may be why you feel the way you do. The rosary is a very powerful way to pray, and you just have to be in the right mind and faith to do it. Giving respect to Jesus’s mother, who was chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, obviously means she deserves some repsect. I think that your belief in Mary may change over time.
Go to mass too, if you havent already been,… It might help you see what the church is like!

 

[happilycatholic]

Mary - I am not really intested in her titles other than she is the Mother of God. I cannot see myself every owning statues of her, leaving flowers at grottos to her, carrying medals with her on it, and so on.

Her perpetual virginity - I dont think about it and probably never will.

Her assumption into heaven - again, something I dont see myself ever thinking about very much, so I would neither agree nor disagree about it with the dogma.

The rosary - at present I dont ever see myself owning a rosary or praying the rosary.

Immaculate Conception - I dont ever see myself ever wondering about this in any great detail so I would neither agree nor disagree with the dogma.

I will always pray the hail Mary with respect and reverence. Any service I am at that has other prayers, I would always pray with respect and reference.

Eucharist - I truely believe this is the real Presence

Confession - I truely believe God gave the apostles the power to lose and retain therefor I need to confess my sins to a priest and seek forgiveness and make penance. I also equally believe God can forgive my sins without recourse to a priest.

Infallibility - I do not believe the pope is infallible when he speaks by himslef - I do believe what he pronounces could be infallible if he speaks as the head of the council of bishops after proper consultation with the council.

Bishops and priests - I may never be able to completely lose my distrust of them as individuals and respect their office as would be expected of me. I would always be a questioning, confrontational individual - thats who I am.

Trinity - no issues.

Praying to saints - no issues.

Is the catholic church the only church founded with apostolic succession and therefor the only true church - absolutely not.

Is the catholic church the only way to get to heaven - absolutely not.

Given where Im at right now, if I approached a priest to talk to him about inquiring about joining an RCIA program - would he be likely to say Go or No Go??

He would hopefully say, YES!!!

Guy, if I were you I’d try to prayerfully discern your issue with the Church being the only Church founded by Christ and having perfected Apostolic succession through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (I know that’s a little more than what you stated). This is the one issue unde which all others fall.

That being said, I believe RCIA is the way to work through that. At no point in time will you be committed to the Church until you are confirmed. Each step up to that point only commits you to the study and journey to find the Truth you seek.

You should go for it no matter what a priest or a person on here says. It’s YOUR faith journey and you own your faith journey, not a priest or a deacon or a stranger on a forum.

Peace and Blessings,

HC

 

[puzzleannie]

Given where Im at right now, if I approached a priest to talk to him about inquiring about joining an RCIA program - would he be likely to say Go or No Go??

no matter what you believe and accept now, or do not, any priest will say GO because the first step in the process is asking questions about these things and getting basic answers, then proceeding to a systematic study of the teachings. You will be asked go or no-go at various stages of the process, and you will move according to your own pace on this journey.

welcome home, no matter how long it takes to move from the front porch into the living room

 

[Guyonthestreet]

no matter what you believe and accept now, or do not, any priest will say GO because the first step in the process is asking questions about these things and getting basic answers, then proceeding to a systematic study of the teachings. You will be asked go or no-go at various stages of the process, and you will move according to your own pace on this journey.

welcome home, no matter how long it takes to move from the front porch into the living room

That’s to everyone for their contribution.

Im fluxing between wanting more answers before starting an formal inquiry - maybe I mean wanting to be more sure in myself - and just plunging in !!!

We’ll see what happens later in the year.

For now, I just want to say thanks to all for their words, prayers and encouragement.

 

[twopekinguys]

I just want to tell you, I am the Lay Director for RCIA in my parish.

I would say go.

I had a gentleman in our class a couple of years ago that stayed with us right up to Holy Week. He came to me, and said, “I can’t do it.” His issue was with the real presence in the Eucharist. (yours is Mary).

I know it was difficult for him, and as much as we hated to see him go, we hugged, prayed, and to this day, still stay in touch.

No one is going to force you to stay, or join the Church if you say no.

But remember, knowledge is power. The knowledge you gain by going to RCIA can help no matter which direction the Holy Spirit leads you.

 

[Guyonthestreet]

Thanks TPGs - Im leaning more and more towards making a move for RCIA.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained,

 

[dsears]

Go for it. I just signed up at the local perish for the RCIA around here. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not sure if I will officially join or am just doing this for educational purposes, but I’m leaning heavily towards joining.

 

[twopekinguys]

Thanks TPGs - Im leaning more and more towards making a move for RCIA.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained,

I can’t speak for other RCIA programs, but ours is rather large, but geared toward the individual.

As part of our program, we do periodic interviews with the candidates and clergy to address issues they may not want to discuss in the classroom settings. They start out with general questions about what they have learned so far, but often progess into bigger issues.

The administrative portion of our team (me) meets with the sponsors to see if there are any issues that we can work with them on to help their candidates. Maybe they sense a candidate is struggling with an issue, and intervention from clergy may be necessary, but the candidate is shy/scared.

I really need to point out that when I meet with the new candidates to explain the program, I try to emphasize that nothing in our faith is out of bounds. I encourage them to ask any and all questions. They are coming to us for answers about the Catholic Church, and it is up to us to provide honest and up front answers.

I am not bragging here (yes I am ), but the RCIA program in our parish is being help up as a model for all parishes within our Diocese.

Trust me when I say I know what’s in your mind about the RCIA and joining the Catholic Church. I am a convert, and joined the Church almost 15 years ago, and here I am in charge of the program. who’d a thunk it?

Whichever way it goes, We’ll pray for you. Just listen for the Holy Spirit to whisper in your ear.

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

I vote go to RCIA.

If you knew everything there would be no point in going to class, right?

Go with an open mind, do research and above all, pray.

I went through RCIA two years ago with every intention of joining the church (and I did!), but I would say about 25% of the class did not. Some dropped out, some stayed to the end, but decided to not enter the church at this time. No pressure at all.

Go at your own pace and the Lord will send you what you need.

God Bless whatever you decide.

 

[KarenElissa]

For me, I signed up for RCIA when I was to the point that it seemed I was headed in the direction of the Church, even if I wasn’t totally ready yet. I figured I had a couple of months of class (my parish had a shorter class for the already baptized) before I had to make any kind of decision. That way if I got to November and was ready, I would be good to go instead studying on my own and then having to wait longer and go through the class. The community of the class, both other inquirers and the leaders, can also be very helpful.