Questions from a rookie

[ScottH]

My wife and I have decided to become Roman Catholics. (We were baptized Presbyterians). We recently filled out our local Roman Catholic church’s “census” form telling them about ourselves after talking to the church about our interest in joining.

First, let me say that this site is a great resource, and was instrumental in my decision to become Roman Catholic. As a former Protestant, there was much I didn’t understand, and thought was “wrong” about the practices of you folks- until I dug much deeper (and not just on this site, but this one was a big help.) Thank you all for the occasional feedback over the past year here. You folks in this forum were very helpful.

One thing I’m trying to grasp are the little things you folks do during worship that you long time R. Catholics know to do, but is foreign to someone like me of a protestant background. I don’t know when its proper to kneel, or make the sign of the cross, as well as many traditional things from mass. I’m learning by merely watching the others. Is there a resource for these types of in-house practices and ceremonial tradition?

I assume there will probably be classes or meetings with the Priest of our church before we are accepted into the church. I also assume this will probably happen sometime after the Easter Vigil (as per the outline on this site for new RCs) Hopefully, the “little things” such as these in-house practices will be covered. I know at this time of year, the Priests are extremely busy, and respect that.

I also assume that the creed you folks recite by heart is the Nicene Creed during worship, which is similar but longer than the Apostles Creed that I am used to.

Anyway, I look forward to me and my wife’s first communion as members of the Roman Catholic Church. I’ll probably be asking more questions of you all during this time, so any help is appreciated.

”The Rookie”
Scott H.

 

[JimCalvin]

I don’t know when its proper to kneel, or make the sign of the cross, as well as many traditional things from mass. I’m learning by merely watching the others. Is there a resource for these types of in-house practices and ceremonial tradition?

Greetings and welcome to the Church! If your parish uses the soft-cover missalettes, most of the gestures are contained in them. From what I’ve seen, they are italicized.

 

[Della]

ScottH:

My wife and I have decided to become Roman Catholics. (We were baptized Presbyterians). We recently filled out our local Roman Catholic church’s “census” form telling them about ourselves after talking to the church about our interest in joining.

That’s great! Welcome home! As baptised Protestants you will be called candidates in your parish’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program and will be confirmed Easter Vigil of next year, and believe me, the time will truly fly by!

First, let me say that this site is a great resource, and was instrumental in my decision to become Roman Catholic. As a former Protestant, there was much I didn’t understand, and thought was “wrong” about the practices of you folks- until I dug much deeper (and not just on this site, but this one was a big help.) Thank you all for the occasional feedback over the past year here. You folks in this forum were very helpful.

Please let me presume to say, “You’re welcome!” from everyone who helped you answer your questions. I’m not sure if I was one of them, but I’m so glad to hear you say you got so much help and the answers you needed.

One thing I’m trying to grasp are the little things you folks do during worship that you long time R. Catholics know to do, but is foreign to someone like me of a protestant background. I don’t know when its proper to kneel, or make the sign of the cross, as well as many traditional things from mass. I’m learning by merely watching the others. Is there a resource for these types of in-house practices and ceremonial tradition?

Here is a good site for the posture and some of the gestures for Mass. In reading through it they didn’t mention the 3-fold crossing of the forehead, the lips, and the heart at the announcement that the Gospel. But, just do what everyone else does and you’ll be fine. The 3-fold crossing at the Gospel means: May Christ be in my thoughts, on my lips, and in my heart.

I assume there will probably be classes or meetings with the Priest of our church before we are accepted into the church. I also assume this will probably happen sometime after the Easter Vigil (as per the outline on this site for new RCs) Hopefully, the “little things” such as these in-house practices will be covered. I know at this time of year, the Priests are extremely busy, and respect that.

Yes, RCIA usually starts in September and ends at Easter Vigil–the evening before Easter Sunday.

I also assume that the creed you folks recite by heart is the Nicene Creed during worship, which is similar but longer than the Apostles Creed that I am used to.

Yes, it is either in a missalette (a booklet giving the order of the Mass that many parishes have) or in the hymnal. Ask an usher to help you with that.

Anyway, I look forward to me and my wife’s first communion as members of the Roman Catholic Church. I’ll probably be asking more questions of you all during this time, so any help is appreciated.

”The Rookie”
Scott H.

And we are happy to be welcoming you into the Church. We will be here, ready and willing, to help you with any questions you might have–to get you the resources you need.

 

[jbuck919]

I’m sure you will receive fine instruction through your formal conversion process, even though to read the (undestandable) venting of frustration that is prevalent here you might think that Catholic initiation had become a new age senstitivity training program.

Many Catholics also do not know for certain when to assume a posture or make a certain gesture. This is because much confusion has been introduced by variations in practice in the last 40 years, though the directives are quite clear.

Good luck, and much happiness with your decision.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

ScottH:

My wife and I have decided to become Roman Catholics. (We were baptized Presbyterians). We recently filled out our local Roman Catholic church’s “census” form telling them about ourselves after talking to the church about our interest in joining.

First, let me say that this site is a great resource, and was instrumental in my decision to become Roman Catholic. As a former Protestant, there was much I didn’t understand, and thought was “wrong” about the practices of you folks- until I dug much deeper (and not just on this site, but this one was a big help.) Thank you all for the occasional feedback over the past year here. You folks in this forum were very helpful.

One thing I’m trying to grasp are the little things you folks do during worship that you long time R. Catholics know to do, but is foreign to someone like me of a protestant background. I don’t know when its proper to kneel, or make the sign of the cross, as well as many traditional things from mass. I’m learning by merely watching the others. Is there a resource for these types of in-house practices and ceremonial tradition?

I assume there will probably be classes or meetings with the Priest of our church before we are accepted into the church. I also assume this will probably happen sometime after the Easter Vigil (as per the outline on this site for new RCs) Hopefully, the “little things” such as these in-house practices will be covered. I know at this time of year, the Priests are extremely busy, and respect that.

I also assume that the creed you folks recite by heart is the Nicene Creed during worship, which is similar but longer than the Apostles Creed that I am used to.

Anyway, I look forward to me and my wife’s first communion as members of the Roman Catholic Church. I’ll probably be asking more questions of you all during this time, so any help is appreciated.

”The Rookie”
Scott H.

As a Baptized Christian depending on how much you understand about the Catholic Faith. It could take anywhere from a few months to several months before you are ready to be Confirmed. The Rite suggests that those who are already Baptized be Confirmed at a time other than the Easter vigil. Some parishes do this on Pentecost others the week before Easter. If necessary at the Easter vigil along with the Baptism of Catechumens.

 

[ScottH]

Thanks again folks. Good feedback here. I’ll have to look into those resources.

I assume until Easter of next year, I’m to continue to not go up for communion until formally accepted? (If so, that does seem like a long time).

 

[ScottH]

Br. Rich SFO:

As a Baptized Christian depending on how much you understand about the Catholic Faith. It could take anywhere from a few months to several months before you are ready to be Confirmed. The Rite suggests that those who are already Baptized be Confirmed at a time other than the Easter vigil. Some parishes do this on Pentecost others the week before Easter. If necessary at the Easter vigil along with the Baptism of Catechumens.

That was my understanding from reading the resources here, that those already baptized into a recognized Christian church would be confirmed at a time other than Easter Vigil, so as not to confuse the already baptized with the new Catechumens… but I could have read it wrong.

 

[puzzleannie]

welcome home!

you will be invited to participate in RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes with other youth and adults who are preparing for baptism, for full communion with the Catholic Church, and for confirmation. Some will be unbaptized, with essentially no understanding of the Creed and basic Christian belief, some like yourselves will be non-Catholic Christians who probably have a good grounding in basic doctrine and sacred Scripture, but not in “things Catholic”, and others may be Catholics who as children never had the opportunity for the other sacraments.

Your preparation will take at least a year and if all goes well you will enter the Church probably next Easter, 2007. That is a general guide, it takes as long as it takes, not everyone progresses on this journey at the same rate.

May I suggest you learn about the Mass the way Catholic children do, by attending Mass regularly. The How-To book of the Mass from Our Sunday Visitor is a great first guide to what is happening and why we do what we do, and the meaning of it all, and the scriptural basis for it all. the Catholic Church and the Bible from OSV by Fr. Peter Stranviskis is very good on the scriptural basis for the Mass and other Catholic beliefs and practices. finally, CAtholicisim for Dummies, and most bookstores, by Fr. Trigilio is an excellent primer on all things Catholic.

you may want to see if the parish provides them, or buy your own bible, Revised Standard Version, CAtholic Edition from Ignatius Press, or New American Bible (which is the version used in the Lectionary).

With these basic resources you are good to go, and of course you have, ahem, this excellent resource here on CA and the forums with us’uns to help you out.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

ScottH:

Thanks again folks. Good feedback here. I’ll have to look into those resources.

I assume until Easter of next year, I’m to continue to not go up for communionuntil formally accepted? (If so, that does seem like a long time).

No you should not have to wait until next Easter unless you are not Baptized or have no concept of Catholic Christianity. The parish Pastor can request permission from the Bishop to Confirm you any time you, your sponsor and he feel you are ready.

 

[puzzleannie]

what Bro suggests is actually correct, but in many parishes due to limited resources or small class sizes, all adults are lumped together in one class and celebrate the sacraments at one time. May I strongly suggest a personal interview with the priest before you let the parish secretary or RCIA director lump you in a class with others who might need a much longer preparation. Get to know your priest is the best advice I can give. But I would humbly suggest that persons like yourselves add a great deal to these classes and in a way help the others with less knowledge and farther to travel. Yes, it seems like a long time, but even Jesus had a period of waiting and preparation before he began his life’s work.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

ScottH:

That was my understanding from reading the resources here, that those already baptized into a recognized Christian church would be confirmed at a time other than Easter Vigil, so as not to confuse the already baptized with the new Catechumens… but I could have read it wrong.

That is correct. Some parishes simply do not want to follow the ideal of the Rite. Or it looks better with 10 up there at Easter Vigil instead of 3. The Rite makes it clear that Easter Vigil is really focused on Adult Baptism.

 

[ScottH]

I’m sure I have lots to learn regarding being Roman Catholic, and look forward to it.

 

[Della]

Br. Rich SFO:

That is correct. Some parishes simply do not want to follow the ideal of the Rite. Or it looks better with 10 up there at Easter Vigil instead of 3. The Rite makes it clear that Easter Vigil is really focused on Adult Baptism.

I was never told about this when I was a candidate, and I’m sure most candidates in RCIA aren’t either!

I think another reason why everyone is lumped together is for the convenience of the pastor. After all, if there are 10 candidates he’s not going to want to deal with all of them along with all his other duties, especially if he is the only priest in the parish or worse yet, the only priest for 2 or 3 parishes.

But, the parish in which I was confirmed had 3 priests, but a very large congregation. That might be part of it, too, what do you think?

 

[John_Lilburne]

puzzleannie:

Your preparation will take at least a year and if all goes well you will enter the Church probably next Easter, 2007. That is a general guide, it takes as long as it takes, not everyone progresses on this journey at the same rate.

The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church is an appendix to the RCIA book. Its first paragraph is often numbered 473:

“1. The rite for the reception of one born and baptized in a separated Ecclesial Community into the full communion o fthe Catholic Church, according to the Latin rite, is arranged so that no greater burden than necessary is demanded for reception into communion and unity (see Acts 15:28).”

It has at n. 5 (often numbered RCIA 477):

"Baptized Christians are to receive both doctrinal and spiritual preparation, according to pastoral requirements in individual cases, for their reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. They should grow in their spiritual adherence to the Church where they will find the fullness of their baptism.

"During the period of preparation the candidate may share in worship according to the norms of the Ecumenical Directory.

“Any treatment of the candidates as though they were catechumens is to be absolutely avoided.”

(From Documents on the Liturgy, Liturgical Press, 1982, ISBN 0-8146-1281-4, pages 759-760).

So do not accept it: “will take at least a year and if all goes well you will enter the Church probably next Easter, 2007”. Entry to the Church came with baptism. Try to discuss the situation with the parish priest.

For learning about the Mass a “Sunday Missal” would be particularly useful.

 

[puzzleannie]

as I said, this is the ideal, as Bro SFO points out, but it is not the practice in many parishes and dioceses. Please schedule a long interview with the priest so he can get to know you and where you are, and what you need. The Rite is so loose and there are so many variations and combined rites allowed that in most programs that profess to “teach” RCIA to those charged with its implementation actually encourage combining classes for the unbaptized and the canddiates. Problem of a gulf between the intent and the implementation. Whatever does transpire in your parish, know that the first prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit in your Confirmation is humility and docility, as demonstrated by Mary, and receptivity to the teaching you are offered.

 

[x4us]

ScottH:

Thanks again folks. Good feedback here. I’ll have to look into those resources.

I assume until Easter of next year, I’m to continue to not go up for communion until formally accepted? (If so, that does seem like a long time).

Dear Scott, Please see if you and your wife can be privately received into the Church. Talk to the priest at your local parish. I had done a great deal of reading as I came convinved that the Catholic Church was the Church Christ established. The priest at my local parish had me read the book used by the RCIA class, and we met to discuss it. He was convinced of my love of the Catholic Church and my understanding of the Church’s teachings, and he arranged for me to be privately received into the Church shortly after. God Bless.

 

[LeahInancsi]

Welcome HOME!!!

I’m coming to the end of my RCIA education. I had an advantage that many Protestants don’t have and that is that I’ve never known another religion. The things Catholics do during worship were never “strange” to me.

There are several “missals” available that will guide you through each step of Mass. At the beginning of the new liturgical year, my parish began providing the missal in the hymn book.

After you have attended RCIA class for about a month, you will begin attending the first half of Mass, Liturgy of the Word. You should have a sponsor who will attend class and Mass with you and can answer your questions and tell you what to do and why.

During communion, the RCIA group will leave the Sanctuary and go to a meeting room to reflect upon the scripture readings with RCIA group leaders. This is also a great time to ask questions about things that happened during the Liturgy of the Word.

I didn’t have a sponsor for about half of the course. In that case, I watched everyone else. It’s fool proof. Every Sunday, you will pick up more and more. Now, I can go through the first half of Mass with no trouble at all.

As far as I know, we won’t be attending the Liturgy of the Eucharist until Palm Sunday? Easter Sunday we will be able to receive the Eucharist (communion) and will start a new learning process.

There is no need to worry. You will be very warmly welcomed and no one will give it a second thought if you don’t do everything perfectly. Craddle Catholics (sorry, guys) have a tendancy to shortcut or forget little things.

 

[puzzleannie]

the baptized should not be required to leave Mass after the homily for “breaking open the Word.” they are entitled to remain for the entire Mass, but not of course to receive communion until they are fully initiated. This is an example of the abuse Bro. is talking about when candidates and catechumens are “lumped together” in the same class.

 

[LeahInancsi]

ScottH:

Thanks again folks. Good feedback here. I’ll have to look into those resources.

I assume until Easter of next year, I’m to continue to not go up for communion until formally accepted? (If so, that does seem like a long time).

This response is not directed to Scott, but to his comment.

Can a baptized Christian, walk into a Catholic church and receive communion?

I’ve been lead to believe that a person much be properly catechised before they can receive their First Communion in the Catholic church.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

puzzleannie:

the baptized should not be required to leave Mass after the homily for “breaking open the Word.” they are entitled to remain for the entire Mass, but not of course to receive communion until they are fully initiated. This is an example of the abuse Bro. is talking about when candidates and catechumens are “lumped together” in the same class.

Candidates can if they choose to, but are never to be required to leave if they do not want to.