pre-RCIA question

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akelios

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Hello,

I have what is probably an odd question, but I’m sort of a nervous person in person when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone and I just can’t bring myself to call the parish office without checking first.

I’ve decided to convert to Catholicism, and I know that I will need to take the RCIA course in October, but it’s my understanding that there are things that come before that, or concurrent. Other things that need to be done in order for me to convert. And I was just going to call the local church and ask, but, again, nervous, and now I’m worried that I need to just wait for RCIA, but then I’m afraid that there are other things that I need to do, and by waiting, I’ll just have delayed my being able to enter the church.

So, really, the question is, basically, what is the procedure here? Do I call the church now and tell them I want to convert and get everything that I can out of the way? Or do I wait for October and join RCIA and then do anything else?

How’s that for random? Anyway, any help at all will be very welcome.

Thanks,

Amber
 
I would say go ahead and call. There may not be anything that they will do now, but maybe they will. I talked to the lady in charge of RCIA at my parish in May last year just to start asking some questions. We meet then and talked a bit about RCIA, but I wasn’t sure at all at that point. Then I called her again right before RCIA was to start and officially signed up at that point. Also if you have anything that will complicate things, divorce, that kind of thing, it might be good to go ahead and get that started now.

And trust me, I know all about the nervousness in calling the parish. I e-mailed the first time just because that is easier for me. 🤷 But everyone has been WONDERFUL! 😃
 
Hello,
I was in an RCIA program over the past year (just ended before Easter). For my parish, you just had to show up the first day and fill out some basic paperwork. Nothing was required before the program started, and many people didn’t start until months into the program. If you have any questions, I wouldn’t hesitate to call. Everyone in the program was wonderful and I loved attending the weekly meetings. God bless you on your journey. :signofcross:
 
In my parish, the Inquiry Period started in June! Definitely call the RCIA director at your parish and ask what the schedule is, and ask if there’s anything you can do now.

As a side note, currently, my parish has an RCIA class going on for those people who did not want to wait until Easter next year. I believe they’ll be coming into the Church sometime late this Fall. (they’ve been in class for a while now.) You’ll never know what you can do if you don’t ask!

😃
 
quite likely your parish has an on-going rather informal session periodically called “inquiry” for people like yourself who are thinking about starting a formal RCIA class. That is the time to ask questions, relieve fears and misapprehensions, and generally do what it says, ask questions. In any case you should call the parish office and get all the info on RCIA, rather than just going by a printed announcement or what someone has told you. You will probably be invited in for an interview with the priest or deacon or person who directs the process so that your own needs can be assessed and addressed. When you make your phone call, be specific in your question. Rather than saying “when does RCIA begin” ask for an appointment with the pastor or person who directs RCIA.
 
I take people into the process anytime during the year. We now have two groups going on. One is for inquiry and the other for those in the catechumenate. Actually the catechumenate group are now neophytes and our inquiry group is preparing for the Rite of Acceptance at the end of April.
 
akelios said:
Hello,

I have what is probably an odd question, but I’m sort of a nervous person in person when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone and I just can’t bring myself to call the parish office without checking first.

I’ve decided to convert to Catholicism, and I know that I will need to take the RCIA course in October, but it’s my understanding that there are things that come before that, or concurrent. Other things that need to be done in order for me to convert. And I was just going to call the local church and ask, but, again, nervous, and now I’m worried that I need to just wait for RCIA, but then I’m afraid that there are other things that I need to do, and by waiting, I’ll just have delayed my being able to enter the church.

So, really, the question is, basically, what is the procedure here? Do I call the church now and tell them I want to convert and get everything that I can out of the way? Or do I wait for October and join RCIA and then do anything else?

How’s that for random? Anyway, any help at all will be very welcome.

Thanks,

Amber
Click to expand...
RCIA should be a year round process. So call now and explain that you want to explore the possibility of becoming Catholic.

The First stage is INQUIRY. You should spend about 6 to 12 weeks in the INQUIRY stage. This is where you can ask and explore things you have questions about. You whould have a Sponsor of your choice or assigned somewhere near the beginning of the INQUIRY stage, This is when Marriages, background, Baptisms, etc are looked into and Annulment processes started if necessary.

So by all means call now.
 
kettle said:
In my parish, the Inquiry Period started in June! Definitely call the RCIA director at your parish and ask what the schedule is, and ask if there’s anything you can do now.

As a side note, currently, my parish has an RCIA class going on for those people who did not want to wait until Easter next year. I believe they’ll be coming into the Church sometime late this Fall. (they’ve been in class for a while now.) You’ll never know what you can do if you don’t ask!

😃
Click to expand...
YES!!!
 
Joannm said:
I take people into the process anytime during the year. We now have two groups going on. One is for inquiry and the other for those in the catechumenate. Actually the catechumenate group are now neophytes and our inquiry group is preparing for the Rite of Acceptance at the end of April.
Click to expand...
YES!!!
 
Hello,

First of all, thank you all very much for your answers. I felt much better about calling and not sounding like a complete idiot.

I did call this afternoon, and left a message with the parish secretary for the Deacon who is in charge of their RCIA. She was very pleasent and asked me a few questions about if I was baptised and in what denomination and whether or not I had ever been married or divorced. And I was very specific that I wasn’t just asking when RCIA began, but that I wanted to convert.

I’m guessing that I shouldn’t be too complicated, I’m not married, never been, no kids, not living with someone, baptised, etc. 🙂

Again, thank you all very much.

-Amber
 
akelios said:
Hello,

First of all, thank you all very much for your answers. I felt much better about calling and not sounding like a complete idiot.

I did call this afternoon, and left a message with the parish secretary for the Deacon who is in charge of their RCIA. She was very pleasent and asked me a few questions about if I was baptised and in what denomination and whether or not I had ever been married or divorced. And I was very specific that I wasn’t just asking when RCIA began, but that I wanted to convert.

I’m guessing that I shouldn’t be too complicated, I’m not married, never been, no kids, not living with someone, baptised, etc. 🙂

Again, thank you all very much.

-Amber
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Yea, I’m glad it went well! 😃 You are on your way home! :extrahappy: 😃
 
akelios said:
Hello,

I’m guessing that I shouldn’t be too complicated, I’m not married, never been, no kids, not living with someone, baptised, etc. 🙂

Again, thank you all very much.

-Amber
Click to expand...
Oh that is the kind of people RCIA directors love to hear from…no complications. Makes life so much easier. Not that we don’t like to hear from others too…
 
Amber, congratulations on making that first step! :extrahappy:

I just came into the Church this Easter, and it was the most extraordinarily amazing moment in my life - I’m certain it will be for you, as well. All of Heaven will rejoice FOR YOU!

:extrahappy:
 
:dancing:

So, because I’m just so happy and I feel the need to share, I just got off the phone with the Deacon and I’m meeting him tonight after work to fill out some forms and get him a copy of my baptism certificate. I’m practically bouncing in my chair, it just feels so good to finally have started! And I know it’s just a little step so far, but still.

Thanks,

Amber
 
akelios said:
:dancing:

So, because I’m just so happy and I feel the need to share, I just got off the phone with the Deacon and I’m meeting him tonight after work to fill out some forms and get him a copy of my baptism certificate. I’m practically bouncing in my chair, it just feels so good to finally have started! And I know it’s just a little step so far, but still.

Thanks,

Amber
Click to expand...
:extrahappy: :extrahappy: :extrahappy: I’m thrilled for you! It is always exciting to feel like you are actually getting started. I’m praying that all goes well! 😃
 
Welcome! I know the excitement that you’re feeling! And let me tell you, that excitement doesn’t go away after the Easter Vigil!
 
I have a few questions.

1.) How do you know if your Protestant Church baptism is recognized as valid by the Catholic Church and if it is how does this impact RCIA?

2.) Say you haven’t been practicing much in about a decade, does that have an effect on anything?

3.) If I do not know any Catholics in a parish near me and have no one to choose to be a sponsor will someone in that parish be appointed to me?
 
CBS said:
I have a few questions.

1.) How do you know if your Protestant Church baptism is recognized as valid by the Catholic Church and if it is how does this impact RCIA? [/qutoe]

Just bring the certificate with you - the decision about whether it is valid or not will be made by those with the authority and knowledge to discern these things. If there is a problem, they will let you know.
2.) Say you haven’t been practicing much in about a decade, does that have an effect on anything?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
CBS said:
I have a few questions.
Click to expand...
1.) How do you know if your Protestant Church baptism is recognized as valid by the Catholic Church and if it is how does this impact RCIA?

You diocese has a list of local denominations that have been investigated and generally found to be valid. However each case must be look at individually and the diocese list is only a guide. Baptism in or with water. Being poured or dunked as the words are spoken. The words specifically must be" I Baptize you (name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

If your Baptism is found to be invalid you are a Catechumen and will enter a one full liturgical year process for those not Baptized ending at Easter Vigil.

If you are Baptized. You are a Candidate and depending on your knowledge of Christianity may be in a shorter process. You could be received into full communion with the Church at any time of the year.

2.) Say you haven’t been practicing much in about a decade, does that have an effect on anything?

Yes.

3.) If I do not know any Catholics in a parish near me and have no one to choose to be a sponsor will someone in that parish be appointed to me?

Yes.
 
jmcrae said:
Just bring the certificate with you - the decision about whether it is valid or not will be made by those with the authority and knowledge to discern these things. If there is a problem, they will let you know.
Click to expand...
I was never issued a certificate of any kind that I can remember and in 16 years time (baptized at 14) that church has changed many many hands and those records (if there ever were any, I don’t recall anything) are probably as good as gone.

For as long as I can remember my denomination did not keep or require certificates or records of these things and transferring between churches was never an issue. In my experience with Protestant churches your word is good enough, at least in every church I ever requested membership in. It’s not exactly something you’d want to lie about.

So what happens now? 🤷
 
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