Questions About Conversion

[DBFinney]

Hello all,
I have a question. I am planning to attend RCIA classes. I have been attending Mass for sometime. How much participation can I do? I know I can’t participate in the Eucharist, but is it appropriate to make the sign of the cross, etc. Me and my wife have been led to convert to the Catholic faith. It has been a long process getting to this point. One thing we have been taught through this is patience. I am in the military and since 2004 me and my wife haven’t spent much time together. We want to convert together, so we are waiting to take RCIA classes after I return for good in december. (I am finally retiring after 23 years). There is probably a better thread that this should have been posted under, but Net Nanny thinks you guys are too violent. LOL Gotta love the military.
Dave

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

You can participate in any way you feel comfortable except for receiving the Eucharist. You can join in any singing and any recited prayers. You can sit, stand, or kneel. You can make the Sign of the Cross, the three crosses before the gospel, or anything else the people are doing. And you can look forward to the day when you are fully part of the Church and can receive the Eucharist.

 

[ruslan]

Congratulations! Yes, you can make the sign of the cross. I am a convert myself and I am very excited that you and your wife are becoming Catholic.

I wish you both all the best. You must keep us posted.

Stick around and you will get lots of info and help from this website.

:heaven: :harp:

 

[DBFinney]

Thanks for the answers guys. Very helpful. I assumed it was ok to take part in everything but the Eucharist, but just wanted confirmation. I attend Mass and the Priest’s we have in the Army are very helpful, but they are oh so busy. I didn’t want to take anymore of their time. I actually started sitting in on an RCIA class Father Panzer is giving over here. He recommended it even though I am waiting until I get back so me and my wife can attend together. I am looking forward with longing for the day when I can come fully into communion with the Church. My journey began back in 2004 when I first deployed to Iraq. My wife’s sister-in-law, Josephina, gave me a prayer book by Archbishop Fulton Sheen to carry with me. That little prayer book has given me great comfort and led me to explore the Catholic faith. I started attending Mass and saying the Rosary. I told my wife that I was going to convert to Catholicism and she has been very supportive. She wants to convert as well. Her brother converted 15 years ago after he married Josephina. Right now I continue to go to Mass and read. I will keep you all posted on my journey. Thanks again,
Dave

 

[BayernAnhaenger]

Thanks for the answers guys. Very helpful. I assumed it was ok to take part in everything but the Eucharist, but just wanted confirmation. I attend Mass and the Priest’s we have in the Army are very helpful, but they are oh so busy. I didn’t want to take anymore of their time. I actually started sitting in on an RCIA class Father Panzer is giving over here. He recommended it even though I am waiting until I get back so me and my wife can attend together. I am looking forward with longing for the day when I can come fully into communion with the Church. My journey began back in 2004 when I first deployed to Iraq. My wife’s sister-in-law, Josephina, gave me a prayer book by Archbishop Fulton Sheen to carry with me. That little prayer book has given me great comfort and led me to explore the Catholic faith. I started attending Mass and saying the Rosary. I told my wife that I was going to convert to Catholicism and she has been very supportive. She wants to convert as well. Her brother converted 15 years ago after he married Josephina. Right now I continue to go to Mass and read. I will keep you all posted on my journey. Thanks again,
Dave

That is most def. awesome.

 

[redrosetea]

You may not receive the Eucharist but you may still get a blessing at Holy Communion…Just cross your arms and they will know you are not to be given the host

You might want to check with your priest to see if it is OK with him first

 

[jmcrae]

You may not receive the Eucharist but you may still get a blessing at Holy Communion…Just cross your arms and they will know you are not to be given the host

You might want to check with your priest to see if it is OK with him first

Yes, good idea - especially overseas. This custom is not universal.

 

[jmcrae]

Hello all,
I have a question. I am planning to attend RCIA classes. I have been attending Mass for sometime. How much participation can I do? I know I can’t participate in the Eucharist, but is it appropriate to make the sign of the cross, etc.

Yes, and you can also use holy water, and pray the Rosary, as well.

Me and my wife have been led to convert to the Catholic faith. It has been a long process getting to this point. One thing we have been taught through this is patience.

That’s good! Don’t rush the process - there are many graces to be gained from taking your time and enjoying the journey. Ask lots of questions, and participate fully in as many opportunities as they give you.

I am in the military and since 2004 me and my wife haven’t spent much time together. We want to convert together, so we are waiting to take RCIA classes after I return for good in december. (I am finally retiring after 23 years).

Congratulations, and thank you for your service to your country.

 

[BlyssfulDreamer]

Thanks for the answers guys. Very helpful. I assumed it was ok to take part in everything but the Eucharist, but just wanted confirmation. I attend Mass and the Priest’s we have in the Army are very helpful, but they are oh so busy. I didn’t want to take anymore of their time. I actually started sitting in on an RCIA class Father Panzer is giving over here. He recommended it even though I am waiting until I get back so me and my wife can attend together. I am looking forward with longing for the day when I can come fully into communion with the Church. My journey began back in 2004 when I first deployed to Iraq. My wife’s sister-in-law, Josephina, gave me a prayer book by Archbishop Fulton Sheen to carry with me. That little prayer book has given me great comfort and led me to explore the Catholic faith. I started attending Mass and saying the Rosary. I told my wife that I was going to convert to Catholicism and she has been very supportive. She wants to convert as well. Her brother converted 15 years ago after he married Josephina. Right now I continue to go to Mass and read. I will keep you all posted on my journey. Thanks again,
Dave

Father Panzer?! I believe it might be the Father Panzer who used to be the pastor of my church, North American Martyrs. He is a wonderful priest and a very good person. He has the most soothing voice for the Mass and when he said the Consecration, it could give you chills. God Bless him and you and your wife. You are in very good hands with Father Panzer.

 

[agbasinger]

Hello all,
I have a question. I am planning to attend RCIA classes. I have been attending Mass for sometime. How much participation can I do? I know I can’t participate in the Eucharist, but is it appropriate to make the sign of the cross, etc. Me and my wife have been led to convert to the Catholic faith. It has been a long process getting to this point. One thing we have been taught through this is patience. I am in the military and since 2004 me and my wife haven’t spent much time together. We want to convert together, so we are waiting to take RCIA classes after I return for good in december. (I am finally retiring after 23 years). There is probably a better thread that this should have been posted under, but Net Nanny thinks you guys are too violent. LOL Gotta love the military.
Dave

Thank you for your service to our country. My family is safe because of you.

I am in the final two weeks of RCIA. Talk with your priest. I am allowed to participate in the Sacrament of Confession and do pretty much everything besides Eucharist.