RCIA question

[AmISearching]

(I’m really not sure where RCIA questions should really go - but since theres already one on this board, here I am =)

When do most RCIA classes start? - In the fall right? So theres no way I could start in January or February when I am able to start attending Mass, correct? Do Catholic Churches have anything for those of us who are waiting around for RCIA to start again (Especially if we’re Christians who have been baptized in another church, and whom have done a lot of reading about the Church before starting to attend?) I just really hate the thought of going to mass for half a year with no support from the Church for my wanting to become Catholic… I mean - I will do that - and I don’t really MIND learning on my own - especially then when I will be free to fill my bookshelves up with as many Catholic books as I can afford… But I guess I just wish they had some way of letting people start RCIA whenever they’re ready…

 

[Della]

Talk to the priest about it. He may take you on himself because RCIA isn’t a requirement for reception into the Catholic Church for those ready to be confirmed.

 

[Orionthehunter]

Or, you could join the RCIA class midstream this year and start over next year. As someone who has been on our RCIA team for five years, I’ve learned something new every class I’ve attended. You will be even more informed when you are finally confirmed. In teh meantime, you can participate in Mass (except recieving the Eucharist) and pray for Spiritual Communion and offer up this time that you are fasting from the Eucharist as a sacrifice to God.

But no matter what, accept the decision of your Pastor. It will be a great lesson in submission and obedience. In the end, for most Catholics this is always our greatest challenge and cross.

P.S. If you are willing to join the Church, you are essentially Catholic by intent (assuming you are Baptized) and are required to begin attending Mass now as well as assenting to other Precepts of the Church available to you (excludes the Sacraments) and its Teachings.

 

[quasimodo]

some RCIA classes start in the fall (Septemberish) and go thru Easter. Some allow you to start any time and go till you are ready or Easter Vigil (adults in need of baptism are generally baptised on Easter Vigil.

It varies. Check what your local parish does.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Searching,

I concur with Della. Really try to ask around on this. And if a priest you talk to can’t do it, ask him if there is someone else who can (priest of not). If that doesn’t work look up the Chancery Office, for your Diocese in the phone book and contact them. Explain your situation to them and see if they can help.

Knock, knock, ask, ask, seek, seek!

I hope you don’t have to wait. I waited, but it wasn’t too long. I don’t want you to wait for a year!

God Bless,
VC

 

[AmISearching]

Thanks for the quick replys everyone. It really does help to know that there is the possibility of some other options.

Of course at this point I am just counting down the days until I move out and can start attending mass… I’m anxious for graduation because I’m tired of grad school, but I’m even more anxious because I want to attend the TRUE Church!

 

[Paris_Blues]

Go ASAP!

Don’t do what I did! I entered RCIA in December 2004 and could not get confirmed during Easter because I must’ve entered in too late! It was painful to go through the Easter Vigil knowing that the Eucharist is TRULY Christ! Ahhh, that was painful!

Attending Mass every week was painful itself as well.

The good part is, being Confirmed in 4 weeks!

 

[AmISearching]

Even if I did go to RCIA behind my parents back now, I’m afraid that transferring from one RCIA program to another might mess things up just as much, and as I’ve said before on other topics - I have peace about waiting until I move out.

 

[sententia]

Your location also matters- here we have a 3 group rotation, all have 1 yr requirement, but groups begin in aug, feb, and may. That’s at a college campus, though, so I don’t know if there would be anything like that near you

 

[kage_ar]

Orionthehunter:

Or, you could join the RCIA class midstream this year and start over next year.

This is exactly what my DH did when he came through!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

(I’m really not sure where RCIA questions should really go - but since theres already one on this board, here I am =)

When do most RCIA classes start? - In the fall right? So theres no way I could start in January or February when I am able to start attending Mass, correct? Do Catholic Churches have anything for those of us who are waiting around for RCIA to start again (Especially if we’re Christians who have been baptized in another church, and whom have done a lot of reading about the Church before starting to attend?) I just really hate the thought of going to mass for half a year with no support from the Church for my wanting to become Catholic… I mean - I will do that - and I don’t really MIND learning on my own - especially then when I will be free to fill my bookshelves up with as many Catholic books as I can afford… But I guess I just wish they had some way of letting people start RCIA whenever they’re ready…

The RCIA should be a year round process. A person should be able to enter Inquiry at any time and move when ready into the process as a Candidate or Catechumen. Catechumens can only be Baptized at the Easter Vigil. (except for some serious reason)

A person who is already Baptized will only spend a short time in a learning process before being received into full communion with the Church and being Confirmed. The length of time is determined by their understanding of Catholicism and the practice of the faith. They do not have to wait until Easter Vigil to be received.

 

[Montie_Claunch]

AmISearching?:

I just really hate the thought of going to mass for half a year with no support from the Church for my wanting to become Catholic… I mean - I will do that - and I don’t really MIND learning on my own - especially then when I will be free to fill my bookshelves up with as many Catholic books as I can afford…

I don’t know if this is standard reading for all R.C.I.A. Classes but, mine is reading “This is Our Faith” by Micheal Francis Pennock (it is a bit dry but, reliable). It takes the Catechism and shortens it (you get the CCC numbers so you can go look it up yourself) and takes you through the intire shebang.
Again I don’t know if all R.C.I.A. programs use this book so getting it yourself would be a bit risky in that perspective but, either way it is worth reading. I wouldn’t think it would be more than $15.
I hope you find the support you need thou. I’ll send up a pray or two for you.

 

[puzzleannie]

(When do most RCIA classes start? - In the fall right? So theres no way I could start in January or February when I am able to start attending Mass, correct? Do Catholic Churches have anything for those of us who are waiting around for RCIA to start again (…

In my parish we have rolling “admission” and year-round RCIA so someone can enter the process at any time. We start a new inquiry class anytime we have some people interested. If they are committed to continuing, they just jump on the track and attend until they have attended all the sessions.

However, in this diocese unbaptized adults and baptized non-Catholics are initiated at the Easter Vigil, following the rites of Lent. Adult Catholics who need confirmation are confirmed either when the bishop visits the parish for youth confirmation, or at a diocesan celebration on Pentecost Sunday. It is highly unusual for sacraments of initiation for adults to be celebrated at any other time, so you might end up doing some waiting anyhow.

Here when you have completed the basic course, we also have several adult ed and bible study options for you as well. We also make provisions for those who already have a strong background in basic Christian doctrine and Scripture. Some non-Catholic Christians actually have a better grounding and stronger spiritual life than many cradle Catholics who come to us for Confirmation.

Just “hanging around attending Mass” while waiting for classes to start is nothing to disdain. The foundation of all instruction in RCIA and sacraments of initiation is the Liturgy.

for an informed person the best book I recommend to read while waiting is Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed, or if you want even more depth, his Theology and Sanity.