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acorcoran
Guest
I have attended an ACTS retreat and I have also served on team for ACTS. I am very interested and intrigued by the Catholic faith. I however do not know if I fully want to become Catholic. I know right now I just want to learn more about the rituals and how and why they do everything. Are you allowed to go through the RCIA classes just to learn more and then if I feel moved by it then fully commit? Or I need to know before hand if I am converting or not?
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His_helpmeet
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Hubby told me that when he converted, his RCIA program wasn’t very good. At least one of the instructors was pretty liberal. Fortunately Hubby is the kind to look at things for himself and he’d already done a fair amount of reading about Catholicism (part of what convinced him to convert - he had been raised in the Jehovah’s Witnesses although he was never formally baptized). He was able to take what he needed from RCIA and leave the liberal nonsense behind.
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His_helpmeet
Guest
I think sometimes RCIA does indeed welcome people who just want to learn more about their faith. Some parishes, too, have a program specifically for people who are in similar situations to yours. Ours does - it’s called “Toes in the Water”.
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His_helpmeet
Guest
True! There are also some apps that you can download that will give you the current missal for the day.
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SuscipeMeDomine
Guest
RCIA starts with a period of inquiry. It’s a time for exploration and asking questions. There’s no commitment to move forward, only to explore. Eventually you will be ready for the various rites of RCIA. That’s when you make more of a commitment, though nothing is final until you actually make a profession of faith and receive the sacraments.
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CB_Catholic
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I was going to post the same thing. Our parish does not dismiss those in RCIA for some reason, I don’t know why.
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Aaron_I
Guest
Absolutely go. RCIA is for learning the faith for those discerning conversion; it is entirely appropriate to attend if you are undecided. Did you make any friends on the ACTS retreat that would be willing to serve as your sponsor?
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ChadS
Guest
Yes and those “pastoral reasons” also mean that people who should not be going through RCIA are then funneled through RCIA or made to wait for another year before even beginning the process to come into the Church.
When I decided to come into the Church my friend introduced me to the local parish priest and he said “You have to wait until RCIA begins in September.”
Although I enjoyed my RCIA class it was basically written for a 6th grade audience, certainly nothing too intellectually taxing or overly deep. I wonder if I may have been better off going to my Cathedral where they did preparation year round and confirmed people when they were ready and not making the wait until Easter.
ChadS
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AndrewP
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My Parish made my RCIA experience extremely enjoyable. It was about a 7 month process, but worth every second.
I am kind of a reading/studying geek type, so I soaked it all in. But yes, it can be elementary, My Deacon and Priest were terrific about referencing resources for more learning opportunities.
I hope you find the process enoyable.
I am kind of a reading/studying geek type, so I soaked it all in. But yes, it can be elementary, My Deacon and Priest were terrific about referencing resources for more learning opportunities.
I hope you find the process enoyable.
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PJM
Guest
GREAT!
Because the CAF Forum prudently insist strings be single topics, and your needs are to be able to vary the TOPICS, using the CAF Private Message service seems to be a better match for your needs.
The PM can be accessed by clicking on the log-in in the top LH Corner
And YES, you can go through RCIA {I co-taught it for 3 years}, and drop out if it does not suit you or your not yet ready to commit. BUT it might get uncomfortable to do so???
There are several RITES attached to the program; each one “requiring” a degree of commitment. Still your not FULLY committed until you are actually MADE a member of the RCC, so dropping out at any time is always a possibility.
God Bless you,
Given your uncertainties, you may wish to either SOON discuss this with a Priest, or do a bit more praying and investigating before joining RCIA which by the way often runs from Back to school to Easter.
Patrick
I can help you
God Bless
Patrick {PJM} here on CAF
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PJM
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PJM
Guest
1st your age can be an issue; if your a “minor” you likely will have to have parental consent.
As for what to do at Mass:
1 stay to the rear pews until you get comfortable. It’s easier to follow the actions that way
2 MOST churches have a book or booklet that tou can use to read and follow along: if not
If you have a SMART PHONE download www.Lawdate.com & go to “Order of the Mass”
Here is another thing you can print off
Mass Responses and Prayers
The Roman Missal, Third Edition
http://www.catholictv.com/mass-prayers-responses
I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Send me a private message
Also as a FYI
Most often RCIA runs from Back to school to Easter Sunday, so you should act quickly on this; CALL the Parish Office for more information and ask what you need to do.
God Bless you
Paay much my friend,
Patrick
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PJM
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Kanuckistani
Guest
I’m a baptized Catholic but haven’t received the sacraments. However I’m starting my RCIA this coming Tuesday! Though my parish priest is having me read Catholicism for Dummies. Also it’s one-on-one and less formal. I can’t wait to be in full communion with the church. Not to mention I feel the strongest urge and desire to join a religious order. 
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stephiem1971
Guest
I never made my confirmation. I would like to, but I work long hours. I commute to Boston for work which is an hour long train ride each way. I also have to stay late some days. 
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SuscipeMeDomine
Guest
Talk to the folks in your parish to see what options are available for you. They may offer classes on weekends or be able to work with you individually or may refer you to another parish that can accommodate your schedule. You never know until you ask.I never made my confirmation. I would like to, but I work long hours. I commute to Boston for work which is an hour long train ride each way. I also have to stay late some days.
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PJM
Guest
Not a bit odd1st t do NOT participate in Catholic Holy Communion until such time as you are formally made a member of our Faith
2nd. I recommend in attending Mass that at first {for a wile at least} that you sit towards to rear of the Church so you can follow along with the gestures
As for the responses: every Church has Missals that will permit you to; with a bit of practice and timing, follow along
RCIA: {I’m now retired but o-taught it for 3 years}
As the NORM, classes run from Back to school thru Easter Sunday
You may {?? Up to your pastor and your age and still living at home could affect his decision; so CONTACT the Pastor or DRE {Director of religious Education} ASAP to get a decision. Waiting at this point lessons the possibility of your RCIA participation at-least for this year.
May I inquire WHY your choosing the Catholic Faith? {Just being a bit noisy here}
Given your circumstances you may wish to STRIVE to learn some-more about our beliefs and practices. to be better equipped to make this {RIGHT}, but momentous decision? … Do you have your parents approval to take this step?
God Bless you. PRAY MUCH!
Patrick PJM}
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Peebo
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Congratulations on wanting to become Catholic…my wife went through RCIA…the class went from September and all were confirmed at Easter…one of our deacons ran the class although one of our priests was in attendance also…there was no dismissing of the catechumenates in our church after the Gospel.I attended with my wife also even though I am a Catholic…I even learned a lot about our faith…we had a DVD series called SYMBOLON which was shown during the RCIA class…very informative on the Catholic faith …of course you can attend mass although you won’t be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament at this time…talk to your priest as soon as possible of your desire to become Catholic…also if you are unsure of what to do at a Catholic mass let your priest know of your concerns…he will know what to tell you…I’m sure there are many Catholics in the parish who would be more than willing to help you in learning all the “bells and whistles” until you can start RCIA… good luck…and God Bless
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