Question: preparing for sacraments as an adult

[gdeann]

I was baptised in the Catholic church as a baby, so I am Catholic. Baptism is the only sacrament I received. I am curious what is required of me to prepare for the other sacraments such as First Confession and Communion. The church I am attending offers an RCIA course, but I am seriously leaning toward taking an online Catachism course that is highly recommended. I know I need to visit with the Parish or Priest to see what is needed, but I wanted to gain some insight here too.

Thank you so much for your time, Gayle

 

[puzzleannie]

by all means get on the fast track with the online course, like catechismclass.com, it will help you immensely, but your diocese and parish still have guidelines about what constitutes preparation for Confirmation and First Communion. Among other things, that means becoming a full part of the community, so much of the preparation happens in the community. The pastor and the catechist must be prepared to attest to the bishop that you are prepared and well disposed for the sacraments, and to do that in good conscience they can set requirements for you.

For practical purposes you may very well be in the same class with unbaptized adults, those who have been baptized in another Christian denomination who are now becoming Catholic, and others like yourself who are Catholics at heart and by Baptism, but want to complete your Christian initiation and participate more fully in the sacramental life of the Church and enjoy the fullnes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

You are all there for each other, as well as for yourself, so please be open to whatever plan the parish has for you.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I was baptised in the Catholic church as a baby, so I am Catholic. Baptism is the only sacrament I received. I am curious what is required of me to prepare for the other sacraments such as First Confession and Communion. The church I am attending offers an RCIA course, but I am seriously leaning toward taking an online Catachism course that is highly recommended. I know I need to visit with the Parish or Priest to see what is needed, but I wanted to gain some insight here too.

Thank you so much for your time, Gayle

Technically what is needed is an Adult Sacramental preparation process, something like RCIA but specifically geared for Catholic adults seeking their missing Sacraments. You need to speak with the pastor. Maybe if there are a few of you 4-5. You could meet as a Small Christian Community for prayer and Catechesis with a Catechist in someone’s home.

 

[EBSSTF4]

I imagine you will be required to take a RCIA class. (Yes, talk to you’re Pastor) You should still do as much outside study as possible. The online Catechism course sounds like a good idea. RCIA is generally only a few hours per week, with a mix of Catechumen and Candidates with different levels of education. Often time you will find a few people take up a lot of time with very basic question.

 

[John_Lilburne]

The book “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” includes a section on “Preparation of Uncatechized Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist” (n. 400 - 410, Latin edition numbers 295-305). A few quotes:
“400. … Even though uncatechized adults have not yet heard the message of the mystery of Christ, their status differs from that of catechumens, since by baptism they have already become members of the Church and children of God.”
“401. As in the case of catechumens, the preparation of these adults requires a considerable time …”.
“402. For the most part the plan of catechesis corresponds to the one laid down for catechumens …”.
“405. The period of preparation is made holy by means of liturgical celebrations. The first of these is a rite by which the adults are welcomed into the community and acknowledge themselves to be part of it because they have been marked with the seal of baptism. [The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates … is provided for this purpose.]”
“408. … During the Lenten season penitential services should be arranged in such a way as to prepare these adults for the celebration of the sacrament of penance.”
“409. The high point of their entire formation will normally be the Easter Vigil. At that time they will make a professio nof the faith in which they were baptized, receive the sacrament of confirmation, and take part in the eucharist. …”
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, pages 245-247).

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The book “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” includes a section on “Preparation of Uncatechized Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist” (n. 400 - 410, Latin edition numbers 295-305). A few quotes:
“400. … Even though uncatechized adults have not yet heard the message of the mystery of Christ, their status differs from that of catechumens, since by baptism they have already become members of the Church and children of God.”
“401. As in the case of catechumens, the preparation of these adults requires a considerable time …”.
“402. For the most part the plan of catechesis corresponds to the one laid down for catechumens …”.
“405. The period of preparation is made holy by means of liturgical celebrations. The first of these is a rite by which the adults are welcomed into the community and acknowledge themselves to be part of it because they have been marked with the seal of baptism. [The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates … is provided for this purpose.]”
“408. … During the Lenten season penitential services should be arranged in such a way as to prepare these adults for the celebration of the sacrament of penance.”
“409. The high point of their entire formation will normally be the Easter Vigil. At that time they will make a professio nof the faith in which they were baptized, receive the sacrament of confirmation, and take part in the eucharist. …”
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, pages 245-247).

I didn’t sense that the original poster was an “uncatechized adult” who has not yet heard the message of the mystery of Christ. My assumption is that he was at least partially catechized.