Looking to Convert, but

[LSZ1318]

Greetings everyone, so happy to be able to join Catholic Answers!

The struggle I’m having as a Protestant trying to convert to Catholicism is that there’s almost a decided lack of interest on the part of 2 local parishes to move things along. I’ve done a significant amount of reading, praying, discussion, and research and am wholeheartedly ready to join the Catholic Faith. Both priests I’ve talked to and corresponded with (starting at a friend’s parish, and now the neighborhood parish) are as nice as can be, and have said that because I was baptized as a baby, I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA process. However, each discussion leads nowhere.

There’s never a plan of action. Not once has either priest said “Right, let’s sit down and sort this out and begin the process of getting you into the fullness of the Catholic Church.” It’s always more like “yeah, well, we’ll have to sit down at some point and talk about it, but I’m really busy this week.” I patiently wait until the next week, and the same thing plays out again. This has gone on for weeks now and I’m left scratching my head.

Listen, I completely understand that priests and parish staff really are busy and even overwhelmed. Having said that, I struggle with how difficult it’s been to join the Catholic Church. You’ve got me! I’m literally a fish that’s knowingly and willfully hooked itself! All you have to do is reel me in! I have to wonder what the experiences are like at other parishes around the US? Is this common? Does every new convert have to work this hard? Praying for patience.

What’s interesting is that in the time of the New Evangelization, I’m having to do all the work. I accept that most of the burden is certainly on me yet…yet…this is the most important thing that’s ever happened in my life and I very much get the feeling that if I were to stop calling, stop going to Mass, and stop emailing I would never hear from that parish and priest again.

My Catholic friend remarked, “well, it’s Lent so they are really busy.” Again, I get that but, honestly, looking at the liturgical year there’s never a good time, LOL. I mean, if not now then when?

Well, thanks for reading and welcome all comments.

 

[Magdalen2013]

Does your local parish have an RCIA process? If it does, contact the parish office about joining it. Even if you’re baptized, you still have to go through the Inquiry stage.

Most parishes have their Inquiry phase in the late summer, ours was in August 2013, and we were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil last year.

Oh – and both of us were baptized, but we were still went through RCIA. We enjoyed it.

 

[MacQ]

Greetings everyone, so happy to be able to join Catholic Answers!

The struggle I’m having as a Protestant trying to convert to Catholicism is that there’s almost a decided lack of interest on the part of 2 local parishes to move things along. I’ve done a significant amount of reading, praying, discussion, and research and am wholeheartedly ready to join the Catholic Faith. Both priests I’ve talked to and corresponded with (starting at a friend’s parish, and now the neighborhood parish) are as nice as can be, and have said that because I was baptized as a baby, I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA process. However, each discussion leads nowhere.

There’s never a plan of action. Not once has either priest said “Right, let’s sit down and sort this out and begin the process of getting you into the fullness of the Catholic Church.” It’s always more like “yeah, well, we’ll have to sit down at some point and talk about it, but I’m really busy this week.” I patiently wait until the next week, and the same thing plays out again. This has gone on for weeks now and I’m left scratching my head.

Listen, I completely understand that priests and parish staff really are busy and even overwhelmed. Having said that, I struggle with how difficult it’s been to join the Catholic Church. You’ve got me! I’m literally a fish that’s knowingly and willfully hooked itself! All you have to do is reel me in! I have to wonder what the experiences are like at other parishes around the US? Is this common? Does every new convert have to work this hard? Praying for patience.

What’s interesting is that in the time of the New Evangelization, I’m having to do all the work. I accept that most of the burden is certainly on me yet…yet…this is the most important thing that’s ever happened in my life and I very much get the feeling that if I were to stop calling, stop going to Mass, and stop emailing I would never hear from that parish and priest again.

My Catholic friend remarked, “well, it’s Lent so they are really busy.” Again, I get that but, honestly, looking at the liturgical year there’s never a good time, LOL. I mean, if not now then when?

Well, thanks for reading and welcome all comments.

I suggest you enrol in the RCIA.
You might find that a more fulfilling route to “join” the Catholic Chruch.

Please consider it.

 

[LoveMorrissey]

Greetings everyone, so happy to be able to join Catholic Answers!

The struggle I’m having as a Protestant trying to convert to Catholicism is that there’s almost a decided lack of interest on the part of 2 local parishes to move things along. I’ve done a significant amount of reading, praying, discussion, and research and am wholeheartedly ready to join the Catholic Faith. Both priests I’ve talked to and corresponded with (starting at a friend’s parish, and now the neighborhood parish) are as nice as can be, and have said that because I was baptized as a baby, I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA process. However, each discussion leads nowhere.

There’s never a plan of action. Not once has either priest said “Right, let’s sit down and sort this out and begin the process of getting you into the fullness of the Catholic Church.” It’s always more like “yeah, well, we’ll have to sit down at some point and talk about it, but I’m really busy this week.” I patiently wait until the next week, and the same thing plays out again. This has gone on for weeks now and I’m left scratching my head.

Listen, I completely understand that priests and parish staff really are busy and even overwhelmed. Having said that, I struggle with how difficult it’s been to join the Catholic Church. You’ve got me! I’m literally a fish that’s knowingly and willfully hooked itself! All you have to do is reel me in! I have to wonder what the experiences are like at other parishes around the US? Is this common? Does every new convert have to work this hard? Praying for patience.

What’s interesting is that in the time of the New Evangelization, I’m having to do all the work. I accept that most of the burden is certainly on me yet…yet…this is the most important thing that’s ever happened in my life and I very much get the feeling that if I were to stop calling, stop going to Mass, and stop emailing I would never hear from that parish and priest again.

My Catholic friend remarked, “well, it’s Lent so they are really busy.” Again, I get that but, honestly, looking at the liturgical year there’s never a good time, LOL. I mean, if not now then when?

Well, thanks for reading and welcome all comments.

Well if it’s any help, my local Catholic church is quiet as well (apart from on Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve) so don’t feel too left out. I am the only one going through the RCIA process here and I will be confirmed on Sunday!

 

[LSZ1318]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Yes, I failed to mention that I have spoken with the director of the local RCIA program. Very nice guy and we had a good chat. I’m hoping to sit down with him soon but his schedule is also very busy. One interesting thing at both parishes was that they are trying to adopt a ‘mini’ RCIA program for folks like me who are already a practicing Christian, familiar with the gospels, etc; and have done a fair amount of research into the Catholic Faith.

I like to joke with my cradle Catholic friend that I know more about the Catholic Faith than he does, lol. He agrees and, interestingly enough, our conversations have led him to a more rigorous study of doctrine.

I’m sure many of you can relate, but it’s very hard to attend Mass and not be able to take part in the Holy Eucharist; knowing that it’s the true body and blood of Christ. I have to say it nearly brings me to tears and only through immediate prayer am I able to keep my composure.

 

[Joe_5859]

Welcome!

I know a convert who had to go to three different parishes before he was finally able to start the process of joining the Church. The first two priests he met tried to tell him he didn’t need to bother converting!

So, yes, unfortunately things like this can happen. Be persistent! You’ll make it in eventually. I think sometimes God allows our resolve to be tested in order to strengthen us.

 

[Mr_Clean]

When I first tried to join the priest at the time mentioned some “classes” I should check into that would help me understand the faith better. I nor my cc wife knew what he meant so I just went to Mass. Finally I saw it in the bulletin that those interested in joining could sign up for RCIA. I did and here I am. I think back to some Protestant churches I checked out before this and how they were all over me to get me to come back and stay.

 

[Dorothy]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Yes, I failed to mention that I have spoken with the director of the local RCIA program. Very nice guy and we had a good chat. I’m hoping to sit down with him soon but his schedule is also very busy. One interesting thing at both parishes was that they are trying to adopt a ‘mini’ RCIA program for folks like me who are already a practicing Christian, familiar with the gospels, etc; and have done a fair amount of research into the Catholic Faith.

I like to joke with my cradle Catholic friend that I know more about the Catholic Faith than he does, lol. He agrees and, interestingly enough, our conversations have led him to a more rigorous study of doctrine.

I’m sure many of you can relate, but it’s very hard to attend Mass and not be able to take part in the Holy Eucharist; knowing that it’s the true body and blood of Christ. I have to say it nearly brings me to tears and only through immediate prayer am I able to keep my composure.

I am so sorry that this is happening to you! I know that there are many parishes near me that would not present the problems you are experiencing.

I will pray for you!

Peace,

Dorothy

 

[MacQ]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Yes, I failed to mention that I have spoken with the director of the local RCIA program. Very nice guy and we had a good chat. I’m hoping to sit down with him soon but his schedule is also very busy. One interesting thing at both parishes was that they are trying to adopt a ‘mini’ RCIA program for folks like me who are already a practicing Christian, familiar with the gospels, etc; and have done a fair amount of research into the Catholic Faith.

I like to joke with my cradle Catholic friend that I know more about the Catholic Faith than he does, lol. He agrees and, interestingly enough, our conversations have led him to a more rigorous study of doctrine.

I’m sure many of you can relate, but it’s very hard to attend Mass and not be able to take part in the Holy Eucharist; knowing that it’s the true body and blood of Christ. I have to say it nearly brings me to tears and only through immediate prayer am I able to keep my composure.

It will taste all the sweeter for the wait.
St Therese of Lisieux comes to mind…she had some things to say about having to wait.

 

[AKalnoky]

Greetings everyone, so happy to be able to join Catholic Answers!

The struggle I’m having as a Protestant trying to convert to Catholicism is that there’s almost a decided lack of interest on the part of 2 local parishes to move things along. I’ve done a significant amount of reading, praying, discussion, and research and am wholeheartedly ready to join the Catholic Faith. Both priests I’ve talked to and corresponded with (starting at a friend’s parish, and now the neighborhood parish) are as nice as can be, and have said that because I was baptized as a baby, I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA process. However, each discussion leads nowhere.

There’s never a plan of action. Not once has either priest said “Right, let’s sit down and sort this out and begin the process of getting you into the fullness of the Catholic Church.” It’s always more like “yeah, well, we’ll have to sit down at some point and talk about it, but I’m really busy this week.” I patiently wait until the next week, and the same thing plays out again. This has gone on for weeks now and I’m left scratching my head.

Listen, I completely understand that priests and parish staff really are busy and even overwhelmed. Having said that, I struggle with how difficult it’s been to join the Catholic Church. You’ve got me! I’m literally a fish that’s knowingly and willfully hooked itself! All you have to do is reel me in! I have to wonder what the experiences are like at other parishes around the US? Is this common? Does every new convert have to work this hard? Praying for patience.

What’s interesting is that in the time of the New Evangelization, I’m having to do all the work. I accept that most of the burden is certainly on me yet…yet…this is the most important thing that’s ever happened in my life and I very much get the feeling that if I were to stop calling, stop going to Mass, and stop emailing I would never hear from that parish and priest again.

My Catholic friend remarked, “well, it’s Lent so they are really busy.” Again, I get that but, honestly, looking at the liturgical year there’s never a good time, LOL. I mean, if not now then when?

Well, thanks for reading and welcome all comments.

God has Blessed you. Please find an RCIA within distance or a Deacon or such who can teach you the essentials of the Catholic Faith. Any Clergy stating that 'since you were baptized, you don’t need instruction is totally wrong. Perhaps you can contact the Diocesan Office for your zip code, and ask for their assistance. Now in February, it is rather late, but the Catholic Diocesan Office would be the best help; good to tell them of the Pastors replies.

 

[ArchAngeles]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Yes, I failed to mention that I have spoken with the director of the local RCIA program. Very nice guy and we had a good chat. I’m hoping to sit down with him soon but his schedule is also very busy. One interesting thing at both parishes was that they are trying to adopt a ‘mini’ RCIA program for folks like me who are already a practicing Christian, familiar with the gospels, etc; and have done a fair amount of research into the Catholic Faith.

I like to joke with my cradle Catholic friend that I know more about the Catholic Faith than he does, lol. He agrees and, interestingly enough, our conversations have led him to a more rigorous study of doctrine.

I’m sure many of you can relate, but it’s very hard to attend Mass and not be able to take part in the Holy Eucharist; knowing that it’s the true body and blood of Christ. I have to say it nearly brings me to tears and only through immediate prayer am I able to keep my composure.

Here’s the thing, every Parish is different and every RCIA program within a Parish is different from the other RCIA programs. So there’s no consistency in terms of curriculum or rules; there tends to only be consistency in that they usually run everyone wanting to convert through RCIA.

If the Parishes you are talking with are trying to create a “mini-RCIA” all I can say is that’s great, but that may never happen. Most of the time those who are previously baptized are run through RCIA like everyone else, the amount of familiarity with or research on Catholicism won’t really come into play (it *might *help where you are but from what I’ve read on these forums that’s pretty rare). Just be ready to go through the entire RCIA program if you have to. If you have to do that, and if the Parish you choose has a good RCIA, it will be worth the time it takes. I was in a somewhat similar situation as you are but going through RCIA was totally worth it.

In my case I had done a lot of reading and studying about the faith too, but I could not locate any proof of baptism. If you have that proof, so much the better. You’ll need a baptism certificate and it will need to be from a church that uses the Trinitarian formula (“in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…”). Some people have been able to use an acceptable affidavit from someone who witnessed your baptism. What is required will vary from Parish to Parish.

I’m just trying to prepare you that it *might *take some time to make this happen. If it does, it will be OK; it will be worth it. Been there, done that!

 

[LSZ1318]

I think back to some Protestant churches I checked out before this and how they were all over me to get me to come back and stay.

That’s a very significant point. The city we live in is a very faith based community; though overwhelmingly Protestant. The ‘recruitment’ process within those churches is often extremely well coordinated and thoughtful. The moment a person expresses even the slightest interest in joining a church, there’s a small team that’s moved into action in order to send follow up emails, invite you to lunch, give you a phone call, etc. Sometimes it’s pretty aggressive, but usually it’s well meaning and gentle. I know it’s a very different process and result when comparing joining a Protestant church to converting to Catholicism, but nonetheless I think it’s an important comparison.

I want to again stress that I do not blame the priests or parishes, nor do I hold any ill feelings. One thing I realize is that perhaps this is a call from God for me to try and help out at the local Parish in some way when other folks like me are interested in joining the Church.

Thanks again and thank you so much, Dorothy, for the prayer.

 

[teresa_lamb]

I would find out where the RCIA class is held and at what time,…then I would just show up and introduce myself

Have patience and stay strong…

 

[LSZ1318]

Any Clergy stating that 'since you were baptized, you don’t need instruction is totally wrong.

Hi just wanted to clarify that both priests stated that because of my baptism and active Christian status that I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA program, but perhaps an abbreviated one… Didn’t mean to imply that either of them said I wouldn’t need any instruction.

 

[WT1]

Hi just wanted to clarify that both priests stated that because of my baptism and active Christian status that I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA program, but perhaps an abbreviated one… Didn’t mean to imply that either of them said I wouldn’t need any instruction.

Go through the RICA program it’s worth it. I was in the same boat and going to Mass everyday but there is something special going through the RICA program and several rites that you will miss if you don’t go through the whole process.

God is teaching you patience so embrace that and I promise God will reward it ten fold.

 

[Magdalen2013]

Hi just wanted to clarify that both priests stated that because of my baptism and active Christian status that I wouldn’t have to go through the full RCIA program, but perhaps an abbreviated one… Didn’t mean to imply that either of them said I wouldn’t need any instruction.

I can understand why you want things to happen faster. I’ve been there. But there is a reason that you may be asked to go through the RCIA process.

The object of RCIA isn’t just to help you become Catholic, it’s to help you become a member of the community. This is why many RCIA programs mingle the candidates (baptized) and catechumens (unbaptized). You help one another explore this new facet of faith you’re entering, and the RCIA team and sponsors are living examples of this community.

Trust in the Lord, and pray – and have patience.

 

[whatsmyname]

My experience has been that although technically you don’t need to go to RCIA, in practice that is the only way they will let you join the church. And technically, baptized Christians can join at any time of year and need instruction only until they are ready to join, in reality, you can join only at Easter time with the catechumens.

Most RCIA programs begin with Inquiry in the summer (although some churches have it year round) and the actual RCIA classes begin in the Fall. You may find that nobody at your church sees any particular urgency in helping you join the church because they know you won’t be able to begin the process until September.

And while I write of RCIA programs and classes, never, ever call it that to the leaders of your RCIA program. You must call it a process, a conversion process or they get really upset about it.

Make sure wherever you start Inquiry is where you will be joining the church. If you transfer to a new church or move to another city during that year, you have to start all over again with Inquiry. The “credits” don’t transfer.

 

[casslean]

And while I write of RCIA programs and classes, never, ever call it that to the leaders of your RCIA program. You must call it a process, a conversion process or they get really upset about it.

Make sure wherever you start Inquiry is where you will be joining the church. If you transfer to a new church or move to another city during that year, you have to start all over again with Inquiry. The “credits” don’t transfer.

I think you’re extrapolating from your own experience. I can tell you that the priest teaching our class refers to the program as “classes” (and we get reminder emails about the next “class”).

I was also faced with the prospect of having to move, and was assured that I could either pick up with the church in the area I was moving into, or continue in a “distance” program with my own church and come back for the Vigil (we have two people - one candidate and one catechumen - who are doing just that).

 

[whatsmyname]

I think you’re extrapolating from your own experience. I can tell you that the priest teaching our class refers to the program as “classes”

Of course I am extrapolating from my own experience. My own experience is all I have and this is my forum reply, not somebody else’s. But my experience does come from several churches where I’ve either attended RCIA/Inquiry or met with the RCIA director and from speaking on the phone to RCIA directors at several other churches. It’s a process, not a program. And I’m willing to bet actual money that in the vast majority of U.S. churches, you must start with Inquiry at each particular church no matter what your background or experience.

 

[ArchAngeles]

My experience has been that although technically you don’t need to go to RCIA, in practice that is the only way they will let you join the church. And technically, baptized Christians can join at any time of year and need instruction only until they are ready to join, in reality, you can join only at Easter time with the catechumens.

Most RCIA programs begin with Inquiry in the summer (although some churches have it year round) and the actual RCIA classes begin in the Fall. You may find that nobody at your church sees any particular urgency in helping you join the church because they know you won’t be able to begin the process until September.

And while I write of RCIA programs and classes, never, ever call it that to the leaders of your RCIA program. You must call it a process, a conversion process or they get really upset about it.

Make sure wherever you start Inquiry is where you will be joining the church. If you transfer to a new church or move to another city during that year, you have to start all over again with Inquiry. The “credits” don’t transfer.

There could be exceptions to the above in individual Parishes, but what you outline above has been my experience as well.