So I have been informally investigating

[RebeccaJ]

I’m technically LDS but want to join the Catholic church. No, my baptism in the LDS church is not considered a real baptism in the Catholic church. I even talked with an episcopalian priest and supposedly one and all get to take their Holy Body and Blood. But when I asked the priest if was OK for me to take it he said he prefer I not. He said my LDS baptism was just too far out there.

I think I may attend two different RCIA classes. I’m in one but it goes, so I’m told, at least two years! The other one which starts in a week is one nine month or so class.

TikiTokiGuy, as an fyi The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has put out guidelines for parishes to have at least a year long RCIA process. Most parishes ignore this guideline and go from Sept. to Easter.

Our parish is just implementing a year long RCIA for Easter 2011. Those in RCIA now started just after Easter 2010. We have another group who will go through the Rite of Acceptance next week. This group will be baptized at Easter 2012.

The Catholic Church does not take the approach that a person should be baptized as quick as possible, and then learn the faith. The approach is that a person should learn the faith, and then accept being received into the church as fully catechized adults (or young adults).

While the approach could be taken that it is a nuisance, a hoop to be jumped through, that is not the intent. It is a time for deep reflection, increased prayer and scripture study and putting ones mind to God’s desire for oneself. In this, I learned conversion, and also came to understand that it is a lifelong process.

Peace be with you.

 

[mary_bobo]

I see a lot of different takes on RCIA here and I emphasize that it depends on the class. The one where I was a sponsor last year was taught by parish staff whose job it was to conduct RCIA. They are good and the classes were informative and educational even for those who were raised in the Church. There was plenty of time for questions after each class and each time we stressed that no one should feel pressured in any way. If, at the end of the sessions, one did not feel ready to make that committment, they were not expected to do so. One of those in the class last year is now going to the classes again even though he was accepted into the Church last Easter Vigil. He loves the classes and says he still learns so much.

I hope you find a class like this. May God be with you on your journey.

 

[Sunstone]

I went to mass on Sunday and had a great experience. Everyone was friendly and my wife and I are signed up for RCIA.

 

[Palaiologos]

Always nice to hear of another lds person considering catholicism. I’ve also just started RCIA classes after a couple of years discernment regarding the mormon and catholic faiths (raised mormon, mission, temple marriage, employed by the church, Happy Valley , the whole nine yards). I am very happy for you that your wife is part of the process, as I’m sure you know marriages are often put to the test if one spouse leaves the mormon church.

So far my RCIA classes have been ok, more useful for getting to know people and the culture than for addressing the intellectual and spiritual issues that compelled me to leave the faith of my ancestors and make the difficult journey to the Catholic church.

 

[dolphinlove]

I went to mass on Sunday and had a great experience. Everyone was friendly and my wife and I are signed up for RCIA.

Congratulations and God bless you and your wife on your journey. May I also suggest reading a couple of books by Scott Hahn.
scotthahn.com

 

[Linda_Marie]

The only bumps in the road that I have heard about are those concerning divorce and remarriage. These cause the most difficulties when converting and can result in a married couple having to reside together as brother and sister. I personally know a couple like this. It is not easy for them, but their faith is strong.

My dh was Catholic but we did not have a sacramental marriage. We were married per the rites of the Church after I was baptised and confirmed.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Always nice to hear of another lds person considering catholicism. I’ve also just started RCIA classes after a couple of years discernment regarding the mormon and catholic faiths (raised mormon, mission, temple marriage, employed by the church, Happy Valley , the whole nine yards). I am very happy for you that your wife is part of the process, as I’m sure you know marriages are often put to the test if one spouse leaves the mormon church.

So far my RCIA classes have been ok, more useful for getting to know people and the culture than for addressing the intellectual and spiritual issues that compelled me to leave the faith of my ancestors and make the difficult journey to the Catholic church.

RCIA is also meant to bring converts into the parish community, so the cultural and social aspect are intentional.

Still in Happy Valley? I’m in SLC. There’s a few Utahns around here, a former COB employee is somewhere around here as well.

 

[Being_Brave]

So what are RCIA classes like?

I’m in RCIA now, here’s how it went for me:
1.) I contacted our Religious Education Office and went in after work one day
2.) She filled out a class register for me (DOB, baptism, marriage info, parents religion, e-mail, etc…) and gave me a Catholic bible, rosary, etc…
3.) I got an e-mail saying when to show up and where

The first day of RCIA we were introduced to everyone and got a copy of the CCC and schedule of the chapters of the CCC that a leader would discuss at each meeting. I’m a candidate, so my schedule is only until Easter. I’d attended Mass and read through the Catholic Catechism for the last 4months so I have had a LOT of quesitons. I’ve honestly had most of my questions answered here, so being in the class just gives me an oportunity to get personal stories and information face-to-face.

There are also people who attend just to provide a little extra backup for the tuff questions and to sit around with us newbies to get used to how the parish “social life” is. I like it because the atmosphere is very informal and the people in my RCIA class are very down to earth and don’t just throw scripted information at you, they’re not afraid to explain AND listen.

The only bumps I can say for sure that most non-Catholics run into are being able to accept Marian Doctrine and Papal Infalability …everything else just seems, to me, to make sense. I’d heard that Catholics don’t read the bible, but I’ve become much more familiar with scripture since starting… and I came from sola scriptura! There were plenty of verses about Apostolic Tradition that I’d never noticed before.

I was raised Southern Baptist, but my conversion doesn’t have anything to do with something the Baptist church did to drive me away. It’s more like the Catholic Church is just calling me much more strongly, and it offers a more complete way to worship.

 

[MaryandJoseph]

There is one “bump” that I experienced during my journey through the RCIA process that I wish to share with you.

Up until two weeks before Easter, all in my journey was going well. I was learning about the Catholic faith and of God (I am a convert from Atheism) and completely falling inlove with both God AND His holy Church. Then the Evil One popped up his ugly head.

I was ravaged with doubts and fears that I had not had throughout the year of RCIA. Was I truly following God’s will in my life, was I in the correct Church, or for that matter, did God even exist at all. I was almost to the point of walking away. Thankfully, our RCIA instructor was just TERRRRRRIFFFFICCCC. She advised me to have a talk with our priest about these fears, what I was told by him has stayed with me ever since and it continues to strengthen me. “The closer you grow to God and His Church, the further from evil and the devil you get, which ticks off satan because he has lost your soul to hell”

As an aside, and a very important point I might add. Both the priest and the RCIA director told me that if I felt I was not ready to be received, then I should wait. I was still loved and supported and always welcomed to celebrate the Holy Mass (excluding the sacraments of course). The decision had to be MINE and God’s, no one elses.

Enjoy your journey through the RCIA process, have fun while learning and realize that your faith journey will last a lifetime and you will Never know everything there is to know of our great faith ( I still think I can learn 2000 years of history of faith in my lifetime)

God bless you and your wife and I will pray for both of you and for all who are on journeys to the Fullness of God’s truth as reveiled to us.

 

[KathleenGee]

MaryandJoseph,

Your post gave me goosebumps…Yes, I have known others coming into a deeper spiritual walk and then having such opposition…You have also witnessed the power of Christ in going to the priest and letting him know of that affliction.

And the RCIA I have assisted in is also the same. No one is forced, and we want the decision to yours and the working of God’s grace. The pastor should be there to correct any honest misunderstanding when members from the parish join in to share.

Grace can only come about when we are free. God continue to bless you on your faith journey!

 

[simspt]

Thank you for your prayers and encouragment. In many aspects I have reasoned my way to Catholicism, but I have also felt the tuggings of God. As an academic, that’s not something I say easily, but I guess that’s why it’s all the more convincing for me.

A number of people and things have combined to help me, step by step, on the path. An Episcopalian pastor who quietly avows Catholic doctrine, a couple of Catholic faculty members where I work, an active Catholic college group (NCSC), Father Corapi on EWTN, Raymond Brown’s Introduction to the New Testament…I could go on and on.

I feel like I’m coming home, and like I’ve been coming home slowly for years. It feels good.

CONGRATS,
My wife and I just started RCIA classes last month. My conversion was very slow as well and started about the same time I found out about one of my former teachers (Francis Beckwith) returning to Catholicism which was inspiring. Anyways as far as bumps, just remember at RCIA there are all levels of background so dont expect any hardcore theology or biblical exegesis but rather the basics. Also if you or your wife have been previously married make sure and get your paperwork in early, the Church takes this very seriously. Congrats once again.
God Bless
John & Jacqueline

 

[Tuno]

Catholicism for a couple of years now and I am ready to get serious. A Catholic friend texted me that I’ll need to be received as a catechumen, and that I’ll be taking a class.

My wife is coming along on the ride, so that’s a good thing as far as family relations goes.

What are the bumps in the road I should watch for? How do I get into the class?

Thanks for your help!

Dear Sunstone, (nice handle!)

I was raised Catholic and was a deeply devoted, knowledgeable, and proselytizing RC until I had a life changing mystical experience. I now claim that God is not a matter of faith, but of Knowledge. I also have a sister who along with her family are practicing LDS. They are wonderful people, and I love them dearly. But I find both religions untenable in the end, and would give LDS big points for social structure-up to a point. Not sure why you wold leave it, as sis had some good reasons for going the other way, lol! But then my brother went the Zen Buddhist route, and my folks and other sister practiced three unofficially different "modes’ of Catholicism: devotional, charismatic, and social justice.

In any case, the only “bumps” you will encounter are those that come up relative to your acceptance or not of different points of faith, now as a catechumen, and later as a practitioner. Better to be very thorough now, and I wish you great good fortune and excellent clarity as you make your decision. This is a big one in anyone’s life.

The one comment I will make and hope that you find helpful, is that many folks have a less than expansive list of considerations when they are considering such a change as you are. But you are impelled to do something, because you are to some extent and for some reason not fully satisfied with your current affiliation. That is not surprising, for several reason, none of which are my business.

Nevertheless, I would offer that you look into a book by Gina Cerminara that is subtitled “a handbook for religious sanity.” Its main title is unfortunately misleading, yet it is used in many comparative religion classes, even Catholic ones. This is because it inventories a large number of considerations that often escape people’s attention when they are making such a decision as yours. It is well written, pleasant and humorous to read, and is exceptionally well annotated and referenced. It is out of print, but easily available at low cost on line. It does not deal with non dualism, which is its chief defect imho, but her demonstrations are impeccable as far as I can tell.

I would also recommend reading, on line at Amazon, the first few pages of Basic Self Knowledge by Harry Benjamin. It will reveal to you something about religions in general, and has an excellent and useful positive take on Catholic mysticism which I personally agree with. Some Catholics may not, but it will give you perspective, if you are interested in that.

I wish you the very best in making a successful and useful decision, whichever way you go!

 

[Palaiologos]

RCIA is also meant to bring converts into the parish community, so the cultural and social aspect are intentional.

Still in Happy Valley? I’m in SLC. There’s a few Utahns around here, a former COB employee is somewhere around here as well.

Rebecca,

No, I recently moved out of Utah County. My faith changes meant I could not continue with my former employment, so I had to move out here to the corn fields of the Midwest to find work (but I thank the Lord that I was able to find something given that the economy is so poor).

And I do like the social aspect of RCIA, I certainly could use the moral support. One body in Christ, right?

 

[Linda_Marie]

Rebecca,

No, I recently moved out of Utah County. My faith changes meant I could not continue with my former employment, so I had to move out here to the corn fields of the Midwest to find work (but I thank the Lord that I was able to find something given that the economy is so poor).

And I do like the social aspect of RCIA, I certainly could use the moral support. One body in Christ, right?

This is something that I love about the Catholic Church. No matter where I go to Mass, it is the same Mass, the same Church.

I was received into the Church when I lived in Houston. My dh’s multinational moved us to Scotland about a year later. We were there about 4 years and then came here to Australia. I also attend Mass whenever, wherever we visit rellies, whether in NSW, England, Florida, Texas, Barbados or Canada; even when I went to Fatima and it was in Portuguese. It doesn’t matter. It is still home.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Rebecca,

No, I recently moved out of Utah County. My faith changes meant I could not continue with my former employment, so I had to move out here to the corn fields of the Midwest to find work (but I thank the Lord that I was able to find something given that the economy is so poor).

And I do like the social aspect of RCIA, I certainly could use the moral support. One body in Christ, right?

I understand. I quit my job too when I started to seriously consider Catholicism. I didn’t work at the COB, but I did work in the LDS business community in SLC. I didn’t move but I did take a large cut in pay, which is ok, because where I went was someplace I had wanted to work for a couple of years.

Yes, One Body, quite literally. When Mass is celebrated in one place, we are all celebrating together. The whole Church prays for our catechumens and candidates.

 

[stormy99]

Catholicism for a couple of years now and I am ready to get serious. A Catholic friend texted me that I’ll need to be received as a catechumen, and that I’ll be taking a class.

My wife is coming along on the ride, so that’s a good thing as far as family relations goes.

What are the bumps in the road I should watch for? How do I get into the class?

Thanks for your help!

**First your LDS baptism will not be recognized by the Catholic Church…one of the few that aren’t. The classes explain the beliefs of the Catholic Church, questions were always welcomed…This will give you the opportunity to see if the Catholic Church is where you want to be.

Our classes went from October to the Tuesday before Easter…there was never any pressure to commit a yes or no ever…our email from our priest told us when first confession would be and the rest of the week’s services…during this time I had to go through the Marriage Tribunal for a invalidity of my marriage to a Mormon since I had remarried and was baptized Presbyterian…and LDS which didn’t count…it came through in August.

The Catholic Church will NOT hide anything from you…all beliefs are out in the open for all to see…there are no surprises later on…no one will say to you…you don’t need to know that now…they want you to know it all so you can make an intelligent choice on whether to be a Catholic or not. All the past history, bad popes, name it, are there for you to see…and to discuss…so you will see the Wonderful, Bad and Ugly…

Holy Week is the beginning of the wonderment of being Catholic…starting with confession on Monday, Wed…Thursday night, Friday and finally Sat when you will be baptised and confirmed…I can’t begin to explain the feeling I had when I was confirmed…my confirmation name is St. Catherine of Siena…and then took Communion…

You’re heading Home and I wish you a wonderful journey,

stormy**

 

[stormy99]

So what are RCIA classes like?

**Ours were very informal…each week we would cover an assigned amount of reading and discuss it…if needed…some people have many questions others don’t…but when you do, ask them…it will start and end with a prayer…

In November we went to 10 am Mass but left after the readings before Communion to discuss the readings with one of our deacons, we have 3…before leaving we came to the altar and the priest blessed us and members sang us on our way…we attended different times and on Saturdays…

I enjoyed the classes…and usually both our priests and one of the Deacons was always there…and seminarian…I always came away feeling more knowledgeable…

Some might laught at this but I would buy a copy of Catholcism for Dummies…I hear loud laughter but it explains many things your classes won’t…like the order of the mass…and other things…responses…I read it right along with my RCIA book…and still do…

That’s one of the reasons that converts know their church better in some cases than cradle catholics which is equivalent to BIC Mormons…

stormy**

 

[stormy99]

Yep. It’s called RCIA, starts usually around this time of year and continues past Easter, though the official conversion events (initiation rites of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist) occur during Easter Vigil.

I’m very glad to hear that. In hindsight I’m lucky that my engagement was broken off when it was (while I was still a practicing LDS engaged to an even more devout LDS woman) otherwise I’d probably find myself in a mixed marriage now.

The fact that you say you’ve been “investigating Catholicism for a couple of years now”, besides informing me that you must’ve been a missionary before for using a term like “investigating” , leads me to believe that you likely won’t learn much in RCIA that you don’t already know. I was honestly a little disappointed as I was expected some profound theological instruction, not the basics that I had already inculcated myself with for a number of years, just like you. Given this, you might even be in the privileged position of being able to catch your RCIA instructor teaching something incorrectly or inefficiently. When this happens, don’t be afraid to point it out (charitably, of course) and set the record straight. Sometimes us converts know much more about the faith than the cradle Catholics as we aren’t necessarily following along for a passive ride.

Another proverbial bump in the road might come from discouraging words from LDS family members and friends who mean well but can be quite brutal. I hope yours are the exception and not the rule, but I’ve seen it happen time and time again, and regrettably I’ve participated in this behavior as a Mormon: A person “apostatizes” from the LDS Church and before you know it the entire Ward is speculating as to which egregious sin that person must have allowed to dictate his pride into having him leave the church which is “so obviously true”. I got a nasty taste of my own medicine when I left the LDS Church for the Catholic Church and this experience has made me vow to never again speculate on the intentions of others’ spirituality. If this does happen, remind yourself that it’s their own insecure coping mechanism, say a prayer for them, and leave it with God. Continue living a virtuous life and show them that there are indeed good people who leave the LDS Church not due to sin but
due to truth.

*** was told I didn’t pray hard enough and I needed to pray harder and fast longer…and to tell my sin to the bishop…I didn’t have a sin to tell him and all the prayers wouldn’t help…my Ward members were extremely rude though they considered it for my well being…my husband was my only saving grace in all of this, but he couldn’t leave the faith…and I couldn’t be in it…so we split…I hold no grudges against any of ward members and my ex is one of my best friends…but say a prayer for and leave it to God is a wonderful idea and just about all you can do except keep your head high…

stormy***

Any time. Good luck with your journey!

 

[stormy99]

The only bumps in the road that I have heard about are those concerning divorce and remarriage. These cause the most difficulties when converting and can result in a married couple having to reside together as brother and sister. I personally know a couple like this. It is not easy for them, but their faith is strong.

**That’s how my parish priest brought me into the church…brother and sister…my husband now is Catholic and he said fine…our convalidation was Oct. 2…I was determine that nothing would stop me from converting…absolutely nothing…I knew it was where I belonged…

stormy**

My dh was Catholic but we did not have a sacramental marriage. We were married per the rites of the Church after I was baptised and confirmed.

 

[stormy99]

**I never experienced the opposition just the opposite the calling was so strong and so deep…I couldn’t ignore it…at first confession when they sang Hosea, Come Back to Me…I was absolutely blown away and I knew this was where I had to be…I just had to be in communion with God as a Catholic…when I explained this to my priest, he told me the Holy Spirit was speaking and I was listening…my wall crucifix in the Holy Spirit Dove crucifix…if you listen you will hear him…

stormy**