RCIA and a college class?

[saramichelle6]

I’m considering beginning RCIA this fall. I will be a senior in college. I’m finally not taking 19 credit hours this semester and looking very much forward to it.

I considered taking the ‘Intro to Catholicism’ class on my campus. I’ve never had time to take a religion course and thought, what a better time to explore it? The course is full, but I go to a smaller college and usually communication with the professor (in this case, a priest) is enough for them to open up a spot if someone really wants to get in.

Do I cram more hours into my schedule when I’m finally starting to slow down? I also need to get a job next fall so I can have at least a little income. Mom and Dad pay for school, not for anything else. Do I ask to audit the class (not take it for credit) and go when I can? Or just not worry about it since the class is already full? I’ve heard that RCIA isn’t very comprehensive, and I’m really interested in learning all I can about the Chuch. Any (name removed by moderator)ut is appreciated!

 

[kell0618]

I’m considering beginning RCIA this fall. I will be a senior in college. I’m finally not taking 19 credit hours this semester and looking very much forward to it.

I considered taking the ‘Intro to Catholicism’ class on my campus. I’ve never had time to take a religion course and thought, what a better time to explore it? The course is full, but I go to a smaller college and usually communication with the professor (in this case, a priest) is enough for them to open up a spot if someone really wants to get in.

Do I cram more hours into my schedule when I’m finally starting to slow down? I also need to get a job next fall so I can have at least a little income. Mom and Dad pay for school, not for anything else. Do I ask to audit the class (not take it for credit) and go when I can? Or just not worry about it since the class is already full? I’ve heard that RCIA isn’t very comprehensive, and I’m really interested in learning all I can about the Chuch. Any (name removed by moderator)ut is appreciated!

RCIA programs are not all created equal. It is however required if you want to enter the Church. Taking the college class will not hurt as you can never have the information reinforced enough and provided you need the extra credits.
RCIA programs should be very comprehensive including the following and more: History of the Christianity & the Church, The Sacraments, Church Fathers, Social Responsibility, Moral Issues, the Bible, the Catechism, Prayers, etc. etc. The process of learning about the Catholic faith will last until you are dead on earth. RCIA programs are typically Sept. through Pentacost of the following year and certainly EVERYTHING cannot be covered. A good RCIA program will touch on everything necessary to be able to honestly commitment oneself to Catholicism. It is a beginning only.

By the way, May God Bless You on Your Journey!

 

[puzzleannie]

our local campus Catholic ministry center has been offering RCIA and confirmation classes on campus (it is mostly a commuter college) for the convenience of students who find it hard to get to their home parishes for these classes, it will be worth an inquiry. In any case Intro to Catholicism is a great course. After 12 years in parochial school I took such a class at my Big Fat State University, taught by a Presbyterian minister, and learned a great deal (especially by researching and rebutting some of the very few errors and misconceptions he introduced). I credit that course with keeping me Catholic at that period of my life.

 

[THutch04]

I’m considering beginning RCIA this fall. I will be a senior in college. I’m finally not taking 19 credit hours this semester and looking very much forward to it.

I considered taking the ‘Intro to Catholicism’ class on my campus. I’ve never had time to take a religion course and thought, what a better time to explore it? The course is full, but I go to a smaller college and usually communication with the professor (in this case, a priest) is enough for them to open up a spot if someone really wants to get in.

Do I cram more hours into my schedule when I’m finally starting to slow down? I also need to get a job next fall so I can have at least a little income. Mom and Dad pay for school, not for anything else. Do I ask to audit the class (not take it for credit) and go when I can? Or just not worry about it since the class is already full? I’ve heard that RCIA isn’t very comprehensive, and I’m really interested in learning all I can about the Chuch. Any (name removed by moderator)ut is appreciated!

Just from my experience, I took a Catholicism class while I was in RCIA. I don’t regret that decision at all. Taking a class certainly gave me a different perspective that wasn’t presented during RCIA. You also do learn different aspects of the Church from being involved in both. Not to mention, that the priest who taught my class was very excited for me as it got closer to Initiation; the process even became part of the class discussion at one point. If it’s at all possible, I’d highly recommend you take the class.

 

[LeahInancsi]

I say you should audit the college course and go as often as you can. RCIA at your local parish is what is most important with regard to the Church. With regard to your degree, you probably won’t gain anything by having the religion credits and the time and money will be more beneficial to you.

Also, listen to PuzzleAnnie. If I find out where she is, I’ll let you know and you can attend her RCIA class. One of these days I’m going to find her. Southeast Texas, eh?