RCIA required?

[rca8497]

My wife has decided to enter the Church after attending Mass for over four years with me, since we first met. She has made this decision entirely of her own volition; I’ve never pushed her to convert, nor attend Mass. Clearly, the Lord is working through her and guiding her in this decision, and we’re thankful she’s on the path to full union with the Church.

My understanding about RCIA, however, is that it is a program the Church began to bring those non-baptized persons into the Church. In contrast to this idea, my wife is a life-long practicing Christian (raised in the “Reformed” or Calvinist tradition). She has a rock-solid understanding of the common Christian doctrines we all agree on. She really needs instruction in the Catholic Sacraments and other traditions.

I was surprised that my parish asked her to take RCIA since my pastor is so resolute about following the Church’s official teachings. I would have imagined that if as someone baptized in the name of the Trinity, as my wife was, wanted to enter the Church, she would have private instruction and receive Confirmation and First Communion, but not after having to take months of classes that will largely reiterate things she already knows.

I worry she’ll feel as if she’s being treated as someone “clueless” to Christianity and belief, just so she can learn about the layers of faith she will inherit as a Catholic. I also am bothered by what I feel is being required out of parish convenience, as private instruction takes more time for the pastor, etc.

She says she’s happy to attend the classes, but I was surprised that she was told to take RCIA if that wasn’t the way the Church had intended it be used.

Please help clarify the teaching on when RCIA should be used, etc. Thanks for your help.

 

[catsrus]

I spent 30 years as a lutheran. I was catechized and baptized as one.
When I made the decision to become Catholic, I spent 2 and 1/2 years in R.C.I.A.
I did not at any time feel that I was being treated as “clueless”. I enjoyed every single “class” and went on to Mystagogia with joy.
Holy Mother Church is not like the protestant churches that you just walk in and sign up.
The Church must ascertain that you completly understand her doctrine, WHY She is structured in the way She is and that you absolutely agree 100% with Her teachings and will live by them because you must so profess before you can be Confirmed.
If your wife feels that she is being singled out or being treated differently for some obscure reason, she should speak directly to the priest.
One must be correctly catechized in The Faith whether one is baptized and believes in The Holy Trinity or not going into it.
Learning the Catholic faith is a life long process. You do not walk to Confirmation knowing all and if you live to be 100, you probably STILL won’t know it all.
To me, that is one of the joys of this most precious faith handed to us by God Himself.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

RCIA offers options in the rites for both baptized and non-baptized people, so yes, it’s fine for your wife to go through RCIA.

There are different rites for those who are baptized, eg, the Rite of Welcoming rather than the Rite of Acceptance and the Call to Continuing Conversion rather than the Rite of Election.

The best thing both you and your wife can do is go into it with a heart open to the graces she will receive through the whole process.

 

[freerf]

I have heard many times on this forumn and elsewhere that RCIA is not mandatory. Your parish Priest can allow you to “skip” RCIA. However, as is often pointed out, why would you not want to attend?

Personally, I wouldn’t want to attend because my ego tells me i probably understand the catechism better than some of those that are teaching RCIA. . .though the truth of it only God knows.

I’m in a similar situation - I’m a Protestant attending mass. I’ve been asked to attend RCIA. But I don’t want to. Do i really want to spend a lot of time in a class reviewing material that i am already familiar with, after having been a Protestant Christian for 10 years, and having studied Catholicism independently for several more? No.

Clearly, mine are merely matters of the flesh that shed light on the fact that I’m not truely a believer in the Catholic Church. . .yet. I don’t want to spend time studying something that I’m not ready to believe in the first place.

For if you truly believe the Catholic Church is THE Church of God, handed down by God Himself, that God wants you to be Catholic . . .than suffering through a bit of RCIA should be nothing in comparison.

 

[FrDavid96]

My wife has decided to enter the Church after attending Mass for over four years with me, since we first met. She has made this decision entirely of her own volition; I’ve never pushed her to convert, nor attend Mass. Clearly, the Lord is working through her and guiding her in this decision, and we’re thankful she’s on the path to full union with the Church.

My understanding about RCIA, however, is that it is a program the Church began to bring those non-baptized persons into the Church. In contrast to this idea, my wife is a life-long practicing Christian (raised in the “Reformed” or Calvinist tradition). She has a rock-solid understanding of the common Christian doctrines we all agree on. She really needs instruction in the Catholic Sacraments and other traditions.

I was surprised that my parish asked her to take RCIA since my pastor is so resolute about following the Church’s official teachings. I would have imagined that if as someone baptized in the name of the Trinity, as my wife was, wanted to enter the Church, she would have private instruction and receive Confirmation and First Communion, but not after having to take months of classes that will largely reiterate things she already knows.

I worry she’ll feel as if she’s being treated as someone “clueless” to Christianity and belief, just so she can learn about the layers of faith she will inherit as a Catholic. I also am bothered by what I feel is being required out of parish convenience, as private instruction takes more time for the pastor, etc.

She says she’s happy to attend the classes, but I was surprised that she was told to take RCIA if that wasn’t the way the Church had intended it be used.

Please help clarify the teaching on when RCIA should be used, etc. Thanks for your help.

A lot of people get confused about what “RCIA” means.

The term itself “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” is an all-encompassing term that includes non-Christians, Christians baptised in a non-Catholic ecclesial community (ie Protestants), and even baptised Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation (called uncatechised adults). All of these are part of the RCIA.

In other words, RCIA is not limited to the unbaptised.

The misunderstandings arise because it has become the practice in the US to combine the initiation of those baptised outside the Church with the unbaptised. This is not recommended by the Church. In fact, it shouldn’t be done. But the fact is, it’s being done.

So, yes, your wife does need to “go through RCIA” but not as an unbaptised person. When it comes time for the individual rites/rituals, she will go through the appropriate ones for her own status.

 

[SMHW]

My wife has decided to enter the Church after attending Mass for over four years with me, since we first met. She has made this decision entirely of her own volition; I’ve never pushed her to convert, nor attend Mass. Clearly, the Lord is working through her and guiding her in this decision, and we’re thankful she’s on the path to full union with the Church.

My understanding about RCIA, however, is that it is a program the Church began to bring those non-baptized persons into the Church. In contrast to this idea, my wife is a life-long practicing Christian (raised in the “Reformed” or Calvinist tradition). She has a rock-solid understanding of the common Christian doctrines we all agree on. She really needs instruction in the Catholic Sacraments and other traditions.

I was surprised that my parish asked her to take RCIA since my pastor is so resolute about following the Church’s official teachings. I would have imagined that if as someone baptized in the name of the Trinity, as my wife was, wanted to enter the Church, she would have private instruction and receive Confirmation and First Communion, but not after having to take months of classes that will largely reiterate things she already knows.

I worry she’ll feel as if she’s being treated as someone “clueless” to Christianity and belief, just so she can learn about the layers of faith she will inherit as a Catholic. I also am bothered by what I feel is being required out of parish convenience, as private instruction takes more time for the pastor, etc.

She says she’s happy to attend the classes, but I was surprised that she was told to take RCIA if that wasn’t the way the Church had intended it be used.

Please help clarify the teaching on when RCIA should be used, etc. Thanks for your help.

First off, I think the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (adults being those over the age of reason) is of great benefit to the Church. It is as much a gift for those who are already Catholic as for those who enter the Church. And yes, the Rites were conceived with the unbaptized in mind. In some parts of the world the unbaptized are the greatest source of new adult Catholics. But in other parts it is more common for new adult Catholics to already be baptized Christians. Those of us who live in places where the latter is so need to remember that we are the anomalies. As such, we will find that the means to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church don’t always seem to “make sense”.

To accommodate the “anomalies” there are RCIA rites which are adapted for the baptized Christian who wants to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Because RCIA is still relatively new (this modern RCIA has only been around for a few decades) the RCIA “process” has been as much a learning experience for those in charge of it as for those who go through it. It’s been my observation that it’s only in the last 10 years or so that the Church is learning how to honor the differences in the backgrounds of those who wish to enter the Church. Some parishes have figured this out; others are barely beginning to do so; and some are not yet to point of trying.

By it’s nature, RCIA does take a bit of an assembly line approach to those entering the Church. Most parishes kind of sort people into three broad categories: the unbaptized, the baptized non-Catholics, and the un-catechized Catholics. Typically all these people are sent to the same classes. (Often these classes are more closely identified with the moniker “RCIA” than are the rites themselves.) Those that are already Catholic and/or Christian will probably find some of the information imparted to be old knowledge. (This could certainly be the case for the unbaptized too.) On the other hand there are plenty of fully initiated Catholics who have never learned what is taught in “RCIA classes” and would do well to attend some of the presentations.

But the point of RCIA is not simply to learn some facts and make some professions of belief. A lot of it is about “formation”. Formation is the idea that Faith, Salvation, relationships with God and Church, understanding, etc. are a process. We like to speak about “practicing” our Faith. RCIA is a chance to practice practicing. The Rites of RCIA give the baptized a chance to “practice practicing” the Faith prior to Confirmation and First Eucharist.

 

[1ke]

My wife has decided to enter the Church after attending Mass for over four years with me, since we first met. She has made this decision entirely of her own volition; I’ve never pushed her to convert, nor attend Mass. Clearly, the Lord is working through her and guiding her in this decision, and we’re thankful she’s on the path to full union with the Church.

That’s wonderful.

My understanding about RCIA, however, is that it is a program the Church began to bring those non-baptized persons into the Church.

No. It is not only for the unbaptized. There are Rites for both unbaptized and baptized non-Catholics.

Baptized and unbaptized are not to be treated the same, but there are overlaps and catechesis is typically one of those overlaps.

I was surprised that my parish asked her to take RCIA since my pastor is so resolute about following the Church’s official teachings.

He is fillowing the Church’s official teaching.

I would have imagined that if as someone baptized in the name of the Trinity, as my wife was, wanted to enter the Church, she would have private instruction and receive Confirmation and First Communion, but not after having to take months of classes that will largely reiterate things she already knows.

Private instruction is not feasible in this day and age, with so few priests. And, it is not in keeping with the RCIA directives. But, it is possible if circumstances dictate it.

I think she will be surprised by what she thinks she already knows and how it varies from what the Church teaches. Reform theology is significantly different from Catholic theology.

I worry she’ll feel as if she’s being treated as someone “clueless” to Christianity and belief, just so she can learn about the layers of faith she will inherit as a Catholic. I also am bothered by what I feel is being required out of parish convenience, as private instruction takes more time for the pastor, etc.

Your irritation is misplaced.

She says she’s happy to attend the classes, but I was surprised that she was told to take RCIA if that wasn’t the way the Church had intended it be used.

Please help clarify the teaching on when RCIA should be used, etc. Thanks for your help.

RCIA is for those non-Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation, baptized and unbaptized.

A baptized non-Catholic needs to complete their sacraments of initiation, unless they are Orthodox (or another Church with valid Sacraments). Orthodox would not go through RCIA.

 

[thomas_jd]

I spent 30 years as a lutheran. I was catechized and baptized as one.
When I made the decision to become Catholic, I spent 2 and 1/2 years in R.C.I.A.
I did not at any time feel that I was being treated as “clueless”. I enjoyed every single “class” and went on to Mystagogia with joy.
Holy Mother Church is not like the protestant churches that you just walk in and sign up.
The Church must ascertain that you completly understand her doctrine, WHY She is structured in the way She is and that you absolutely agree 100% with Her teachings and will live by them because you must so profess before you can be Confirmed.
If your wife feels that she is being singled out or being treated differently for some obscure reason, she should speak directly to the priest.
One must be correctly catechized in The Faith whether one is baptized and believes in The Holy Trinity or not going into it.
Learning the Catholic faith is a life long process. You do not walk to Confirmation knowing all and if you live to be 100, you probably STILL won’t know it all.
To me, that is one of the joys of this most precious faith handed to us by God Himself.

Thank you for that clear answer! Much too often new cathechumens are not taught the lifelong commitment that is necessary to learn the true meaning of our Faith. In my opinion, the single item that is most lacking amoungst our new and not so new members, is the lack of obedience to the Pope, his Bishops, the Magisterium, and our priests.
On this site we see people, not received yet into our Church , citing their erroneous opinion of Canon Law, the G.I.R.M, the role of a priest etc. … That can be misleading to others without a proper foundation. Dialouge amounst ourselves can be a great learning experience, it can also lead to disaster. Read 2 Peter 3:16, if so inclined, for a clearer understanding of my thoughts.

It appears that your walk began on the correct path.

 

[lutherlic]

There are always things to be learned or learned better. If approached with an open heart, your wife could gain from RCIA in many ways and look back at it as a very special process. The Church has a lot of experience with this and it works very well - including for those with your wife’s background.

I was a practicing Lutheran for over 50 years, married to a cradle Catholic, no stranger to the faith and read (absorbed, believed) the Catechism in the first couple weeks. All of that just helped me to get more from the classes. The classes then prompted me to dig deeper. I treasured each one and eagerly looked forward to the next. I never saw it in any way demeaning or as some kind of unnecessary hurdle.

The Holy Spirit is working in your wife, bringing her to the Church. How wonderful is that!!! Embrace RCIA to complete this part of her journey of lifelong conversion.

 

[puzzleannie]

My
My understanding about RCIA, however, is that it is a program the Church began to bring those non-baptized persons into the Church. In contrast to this idea, my wife is a life-long practicing Christian (raised in the “Reformed” or Calvinist tradition). She has a rock-solid understanding of the common Christian doctrines we all agree on. She really needs instruction in the Catholic Sacraments and other traditions.

I was surprised that my parish asked her to take RCIA since my pastor is so resolute about following the Church’s official teachings. I

yes RCIA was designed to bring the unbaptized in the Church but it has been adapted for the reception and full initiation of baptized Christians. Those adaptations note that their catechesis, preparatory rites, time and manner of reception should respect their own situation and needs however. I will also just give a thought from my own experience, that the persons in “RCIA” (which in mine and many parishes means a class of all adults from all backgrounds preparing for initiation sacraments) who have the most questions, and face the most difficult hurdles in their process, are Christians with a strong formation and adherence to their own faith, and they are frequently the ones who take the most time to overcome their objections and get solid answers to their questions, and work through their issues.

A thoughtful interview with your wife and the pastor to discuss her needs is in order. It is also quite likely that she can be received after a briefer period of preparation, and at any time of the year the bishop prescribes, not necessarily Easter.

I will also add that any time we have been blessed to have a strong candidate like your wife in our RCIA groups as a Christian witness they have made outstanding contributions and been of inestimable help to others in the group.

 

[FrDavid96]

yes RCIA was designed to bring the unbaptized in the Church but it has been adapted for the reception and full initiation of baptized Christians. Those adaptations note that their catechesis, preparatory rites, time and manner of reception should respect their own situation and needs however. I will also just give a thought from my own experience, that the persons in “RCIA” (which in mine and many parishes means a class of all adults from all backgrounds preparing for initiation sacraments) who have the most questions, and face the most difficult hurdles in their process, are Christians with a strong formation and adherence to their own faith, and they are frequently the ones who take the most time to overcome their objections and get solid answers to their questions, and work through their issues.

A thoughtful interview with your wife and the pastor to discuss her needs is in order. It is also quite likely that she can be received after a briefer period of preparation, and at any time of the year the bishop prescribes, not necessarily Easter.

I will also add that any time we have been blessed to have a strong candidate like your wife in our RCIA groups as a Christian witness they have made outstanding contributions and been of inestimable help to others in the group.

Actually, the RCIA has not been “adapted” for the reception of the previously-baptised. RCIA already includes reception of the baptised; and always has.

What has happened is that two different parts of the one RCIA have been combined into one program (as far as parish-experience goes, not as far as the Church is concerned). The reason why people are sometimes upset upon learning that they need to go through RCIA is because they “think” that it is only for the unbaptised; and that’s the misunderstanding.

 

[Phemie]

Actually, the RCIA has not been “adapted” for the reception of the previously-baptised. RCIA already includes reception of the baptised; and always has.

What has happened is that two different parts of the one RCIA have been combined into one program (as far as parish-experience goes, not as far as the Church is concerned). The reason why people are sometimes upset upon learning that they need to go through RCIA is because they “think” that it is only for the unbaptised; and that’s the misunderstanding.

On the other hand, the Rite itself says that no hardship should be imposed on the baptized seeking reception (I don’t have my Rite handy and can’t quote you the item number) and a well catechized adult should not have to spend a year in the process if he/she is ready in 2 months. If there is anything the people from the North American Forum on the Catechumenate were adamant about, it was that.

 

[FrDavid96]

On the other hand, the Rite itself says that no hardship should be imposed on the baptized seeking reception (I don’t have my Rite handy and can’t quote you the item number) and a well catechized adult should not have to spend a year in the process if he/she is ready in 2 months. If there is anything the people from the North American Forum on the Catechumenate were adamant about, it was that.

And that’s why parishes “should not” be combining the two RCIA’s into one.

I’m well aware that most parishes do it. I admit that we do it in my own parish–although I’m not pleased with the fact. I can say from my perspective that we have little choice because splitting (or I should say “not combining”) puts too much pressure on our too-few catechists. So I’m not saying that it’s easy to do it the right way, and not entirely criticizing parishes that do.

Of course, we need to make the important distinction about baptism. A baptised person should not be put through a whole year of preparation (unless that’s necessary for the individual, but that isn’t likely). They should be doing the proper RCIA for those already-baptised. It just doesn’t always work out that way.

 

[puzzleannie]

Actually, the RCIA has not been “adapted” for the reception of the previously-baptised. RCIA already includes reception of the baptised; and always has.

g.

I neither said nor implied the rites were adapted after the fact. read the book, it says rites adapted for special situations. and yes the rites do provide, in situations where it is judged to be wise for pastoral reasons, that those in each of the envisioned “tracks” (unbaptized, baptized non-Catholics, and uncatechized baptized Catholic adults) a combined rite may be celebrated, and during those rites the unique status of each of those groups is acknowledged. If you are not in charge of your parish programs and do not know what restrictions and resources your RCIA team is laboring under, best not to judge what the pastor has chosen to do. It can change from year to year depending on the needs of the catechumens and candidates. If you don’t like the way RCIA (or RE in general) is done in your parish, get involved. In fact, it is an excellent idea for newly initiated Catholics to serve as sponsors. They often report the learn more after reception of sacraments by so doing.

 

[Planet_Claire]

Your wife may get more out of it than you expect. Even though I’m already a baptized, confirmed Catholic, I’m in a deacon-led RCIA class with my converting husband and so far, it seems helpful and interesting. (Our church encourages Catholics to attend with their converting spouses/fiances.) My husband, who was raised Protestant, doesn’t seem bored in the class yet, although he’s already baptized, has read the bible many times and has about a dozen Catholic apologist books going on at once.

I just wanted to mention another reason why RCIA is helpful: You learn not just from the instructor, but from the other participants. Yesterday, one of the other people in the class (a Catholic revert like myself, attending with his spouse) said something that really made me think. I also think it’s a good way to get to know people in a smaller setting than Mass (of course there are other ways to do this too).

So, maybe if your wife has a good foundation, she could still look at it as a way to engage in discussions and bond with some new people at the church? And it’s a really nice thing for spouses to do together; it’s already inspired some good breakfast table conversations between me and my husband.

 

[FrDavid96]

I neither said nor implied the rites were adapted after the fact. read the book, it says rites adapted for special situations…

Actually, you did say it. I suggest you read your own post

yes RCIA was designed to bring the unbaptized in the Church but it has been adapted for the reception and full initiation of baptized Christians. Those adaptations note that their catechesis, preparatory rites, time and manner of reception should respect their own situation and needs …

I suggest you read the RCIA book, and notice that it does not say “rites adapted for special circumstances” it says “Rites for Particular Circumstances” there is a significant difference.

The “Reception of Baptised Christians…” is not an “adaptation” as you keep insisting. It is part of the RCIA.

There is an RCIA for the unbaptised and there is an RCIA for the previously-baptised. The second one is not an “adaptation” of the first. Each of these is one form of RCIA.

RCIA was designed to bring BOTH the unbaptised and the baptised into the Church. The reason why people sometimes “object” to going through RCIA is because they’ve been fed misinformation that RCIA is “not for you, but we’ll adapt it for you.” Instead, they need to know that RCIA is exactly what they should be doing, but their version of the RCIA is different from the version of RCIA experienced by the unbaptised. Although, provision is made to combine these 2 forms of RCIA in certain circumstances.