Now what?

[Mgray82]

So, I’ve done all the leg work on my end as far as talking to churches, priests, church members, etc. No matter what, I will have to wait until fall to begin RCIA and even more, next spring for baptism.

Aside from attending mass, reading scripture or other church literature…what do I do now? What can I do while waiting for the program and process to begin to become more planted in the faith?

 

[IneedGod]

So, I’ve done all the leg work on my end as far as talking to churches, priests, church members, etc. No matter what, I will have to wait until fall to begin RCIA and even more, next spring for baptism.

Aside from attending mass, reading scripture or other church literature…what do I do now? What can I do while waiting for the program and process to begin to become more planted in the faith?

In addition to your reading you might check to see if your parish has a Rosary group or Bible study group.
I am attendeing the Rosary group once a week. Good prayer, fellowship and you can discuss your thoughts as well
Does your parish offer inquiry class? I go to inquiry once a month too.
All we can do other than that is pray pray pray.
RCIA will start before we know it

 

[Splagchnizomai]

You could join a parish ministry. For example, I was in my church choir before I was Catholic. I also know of someone else (a Protestant) who played for the choir and went through a conversion to Catholicism – received this Easter.

 

[Semper_Zelare]

To both of you, I would just encourage you!

I was in a similar situation, I learned around Jan/ Feb. that I was too late for RCIA, and I had to wait all the way until September for it to start up. I was confirmed into the Church this Easter!!! And, I am soooo glad that I went through the whole RCIA class. As a cradle Catholic, I learned a whole lot about things I didn’t even know that I didn’t know!

For instance, there are so many things going on at Mass that I had no idea about before. Basically everything that happens or everything in the Church is symbolic of something. So, trust me, you will learn a lot in RCIA, and you’ll be glad you went through the whole class unabridged. **

 

[TheRealJuliane]

To both of you, I would just encourage you!

I was in a similar situation, I learned around Jan/ Feb. that I was too late for RCIA, and I had to wait all the way until September for it to start up. I was confirmed into the Church this Easter!!! And, I am soooo glad that I went through the whole RCIA class. As a cradle Catholic, I learned a whole lot about things I didn’t even know that I didn’t know!

For instance, there are so many things going on at Mass that I had no idea about before. Basically everything that happens or everything in the Church is symbolic of something. So, trust me, you will learn a lot in RCIA, and you’ll be glad you went through the whole class unabridged. **

Wait, you were baptized as a Catholic but went through RCIA anyway? Why?

 

[Theophorus]

So, I’ve done all the leg work on my end as far as talking to churches, priests, church members, etc. No matter what, I will have to wait until fall to begin RCIA and even more, next spring for baptism.

Aside from attending mass, reading scripture or other church literature…what do I do now? What can I do while waiting for the program and process to begin to become more planted in the faith?

If I were you I would pray, I know this may sound like a trite soundbite but I mean it.
As part of this, the liturgical year is very important in catholicism, as are particular months. This being May, our Lady’s month, I would suggest an introduction to the rosary. Our Lady leads us to Christ, any devotion to her leads us closer to Him and His church and it is also a way to get involved in your parish if there is a rosary group there. Anything we can do on the forums to help you we will gladly do.

God bless you on your journey, I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[RSD]

Welcome! Glad to have you join us!

This may be too obvious, but I don’t want to neglect it. Go to Mass as often as you can. I went to Mass regularly for years before I was received into the Church. Of course I could not receive communion in the normal way, but a Catholic friend taught me about spiritual communion. There is a benefit to being at Mass even before you can fully participate.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Wait, you were baptized as a Catholic but went through RCIA anyway? Why?

This happens in my diocese sometimes.
If someone is baptized as an infant and then has no real upbringing in the faith and comes back as an adult, they usually go throught hte RCIA process. Those who have practiced their faith, and for whatever reason were not Confirmed usually go to a couple of classes and maybe a day long retreat and then are Confirmed at one of our Confirmation Masses that take place at the Cathedral.

 

[Semper_Zelare]

Wait, you were baptized as a Catholic but went through RCIA anyway? Why?

I’m confused. What would the alternative be?

Anyways, I’m going to assume that my Church didn’t have whatever alternative you mention. We had 16 people Confirmed on Easter, 10 converts, 6 cradle Catholics, all of whom went through RCIA. So, I’m pretty sure our Church just lumps the two together. **

 

[willofgods]

Try to see if there is a young adults group in your diocese; it would be a good way to make friends that could encourage you in your faith journey

Also, watching EWTN, or listening to Catholic Radio is another great thing to do in the mean time.

(I know you said aside from Church literature, but if you’re into reading, a rich, yet easily understood book that I just recently finished, called This Tremendous Lover, by M. Eugene Boylan, was just amazing!..and I hardly read ever!)

 

[ora_pro_nobis]

I decided to become Catholic but was too late for that year’s RCIA programme, but I tried to attend Mass as much as possible, daily if I could, and followed the liturgical year and learned about all the feast days as they happened. The Rosary was an excellent way of developing my faith as I waited for RCIA to start - both on my own and in a group. I got a booklet with a picture and a Scripture quote for each mystery.

Hang in there - the time will go soon enough! My prayers for you and for all new Catholics.

 

[cessnawag]

It is good that you are excited for rcia!! I was too. I would suggest getting a copy of the catechism of the catholic church. Go to mass. And pray. And dont lose that enthusiasm, it will be here before you know it

 

[kkollwitz]

You can probably participate in the charitable activities of your parish’s Knights of Columbus. The parish office can get you the Grand Knight’s contact info.

 

[kkollwitz]

At my parish Catholics attend RCIA to get a general adult education in the faith. The adult ed programs tend be more specific, such as covering the Gospel of Matthew.

 

[holyghost]

Start reading the catechism and familiarize yourself with doctrine/sacraments. I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the section on Prayer…
And as others have stated: Pray! When I went through RCIA my instructors told us to develop our prayer life, and at the time I did not really understand why they were pushing it so much, but now I see that it is the single most important thing for my development as a Christian. Being able to communicate with God through prayer…is a two way kind of communication. It keeps me open to grace.

 

[CalCatholic]

Wait, you were baptized as a Catholic but went through RCIA anyway? Why?

The ‘normal’ procedure for a Catholic who was Baptized only and never received First Communion or Confirmation is to go through the RCIA. If that same Catholic has received First Communion, but just needs confirmation, they will then attend a teen or an adult Confirmation class (which is shorter than RCIA). This can very in different parishes!

 

[zenith15]

In larger cities, some parishes offer year round RCIA. You might call around or call your Diocese and check. My Parish does.