RCIA

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SeekNFind said:
Today when I tried to approach my mother (again) about Catholicism, she said “why are you running to a chuch that so many people are leaving” and “their doctrine is not sound.” Then she hung up the phone and wouldn’t let me defend myself. I’m so frustrated. I want her to realize that as a Christian, she should be encouraging whatever is drawing me to seek the truth and read the Bible and learn about Church. Instead, she’s pushing me away. I feel so alone in this thing. 😦
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Last week I was approached by a gentleman who I went to church with when I was young. I grew up attending a local Church of Christ and left that church because of difference in opinions regarding my faith and how the youth minister did things. Anyway, I started the RCIA process a few weeks ago and last week this gentleman that went to that other church came where I worked and he asked where I was going to church. When I told him that I was going through the conversion process he gave me the same response. He also began quoting scripture to “prove” his point. I simply listened to what he said and went my way. I even noticed that several co-workers and friends gave me the same treatment. I do have to agree that I am frustrated of how people with an anti-catholic sentiment will try to convince people (or even force people) to believe God a particular way. The way I like to see it is that regardless of who is responding to the process in which we are going through, we will always have our fellow people who are in the RCIA classes around the world, our Parishes and Our Father in heaven, The Son and The Holy Spirit to support us during this process.
 
texasmavs1985 said:
Last week I was approached by a gentleman who I went to church with when I was young. I grew up attending a local Church of Christ and left that church because of difference in opinions regarding my faith and how the youth minister did things. Anyway, I started the RCIA process a few weeks ago and last week this gentleman that went to that other church came where I worked and he asked where I was going to church. When I told him that I was going through the conversion process he gave me the same response. He also began quoting scripture to “prove” his point. I simply listened to what he said and went my way. I even noticed that several co-workers and friends gave me the same treatment. I do have to agree that I am frustrated of how people with an anti-catholic sentiment will try to convince people (or even force people) to believe God a particular way. The way I like to see it is that regardless of who is responding to the process in which we are going through, we will always have our fellow people who are in the RCIA classes around the world, our Parishes and Our Father in heaven, The Son and The Holy Spirit to support us during this process.
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This is wide spread throughout the Bible belt. Most all Protestants don’t have a problem if you leave to go to another Protestant church but if you go to the Catholic Church then they get mad and offended. I love the fact that the Catholic Church has a program where they teach you the faith then see if you want to join instead of just throwing you into it. Jesus said if you follow him you will be persecuted, who would have though it would be from other followers of Christ? Hang in there I’m in the same boat as you.
 
Neyland said:
how do you get into RCIA i just attended my first mass last week but I have did my homework on the RC and I am convinced that is the true church but how to I get into the class?
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Yes, call the Church office Monday, or ask at Mass Sunday. It is early & our classes are still taking shape. It us not too late to join in. Also, make an appt. With the pastor to meet & inquire discuss your intention 👍
 
Neyland said:
This is wide spread throughout the Bible belt. Most all Protestants don’t have a problem if you leave to go to another Protestant church but if you go to the Catholic Church then they get mad and offended. I love the fact that the Catholic Church has a program where they teach you the faith then see if you want to join instead of just throwing you into it. Jesus said if you follow him you will be persecuted, who would have though it would be from other followers of Christ? Hang in there I’m in the same boat as you.
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I agree. I love the fact that those who are in the RCIA program at my parish (either for the 1st time or taking it again) support me going through the conversion process. Our last session we had another person come in who is converting from being a Methodist to the Catholic Church. After our class this past week I talked to her and her fiance (they’re getting married in the church) and she was practically in the same boat as most people who go through the conversion process. I also enjoy how the Parish as a whole and even the ministers actively engage in the faith instead of like most Protestant churches (or at least the ones I’ve been to) and just give you the “hi, welcome to our church” then just go on their way. This is mainly the reason why I love going through the conversion process because not only have I regained my faith in Christ (I confess I spent 6 years not going to church at all) but I have a huge community that support me and we all can worship The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
 
SeekNFind said:
Today when I tried to approach my mother (again) about Catholicism, she said “why are you running to a chuch that so many people are leaving” and “their doctrine is not sound.” Then she hung up the phone and wouldn’t let me defend myself. I’m so frustrated. I want her to realize that as a Christian, she should be encouraging whatever is drawing me to seek the truth and read the Bible and learn about Church. Instead, she’s pushing me away. I feel so alone in this thing. 😦
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My dad is exactly the same way. He did find my official Catholic Bible on my computer desk and began questioning on why I have it and so I simply told him where my faith was and that I believe converting was the best choice for me. For the most part he accepted what I’ve told him about the Catholic faith. Think the major difference that my father and I have is in regards to the Pope, Cardinals, and Arch-bishops. I of course accepted my fathers reasoning and I think he is willing to accept my reasons and will allow me to continue on with the conversion process. It will take time for some to accept what goes on.
 
Sarahforgiven said:
Smile & let God take care of these things, it will be ok. I pray almost every day for the eventual conversion of all 3 of our children 🙂
I trust our Lord:thumbsup:
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Oh, it doesn’t bother me much. I expect it. My mother and father, while claiming to be Christian will never tell you unless you outright ask them. My brother is an atheist, and my sister just doesn’t have a clue about anything spiritual at all really, and sort of freaks out at the very mention of it, lol.

I have to give my lovely mother credit though, as she has warmed some to the idea recently and been the most supportive of my decision to join the Roman Catholic Church.

My father was born/raised Catholic. He left the RC Church though once reaching adulthood. While at first he seemed somewhat pleased at my interest in Catholicism, he has since withdrawn from me after I told him that I was actually joining the RCC.

It is sort of strange. I don’t push my faith on anyone. People just treat you so differently once they know that you are joining the Roman Catholic Church. I don’t mind, and I actually expect it (having been Christian for 25 years myself, and knowing the general attitudes towards the RCC). My friends don’t call me anymore either since my decision to join the RCC. I called my best friend today and again there was no answer, and I don’t think that he’ll be calling me back. Same with my other best friend last weekend. My phone has gone quiet. 😃

Oh well. Reminds me of Luke 24; “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”

I will gladly give up my old life for Jesus Christ, or my life in general for that matter. He gave Himself for me, and I will gladly make such sacrifices for Him.
And if people have a problem with my faith, well, then that is their problem. 🙂

Reminds me also of…

Gal 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

I always loved that verse. 🙂
 
Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. I am much in the same boat as most of you. My RCIA class is more like a relaxed classroom atmosphere. The other people there are not very talkative and I really don’t know much about any of the others who are attending. The conversations I have tried to start ahead of time usually are limited to non personal greetings and small talk before the class begins. It is wonderful how some of you have already bonded with each other. I hope that we will be able to do that later on as well.

On the subject of sharing my decision to join the Church, I have limited that information to my friends and acquaintanances who are Catholic and happily have been welcomed with open arms. I am reluctant to tell others who I know won’t be able to understand or may confront me about my decision. I am moving forward with the Holy Spirit next to me no turning back. It is a surprizing journey that is truly changing me from the inside out and I am thankfkul for that everyday.
 
mrspjm said:
Is there any way to enter the Church without the RCIA?
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Yes, you can receive private instruction. However, most parishes are reluctant to do this with out some very good reason.

On the other hand, traditional parishes (Traditional Latin Mass & Sacraments only) don’t do RCIA at all, as far as I know. So if you live near a traditional parish, private instruction is the only option.
 
Neyland said:
This is wide spread throughout the Bible belt. ** Most all Protestants don’t have a problem if you leave to go to another Protestant church but if you go to the Catholic Church then they get mad and offended. I love the fact that the Catholic Church has a program where they teach you the faith then see if you want to join instead of just throwing you into it.** Jesus said if you follow him you will be persecuted, who would have though it would be from other followers of Christ? Hang in there I’m in the same boat as you.
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I agree. I like that they are trying to teach us what they believe and then giving us time to digest it and make a decision. If I go through with it, I look forward to the rite of acceptance.
 
texasmavs1985 said:
My dad is exactly the same way. He did find my official Catholic Bible on my computer desk and began questioning on why I have it and so I simply told him where my faith was and that I believe converting was the best choice for me. For the most part he accepted what I’ve told him about the Catholic faith. Think the major difference that my father and I have is in regards to the Pope, Cardinals, and Arch-bishops. I of course accepted my fathers reasoning and I think he is willing to accept my reasons and will allow me to continue on with the conversion process. It will take time for some to accept what goes on.
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My mother won’t even allow me to tell her anything about the origin of Christianity including her church. :rolleyes: So I’ve stopped trying. I’m going to allow whatever God wants to do through me to happen. I believe He’s taking me on this path for a reason and I’m looking forward to discovering what that is!
 
So, today I went to Mass and for the first time I ever got out of the pew to go up to the front and receive a blessing. Even when I went to an Episcopal church over the past 2 years, I was afraid to get up and cross my arms and get a blessing. (I can’t take Communion since I’m not baptized.) But I told myself that I was going to do it. It was really awkward: I stepped in front of the deacon and then crossed my arms, it took him a few seconds but he got it. Then he blessed me as I looked down. I was happy that I did it, and the embarrassment was short-lived. Baby steps, people, baby steps.
 
Wow, you are definitely braver than I am! I have not missed a Mass since June because I want to get into the rythmn of living the Faith, approaching the discipline and learning the prayers as if I were a child little by little all the while reading the CCC on my on and reading other books that I could get my hands on in preparation for the beginning of RCIA. But since I have not seen anyone go up that wasn’t actually taking communion I always remain kneeling behind as sometimes a few others do too.
 
texasmavs1985 said:
Last week I was approached by a gentleman who I went to church with when I was young. I grew up attending a local Church of Christ and left that church because of difference in opinions regarding my faith and how the youth minister did things. Anyway, I started the RCIA process a few weeks ago and last week this gentleman that went to that other church came where I worked and he asked where I was going to church. When I told him that I was going through the conversion process he gave me the same response. He also began quoting scripture to “prove” his point. I simply listened to what he said and went my way. I even noticed that several co-workers and friends gave me the same treatment. I do have to agree that I am frustrated of how people with an anti-catholic sentiment will try to convince people (or even force people) to believe God a particular way. The way I like to see it is that regardless of who is responding to the process in which we are going through, we will always have our fellow people who are in the RCIA classes around the world, our Parishes and Our Father in heaven, The Son and The Holy Spirit to support us during this process.
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Well said.
 
Hmgbrd said:
Wow, you are definitely braver than I am! I have not missed a Mass since June because I want to get into the rythmn of living the Faith, approaching the discipline and learning the prayers as if I were a child little by little all the while reading the CCC on my on and reading other books that I could get my hands on in preparation for the beginning of RCIA. But since I have not seen anyone go up that wasn’t actually taking communion I always remain kneeling behind as sometimes a few others do too.
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They encouraged us in RCIA to go up to the front and get a blessing and told us that we don’t have to remain in the pew. I almost felt as if I was drawing more attention to myself when I stayed in the pew than when I got up.
 
Good luck & God bless all of you who are in RCIA this year.
I’ll pray for you. 🙂
 
Our Priest has not mentioned this option but we are only in our third week. I wonder if I should bring it up? Maybe there are different policies in different parishes? Thoughts?

Thank you for the prayers! We sure can feel them! 😃
 
SeekNFind said:
They encouraged us in RCIA to go up to the front and get a blessing and told us that we don’t have to remain in the pew. I almost felt as if I was drawing more attention to myself when I stayed in the pew than when I got up.
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This is a controversial subject. Some places encourage it; others oppose it vehemently. You will get mixed opinions on whether or not it is licit. Due to the controversy, I stopped encouraging it in our RCIA. On the other hand, I always prayed for a blessing if anyone requested it when I served as an EMHC. Our priests never opposed it.

It would be wise to check with the priest before going up for a blessing .
 
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