Questions about First Holy Communion and Confirmation

[LB03]

Hello,

I was baptised Catholic as a baby and became interested in the faith four years ago. After being on the fence for a year, I am now ready to move forward with my First Holy Communion and Confirmation and have some questions regarding this.

Is it worth applying for RCIA classes or should I consult a priest to gauge my situation? I was under the impression that the long process of RCIA classes was mandatory and only just discovered that this doesn’t appear to be the case. I’ve read over 100 books on Catholicism (going in at the deep end), though my knowledge about important basics could be lacking.

Does it matter which church I apply to? There are several in my area.

I am based in the UK if this is relevant.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

[Vico]

…

Talk with the pastor at the Catholic church near you. Sometimes priests will have another way besides RCIA.

 

[BartholomewB]

RCIA is normal but not obligatory. Having read so many books on the subject, you’re obviously very well informed and I wouldn’t be surprised if the priest decides that RCIA would add nothing to your store of knowledge. Have a word with the parish priest at any church near you and see what he says.

 

[Dovekin]

RCIA classes are normal, but not required. The rite distinguishes between the catechised and the uncatechised. The initial phase of the RCIA is an inquiry period where you can decide if you want to join and what you need first. This can be as long as it needs to be, I had a friend who spent a couple of years inquiring and almost no time in classes, he was an ordained Methodist. Contact the priest or the RCIA director to get started.

Having said that, you are technically not covered by the RCIA. You were baptised as Catholic, which initiated you into the Church. Apparently you missed sacramental preparation as a child? The RCIA parallels the process of sacramental prep, though it is condensed into one year from the 6+ years Catholic children go through, so Catholic adults usually are grouped with the RCIA.

This catechesis is more than classes that teach you what you might learn from a book, it includes some formation for living with the community and seeing Catholics live their faith. You may know all things, but still not be ready for Communion and Confirmation. You are probably farther along because you pray than because you have read.

 

[LB03]

Many thanks for the responses.

Yes, I had no connection to the faith between baptism as a child and conversion as an adult.

I pray the rosary every day, though I’ve never been to Mass, and do not know how to attend it properly.

Does it matter which parish I approach? Do I need to somehow get a feel for them first?

 

[BartholomewB]

Yes, if I were you I’d start going to Mass regularly. Since you’re privileged to have several churches near you, you could even start comparing them. It would give you an idea of what kind of variations you can expect to find in present-day Catholic worship, from one parish to another.

 

[Anesti33]

Firstly, RCIA is not classes. RCIA is not a rigid program schedule from August to April. RCIA is technically not for baptized Christians.

Many parishes do it this way, and so give a wrong impression. Even my parish, which is very good, puts everyone into the same classes.

RCIA is a series of liturgical rites to welcome an unbaptized person to the Church community and lead them on a path of faith to the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Because RCIA is a series of rites, it may happen rapidly or some may be deferred until the subject has been deemed ready to proceed.

Since you are already baptized, all you need to do is demonstrate adequate education in the faith, knowledge that would be required of other people receiving the sacraments of initiation. Contact your local parish for information. You may be referred to a priest for 1:1 private instruction for a while. You may be referred to a specialized “adult Confirmation” class which only lasts 8 weeks or so in the Spring. Or they may require you to get on the RCIA track. Every parish will differ somewhat. Find one where you are comfortable, and go for it!

Welcome home!