Questions about RCIA

[Rachel_Kelsen]

I am a baptized Christian that would like to join the Catholic Church, and I am reading conflicting information about RCIA. I’ve read that as I am baptized I don’t have to go through the course because it is more for someone who is new to Christianity.

I have nothing against taking the course, I have a few personal issues (shyness, fear of talking in public, poor hearing in crowds of people) that have been keeping me away from converting. I am so shy that just walking into a new building is so nerve wrecking it makes me sick. I’ve been talking myself out of this for years now. I went to a local church 3 years ago for a mass and I was uncomfortable, especially when the people I shared the pew with gave me strange looks for not going for communion, almost like I was an intruder.

If I have to then so be it, but if there is a way I can do it one on one with the priest that would be better. Is this even an option? Once I get more familiar with a place and people but it’s getting there that’s hard. I would prefer to just hang out at the back of the church for a few months and get to know people slowly and then introduce myself one day to the priest and go from there. I like our local Basilica because it’s such a large building.

Also, do I have to have family support for this endeavour? My husbands family is Protestant (2 of them are ministers) and are quite against my joining the Church. This is just something I feel I need to do.

Okay, cutting myself off now, or I’ll keep rambling…

 

[wardrandolph]

Call your local Parish and talk to the Preist.Sometimes RCIA can be one on one.If you’ve been properly Baptised(Father,Son and Holy Spirit)you do not get Re-Baptised.(You’ll need proof of your Baptism,certificate,witness or whatever).RCIA can be a wonderful experiance.My wife was recieved into the Church in 2009.Your Protestant family members are not going to be happy with your discision.Most have been told and believe things about the Catholic Church that are not true.Just keep praing and ask the Lord to give you strength,courage and wisdom.I’ll be praying for you.In Christ,Rocky.

 

[PerfectTiming]

If you could find a Catholic friend who would take you maybe that could help. I was lucky enough that when I moved house a few years ago my mum was working with a Catholic lady who, upon hearing I has been baptised Catholic, offered to take to me to church. When she found out I had no taken confirmation, she helped me speak to the priest about my options and I took RCIA (at 16, I was too old for the regular confirmation classes). She came with me every week and eventually stood in for my godparents at my confirmation (my actual godparents live overseas and could not afford to come). I don’t think I would have done it without her and I am eternally grateful.

Family support is always good but you do not need it as such. It is your choice and you need to follow what you believe is the right path.

God bless you, I hope you are find the strength to do this. You are in my prayers.

 

[NPC]

I am a baptized Christian that would like to join the Catholic Church, and I am reading conflicting information about RCIA. I’ve read that as I am baptized I don’t have to go through the course because it is more for someone who is new to Christianity.

I have nothing against taking the course, I have a few personal issues (shyness, fear of talking in public, poor hearing in crowds of people) that have been keeping me away from converting. I am so shy that just walking into a new building is so nerve wrecking it makes me sick. I’ve been talking myself out of this for years now. I went to a local church 3 years ago for a mass and I was uncomfortable, especially when the people I shared the pew with gave me strange looks for not going for communion, almost like I was an intruder.

If I have to then so be it, but if there is a way I can do it one on one with the priest that would be better. Is this even an option? Once I get more familiar with a place and people but it’s getting there that’s hard. I would prefer to just hang out at the back of the church for a few months and get to know people slowly and then introduce myself one day to the priest and go from there. I like our local Basilica because it’s such a large building.

Also, do I have to have family support for this endeavour? My husbands family is Protestant (2 of them are ministers) and are quite against my joining the Church. This is just something I feel I need to do.

Okay, cutting myself off now, or I’ll keep rambling…

What you read about not having to take RCIA because you are already baptised was not necessarily wrong - the RCIA programme includes (before baptism) a period of evangelisation and the “preCatechumenate”, and the acceptance of the candidate into the order of Catechumens. Thus, certain parts of the RCIA programme are specifically preparing candidates for baptism - so, while you will certainly need some instruction in the faith before you are confirmed and before receiving Holy Communion, you would not be required to go through the whole RCIA programme. Ultimately, though, since a huge part of the programme for baptised and non-baptised persons is actually learning about the faith, you will likely be travelling much of the same path as RCIA candidates.

I would also suggest that you speak to your parish priest about your desire to become a Catholic, and also about the personal concerns you have. I suppose it will all depend on how many converts your parish or diocese has - certainly, here in ireland, I can’t imagine that RCIA classes are very big at all at the moment, unfortunately…But your parish priest should be able to help you work something out.

With regard to family support - it would be nice, encouraging, desirable; but it is not necessary. Like with anything else it is a great strength to have your family behind you, but, as you say, you feel this is something you have to do, and that is immensely courageous! Do remember, though, that many people you don’t even know are praying for you every day in the Mass, and don’t forget that you can write a prayer intention here on CAF any time you like. I am sure you will get great strength from the Lord as you embark on this journey!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I am a baptized Christian that would like to join the Catholic Church, and I am reading conflicting information about RCIA. I’ve read that as I am baptized I don’t have to go through the course because it is more for someone who is new to Christianity.

RCIA is the normal way that people become Catholic. This is true for both those who are baptized and those who are not.

You refer to RCIA as a “course” but that really doesn’t do justice to it. I would call it a process, instead. You will have the opportunity to learn what the Catholic Church believes and practices, but you will also start thinking and acting as a Catholic and taking on a Catholic world-view. It’s an inner process as well as a class.

I went to a local church 3 years ago for a mass and I was uncomfortable, especially when the people I shared the pew with gave me strange looks for not going for communion, almost like I was an intruder.

Have you gone back to Mass since then? The Mass is really at the center of our faith. As far as other people giving you strange looks, my guess is that this is what you read into the situation. People going up to receive communion don’t really pay much attention to what anyone else is doing.

If I have to then so be it, but if there is a way I can do it one on one with the priest that would be better. Is this even an option?

Probably not. Most priests simply don’t have the time to take on an extended commitment like this. That’s why they have something in place just waiting for you.

Give the parish a call and talk with the RCIA director. You will undoubtedly find someone who is eager to work with you and will do everything possible to make you comfortable.

Also, do I have to have family support for this endeavour? My husbands family is Protestant (2 of them are ministers) and are quite against my joining the Church. This is just something I feel I need to do.

Family support is wonderful but not always possible. How does your husband feel about this idea? Hopefully he is more supportive than other members of his family.

Welcome home!

 

[novelista]

As a RCIA member myself, it was difficult in the beginning to go to Mass because I was going by myself–and the church is in a small town (<5000 people), where everyone seemed to know everyone else. In fact, I am the only member of the RCIA class, other than my instructors.

Don’t be embarrassed about sitting alone in the pew, or people staring. It’s none of their business why you’re there. Perhaps they will introduce themselves after the service.

There is a different feeling in the Catholic church I attend: I am there to concentrate on God and Jesus, not the latest gossip (I don’t know anyone anyway). I sit close to the front so I can concentrate on the altar, and the priest, not what is going on around me.

Good luck with your journey. Don’t be afraid.

 

[Chopstick]

I’m baptized, and still going through the RCIA. From what I’ve heard, having sessions one on one with a priest is done mostly in parishes with no RCIA program set up. The priests in my parish would be way to busy for that sort of thing, I think.

Anyway, RCIA has been a great experience for me so far. It’s not like a class where you get quizzed and give reports or anything; I’ve very shy and haven’t had a problem- I just listen way more than speak. And no, you don’t need family support, though it would be nice to have. My family, especially my mother, is pretty hostile to the idea of my converting, but I feel this is the path I’m being called to walk. You probably will want to have a good talk with your husband, though; it might be hard on y’all if he’s strongly opposed to the idea.

 

[asia53]

From what I’ve heard, having sessions one on one with a priest is done mostly in parishes with no RCIA program set up.

Or for people in my circumstances—I worked evenings, and couldn’t make the RCIA classes on Wednesday night. I did one-on-one with Father W (God bless him!), and only met my fellow converts a week before we swam the Tiber.

 

[rubenzillo]

I have nothing against taking the course, I have a few personal issues (shyness, fear of talking in public, poor hearing in crowds of people) that have been keeping me away from converting. I am so shy that just walking into a new building is so nerve wrecking it makes me sick. I’ve been talking myself out of this for years now. I went to a local church 3 years ago for a mass and I was uncomfortable, especially when the people I shared the pew with gave me strange looks for not going for communion, almost like I was an intruder.

Do not be discouraged, God is making a strong call in your heart, you will not regret it . the Catholic Faith has given full meaning in my life. i took the RCIA program 3 times and every time i learn something new that helps me grow in my journey of Faith. if you dont feel confident about the RCIA team members you can check other parishes… i have done it 3 times i different parishes and the atmosphere was different in all of them but the same result … awesome.

God Bless