Must I attend RCIA to convert?

[albree]

I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. I have attended Mass for the past year, attended a retreat, and joined a women’s study group with a parish I have grown to love. I want to convert and I am currently attending RCIA classes. What I’ve learned so far is that I really don’t belong there. Of course I am being refreshed on things I already know, but I feel I’m far more advanced in my faith than others who are taking the class. In my heart I am already Catholic. I need to be confirmed so that I may take part in the sacraments. Must I endure the class and wait until Easter Vigil or can I have a private confirmation now?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

RCIA primarily is intended for the sacramental initiation of the unbaptized. Baptized Christians may be initiated through RCIA but it is preferred for them to be received outside of that process. Ask your pastor to assess your readiness to be received into the Church now. If he determines that you are ready, you can make your first confession, profession of faith, and receive First Communion. You could then be confirmed at the Easter Vigil with the RCIA class. (You don’t need to be confirmed to receive the sacraments of confession and Communion; you just need to be baptized and a Catholic.)