I want to convert!

[Holdfast]

I have been wanting to go to the RCIA classes for a long time. I work nights and it is really hard to find classes that arent at night time. The mission near where I live is very beautiful, and that is where I wanted to have my baptism done, but there classes are on monday nights, and I have to work. I know its already too late for this easter, but I was wondering if anyone that lives in the San Diego Mission Valley area knows of a church that offers classes during the day or weekends?

 

[KarenElissa]

I have been wanting to go to the RCIA classes for a long time. I work nights and it is really hard to find classes that arent at night time. The mission near where I live is very beautiful, and that is where I wanted to have my baptism done, but there classes are on monday nights, and I have to work. I know its already too late for this easter, but I was wondering if anyone that lives in the San Diego Mission Valley area knows of a church that offers classes during the day or weekends?

Have you actually talked to anyone at the parish close to you? I know when I talked to the lady in charge of RCIA at my church, she said that if I couldn’t get off work in order to come to class, they could do private instruction.

 

[Holdfast]

Thats a good idea. I havent asked if they would do a private instruction. Thanks

 

[KarenElissa]

Thats a good idea. I havent asked if they would do a private instruction. Thanks

Your welcome!

 

[gwendy1979]

Hi, I also work nights and live in the mission valley/mission gorge area. I am wondering if there are others that might want to ask for a morning or day class. I have wanted to convert for years but have always had a difficult time because of work schedules.

 

[bwhite06517]

Hi, I also work nights and live in the mission valley/mission gorge area. I am wondering if there are others that might want to ask for a morning or day class. I have wanted to convert for years but have always had a difficult time because of work schedules.

Depending on a potential convert’s background (see more at: catholic.com/library/How_to_Become_a_Catholic.asp) - if they come from a different Christian background, they may not have to do the RCIA program. I’m copying part of that document here:

For those who have been instructed in the Christian faith and have lived as Christians, the situation is different. The U.S. Conference of Bishops states, “Those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate” (NSC 31). For this reason, they should not share in the same, full RCIA programs that catechumens do.

The timing of their reception into the Church also is different. The U.S. Conference of Bishops states, "It is preferable that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil lest there be any confusion of such baptized Christians with the candidates for baptism, possible misunderstanding of or even reflection upon the sacrament of baptism celebrated in another church or ecclesial community . . . " (NSC 33).

Rather than being received on Easter Vigil, “[t]he reception of candidates into the communion of the Catholic Church should ordinarily take place at the Sunday Eucharist of the parish community, in such a way that it is understood that they are indeed Christian believers who have already shared in the sacramental life of the Church and are now welcomed into the Catholic Eucharistic community . . .” (NSC 32).

Christians coming into the Catholic Church must discuss with their pastor and/or bishop the amount of instruction needed and the time of their reception.

Unfortunately, that process isn’t always clear. I was baptized and an active Christian in Protestant Churches prior to hearing God’s call to be a Catholic. I was put into the RCIA group and all of us were received into the Church together. But … at this stage … it doesn’t make any difference to me - I am a Catholic and I love being part of the Catholic Church and receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist!!!

May God guide you and bring you into His Church!!!

Bruce

 

[mom2three]

Hi, I also work nights and live in the mission valley/mission gorge area. I am wondering if there are others that might want to ask for a morning or day class. I have wanted to convert for years but have always had a difficult time because of work schedules.

Don’t let schedules keep you from the Church! Something can always be arranged!

 

[kage_ar]

At our Parish, RCIA is on Wedensday evening. Each session is video recorded, so, those who miss class can pick up a DVD then attend a make up class on Sunday afternoon.

Speak to the RCIA team, they will find a way!

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

I am half way across the country from you in S. California, but know that you will all be in my prayers and intentions for your journey home.
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[Holdfast]

Well now on top of the time problem, I am faced with another problem. I am a very active Freemason. And just about every Catholic knows, the Church and Freemasonry mixes like oil and water. I love the Freemason organization, we do a lot of good things for people and make good hearted people better. I really dont want to leave it, but I am now faced with the decision to give up Freemasonry, or hide it from the Church. Im sooo confused

 

[Mystic_of_God]

I have been wanting to go to the RCIA classes for a long time. I work nights and it is really hard to find classes that arent at night time. The mission near where I live is very beautiful, and that is where I wanted to have my baptism done, but there classes are on monday nights, and I have to work. I know its already too late for this easter, but I was wondering if anyone that lives in the San Diego Mission Valley area knows of a church that offers classes during the day or weekends?

Party! Party! Party! :extrahappy: :extrahappy: :grouphug: :hug3: :hug1: :extrahappy: :extrahappy:

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

Well now on top of the time problem, I am faced with another problem. I am a very active Freemason. And just about every Catholic knows, the Church and Freemasonry mixes like oil and water. I love the Freemason organization, we do a lot of good things for people and make good hearted people better. I really dont want to leave it, but I am now faced with the decision to give up Freemasonry, or hide it from the Church. Im sooo confused

Oh Oh, this sounds like step two of a set up… Still
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[Holdfast]

lol, no setup, just honestly wanting to know what to do. I know that there are some people out there that are both. Ive seen a book written by a priest that was a mason. but I have also read what the punishment is for being a mason. Is the punishment still in affect?

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

lol, no setup, just honestly wanting to know what to do. I know that there are some people out there that are both. Ive seen a book written by a priest that was a mason. but I have also read what the punishment is for being a mason. Is the punishment still in affect?

Here is your total list of choices. Either - Or. you cannot have both. It seems its decision time
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[Holdfast]

afraid you were going to say that lol

 

[kage_ar]

You cannot serve two masters. So, in order to follow the Church, you would need to renounce the Freemasons.

Call your local Knights of Colmubus - they are having a membership drive around here.

This website gives a good explination, as well as a link to the official Decree of the Church.

scripturecatholic.com/freemasonfaq.html

What is the Catholic Church’s position on Freemasonry?

The Church, through its Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has formally declared that Catholics who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion. This declaration, which is the most recent teaching of the Church, has affirmed nearly 300 years of papal pronouncements against Freemasonry on the grounds that the teachings of the Lodge are contrary to Catholic faith and morals.

 

[HoustonsSon]

There is a good thread on this subject:

It is forbidden for Catholics to join Masons!

**“Honesty is the best policy.” **
-Benjamin Franklin
February 1731, St. John’s Lodge of Philadelphia
Lodge at Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, PA
WM, Loge Les Neuf Sœurs, Paris
Past Grand Master of Pennsylvania

 

[bilop]

Well now on top of the time problem, I am faced with another problem. I am a very active Freemason. And just about every Catholic knows, the Church and Freemasonry mixes like oil and water. I love the Freemason organization, we do a lot of good things for people and make good hearted people better. I really dont want to leave it, but I am now faced with the decision to give up Freemasonry, or hide it from the Church. Im sooo confused

Why not switch to the KoC or another Catholic Fraternal group? They do good work too. Maybe you could bring some of your mason friends along. God rewards those who help bring souls home to the Church.

God Bless

 

[HoustonsSon]

Matthew 7 (NIV)

**Ask, Seek, Knock **
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

**The Narrow and Wide Gates **
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

**A Tree and Its Fruit **
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.