Question about Joining Church

[TikiTokiguy]

Hi all, first post here.

I’m seriously thinking of joining a new church and I’ve been attending Catholic Mass the last three or so months. I always go up and get a blessing.

Anyway, the church I go to has RCIA classes but I was told it could take two years. I could go to to another RCIA class and get through it in a year. Is one year generally the right amount of time for RCIA?

Also, coming from a Protestant background, how is one “saved” in the Catholic church? Is it through belief in Christ or must you also do good works?

Finally, why do Catholics admit sins during confession? Is that the only way to be cleaned of sins or can you also simply pray and ask God to forgive you?

Thanks. I do love the Mass. I told two Priests that I think the Mass is an absolute work of art.

 

[Adeodatus]

I’ve been attending Catholic Mass the last three or so months.

Welcome!

Anyway, the church I go to has RCIA classes but I was told it could take two years. I could go to to another RCIA class and get through it in a year. Is one year generally the right amount of time for RCIA?

This is tough. Some parishes are Liberal and will steer you very wrong. They won’t explain what the Church teaches or will tell you things that just plain aren’t true. If that happens to you then you’ll have some serious catching up to do once you become a Catholic. On the other hand, some parishes have a very good program and will teach you all the upright ways of the Catholic Faith. That is a great blessing.

My advice is to find a parish with solid theology and don’t worry about the length of the classes. I think the best single indicator is whether a given parish offers the Mass in Latin with at least some regularity, or at least incorporates some Latin into the vernacular Masses (like the Agnus Dei, etc.). That’s not the only indicator but it is a good one. Or ask someone you know to be a conservative in your area.

Also, coming from a Protestant background, how is one “saved” in the Catholic church? Is it through belief in Christ or must you also do good works?

Great question. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ and working out your salvation through good works. Basically, faith and hope in Christ and love for Him (St. Thomas Aquinas defined charity as "friendship with God) result in graces being infused in the soul. These graces allow us to do genuinely good works. By grace we are able to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.

Like a Levite priest entering the Tabernacle, a soul is only able to enter into the total presence of the Living God and behold Him face to face (i.e. Heaven) if that soul is pure and holy. Holy merit accrues to a soul through good works done in grace (no one is able to do meritorious acts without grace). It is basically necessary to die in a state of grace to be able to enter Heaven.

The Sacraments confer special graces. One in particular, the Sacrament of Penance aka Confession, you asked about below…

Finally, why do Catholics admit sins during confession? Is that the only way to be cleaned of sins or can you also simply pray and ask God to forgive you?

Lord Jesus told Peter “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth will be loosed in Heaven.” Also, He told the disciples “Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.”

Confession is the ordinary means of receiving absolution for sins (though I believe that minor sins, called “venial”, are also absolved through the Eucharist but I could be wrong on that). This is especially true with those sins that are grave enough to rupture your relationship with God (like fornication, blasphemy, murder, etc.).

In the Sacrament of Penance, “imperfect” contrition is sufficient… i.e. being at least somewhat sorry for what you have done. Outside of the Sacrament, perfect contrition is required. And the Sacrament should still be used if at all possible.

Hope that helps.

 

[IntegraCatholic]

There is a lot to learn about the faith, but if you continue to study the faith on your own, there should be no need to wait more than a year. Even this may be excessive, depending upon your convictions about the faith and your desire to learn. I can’t stress enough, though, that just about all RCIA classes nowadays don’t teach you enough about the faith and sometimes even teach inaccuracies about the faith.

Concerning salvation, yes, good works are necessary insofar as you must live an upright life. If you commit sins (including sins of omission) that are of a grave nature, you cannot be saved without confession or a perfect contrition (which includes a desire for confession). There is nothing clearer than this truth in the New Testament. Our Lord says in every parable that we must live a certain way if we are to be saved. We must live an upright life, putting off the old man and being made into a new paste.

Our Lord instituted a priesthood the night before he suffered for our salvation. To this priesthood he gave the ability to forgive sins.

He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. (S. John xxiii. 21-23.)

There are many good apologetics websites out there with passages from Scripture that support the Catholic positions against Protestants. I highly recommend that you look into this.

 

[dostoyevskyfan]

Hi all, first post here.

I’m seriously thinking of joining a new church and I’ve been attending Catholic Mass the last three or so months. I always go up and get a blessing.

Anyway, the church I go to has RCIA classes but I was told it could take two years. I could go to to another RCIA class and get through it in a year. Is one year generally the right amount of time for RCIA?

Also, coming from a Protestant background, how is one “saved” in the Catholic church? Is it through belief in Christ or must you also do good works?

Finally, why do Catholics admit sins during confession? Is that the only way to be cleaned of sins or can you also simply pray and ask God to forgive you?

Thanks. I do love the Mass. I told two Priests that I think the Mass is an absolute work of art.

If you think the mass is a work of art, I strongly encourage you to attend a Tridentine Latin Mass, if you haven’t already. It is more or less the mass that was celebrated by the early church and up until 1962 with a few minor changes here and there. It can be described as “the most beautiful thing on this side of heaven”. You can find one nearby through the link in my signature. After you attend, ask yourself if you believe this ritual was pleasing to God or not. Most parishes that offer the latin mass have booklets so you can follow along in english.

In order to be “saved” in the Catholic Church, you must believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ was, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a Virgin, became man, suffered under pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. That’s in a nutshell. All that required to be saved is faith, however scripture indicates that “each is given according to his works”. So if you just want to narrowly sneak in heaven, you must have faith. If you want rewards in heaven, you must accomplish good works…ie give to the poor, visit the sick and the imprisoned, etc.
From a technical standpoint you must also die in a state of grace, which means you can’t be in a state of mortal sin. Mortal sin is roughly described as the 10 commandments. You can find out exactly what they are via google or the catechism.

The reason catholics go to confession is because you aren’t supposed to receive the eucharist in a state of mortal sin. Catholics believe that the Eucharist actually becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ like the early church also believed (see Justin Martyr’s 66chapter of his apology and Eusebius’ history of the church) Christ gives his “priests” or disciples the power to forgive sins after his ressurection “whatever you bind on earth…etc”. Many traditional Catholics go to confession once a week and even confess venial sins. Most Catholics do not even go once a year, which is the bare minimum requirement by the church. You can “pray to God to forgive you” if confession is not readily available, if you are genuinely sorry for your sins, this may qualify as a “perfect act of contrition” (google if interested), but you MUST go to confession to be formally and legally absolved in the eyes of God. Lucky for us, confession can be anonymous and is usually done in private where the priest cannot see who you are. The confessions of the early church were much more humiliating because they were done in public in front of everyone in the parish.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you find all the answers to your questions on this website via the “search” feature on the forums. Most questions that protestants usually ask, are already answered by either formal apologists or laity like myself. I really hope you decide to join us. God bless you.

 

[JohnDamian]

Hi all, first post here.

Welcome

Anyway, the church I go to has RCIA classes but I was told it could take two years. I could go to to another RCIA class and get through it in a year. Is one year generally the right amount of time for RCIA?

There is no rush, take as long as you need. Pick which ever is practical for you.

Also, coming from a Protestant background, how is one “saved” in the Catholic church? Is it through belief in Christ or must you also do good works?

To cite the Book of James 2;20; “Faith without works is dead”.

Finally, why do Catholics admit sins during confession? Is that the only way to be cleaned of sins or can you also simply pray and ask God to forgive you?

Also from the Book of James 5;16 “confess your sins to one another”

The form of Penance has not changed for centuries, although at one time confessions were made publicly. The role of the priest is as a minister of Christ’s mercy. He acts in persona Christi.

This means that the Priest act’s AS CHRIST when ministering the sacrement of reconcilliation; or confession. Do not worry - all sins will be forgiven and of course, it is completely confidential, any Priest who breaks it is latae sententiae (automatically) excommunicated.

as a note, he also acts “in persona Christi” or “in the person of Christ” at the Eucharist.

 

[TikiTokiguy]

My dad was Catholic but died when I was a child. My older brothers and sisters went to a Catholic school back in the 60’s but when our dad died our mom pulled the kids out. I think she didn’t like the strict Nuns or something. Anyway, I grew up in a household that was Protestant but didn’t look down on the Catholic church. I’m looking for a new church and want to give the Catholic church a try. I do love the Mass. Actually, I got so down last December after a talk with the head of my current church so I emailed a Catholic Priest and even met him a few months ago. I asked some deep questions. Since then I’ve had talked with another Catholic Priest.

I admit I love the stance the Catholic church has on social issues and taking care of the poor and needy.

 

[Ockham]

Hi all, first post here.

I’m seriously thinking of joining a new church and I’ve been attending Catholic Mass the last three or so months. I always go up and get a blessing.

Welcome home.

Check out the Apologetics forum here for answers to your questions. There are also many valuable website resources to help you swim the Tibor. PM me and I’ll send them along.

The bottom line to just about any question is Matthew 16. Jesus Christ decided to establish a Church to aid his followers attain eternal salvation. St. Peter received the keys to Heaven and there has been a clear and consistent apostolic tradition up to our current pontiff.

May God bless you along your journey,

 

[JohnDamian]

Well it’s great you like the TikiTokiguy, welcome in advance.

If you do have any questions about the faith, or about sacraments, RCIA, etc. feel free to ask, after all - the Catholic Church has been around for a very very long time and for a beginner it can be quite a lot to take in!

 

[Erich]

TikiTokiguy;6755804:

Finally, why do Catholics admit sins during confession? Is that the only way to be cleaned of sins or can you also simply pray and ask God to forgive you?

Lord Jesus told Peter “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth will be loosed in Heaven.” Also, He told the disciples “Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.”

And since the Apostles weren’t mind-readers, the only way they’d be able to know which sins to forgive and which to retain is by being told in person.

 

[TikiTokiguy]

Am I correct to believe that when one confesses to a Priest, the Priest keeps this between you and him and the Lord? He can not tell your sins to anybody else, including the authorities? So, hypothetically, lets say fifteen years ago someone held up a gas station and robbed money. Since then he’s felt sorry for that sin but never caught by the police. If he admits that to a Priest, the Priest will not turn him in? Will the Priest treat him differently afterwards?

It must be wonderful to be able to admit those really bad sins and get that off your soul.

 

[Ockham]

You are correct Tiki. Give to Ceasar what is his. Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Confession to help us get to Heaven. If belief in Him alone could get you there why did He spend all that time talking about sin?

Would you like some website resources to help you along?

 

[TikiTokiguy]

You are correct Tiki. Give to Ceasar what is his. Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Confession to help us get to Heaven. If belief in Him alone could get you there why did He spend all that time talking about sin?

Would you like some website resources to help you along?

Sure. Thanks.

 

[IntegraCatholic]

Am I correct to believe that when one confesses to a Priest, the Priest keeps this between you and him and the Lord? He can not tell your sins to anybody else, including the authorities? So, hypothetically, lets say fifteen years ago someone held up a gas station and robbed money. Since then he’s felt sorry for that sin but never caught by the police. If he admits that to a Priest, the Priest will not turn him in? Will the Priest treat him differently afterwards?

It must be wonderful to be able to admit those really bad sins and get that off your soul.

He certainly may not reveal any of your sins. If he did, he would incur latae sententiae excommunication. He also may never treat the penitent any differently outside the confessional. Of course, in order to be forgiven the penitent would be required to make restitution for what he had stolen insofar as it is possible but never with the obligation to reveal that he was the thief from what I understand. In other words, he has to fulfill his duty to restitution so long as it would not damage his good name.

 

[TikiTokiguy]

The parish I have been going to hold hands during the Mass. As a non-Catholic am I allowed to hold hands with them? I’ve been doing that and no one has told me not to.

 

[MarkThompson]

The parish I have been going to hold hands during the Mass. As a non-Catholic am I allowed to hold hands with them? I’ve been doing that and no one has told me not to.

Non-Catholics are allowed to do pretty much everything at Mass except take Communion and carry out certain liturgical functions like reading the Scriptures. You can bow, genuflect, make the sign of the cross, use holy water, receive ashes on Ash Wednesday and palms on Palm Sunday, you name it.

 

[Adeodatus]

The parish I have been going to hold hands during the Mass. As a non-Catholic am I allowed to hold hands with them? I’ve been doing that and no one has told me not to.

During the whole Mass, or just one part? I’m just curious about what they’re doing.

I’m very glad you’re interested in joining the Church! There will be much rejoicing in Heaven when you do.

 

[TikiTokiguy]

During the whole Mass, or just one part? I’m just curious about what they’re doing.

I’m very glad you’re interested in joining the Church! There will be much rejoicing in Heaven when you do.

They hold hands before everyone goes up and forms a line. Another Parish I went to they also held hands. But the local Parish near me, I don’ think they did. When we were supposed to do that “Peace be with you” thing the lady I sat by gave me the peace sign. I guess they don’t shake hands there. A month ago at a large Parish a lady sat beside me and she brought pre-moistened toilets to wipe her hands off after every shook hands and held hands. She was prepared!

There sure is a lot to the Mass. It’s not easy to learn.

 

[Adeodatus]

They hold hands before everyone goes up and forms a line. Another Parish I went to they also held hands. But the local Parish near me, I don’ think they did. When we were supposed to do that “Peace be with you” thing the lady I sat by gave me the peace sign. I guess they don’t shake hands there. A month ago at a large Parish a lady sat beside me and she brought pre-moistened toilets to wipe her hands off after every shook hands and held hands. She was prepared!

There sure is a lot to the Mass. It’s not easy to learn.

They probably held hands during a prayer that beings “Our Father…”, which is called the Our Father or also the Lord’s Prayer (because it was taught to us by Jesus Christ Himself). The hand holding thing is not traditional but became popular back in the 60’s and 70’s what with all the “touchy-feely” stuff that was big back then. It is OK to participate in it or not based on your spiritual needs.

On this forum, “Traditional Catholicism”, you’ll find a strong emphasis on reverence and quiet… because Jesus Christ is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist (the bread and wine after it has been consecrated, and usually also consecrated hosts that have been reserved in the Tabernacle) folks around here will emphasize the need to show respect and awe before our King and God. That is the “traditional” way. To me, our spirituality is much like that of the Hebrews in this respect. Other ways may emphasize the elements of praise, rejoicing and communal celebration.

You will probably see disagreements if you poke around the forum for any length of time. Some will call the traditionalists dour and judgmental, others will call charismatics overwrought and disrespectful. There’s no need to worry about these disagreements at this stage… we’re all Catholic. Some of the disagreements are legitimate issues which people should discuss (and maybe ultimately this or that person should change the way they do things based on a principle they had not considered), but others are really just folks being petulant about things that don’t matter very much.

And yes, the Mass has a lot of stuff going on if you’re not used to it. Don’t worry if you sit or stand at the wrong time! The good news is that the Mass is not about you, it’s about God. Just stay focused on growing your relationship with Him and everything else will fall into place.

 

[Thomas58]

The parish I have been going to hold hands during the Mass. As a non-Catholic am I allowed to hold hands with them? I’ve been doing that and no one has told me not to.

Holding hands during Mass? Run away. Run far away. Find a Traditional Parish that offers the Tridentine Mass.

Also a good book that teaches all the basic beliefs of the Church is “This is the Faith” by Canon Francis Ripley available at TANbooks.com. Also try the Baltimore Catechism. When you are ready for something a little more detailed you might try “Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma” by Dr. Ludwig Ott.

As Catholics we are obligated to know our Faith. You cannot live your faith if you do not know it.

May God bless you on your journey home.

 

[Montalo]

1. 
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   The parish I have been going to hold hands during the Mass. As a non-Catholic am I allowed to hold hands with them? I’ve been doing that and no one has told me not to.

   all lay Catholics should NOT be doing this to begin with
   
   also, for questions, this websitte here, www.catholic.com, is a great source of information, as is www.newadvent.org
   
   EDIT: in addition, please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, avaliable online at vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM