RCIA information

[all4chico]

Hello,

First time poster, long time reader!

I am currently looking to convert to the catholic faith. Although I can not claim to be a catholic, I attend daily mass, pray the rosary, attend bible study, and study the faith as thouroughly as I can.

I come here with a heavy heart because I have been told that I can not begin RCIA classes until the fall. However, I feel very passionate, and I thirst for the knowledge of Christ and His church. I pray that someone here may be able to point me in a direction where I can either begin my journey, or further my studies until I am able to attend classes.

Thank you for any help that you can provide!

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Hi all4chico,

Great to hear you’re joining the family! I’m a convert too.

It sounds like you are already doing a lot of great things to prepare yourself. The most important preparation is, of course, prayer, which it sounds like you’re doing.

I’d be happy to share some resources, but it would be helpful to know how much you’ve already studied. Have you delved into the catechism, for example? The compendium is a shorter, Q&A version. Ever read Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales?

For reference purposes I like Fr. Hardon’s Modern Catholic Dictionary, and for more detailed info I consult the Catholic Encyclopedia–but just be aware it’s from 1917 and some articles contain info that is out of date.

There are many other resources as well–both online and offline. Just let us know where you’re at…

 

[Canuck000]

Hello and welcome! I will come into full communion very shortly at Easter. I started with inquiry classes 1 1/2 years ago, started RCIA last August. There is a lot you can do to prepare and inquiry ( which is held between the 2 Sun. Masses is a great place to start and many that attend will continue with RCIA in the fall. I enjoyed reading Micheal Kelley’s Rediscover Catholicism and Catholicism for Dummies. It takes time but it’s time well spent!!

 

[all4chico]

Thank you for the responses. I have tried to read some online sources that quote the catechism. I kinda get lost in translation because there are words that I don’t understand just yet. I guess I need to have a “dumbed down” version lol. I will have a look at the compendium that was suggested.

As to where I stand in my studies…I am at a point now where I have done so much reading that my brain hurts and I have a lot of questions that have been left either unanswered or answered incompletely.

 

[Lisa1967]

Try a book, I think it’s called Catholic Catechism for Dummies.

It sounds like you are doing all that you can for now. Pray for patience, and the days will pass quickly.

I became a Catholic in 1986 through RCIA. I wanted to do it sooner, but my teachers at Catholic school advised me to wait a year until I graduated. So I did.

 

[capablanca911]

You need to listen to the Catholic Answers Live podcast every day! It was tremendously helpful and entertaining!

 

[Journey322]

Hello,

First time poster, long time reader!

I am currently looking to convert to the catholic faith. Although I can not claim to be a catholic, I attend daily mass, pray the rosary, attend bible study, and study the faith as thouroughly as I can.

I come here with a heavy heart because I have been told that I can not begin RCIA classes until the fall. However, I feel very passionate, and I thirst for the knowledge of Christ and His church. I pray that someone here may be able to point me in a direction where I can either begin my journey, or further my studies until I am able to attend classes.

Thank you for any help that you can provide!

Some parishes offer RCIA year-round. My parish does this. Ask around to the various parishes near you. Perhaps one of them can get you started soon.

 

[felsguy]

Some parishes offer RCIA year-round. My parish does this. Ask around to the various parishes near you. Perhaps one of them can get you started soon.

This is good advice. Also, if you have already been baptized you may not have to wait until Easter of 2014 to enter the Church. It will depend on the degree to which you are catechized and the policy of the particular parish.

 

[Marysann]

If you are looking for an easier version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, try Youcat, the Church’s catechism for youth. It is written for young people, but I think that it can be useful for people of any age. I bought one for myself, and I have found it very helpful in explaining Catholic teachings in a clear and simple manner. Please keep us informed about the progress of your journey. You have the prayers of many behind you now!