RCIA: Is it absolutely necessary?

[Saint_Gemma]

Private instruction is an extraordinary option. But not because of anything you have stated. If you are over 7 years old and are not Baptized yet you should be in RCIA geared for a person your age, but still the same process and still the same Rites as the adults. If over 16 you should be in the regular RCIA process. If already Baptized and between 14 and 16 it is possible that you are simply being catechized for First Holy Communion and Confirmation as any other young person would be. But I would think that you would be in the Confirmation class with the others your age, not in private instruction. Your readiness is based on you and you Sprirtual readiness. I hope you have a Sponsor who is also helping you along.

I have not been baptized.

 

[swariffin]

I know RCIA is a process which takes a year for someone to become a Catholic and of course they go through Communion, Confirmation, etc. But if someone at the moment just wants baptism and they do have faith, is RCIA really necessary?

Dear Jennifer,

For an adult, I do believe that RCIA is necessary. Take an example to us living in Christian minority country. The non-catholic christian are easy to baptise people. As we experienced here, not all people are being chosen by Christ to be baptised. Some people were baptised for other reason than being Christ follower. Some were baptised for “economic reason” such as being promised to get “something” after baptism. It may sound ridiculous to you and your “economically rich countries”. I am glad that the RCIA in my country really a prove that the Catholic Church does not baptised people based on enticements. Even the RCIA process is the prove that we do not conduct “Christianizing” as our moslem brothers sometimes misunderstood, politically.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I have not been baptized.

If you have not been Baptized then the Church Norm is for you to be Baptized at the Easter Vigil, after a full liturgical year in the Catechumenate, with a Sponsor. Celebrating all the proper Rites of Acceptance, Election, the Scrutinies. If you are over 7. (which I assume you are)

 

[rciadan]

See and read the link in my signature. In theory, persons like me validly baptized are supposed to have a different program from the unbaptized. In theory. At least, that is what the US Bishops wanted. As far as I can tell, NOBODY has paid any attention to the US Bishops. Apples are treated like Oranges and that includes the easter Vigil.

So, Saint Philomena Church in carson, california will insist I be baptized, in spite of my being baptized Church Of England

Nobody, and that seems to be NOBODY, gives a squat as to how the US Bishops wanted validly baptized Christians to be admitted to the Church

For anyone to insist you be bapised again when you have already received Baptism in a Protestant Demomination that is known to use the valid formula (there is a list that shows each and every one and whether or not the Catholic Church acknowledges it as valid) Church of England being one of them, is wrong, unconcienable, and borders on heretical! I find it very difficult to believe that a priest or Bishop would knowingly allow this to happen. After all, it is in the Creed. “…We believe in ONE Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The correct treatment (and differentiation) of Catechumens (unbaptised) and Candidates (baptised and wishing full Communion) is to incorporate the “Dismissal”. Because of thier lack of Baptism, the Catechumen should not be present during the liturgy of the Eucharist. They should stay and receive God’s word and instruction during the litugy of the Word; but, be dismissed (recess out to a classroom) just before the presentation of the gifts to receive formal instruction regarding what and who it is they are preparing for in the Blessed Sacrament. The baptised who by virtue of being already Christians are able to stay for the entire Mass even though they cannot yet receive Holy Communion. They would then, after Mass, join the Catechumens for Sacramental preparation to receive the other Sacraments of Initiation, Confession, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. In this way, they are all being treated and instructed in accord to and with respect to the Sacraments already received. During the time that the Candidates are in with the rest of the congregation at Mass the catechumens should be receiveing preparation for baptism with all other instructions taking place after the Candidates have joined them. It is not a “different program” but “multi-level” catechetical formation process that has the capacity to treat all, from inquirer to an adult candidate for Confirmation, fairly. Also, the Pastor has the right to allow someone who, in his opinion, is fully prepared to receive any of the Sacraments outside the RCIA process and even outside of the Easter Tridium. This would, of course, need the Bishop’s permission since Confirmation is his purview only.

 

[puzzleannie]

I have a question. Because my situation is so unusual (I am the minor daughter of two non-catholics), I am being given individual instruction with a nun. I will receive the sacraments in only two months because I have already studied so much. Is this allowed?

since the nun is not conferring the sacraments she is doing the preparation she will be working with the priest or bishop who actually will bring you into the church. all she has to do is assure him that you have been properly prepared and are well disposed for the sacraments. The time factor is not the key element. It takes as long as it takes, and it depends on your starting point how long the journey takes. Someone already baptized, living a Christian life, with a good grounding in scripture and a healthy prayer life is starting from a different place than someone not baptized, who has never heard about Christ, and may have lifestyle issues to tackle on the way. There is no value in comparing one person’s progress with another.

 

[puzzleannie]

For anyone to insist you be bapised again when you have already received Baptism in a Protestant Demomination that is known to use the valid formula (there is a list that shows each and every one and whether or not the Catholic Church acknowledges it as valid) Church of England being one of them, is wrong, unconcienable, and borders on heretical! I find it very difficult to believe that a priest or Bishop would knowingly allow this to happen. …"
.

RCIA Dan is quoting from an old thread and I believe that further along in that thread Harry did find out he was not expected to be rebaptized. He very generously shared his experiences on his journey–which he undertook with great humility, openness and charity, and now he is a bona fide newbie.

for the purposes of this discussion it would be best if we restrict it to RCIA for the unbaptized.

 

[rciadan]

RCIA Dan is quoting from an old thread and I believe that further along in that thread Harry did find out he was not expected to be rebaptized. He very generously shared his experiences on his journey–which he undertook with great humility, openness and charity, and now he is a bona fide newbie.

for the purposes of this discussion it would be best if we restrict it to RCIA for the unbaptized.

Thanks for the clarification, Puzzle Annie.

 

[pyropam]

RCIA is for everyone!!! God knows how much we loved our classes. I learned things that I could not have picked up on in the Compendium of the Catechism book.

RCIA is not just for people who are sure they want to be Catholic… I started just to figure out what my husbands religion was all about and next thing ya know…I’m Catholic.

Our priest invites Catholics, Non-Catholics wanting to understand the faith, and those persons interested in converting.

Don’t miss the most important learning experience of your life…

 

[fellowChristian]

I know cradle Catholics who need to complete their Sacraments and have entered RCIA.

It is a blessing!

Think about how much taking a class costs at you community colleges.

This RCIA class is free!

It is a gift.

Sign up and say thank you.

I have finished all my Sacraments of Initiation and I have never left the church, but I am signed up for this fall.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Being Catholic is a lifelong commitment. RCIA is about 40 hours. If 40 hours are too much there is a problem.

I… But if someone at the moment just wants baptism and they do have faith, is RCIA really necessary?

faith in what regard? The Priest is only to baptize you if he believes you intend to be Catholic. This is not the same for other religions.

… is it still necessary for me to go through RCIA?..I’ve heard that one can bypass RCIA if one meets certain qualifications and such. Please help me out with this, if at all possible. I will appreciate advice and prayers.

The Priest recommends people to the Bishop, you would need the Priest to recommend you. Usually the Priest recommends all who are free of impediments and attend RCIA, CCD, etc.

I’ve heard of some bypassing the RCIA process in other churches. I just sought out the most interesting and informative RCIA program I could find. It’s basic, but I’m still on my toes and learning!

Exactly, some even start at one parish and switch to another. Finding people you like makes it easier.

I can’t even go to RCIA because the Catholic Church here says you can only come if you’re SURE you want to be a Catholic. I think I’m sure until I have a question , or something a Catholic says scares me …

Something is terribly wrong here. Anyone can go (typically 17 or older). Many go and do not recieve sacraments their first year, some never receive sacraments. It is their option.

I have a question. Because my situation is so unusual (I am the minor daughter of two non-catholics), I am being given individual instruction with a nun. I will receive the sacraments in only two months because I have already studied so much. Is this allowed?

Usually you should be an adult or have parental support.

I know the process seams daunting but later you’ll look back and laugh at how simple it was.
Hope that helps

 

[po18guy]

I know RCIA is a process which takes a year for someone to become a Catholic and of course they go through Communion, Confirmation, etc. But if someone at the moment just wants baptism and they do have faith, is RCIA really necessary?

It is a rite of initiation. It can be a very blessed time, and you will look back on it. It is the start of obedience.

Christ’s peace.