What to expect at RCIA?

[redshock]

I’m considering the RCIA program this september. I’m just wondering what to expect like age group, is it all just new converts of the faith, a mixed bag, etc.? And for some background, I’m 26 and have been a protestant my whole life. Had a baptism at a 7th day adventist church when I was 12, but I didn’t truely get to know God nor the Christian life til I broke out of the church shortly after. Should this early baptism be mentioned to the RCIA program? I’d be interested in being baptized again for sure.

And is the purgatory forced on new converts? Being a protestant my whole life I found this “theology thrown into the history book” hard to believe given very small references in the bible. I also believe that the dead sleep til Christ returns (good reference: creation-science-prophecy.com/dead.htm . When Christ told the man on the cross, “this day you will be with me in paradise,” I find that hard to believe because Christ was dead for three days. I also read the Greek bible had a different translation to what Christ actually said. But I’m always open to reason.

This seems like a second question, but it kinda ties into this too: if I still do have doubts later, am I expected to believe all that is taught in the RCIA program? Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[puzzleannie]

can’t answer for your parish, only my own
yes, you must be completely open and honest in your interview with the pastor or his delegate about your current and past religious experience and affiliation, esp. baptism. 7DA baptism is recognized by the Catholic Church. Also of course you must be completely open and honest about marriage issues, past marriage and divorce etc. There is no way the priest and RCIA team can assess your needs and help you prepare for the sacraments if you are not honest.

You can expect first and foremost contact with the Gospel in a deeper and richer way, even if you are very well versed in scripture already. you have a right to expect a solid and thorough, if basic, introduction to Catholic doctrine and practices, and specific preparation for and understanding of the sacraments of the Church, especially the sacraments of initiation.

You may be in a class with people who have never been baptized, people who have been baptized in another Christian denomination, or baptized Catholics who are returning to the Church after a long absence and/or are preparing for their own communion and confirmation. You will probably be, for the most part, with other adults of all ages, but at times, especially before the rites which mark transitions from stages of the process and during Lent, you may join with children or youth classes to prepare for the rites.

how long does it take? as long as it takes for you

at the deepest level, you can expect continuing conversion of mind, heart, and life.

 

[ibkc]

It really depends on the parish where you attend. I can tell you my experience:

I’m attending a large parish which is doing an experiment in order to get more people through RCIA. Instead of one class which goes for one day a week for eight months, they do two series of classes per year where students go twice a week: Wednesday night and Sunday after the 8:30 Mass. It’s worked out great for me, since we’re supposed to attend Mass every Sunday, I’m at the church anyway.

Our classes are scheduled by topic in advance and we got an outline when we signed up. We were given copies of the official catechism (for free - wooo!) and the a couple of the early classes after the introductory class were an introduction to the structure of the Catechism and how to locate what you need in it. Besides that, we’ve had dedicated classes on Church history, the Sacraments (including specialized classes which go into great detail on such sacraments as the Eucharist and Reconciliation), Christian morality (two classes on that), stewardship (which basically explained how “works” fits in), detailed explanations on what’s going on during the Mass, etc.

We are all thrown in there together. There are teenagers and adults, catechumens, baptized people from other Christian faiths, and Catholics who are doing the course as a refresher.

When you sign up for RCIA, the coordinator should ask you about your baptismal history. The Church accepts Trinitarian baptisms as valid, so if the 7th Day Adventist baptism is Trinitarian you shouldn’t have to be re-baptized. I know that Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness baptisms are not considered valid and there are a couple each of people from those faiths in the class and they are catechumens. Of course if you feel that your baptism was invalid or questionable, let your RCIA coordinator know about it.

 

[adventistnomore]

Redshock,

Thanks for asking these honest questions!

Baptism is a one-time thing in Catholic theology. If you’ve already been baptized validly (as Adventists are), then all that remains is for you to be confirmed/chrismated; you can’t be rebaptized. (In confirmation, the priest will lay his hands on you, and anoint you with oil, praying for an outpouring of the Spirit upon you).

Instead of rebaptism, remember that confession is available to you. Like baptism, this sacrament removes your sin, and publicly renews your commitment to God. Also, holy water reminds Catholics of their baptism (you can already begin using it). It’s a tangible way of “reliving” baptism (the touch of water), without actually repeating it. I think it’s a great way to express your ever-increasing grasp of God and the Christian life, which began at your baptism, and continues.

As for the doctrinal issues: I totally understand how difficult the idea of purgatory and even the soul are to someone raised Adventist. But yeah, to be a Catholic, you have to accept what the Catholic Church teaches. But embrace that “obstacle”; use it as an opportunity to learn and explore. I think you’ll be surprised by how scriptural both ideas are; I sure was. I’d be glad to share the reasons why they made so much sense to me, despite my Adventist background.

 

[rick43235]

As others have said, it very much depends on the parish. I am currently taking RCIA in a fairly small parish, so there are only 7 of us in the class. Ages range from early 20’s to mid 50’s. While the priest has a “lesson plan,” we often go off on very interesting tangents.

As far has having beliefs “forced” on you, certainly you will be exposed to Catholic beliefs that you may be unfamiliar with. However, as you may have figured out by reading these forums, not all Catholics believe everything the Church teaches. That said, I would encourage you to listen with an open mind, and not with the attitude that you cannot accept certain teachings.

Regarding doubts: Just last week our priest told our class that is is natural to have doubts.

Good luck to you.

 

[RebeccaJ]

I’m considering the RCIA program this september. I’m just wondering what to expect like age group, is it all just new converts of the faith, a mixed bag, etc.? And for some background, I’m 26 and have been a protestant my whole life. Had a baptism at a 7th day adventist church when I was 12, but I didn’t truely get to know God nor the Christian life til I broke out of the church shortly after. Should this early baptism be mentioned to the RCIA program? I’d be interested in being baptized again for sure.

And is the purgatory forced on new converts? Being a protestant my whole life I found this “theology thrown into the history book” hard to believe given very small references in the bible. I also believe that the dead sleep til Christ returns (good reference: creation-science-prophecy.com/dead.htm . When Christ told the man on the cross, “this day you will be with me in paradise,” I find that hard to believe because Christ was dead for three days. I also read the Greek bible had a different translation to what Christ actually said. But I’m always open to reason.

This seems like a second question, but it kinda ties into this too: if I still do have doubts later, am I expected to believe all that is taught in the RCIA program? Thanks for the thoughts.

RCIA is for you. No one is going to pressure to do or believe anything. You will be thoroughly taught all Catholic doctrines and dogma. Our RCIA includes a 30 min. Bible study. I recommend you read more outside of class. The Bible, and books that are specific to questions you have.

Our class has adults and young adults from many backgrounds. Some baptized, some not. A couple of people are baptized Catholics who need confirmation. One is a Catholic just going through RCIA to learn more about their faith.

As I said, there is no pressure. If you do not feel ready to enter the Catholic church, no one is going to force you. I know people who have gone through RCIA for several years before becoming Catholic.

RCIA has been a really good experience for me. I hope yours is the same.



Rebecca