H
Heather19
Guest
What should I expect? I come from a liberal Protestant background (United Church of Canada). What kind of questions will he ask? What sort of information should I expect? I’m a bit nervous.
- Status
J
Julia_Mae
Guest
Why is he asking questions? What questions do you have?
I don’t know, when I went in I was asked why I wanted to join the Church. That was it. But I never met with a priest. I had an old Italian one I talked to on the phone who wanted to know if I was living in sin. He was incredibly rude about it so I didn’t go then, I went to another Parish later.
I like priests mostly, but it’s different wherever you go so… it’ll be an adventure! Let us know.
I don’t know, when I went in I was asked why I wanted to join the Church. That was it. But I never met with a priest. I had an old Italian one I talked to on the phone who wanted to know if I was living in sin. He was incredibly rude about it so I didn’t go then, I went to another Parish later.
I like priests mostly, but it’s different wherever you go so… it’ll be an adventure! Let us know.
J
jwinch2
Guest
Why wouldn’t he ask questions? It is perfectly normal to think he might want to know things like, the inquirer’s belief in God, if they have been validly baptized, if they are married, reasons for looking into RCIA, etc.? If a person is in a situation where they might need an annulment or they were baptized in a foreign country those things can take a long time to handle and priests like to get the wheels of the bureaucracy turning sooner rather than later. If a person works in the evening the priest may have to consider having an outside session for a small group of inquirers to meet their schedule. Our parish had to do that with several people. All of those require questions on the part of the priest to find out.
In addition, don’t you think that the priest might simply wish to get to know someone who may be starting RCIA and thus coming into his parish by asking questions about who they are, what they do for a living, where they are from, etc. like any normal person would ask when meeting and trying to get to know someone new?
Of course the inquirer should ask whatever questions they might have as well but it is perfectly normal for the priest to have some also.
Heather,
Don’t be nervous or worried at all. The priest will likely have some questions for you and you should just answer honestly and not worry about it. He is not there to judge you, even if some of his questions are a bit probing, he is trying to find out about you so that he can help you in the best way possible. Priests are human just like us and the overwhelming majority of them that I have met have been kind and warm-hearted men.
Y
yukonbrad
Guest
He will ask a few questions, why do you want to convert (even if you are not certian yourself), were you baptised in another church and so forth. Remember that starting RCIA is a period of inquiry where you learn about the faith, you are certianly entitled to change your mind before the Easter Vigil (when you would be confirmed and welcomed into full communion with the church). Don’t be nervous there are no wrong answers to the questions you may be asked.
C
Canuck000
Guest
Hello Heather and welcome.
I, also am from Canada (baptized with the United Church of Canada) as a baby. I’m not sure where you are, but I am now American. I met with the priest 3 weeks ago, and started RCIA at that time. Be prepared to discuss what the United Church of Canada is, as, here in the USA, no one seemed to know.
I know from all my years in Canada, that whenever our minister at the United Church was on vacation or away, the minister from the Presbyterian Church in our town substituted and when the Presbyterian minister was away, the United Church minister substituted for him. I never really knew what the difference was, but apparently not much given the above information I stated. I was very much so, questioned about the United Church by the priest and the RCIA director, because, of course, there is no United Church of Canada in the USA.
)
Anyway, every one was very nice, and they just need to know where your background is, and where you want to be in the future. It’s also a time for you to ask questions, and they are very helpful in sending you in the direction and track needed, based on your needs.
Welcome and enjoy.
I, also am from Canada (baptized with the United Church of Canada) as a baby. I’m not sure where you are, but I am now American. I met with the priest 3 weeks ago, and started RCIA at that time. Be prepared to discuss what the United Church of Canada is, as, here in the USA, no one seemed to know.
I know from all my years in Canada, that whenever our minister at the United Church was on vacation or away, the minister from the Presbyterian Church in our town substituted and when the Presbyterian minister was away, the United Church minister substituted for him. I never really knew what the difference was, but apparently not much given the above information I stated. I was very much so, questioned about the United Church by the priest and the RCIA director, because, of course, there is no United Church of Canada in the USA.
)Anyway, every one was very nice, and they just need to know where your background is, and where you want to be in the future. It’s also a time for you to ask questions, and they are very helpful in sending you in the direction and track needed, based on your needs.
Welcome and enjoy.
D
Delaine75
Guest
When I went to speak to the director or religious education (the one in charge of RCIA), some of the questions she asked were: What did I already know about the Catholic Church (so she’d know what information to give me to make things more clear beforehand), could I commit myself to two days a week of RCIA and she also asked if I was converting of my own free will and not because of anyone else wanting/forcing me to. She talked a bit about the Church, about what Catholics believe and what to expect during RCIA (it is NOT a commitment to join the Church, simply a time to learn more about it, ask questions, etc. The decision to commit will come much later on if you choose do to so.) as well as giving me a handful of booklets with prayers and information about how to pray the rosary, beliefs, etc. Whatever questions they may ask you, just keep in mind they aren’t trying to be nosey to see if you are worthy of being in RCIA (everyone is!), but rather, they are trying to find out what information to give you and where you are at in your journey.
M
mountee
Guest
Treat this like any interview, prepare your questions for the priest and think about how you would answer some of the questions posted here. Then go and be honest with your answers, Catholicism is a wonderful faith, I have been one all of my life, but it isn’t for everyone. This is your chance to settle some questions before you start down the path, take advantage of this time. God bless you.
H
Heather19
Guest
Should I bring my baptismal certificate or anything else with me?
J
jwinch2
Guest
Perhaps, but I really wouldn’t worry about it. There will be plenty of time for that down the road. There is nothing at all to be stressed about.
Peace,
J
Julia_Mae
Guest
I don’t know, that’s why I asked. No one asked me much of anything and I never met with the Pastor before I started. So I don’t know why he is asking her stuff, instead of her mostly asking him stuff. But as I said, it surely varies from place to place.
I hope OP comes back and tells us about it I really would like to hear how it went.
J
jwinch2
Guest
- Status