RCIA Incognito

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Would it be permissable to attend RCIA classes with a bag over one’s head? I really would like to learn more, but where I live everyone and his brother or sister knows that I am a Mormon, not just a Mormon, but a devout one. I know it sounds odd. My beliefs are changing, but I am still a practicing Mormon. Sorry, it was a silly question. I know I’m a big chicken. I guess I’m looking for some private tutoring.
 
Perhaps you could read a lot of books first. This would be a sort of RCIA for you, until you are ready-or brave enough-to actually start RCIA.
 
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searcher:
Would it be permissable to attend RCIA classes with a bag over one’s head? I really would like to learn more, but where I live everyone and his brother or sister knows that I am a Mormon, not just a Mormon, but a devout one. I know it sounds odd. My beliefs are changing, but I am still a practicing Mormon. Sorry, it was a silly question. I know I’m a big chicken. I guess I’m looking for some private tutoring.
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bear in mind most everyone in your class will also be known to be non-Catholic, so you won’t stand out as much as you think. Your parish should have inquiry sessions for Q&A about the Catholic faith, practices etc. for those who are not yet committed to the RCIA process. that period can last for weeks, months or years and is not an exhaustive academic class on Catholic doctrine, but an introduction, and place to work out questions and problems and objections.

RCIA stands for Rites of Christian Initiation and you should not formally begin that process unless you are willing to take part in those rites. the first is the Rite of Acceptance, and I am sure you would not wish to take part in a Catholic ritual unless you were committed to doing what the rite signifies, that is, formally entering the catechumenate and intending to become Catholic.

however, if you still want to wear a bag we won’t stop you, but you might want to take it off for coffee and donuts.
 
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puzzleannie:
RCIA stands for Rites of Christian Initiation and you should not formally begin that process unless you are willing to take part in those rites. the first is the Rite of Acceptance, and I am sure you would not wish to take part in a Catholic ritual unless you were committed to doing what the rite signifies, that is, formally entering the catechumenate and intending to become Catholic.
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Actually, you can begin the RCIA with no intention of entering the faith - the first period of RCIA is more exploratory. Around Christmas there will be a Rite of Welcoming, in which you formally become a catechumenate, but up until then you can stop at any time. Even afterwards, you do not have to go through with Baptism, etc. if you are not ready. I have just gone through two years of RCIA (first as catechumenate and again as a sponsor) and both times there were people who initially came to the meetings but, for one reason or another, did not feel ready or able to complete the process.

In short, don’t feel obligated to become a Catholic by going through RCIA. It’s an awesome exploratory program, if nothing else, and will give you a good understanding of the Church.
 
You can read the Catechism. You can get it by mail order if you don’t want to go into a store and buy it.
 
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buzzcut:
You can read the Catechism. You can get it by mail order if you don’t want to go into a store and buy it.
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You can find it online too. (sorry, no link, but Google it!)
 
Would it be permissable to attend RCIA classes with a bag over one’s head?
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lol - that’s funny. I’m not laughing at you - i know you’re in a dilemma, but that made me chuckle. 😃
 
Call the rectory, ask to speak only to the priest . If he is not available ask when he would be available to take your call, then call back and ask for a private meeting.

Explain your situation, he should be happy to meet with you privately to address your concerns.

+T+
Michael
 
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m4dc4p:
Actually, you can begin the RCIA with no intention of entering the faith - the first period of RCIA is more exploratory. Around Christmas there will be a Rite of Welcoming, in which you formally become a catechumenate, but up until then you can stop at any time. .
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to be completely accurate, the Rite of Acceptance marks the beginning of the period of the catechumenate for the unbaptized. The Rite of Welcoming marks the beginning of the period of formal study and preparation for the baptized candidate for full communion with the Catholic church. hey may be celebrated at the same time for each group. As I said, the difference in Rites acknowledges the special status of the baptized. The Inquiry period precedes these rites and the catechumenate. The timing of the rite varies from parish to parish, depending on the needs of the group. At least one full liturgical cycle should elapse before the Easter Vigil in which the catechumens and candidates are received into the Church. Since both these rites, and those appropriate to the catechumenate, Lent and Easter, entail some commitment on the part of the individual, they should not be undertaken without the intent to proceed. The initial inquiry or exploratory period should be as long as it needs to be for the individual to embark on the RCIA process.

The period of instruction after the introductory rites can last years in some cases, every individual is unique, and until you begin your serious study, prayer and investigation you don’t know what questions and objections will arise, and you cannot predict your spiritual progress and setbacks. This is definitely not a one size fits all process, but any inquirer should feel quite at home, no matter what his background, and should not feel pressured to proceed faster than he wishes.
 
Thanks all of you. You’re support is appreciated. The home study site looks like it has definite possibilities. Also I do have a copy of the Catechism. A great friend gave it to me. I’m making my way slowly through that. Sometimes it would be nice to talk with someone face-to-face about some of these things. Or in my case face-to-bag. Talking with a priest in private also sounds possible. Then there’s the other problem. What to tell my wife. “Hey , honey, how about attending RCIA class with me tonight.”
 
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