Questions about RCIA

[Superman28]

Hi, I am new to this forum, so I hope I am putting this in the right place.

Basically, the parishes in my area are next to impossible to get in contact with. I found a church that is near me, which I would like to start attending. The reason I have held off is because I am not a Catholic yet. I know that is not a great reason, but I feel I should at least be embarking on that voyage before I become a regular there.

Anyway, I am confused if I actually need RCIA or not. I have talked to a friend who says that all I probably need is first communion and confirmation. I have been basically reading my way into the ways of the Church for almost a year now. I feel like RCIA is focused on convincing people that Catholicism is the truth, whereas I have already crossed that bridge! I feel that I already know most of what these classes will probably cover. What do the rest of you know about this?

I would ask my local priest about this, if he were easier to get ahold of. I am at college and at work in the day time, and I study nights and weekends. RCIA is on a Tuesday PM at 7. This will not fit my schedule anyway. I am not opposed to RCIA, if it would fit my busy schedule…

What do I do?

 

[AttendeDomine]

You absolutely have to get in contact with a local parish, and have them help you sort this out.

Now, if you were validly Baptized, yes, you would need to be received into the Church by going to the Sacrament of Penance, receiving First Communion, and then being Confirmed. While I’ve heard anecdotal evidence to the contrary, I’ve only ever experienced my own parish with regard to how they would go about dealing with someone in your situation. Here, you would have to go through the whole RCIA process, and receive the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. My parish is by no means kooky or progressive or anything of that sort. They go about things in this manner because it’s a case of simple logistics: 20 - 40 people simply can’t be received into the Church by each receiving private instruction.

Having said that, there may be exceptions. Some individuals do go to a priest, and Father will judge it prudent to simply go ahead and hear their Confession and give them Holy Communion whenever he feels they’re ready. Many individuals who have theological training become Catholic in this manner. In this case, RCIA may not be necessary. Furthermore, I’ve heard talk that this is actually the common way in which non-Catholic Christians become Catholic, although I don’t know for certain.

But yes: long story short, you do need to get a hold of a priest, and ask him how he would go about doing things in your case. Ultimately, this is his call. It could work out with you being privately received, or it could work out by your having to wait until Easter. Either way, may God’s will be done.

As a convert myself, I would highly urge you to consider RCIA to be a wonderful means by which you can slowly be incorporated into the Church, and not simply as a burden or as so much red tape. Furthermore, RCIA is not meant to be apologetics oriented so much as it is simply there to outline and present the teachings of the Church. Maybe you’ve read the Catechism 142 times and you feel strongly that you could teach RCIA yourself. But nonetheless, if necessary, please go along with the program. You will be greatly enriched by it.

 

[pianistclare]

Many people go through RCIA instruction because it’s not a matter of “just getting the sacraments done”.
You should be fully aware, and understand what you are embarking on.
Not everyone in RCIA needs Baptism. The Catholic church recognizes Baptisms in some other faiths. The priest will advise you about if yours is one of those.
If you complete the classes and wants to become Catholic, and enter the church in full Communion, you will make a profession of faith at the Easter Vigil along with others in the same boat.
It’s a beautiful process, one that I feel you will thoroughly enjoy. Do not hesitate to begin going to Mass. There’s much to be learned form the prayers, the homilies, and beginning to become part of the parish family. You can even volunteer in some capacities.
See the priest, and let him advise you from there. Show up in the Secretary’s office.
Ask for an appointment to speak to the priest about beginning RCIA. My guess is that you will be warmly welcomed. Simply calling doesn’t really get good results. I work in a parish, and the phone rings 24-7 and EVERYONE wants to speak to Father. Maybe ask for his email or find it on their web-age. Most priests are very good about responding to email.
Give him all your info.
Good luck, and welcome home.

 

[Joe_5859]

Welcome to CAF! I’m glad to hear that you are looking at becoming Catholic. I highly recommend it!

The bottom line is that you need to talk to the pastor. Yes, I know some people who more or less studied their way into Church (and had already been baptized by some other Christian group) who were received into the Church at some other time without going through RCIA. But not every pastor will do this and it’s not always preferable even for those who already have studied a lot. It’s the pastor’s call and none of us here can make it.

The RCIA is a process of conversion. It’s not just a class people take so that they know what the Church teaches (though it does involve instruction—as it should). It’s not just a box we check off or something we do for the sake of doing it (at least, not if RCIA is being done well).

If you have a conflict, you can raise that issue with the priest as well. Between the two of you, I’m sure you’ll figure something out.

Don’t be afraid to go to Mass, though, even though you are not Catholic. You cannot receive Communion yet, but you certainly can go. I would encourage you to do so just to scope out the terrain.

God bless!

 

[Magdalen2013]

Welcome home, Joe!

I was received into the Church in 2014 at the Easter Vigil. I went through the RCIA process, and found it very valuable.

RCIA is not just classes, but rites geared to preparing you to be a full member of the community. The RCIA team in your parish will work with you – there were college students in my group, and there were times that they couldn’t attend.

Do go to Mass – the only thing you can’t do now is receive Communion, and it will help you.

 

[Casilda]

Hi, I am new to this forum, so I hope I am putting this in the right place.

Basically, the parishes in my area are next to impossible to get in contact with. I found a church that is near me, which I would like to start attending. The reason I have held off is because I am not a Catholic yet. I know that is not a great reason, but I feel I should at least be embarking on that voyage before I become a regular there.

Anyway, I am confused if I actually need RCIA or not. I have talked to a friend who says that all I probably need is first communion and confirmation. I have been basically reading my way into the ways of the Church for almost a year now. I feel like RCIA is focused on convincing people that Catholicism is the truth, whereas I have already crossed that bridge! I feel that I already know most of what these classes will probably cover. What do the rest of you know about this?

I would ask my local priest about this, if he were easier to get ahold of. I am at college and at work in the day time, and I study nights and weekends. RCIA is on a Tuesday PM at 7. This will not fit my schedule anyway. I am not opposed to RCIA, if it would fit my busy schedule…

What do I do?

Gee, you must live in my diocese. Yes, some of the bigger parishes have way too many people and maybe just one priest so it is next to impossible to talk to him. You said you are in college, any Catholic groups there? Maybe there is a Newman Center?

newmanconnection.com/locations

Try finding a smaller parish, close to school, close to work.

 

[Catholic_farmer]

I couldn’t make the evening RCIA classes either. Best thing to do is to call the office during the daytime and ask to speak to the Director of Religious Education. Or, even the RCIA Coordinator. They need to meet with you to determine what you need and where you are in your journey. They also have the RCIA study guide. I worked through it on my own and just contacted them when I had a question. I did attend Sunday masses. There may be a specific mass where RCiA candidates approach the altar for a special blessing and then head to a class to reflect on the mass readings. It means you sit through half the mass and then leave after the homily. Don’t feel funny about that. The Church has been excusing candidates for about 2,000 years, so it’s a be very old tradition! I went to Sunday RCIA, even though I couldn’t make the night classes.

God bless you in your journey. I started RCIA later in the fall than you and still caught up to the class easily. Easter 2016 is what you’re aiming for, I imagine. You’re a college student so you’ll have no trouble with self study.

RCIA Class of 2014

 

[Mike1955]

I found a church that is near me, which I would like to start attending. The reason I have held off is because I am not a Catholic yet. I know that is not a great reason, but I feel I should at least be embarking on that voyage before I become a regular there.

Please reconsider this. Go to Mass this Sunday and enjoy the service.

In the old days, if you did not go up to receive Communion, supposedly people would notice and gossip amongst themselves. So you would go up and discretely cross your wrists to indicate to Father that you were not taking Communion. Father would simply bless you and move on, and Mrs. Grundy would not know. Today, at least in my parish, many people do not go up, for a variety of reasons. Maybe they have not been able to go to confession; maybe they have not fasted; maybe they are not eligible for whatever reason. But, at least in my parish, no one would be concerned by your staying in the pew during the Eucharist.

Attend services, grow closer to the Lord, and let that help you on your journey.

Peace by with you.

Mike

 

[Memaw]

Hi, I am new to this forum, so I hope I am putting this in the right place.

Basically, the parishes in my area are next to impossible to get in contact with. I found a church that is near me, which I would like to start attending. The reason I have held off is because I am not a Catholic yet. I know that is not a great reason, but I feel I should at least be embarking on that voyage before I become a regular there.

Anyway, I am confused if I actually need RCIA or not. I have talked to a friend who says that all I probably need is first communion and confirmation. I have been basically reading my way into the ways of the Church for almost a year now. I feel like RCIA is focused on convincing people that Catholicism is the truth, whereas I have already crossed that bridge! I feel that I already know most of what these classes will probably cover. What do the rest of you know about this?

I would ask my local priest about this, if he were easier to get ahold of. I am at college and at work in the day time, and I study nights and weekends. RCIA is on a Tuesday PM at 7. This will not fit my schedule anyway. I am not opposed to RCIA, if it would fit my busy schedule…

What do I do?

Go to Mass and talk to the pastor after Mass and I am sure he will work out something for you that will fit your schedule. RCIA is also a way to get to know others making the same journey you are and a time to ask questions, have discussions etc. I am a “cradle” Catholic and I have attended many instructions classes with those I was sponsoring and it was very interesting and I learned a lot. and was also able to help in discussions. God Bless. Memaw

 

[maryjk]

I would ask my local priest about this, if he were easier to get a hold of. I** am at college and at work in the day time, and I study nights and weekends.** RCIA is on a Tuesday PM at 7. This will not fit my schedule anyway. I am not opposed to RCIA, if it would fit my busy schedule…

What do I do?

It sounds like you don’t have any time that would fit into your schedule.

Is there a way to make time?

 

[pianistclare]

It sounds like you don’t have any time that would fit into your schedule.

Is there a way to make time?

Sometimes pastors make arrangements for personal instruction by them or by a Deacon. There are some pieces that you really ought to attend, but that’s negotiable too. You won’t know until you ask.

 

[maryjk]

Sometimes pastors make arrangements for personal instruction by them or by a Deacon. There are some pieces that you really ought to attend, but that’s negotiable too. You won’t know until you ask.

Our pastor will do that, but the person must have **some **available time.

 

[pianistclare]

Our pastor will do that, but the person must have **some **available time.

Of course. They need to be available for the Rite of Acceptance etc., and other important events.

 

[Superman28]

It sounds like you don’t have any time that would fit into your schedule.

Is there a way to make time?

This is exactly my point. Pretty much the only time I have that is uninterrupted by school or family life is the three hours per day I spend commuting back and fourth from the college. All other time is devoted to working, learning, and studying. I simply took on too many classes (15 credit hrs). I did not know any better since I am a 1st generation college student. I obviously will take less classes next semester, but for now I am absolutely booked.

So my response is… Yes and no. That is why I am asking around to hear what others are doing. I find it hard to imagine that there are not other people in my same shoes that cannot make it to a meeting at 7:00 in the afternoon on a weekday! I think these are ridiculous hours given who the classes are directed at (adults).

 

[Horton]

So my response is… Yes and no. That is why I am asking around to hear what others are doing. I find it hard to imagine that there are not other people in my same shoes that cannot make it to a meeting at 7:00 in the afternoon on a weekday! I think these are ridiculous hours given who the classes are directed at (adults).

Seven PM is in the evening and is not ridiculous. The classes are geared toward adults who have most likely have jobs and children’s school activities during the day.

When would you suggest class time be?

 

[maryjk]

Seven PM is in the evening and is not ridiculous. The classes are geared toward adults who have most likely have jobs and children’s school activities during the day.

When would you suggest class time be?

That is exactly what I was going to say. And ask.

 

[Magdalen2013]

So my response is… Yes and no. That is why I am asking around to hear what others are doing. I find it hard to imagine that there are not other people in my same shoes that cannot make it to a meeting at 7:00 in the afternoon on a weekday! I think these are ridiculous hours given who the classes are directed at (adults).

One – “Afternoon” ends at 4:00pm. Those 7:00pm meetings are happening in the EVENING, and most of my group had no problems attending them. Anytime one of them had a conflict they made arrangements to catch up with the RCIA team.

You mention you’re attending college – have you checked to see if there’s a Newman Center on campus? If there is, they may offer RCIA as well.

You do know that if you are accepted into RCIA, you will have to attend Mass every Sunday, right? Do you have time to do that?

 

[Matthew125]

Hi, I am new to this forum, so I hope I am putting this in the right place.

I would ask my local priest about this, if he were easier to get ahold of. I am at college and at work in the day time, and I study nights and weekends. RCIA is on a Tuesday PM at 7. This will not fit my schedule anyway. I am not opposed to RCIA, if it would fit my busy schedule…

What do I do?

Does your parish have a Director of Adult Formation (or something similar)? This person would probably be in a better position to discuss your options. You are also more likely to get a response sooner if you call or e-mail this person I would think.

Matt

 

[FrDavid96]

Hi, I am new to this forum, so I hope I am putting this in the right place.

Basically, the parishes in my area are next to impossible to get in contact with. I found a church that is near me, which I would like to start attending. The reason I have held off is because I am not a Catholic yet. I know that is not a great reason, but I feel I should at least be embarking on that voyage before I become a regular there.

Anyway, I am confused if I actually need RCIA or not. I have talked to a friend who says that all I probably need is first communion and confirmation. I have been basically reading my way into the ways of the Church for almost a year now. I feel like RCIA is focused on convincing people that Catholicism is the truth, whereas I have already crossed that bridge! I feel that I already know most of what these classes will probably cover. What do the rest of you know about this?

I would ask my local priest about this, if he were easier to get ahold of. I am at college and at work in the day time, and I study nights and weekends. RCIA is on a Tuesday PM at 7. This will not fit my schedule anyway. I am not opposed to RCIA, if it would fit my busy schedule…

What do I do?

Welcome!

First of all, yes, you do need to go through RCIA. That’s a given. You’re an adult, therefore RCIA applies to you.

The real question is “what form of RCIA?” applies to your situation.

I don’t see where you mention this directly, but you did say that your friend mentioned First Communion—so the fact that you don’t mention Baptism leads me to think you’re already baptised.

There are different forms of RCIA. The one for those who are not baptised usually ends at the Easter Vigil Mass. The form for those already baptised can be done anytime during the year, but in actual practice, many parishes in the US will ask participants to join with those not baptised into a single group (for educational purposes, not theological ones—there’s no re-baptism).

I know you’ve already said that it’s difficult, but the real answer to your question is that you need to speak with the pastor at your local Catholic parish, or with the priest who has pastoral care of the college where you attend. He is the only person who can actually answer your question.

Accommodations and adjustments can be made, but to get an accurate answer (one that will actually apply to your situation), you’ll need to speak with the priest.

 

[Superman28]

Does your parish have a Director of Adult Formation (or something similar)? This person would probably be in a better position to discuss your options. You are also more likely to get a response sooner if you call or e-mail this person I would think.

Matt

I think that is probably best. I will try again to get in contact with them. I may actually inquire at the church on the campus. However, this would not be the church that I could attend on Sunday, as I live like 40 miles from the school. The church I would probably attend is about 1/2 hr drive from our house… This is the one I have had such trouble contacting. It is a super nice church, but they are impossible to contact. I may have better luck staying after a service though.

I have just felt a bit strange about the whole thing given their delay in contacting me back. I thought maybe they weren’t interested, or had too many people already. I honestly felt a little bit brushed off.