What is RCIA?

[Mort_Alz]

I hope this is the right forum

What is RCIA?

I know it’s some kind of initiation set of classes

Is it REQUIRED to join the Catholic Church? Or can’t I just ask to be baptised (or if I’ve already been baptised) ask to be initiated?

I only ask, because I’m VERY interested in joining (I’m sick of all the splits in Protestantism with no real, true unity among them), and I seriously doubt Peter OR Paul made their Jewish and Gentile converts go through RCIA classes, lol :bounce:

 

[JRKH]

First of all WELCOME HOME…

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
They are indeed a series of classes designed to aquaint catechumens with the teachings of The Church so that they know what they are “getting into”.
They are highly recommended, but they are not absolutely required either. If you feel that you are knowledgable enough about the teachings of the Catholic Church then you may contact a priest and talk to him about entering The Church without taking the classes.

As far as what was done in the first and second centuries, certainly baptism was offered quite quickly, but that did not end the Catechumen’s initiation. In fact, the order of the mass reflects an early form of “catechism” for those not fully initiatied into the Church.
The first part of the mass, the liturgy of the Word, could be attended by catechumens as well as those fully received, but at the end of the homily the catechumens would be dismissed and only those fully received would remain for the “Liturgy of the Eucharist”.
Of course this has changed and everyone is welcome at the full mass (except receiving communion) but the basic principle remains the same. There is a period of instruction that precedes first communion and confirmation.

Your best bet is to contact your local parish and make an appointment to talk to the pastor. Talk things over, Let Him question you and see where it goes from there.

Merry Christmas
James

 

[Dorothy]

It depends on the parish if all are required to go through RCIA. I have heard of some people who made an appointment with the priest, and the priest discovered that they were so well versed in Catholic doctrine and moral teachings that they did not have to wait for RCIA to begin. I do think that is the exception rather than the rule.

RCIA is highly recommended, in that you get to be in Christian community as you are learning about the faith. Also, no one is forced to become Catholic because they are in RCIA. They may find out that there are some things they just can’t seem to accept.

 

[beth40n2]

Some RCIA may be done privately, such in the cases of protestant clergy coming into the church, where they already know their Bible well and would be bored in classes. And they only need to learn Catholic doctrine.

I did some private RCIA myself, as I was a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist church (basically a lay pastor) and did preaching in many small churches when pastors were on vacation.

I read the whole Catechism and weekly talked with my priest either in person or over the phone over any questions I had. It worked out well, and our private conversations gave him an indication as to when I was ready to join the church. Actually is was 6 years ago today I had my First Holy Communion at 9am Mass on Christmas morning.

Blessing to all.

 

[laszlo]

Until the 1970 if an adult wanted to be baptized or convert from protestant to the Catholic faith received a short (1-2 hours) informal instruction from a priest and after that either was baptized or took the Tridentine confession

sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/61-appendix-reception-of-converts-profession-of-faith.html

and the candidate was allowed to make confession and receive communion (newly baptized do not need initial confession). Traditional Churches still use this method

During the 1970’s the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was introduced, originally only for newly baptized but extended for converts and even for those Catholics who return to the Church.

 

[beth40n2]

I have found the more education a person can recieve about the faith during the RCIA period the better. A short 1-2 hours introduction is not enough. I found for myself and many others I am in communication in the group “Converting to Catholic”, the long RCIA process brings a person to the point where they desire the Eucharist and clearly know it is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

From my experience being a previous United Methodist where they only have that 1-2 hour class, you have people in the church with many beliefs and most people really do not know what the church believes.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Until the 1970 if an adult wanted to be baptized or convert from protestant to the Catholic faith received a short (1-2 hours) informal instruction from a priest and after that either was baptized or took the Tridentine confession

sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/61-appendix-reception-of-converts-profession-of-faith.html

and the candidate was allowed to make confession and receive communion (newly baptized do not need initial confession). Traditional Churches still use this method

During the 1970’s the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was introduced, originally only for newly baptized but extended for converts and even for those Catholics who return to the Church.

I do not think that prior to 1970 they only had 1-2 hours of instruction before being received into the Church. They usually would meet with a priest regularly, like once a week, for a number of weeks or months. I know a number of pre-1970 converts. My husband was one and was instructed privately for a few months before his Baptism, and he already had basic knowledge because he attended Catholic elementary schools. Also, they did not usually receive Confirmation at the time of their Baptism, like they do now. That was usually done later when the Bishop was doing them. He was not confirmed when we were married. It wasn’t a requirement. His mother and brother were baptized around 1973 or 1974 and there was no RCIA program set up yet in the parish and they received private instruction for about 3 months. They were, however, confirmed when they were baptized.

 

[PJM]

=Mort Alz;7397054]I hope this is the right forum

What is RCIA?

I know it’s some kind of initiation set of classes

Is it REQUIRED to join the Catholic Church? Or can’t I just ask to be baptised (or if I’ve already been baptised) ask to be initiated?

I only ask, because I’m VERY interested in joining (I’m sick of all the splits in Protestantism with no real, true unity among them), and I seriously doubt Peter OR Paul made their Jewish and Gentile converts go through RCIA classes, lol :bounce:

RCIA stands for “Rites of Christian Iniation for Adults.”

Yes it is mandatory [except for very rare cases]

Keep in Mind the Catholic Church is the Original Christin Faith, founded by Jesus Himself, dating back some 2,000 years. Becaue of the seemingly ever-increasing number of recent competing churches there exit more WRONG infiormation than correct information floating around. So both because to correct the wrong understandingd as well as to share the TRUTHFULL ones, it is necessary.

It basically is a “introduction to Catholism” with a heavy emphasis on Basis - Catholic beleifs and practices. It’s goal is two fold:

To provide sufficient factual information on the Catholic Faith to permit one to decide if it is the RIGHT thing for them to do. Sufficient time is usually given to addresing questions and concerns. It is NOT an in-depth education into the Catholic Faith and practices.

Secondly is the opportunity to commit to the Catholic Church through the Rites offered.

While the quality of instruction can vary geatly; more and more priest and Bishops are
working to improve there programs. The programs that I am aware of run from August to Easter, but that too can vary.

God Bless,
Pat

 

[Mort_Alz]

I look forward to speaking with someone from a parish

I have to be patient now though, since I’m still in high school at the moment. I have one more semester, a summer, then I’m off to college and will feel much more secure about exploring.

My parents are practicing members of the Church of Christ (a congregational church with roots in Protestantism that tends to shy away from the word “Protestant” [The Church of Christ yields probably the most Catholic results from Sola Scriptura that is possible. {This, of course, leaves a lot to be desired due to the absense of Sacred Tradition, but we believe baptism is necessary for salvation, take communion once a week, encourage confession, etc.}]).

AAAAAAnyway, my point is, I am eager, I am anxious, I am willing to accept whatever is true, and I am LOADED with burning questions and can’t wait to speak with someone.

would y’all pray for me in my time of waiting? (selfishly, would y’all also pray that God would guide me to the college he desires for me?)

btw, Merry Christmas to all of you

 

[PJM]

=Mort Alz;7398425]I look forward to speaking with someone from a parish

I have to be patient now though, since I’m still in high school at the moment. I have one more semester, a summer, then I’m off to college and will feel much more secure about exploring.

My parents are practicing members of the Church of Christ (a congregational church with roots in Protestantism that tends to shy away from the word “Protestant” [The Church of Christ yields probably the most Catholic results from Sola Scriptura that is possible. {This, of course, leaves a lot to be desired due to the absense of Sacred Tradition, but we believe baptism is necessary for salvation, take communion once a week, encourage confession, etc.}]).

AAAAAAnyway, my point is, I am eager, I am anxious, I am willing to accept whatever is true, and I am LOADED with burning questions and can’t wait to speak with someone.

would y’all pray for me in my time of waiting? (selfishly, would y’all also pray that God would guide me to the college he desires for me?)

btw, Merry Christmas to all of you

Dear friend in Christ,

Mat God continue to Bless you, guide you and encourage you so tht when you ARE exposed to the Truth, you’ll be able to recogonize it and in humility, accept it.

I shall keep you in my prayers,
Pat

 

[JRKH]

I look forward to speaking with someone from a parish

I have to be patient now though, since I’m still in high school at the moment. I have one more semester, a summer, then I’m off to college and will feel much more secure about exploring.

My parents are practicing members of the Church of Christ (a congregational church with roots in Protestantism that tends to shy away from the word “Protestant” [The Church of Christ yields probably the most Catholic results from Sola Scriptura that is possible. {This, of course, leaves a lot to be desired due to the absense of Sacred Tradition, but we believe baptism is necessary for salvation, take communion once a week, encourage confession, etc.}]).

AAAAAAnyway, my point is, I am eager, I am anxious, I am willing to accept whatever is true, and I am LOADED with burning questions and can’t wait to speak with someone.

would y’all pray for me in my time of waiting? (selfishly, would y’all also pray that God would guide me to the college he desires for me?)

btw, Merry Christmas to all of you

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Peace
James

 

[jmcrae]

I do not think that prior to 1970 they only had 1-2 hours of instruction before being received into the Church. They usually would meet with a priest regularly, like once a week, for a number of weeks or months. I know a number of pre-1970 converts. My husband was one and was instructed privately for a few months before his Baptism, and he already had basic knowledge because he attended Catholic elementary schools. Also, they did not usually receive Confirmation at the time of their Baptism, like they do now. That was usually done later when the Bishop was doing them. He was not confirmed when we were married. It wasn’t a requirement. His mother and brother were baptized around 1973 or 1974 and there was no RCIA program set up yet in the parish and they received private instruction for about 3 months. They were, however, confirmed when they were baptized.

I have a copy of the priests’ edition of the instruction manual used for converts in New York in 1957, and it outlines a series of 24 mandatory two-hour classes (perfect attendance was expected; there was a process for creating make-up classes for those who missed a class or two due to illness; the priest is instructed to ask those who miss more than two classes to drop out and try again next year, due to the potential disruptive effect on the rest of the class), followed by conditional First Confession and conditional Baptism for all converts at the 25th session, regardless of background, with First Holy Communion to follow on the Sunday immediately afterwards, and Confirmation to follow at the Bishop’s convenience.

 

[beth40n2]

You are invited to a group called “Converting to Catholic Resources” at the following link. It is a group that discusses the faith and if you have any questions we will try to supply the answers or find the answers.

forums.catholic-questions.org/group.php?groupid=740

 

[MusicforMovies]

It depends on the parish if all are required to go through RCIA. I have heard of some people who made an appointment with the priest, and the priest discovered that they were so well versed in Catholic doctrine and moral teachings that they did not have to wait for RCIA to begin. I do think that is the exception rather than the rule.

RCIA is highly recommended, in that you get to be in Christian community as you are learning about the faith. Also, no one is forced to become Catholic because they are in RCIA. They may find out that there are some things they just can’t seem to accept.

My own experience, due to my scheduling issues and knowledge, was that I was privately taught by a priest, but was with the RCIA group as well when my schedule permitted. i.e. we all entered the Church together on Easter Vigil.

 

[spunjalebi]

RCIA is extremely important! And necessary!

As a recent convert (confirmed last year Easter), I am extremely thankful and eternally grateful for my RCIA education. I’ve joined a Protestant church in the past before and I can say that there was a world of difference between the two.

Yes, I doubt St. Peter or St. Paul made their converts go through RCIA class but let’s be honest here, the world has changed. People don’t just want to join a church and feel like a number or a nameless person, they want to join a community. This day and age is also wrought with many issues, moral and spiritual, and having a good community to go to is essential.

When I joined RCIA, there were people who were not baptized-- catechumenates-- and people who were baptized (me included), or candidates. The catechumenates were asked to verbalize their requests to the church community about what they needed in order to have a successful journey through RCIA. This forces the community to be aware of who people are that want to join the church and become part of the church. This isn’t just some “sign up day” that you fill out a postcard and bang shabam you’re a member of the church. Or just attend a two hour session and you’re a member of the church. You become a member of the Body of the Church.

You will also be instructed (that is, if you enter into a GOOD RCIA program) about what the Church really teaches. I had a lot of questions to ask myself, especially about the myths regarding the Pope, Mary, etc. that I had known about as a Protestant. I learned about the intertwined relationship between tradition and scripture and that Sola Scriptura was not how Christianity was practiced, nor was that how it was intended. My husband was my sponsor and he even admitted to me that he learned a vast wealth of knowledge compared to even when he was growing up as a Catholic, and he was glad that he was my sponsor.

There is a reason why the process is so long. It’s to make sure you really and truly know what you’re getting into, and to make sure that you understand what it means to be Catholic. You have to understand what it means to take communion as a Catholic, what it means to be sacramental as a Catholic, and what it means to believe as a Catholic. We had many frank discussions about how many people oftentimes, having been cradle Catholics, fail to understand what it means to be a faithful Catholic who doesn’t just go through the motions, and why these things need to be conscious choices that we have to make.

Personally, if becoming a Catholic is something you want to do, make sure it’s a genuine decision that you’re prepared to make. You’re going to learn alot if you do make that decision, and it’s definitely going to be a process. Looking back, RCIA was one of the best things that I did with my life, and I’m not just saying that either.

 

[beth40n2]

I look forward to speaking with someone from a parish

I have to be patient now though, since I’m still in high school at the moment. I have one more semester, a summer, then I’m off to college and will feel much more secure about exploring.

You have much wisdom for your age. Yes be patient!

What ever college you attend, try to find a “Newman Center” there. It is named after St. John Cardinal Henry Newman. It is a Catholic Campus center where there will be a priest who will do RCIA classes and he helps people grown in their faith and you will be able to attend Mass and have fellowship with other Catholics your age.