Torn between parishes for RCIA

[Mgray82]

So, I am going to start a year long RCIA course tomorrow. Problem I have with this parish is, after you become a catechumen you remain a catechumen for at least a year. Rendering me to be baptized Easter 2014. Well, yesterday I had a meeting with a priest at another parish and he told me that in their RCIA program (which doesn’t start till August) once a catechumen you are able to get baptized this next Easter 2013. 9 months after you’ve been in RCIA. This of course assuming the Holy Spirit has brought you to this conclusion of faith.

So I feel torn between which parish to choose. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with starting the RCIA at the first parish I mentioned, then maybe when RCIA starts in August at the other parish move over there so I can be baptized this Easter.

I just don’t feel I need to wait nearly 2 years to become baptized in the Catholic Church. Should I ask to talk to the priest in the first churh I mentioned with the year round RCIA program and tell him what the other said, and tell him my wanting to be baptized next Easter? Or just not go all together and not even give the first church a shot? It’s confusing. Any feedback would help…

 

[asia53]

Hi Mgray82,

Each parish does things differently. So…it really comes down to—which program would be the most benefit for you? Are you comfortable speeding up the process, or would you benefit more from the slowed down process?

Normally, except under extenuating circumstances, people don’t transfer parish RCIA programs. Once you start RCIA, your starting parish is responsible for your formation.

You could talk the priest at the first parish, but I don’t think, it would do much. It isn’t about our desires.

May I suggest—pray. The answer will come.

 

[TrueLight]

If both had RCIAs with equal lengths of time, which one would you choose?

Do you regularly attend one versus the other?

If you have no preference for any of the RCIA programs and if you don’t attend any of those parishes regularly, I would choose the one that starts in August. It’s only 3 months away.

 

[mab23]

*im not gonna say what i say is right

but I would choose the quicker one and spend more time on it -

like even on my off time , learning more about the Faith and jumping in Deeper and Deeper

you are already a member on this site - it took me 1 year to do my program - and im learning more now on this site than I ever did at CCD (childs RCIA)

so if you are already determined and made the choice to become a Catholic and are not doubting - take the quicker one and do some extra stuff - listen to Catholic Radio and time on the Forums will be a Wonder too - and it will help you answer questions sometimes even the RCIA leader cannot

this is JUST my opinion - and what I would do in your case!*

 

[SilverCamellia]

Like others have said, it really depends on your readiness to be a Catholic. Do you already know the basics? Are you looking forward to being baptised, or do you feel a bit out of your depth with what goes on? Remember that confirmation means you are declaring your intent to be a [practising] Catholic for the rest of your life. Do you feel ready for that? If so, opt for the RCIA beginning in August. There is a lot of time between now and then to prepare for it.

I will be getting confirmed (I’m already baptised) next Easter, and I know I couldn’t wait any longer for it!

Pray about your options, too

 

[PJM]

=Mgray82;9352747]So, I am going to start a year long RCIA course tomorrow. Problem I have with this parish is, after you become a catechumen you remain a catechumen for at least a year. Rendering me to be baptized Easter 2014. Well, yesterday I had a meeting with a priest at another parish and he told me that in their RCIA program (which doesn’t start till August) once a catechumen you are able to get baptized this next Easter 2013. 9 months after you’ve been in RCIA. This of course assuming the Holy Spirit has brought you to this conclusion of faith.

So I feel torn between which parish to choose. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with starting the RCIA at the first parish I mentioned, then maybe when RCIA starts in August at the other parish move over there so I can be baptized this Easter.

I just don’t feel I need to wait nearly 2 years to become baptized in the Catholic Church. Should I ask to talk to the priest in the first churh I mentioned with the year round RCIA program and tell him what the other said, and tell him my wanting to be baptized next Easter? Or just not go all together and not even give the first church a shot? It’s confusing. Any feedback would help…

An informed opion here

The First parsih is more like the Old Church rules and LIKELY more “conserative and Traditional”; while the second parish reflects current norms. BOTH are acceptable; and you should choose with PRAYER where God wants you to be. Your decission OUGHT to leave you with a praceful mind and a joy-filled heart IF you make the right decission.

Welcome Home,
God Bless you,

IF you should have any unanswered question PLEASE send me a private message And I will discuss them with you,

pat /PJM

 

[Cathryn]

This may not make me popular, but I would ask which parish you reside in because that is the pastor that is responsible for you. I would suggest talking to him about your options.

 

[Marie5890]

So, I am going to start a year long RCIA course tomorrow. Problem I have with this parish is, after you become a catechumen you remain a catechumen for at least a year. Rendering me to be baptized Easter 2014. Well, yesterday I had a meeting with a priest at another parish and he told me that in their RCIA program (which doesn’t start till August) once a catechumen you are able to get baptized this next Easter 2013. 9 months after you’ve been in RCIA. This of course assuming the Holy Spirit has brought you to this conclusion of faith.

So I feel torn between which parish to choose. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with starting the RCIA at the first parish I mentioned, then maybe when RCIA starts in August at the other parish move over there so I can be baptized this Easter.

I just don’t feel I need to wait nearly 2 years to become baptized in the Catholic Church. Should I ask to talk to the priest in the first churh I mentioned with the year round RCIA program and tell him what the other said, and tell him my wanting to be baptized next Easter? Or just not go all together and not even give the first church a shot? It’s confusing. Any feedback would help…

Mgray,

My first question is based on your profile. You list Christian and you reside in Ohio. Does that mean you have already been baptized in a different Christian church? If so, most likely, you wont be baptized again. So perhaps that would make a difference in how the RCIA program, which ever one you chose, deals with your circumstance.

If you have already been validly baptized, you are will not be a catechumen but a candidate. For some parishes, that does make a difference in how your faith journey into the Catholic Church will go forward…

Just a thought

 

[anjoh66]

RCIA is not so much about learning the Faith, it is more about how to live the Faith. It took me approx 2 years before i was batized and approx 1 year before i could even start the RCIA classes.

In my country they have divided it into three parts, pre-catechumenate for approx 1 year and then the RCIA from august to easter and finally the post catechumenate from easter to july.

I would say that it was not so much about learning,except for the basic things, it was all about how to live the faith.

It is necessary to be well trained in how to live the faith and i have some friend who has been a catechumen for at least 3 years now and he has not the intention of speeding it up but will probably be baptized the coming easter after almost 4 years as a catechumen.

It is not necessary to speed up the things, let it take the time the Lord wants it to take, only yourself can answer the question of which parish to choose.

God Bless!

 

[Mgray82]

It was a tough decision, but I’m not waiting 2 years to be baptized. I will start RCIA in August and be baptized into the church Easter 2013. I’ve spent countless hours listening to podcasts, reading books and talking to priests and other Catholics. Most of all I’ve been praying and following God’s lead.

Thank you all for your feedback.

 

[Like]

It was a tough decision, but I’m not waiting 2 years to be baptized. I will start RCIA in August and be baptized into the church Easter 2013. I’ve spent countless hours listening to podcasts, reading books and talking to priests and other Catholics. Most of all I’ve been praying and following God’s lead.

Thank you all for your feedback.

God Bless you, Mgray!

 

[Mrs_Sally]

It was a tough decision, but I’m not waiting 2 years to be baptized. I will start RCIA in August and be baptized into the church Easter 2013. I’ve spent countless hours listening to podcasts, reading books and talking to priests and other Catholics. Most of all I’ve been praying and following God’s lead.

Thank you all for your feedback.

Welocme home soon! I hope you will call the other parish and let them know what your decision is. You want them to be praying for you also!

 

[TrueLight]

It was a tough decision, but I’m not waiting 2 years to be baptized. I will start RCIA in August and be baptized into the church Easter 2013. I’ve spent countless hours listening to podcasts, reading books and talking to priests and other Catholics. Most of all I’ve been praying and following God’s lead.

Thank you all for your feedback.