RCIA Choosing Parish

[Luxlove]

Hi everyone, long story short: after being a non-denominational Christian followed by a period of agnosticism, I’ve come back with my faith renewed and am still drawn to the Church. (I was strongly considering exploring the Catholic faith before my period of agnosticism.) I’ve been reading the Catechism, novels by Catholic authors, and some books about the faith. I also attended my first mass today so thought I’d finally make a post! I’m almost sure I will eventually convert, but I would definitely like to take my time. My simple question is whether I need to do RCIA at my home parish? I commute to my university downtown (about 7 miles away, across a bridge) and intern on this side of town as well. I spend most of my time there, so it’s easier for me to attend in this area. The downtown church that serves my university also has a lot of people attending from all over the metro area. Thanks all, blessings!

 

[C794]

You don’t have to attend RCIA at your home parish. You should pick the parish that works best for you. Good luck in RCIA and God bless!

 

[getysbg]

Congrats on deciding to make the journey! Two things I would like to mention to you:

1.- Things are not always what they seem so question, question, question.

2.- There will be those who will attempt to confuse or debate you. Also those who will re-buff you. Your best ‘defense’ is to explain why you believe. Debating can only suck you in . If asked something that you don’t know, say so! But tell them that you’ll find out and then follow-up by telling them.

This journey is so worth it!

 

[thequeen]

Welcome Home!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I commute to my university downtown (about 7 miles away, across a bridge) and intern on this side of town as well. I spend most of my time there, so it’s easier for me to attend in this area. The downtown church that serves my university also has a lot of people attending from all over the metro area. Thanks all, blessings!

It sounds like either parish is a possibility. One thing to consider is that RCIA may include being at church multiple times a week (or perhaps not – it depends on how the particular parish handles things).

We have always encouraged our candidates and catechumens to attend Mass together on Sunday mornings. For the catechumens that’s when we do the dismissal (so they can further contemplate/discuss the readings they’ve heard) so it’s important for them to be there. Even though we don’t dismiss the candidates it’s beneficial for them to be at a Mass where they know the catechists, sponsors, etc.

Then we have class on a weeknight, so folks need to be there as well.

If you are in the more distant area on weekdays, that would mean making extra trips on Sundays and perhaps hanging out until it’s time for classes in the evenings.

On the other hand, seven miles isn’t a huge distance or time factor so maybe it doesn’t matter, especially if that parish particularly attracts you.

You might also want to check into the Newman Center or Catholic Campus Ministry at your university. Among other things, they keep track of the academic calendar so that they don’t schedule things during breaks and work around events like final exams.

 

[Luxlove]

Thank you all! I’ve heard mixed things about RCIA, but I can’t wait to begin.

 

[Luxlove]

You might also want to check into the Newman Center or Catholic Campus Ministry at your university. Among other things, they keep track of the academic calendar so that they don’t schedule things during breaks and work around events like final exams.

Thanks, I’ll probably contact the Newman Center at my university soon - they actually operate from that downtown church so it seems like a good idea. It would also be nice to meet and be around folks that are around my age.

 

[getysbg]

Your choice of the Newman Center is probably the best as you will have much in common with the other people attending. When I went through the Newman Center at Temple it wa relaxed because we all had something in common.

Whether the journey is long or short, always keep your eye on the prize!