Would Like some help please - RCIA classes/learning more about catholocism

[facetious5487]

Okay – I feel like I have been “secretly” researching the catholic church for about 6 months now. I can’t explain it – this is embaressing for me to say (it seems a little “touch feely” for me) - but I feel like I am being called to discover more about it.

I have brought it up to my husband, and he does not really have a huge interest in the catholic church at all (although I don’t really know why – He doesn’t really have a specific reason I don’t think)

We have been going to an Episcopal church (only for about a monrth now) - that I really like (because of the traditional worship style mostly – and the smaller size of the congregation).

Anyway – I used parishfinder (I think that is what its called) – to find a church in my zip code, and saw something about RCIA classes.

My question is – is me going to these RCIA classes (most likely alone) – an appropriate way to find out more about the catholic religion – or is it only appropriate to go to these classes if you KNOW that you will be “converting” (that sounds weird to me, since I’m already christian) over?

In addition – my husband and I were going to take some christian faith formation classes at the Episcopal church we just started going to – is that innappropriate for me to do both? I feel like I’m lying to both churches, I guess – like its a contest between the two in my head or something.

I guess my thought was that I would try to go to both (maybe I can attend the catholic mass on satruday nights, and then the episcoplian services on Sunday mornings) – until I figure out which one I should do. There are some things in the catholic church I don’t socially agree with/but in my heart of heart of hearts I think they are in line with what the bible teaches (even if it makes me a little "ashamed/sad to admit that) – am I making any sense?? I feel like I am rambling.

 

[JHow]

My question is – is me going to these RCIA classes (most likely alone) – an appropriate way to find out more about the catholic religion – or is it only appropriate to go to these classes if you KNOW that you will be “converting” (that sounds weird to me, since I’m already christian) over?

It is an appropriate way to find out. You are not obligated to enter the church. The first year is usually called inquiry, and is just that. By the way, if you are a baptized Christian, your status is referred to as a “candidate” for confirmation. The unbaptized get called “catechumens”.

– is that innappropriate for me to do both?

Hmmm. Not sure on that one. I guess there’s probably no rule against it. I would bet you would probably soon pick one or the other.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

And candidates don’t get ‘dipped.’

Good luck in your search.

 

[puzzleannie]

Ok

My question is – is me going to these RCIA classes (most likely alone) – an appropriate way to find out more about the catholic religion – or is it only appropriate to go to these classes if you KNOW that you will be “converting” (that sounds weird to me, since I’m already christian) over?

In addition – my husband and I were going to take some christian faith formation classes at the Episcopal church we just started going to – is that innappropriate for me to do both? I feel like I’m lying to both churches, I guess – like its a contest between the two in my head or something.

g.

yes the way to begin learning about the Catholic faith is RCIA, specifically the initial period called appropriately, Inquiry. There is no commitment unless and until you are ready to take the next step and enter the formal period of formation, the catechumenate for the unbaptized, or formation for the baptized. The entry rite into these periods is called the rite of acceptance, or the rite of welcoming for the latter. Even then you have not make an irrevocable commitment. This is the longest period of more formal study and spiritual growth. The entry into immediate preparation for the initiation sacraments, or period of purification and enlightenment (or continuing conversion for the baptized) which coincides with Lent is marked by the rite of election for the former, and call to continuing conversion for the latter. By this time you should have decided to ask for the sacraments and reception into the Catholic Church, and this is when a baptismal godparent (or confirmation sponsor) is selected or appointed.

there is more about this whole process on the evangelization forum, but you are quite right, your next logical step is contacting the Catholic parish closest to you, as most new classes begin this time of year.

You can’t answer the questions you have about your faith home until you go where there are answers. The only one who is going to be disturbed about your attending 2 classes at the same time is you, as you will likely become very confused and end up possibly in debating wars which are not going to help your spiritual growth very much.

Have you prayed, on your own and with your husband, about your own faith journey and about your mutual life as Christians?

 

[sungirl]

I agree with all the good points in the previous post, and I do think that it will become clear which church is right for you before too long. My one piece of additional advice is to try to keep an open mind about the social issues as you explore the Catholic faith; I started out with a lot of objections but they really faded as I grew to understand the basis of the Church’s positions (I started out as an Episcopalian). I’ve found that the riches of the Catholic Church are even greater than I’d imagined, and I hope you find that too. May God be with you.

 

[Busymom1]

From someone else who has converted… I found that reading some books by former Protestants who have converted to Catholicism helped me out. Its helpful to read their viewpoints, what they had learned, and why they made the decisions that they made. My first recommendation would be Scott Hahn’s “Rome Sweet Home”. It’s a pretty easy read, but helpful. You could even get on a website today, order it, and be learning more by next weekend! My husband rarely sits down to read a book, but he read that one, so maybe your husband would too.

 

[facetious5487]

finally got the courage to attend a catholic mass tonight – (a 5:30 pm one) – so, I don’t know if it would be similar to what happens on Sunday morning or not.

Seemed very similar to the Episcopal services I have been going to the past couple of weeks.

I loved it – I sat during the communion (I didn’t know if I should sit/stand/kneel/etc. while not taking communion – so I just sat) – hopefully that is appropriate.

There is a church on the way to work that has 6:30 am mass – I might attend that.

 

[KarenElissa]

finally got the courage to attend a catholic mass tonight – (a 5:30 pm one) – so, I don’t know if it would be similar to what happens on Sunday morning or not.

Seemed very similar to the Episcopal services I have been going to the past couple of weeks.

I loved it – I sat during the communion (I didn’t know if I should sit/stand/kneel/etc. while not taking communion – so I just sat) – hopefully that is appropriate.

There is a church on the way to work that has 6:30 am mass – I might attend that.

Glad you made it. The mass you attended was similar to what happens on Sundays, but there are more parts on Sundays, another reading, the Gloria, the Creed, but same basic idea.

As for what to do during Communion, I usually sat on the end so I could let people out, and then knelt while everyone else received. Sitting is also fine.

 

[BigDave31]

finally got the courage to attend a catholic mass tonight – (a 5:30 pm one) – so, I don’t know if it would be similar to what happens on Sunday morning or not.

Seemed very similar to the Episcopal services I have been going to the past couple of weeks.

I loved it – I sat during the communion (I didn’t know if I should sit/stand/kneel/etc. while not taking communion – so I just sat) – hopefully that is appropriate.

There is a church on the way to work that has 6:30 am mass – I might attend that.

Keep up the good work fscetious. You will not be sorry. I am an evangelical that converted about 5 years ago. Best move I ever made. You will find more graces over time. I love my Catholic Church.

 

[lutherlic]

finally got the courage to attend a catholic mass tonight – (a 5:30 pm one) – so, I don’t know if it would be similar to what happens on Sunday morning or not.

Seemed very similar to the Episcopal services I have been going to the past couple of weeks.

I loved it – I sat during the communion (I didn’t know if I should sit/stand/kneel/etc. while not taking communion – so I just sat) – hopefully that is appropriate.

There is a church on the way to work that has 6:30 am mass – I might attend that.

This is wonderful. I was confirmed 7 months ago and still remember the “what should a non-Catholic do at Mass” worries. FWIW, I wrote about the topic here.

When you learn more about Catholicism you will see that the Mass is much more than a Protestant worship service. I always cringe a little when it is referred to in the same sense.

I second Busymom1’s suggestion on reading conversion stories. In addition to the great book she suggested, you might be interested in the conversion stories of bloggers here. There is lots of good stuff there!

 

[stormy99]

RCIA is where you will learn about the Catholic Church and the beliefs. I recently was confirmed. It is not until the end of the classes that we were told if we have truly decided that we want to be in communion with God through the Catholic Church where we should meet…that being Holy Week…as a previously baptized Christian, I went to Confession and then through Holy Week and was confirmed at Easter Vigil. I have never felt as wonderful as I did when I was confirmed…

One of our priests told me later…the Holy Spirit speaks but you have to be listening and I believe it.

stormy

 

[Nicea325]

Okay – I feel like I have been “secretly” researching the catholic church for about 6 months now. I can’t explain it – this is embaressing for me to say (it seems a little “touch feely” for me) - but I feel like I am being called to discover more about it.

I have brought it up to my husband, and he does not really have a huge interest in the catholic church at all (although I don’t really know why – He doesn’t really have a specific reason I don’t think)

We have been going to an Episcopal church (only for about a monrth now) - that I really like (because of the traditional worship style mostly – and the smaller size of the congregation).

Anyway – I used parishfinder (I think that is what its called) – to find a church in my zip code, and saw something about RCIA classes.

My question is – is me going to these RCIA classes (most likely alone) – an appropriate way to find out more about the catholic religion – or is it only appropriate to go to these classes if you KNOW that you will be “converting” (that sounds weird to me, since I’m already christian) over?

In addition – my husband and I were going to take some christian faith formation classes at the Episcopal church we just started going to – is that innappropriate for me to do both? I feel like I’m lying to both churches, I guess – like its a contest between the two in my head or something.

I guess my thought was that I would try to go to both (maybe I can attend the catholic mass on satruday nights, and then the episcoplian services on Sunday mornings) – until I figure out which one I should do. There are some things in the catholic church I don’t socially agree with/but in my heart of heart of hearts I think they are in line with what the bible teaches (even if it makes me a little "ashamed/sad to admit that) – am I making any sense?? I feel like I am rambling.

Yes RCIA is the process into your journey with the Church and Christ. The first phase is the Inquiry Phase and I suggest you ask all the questions you have about Catholicism at your RCIA classes.

 

[Nicea325]

RCIA is where you will learn about the Catholic Church and the beliefs. I recently was confirmed. It is not until the end of the classes that we were told if we have truly decided that we want to be in communion with God through the Catholic Church where we should meet…that being Holy Week…as a previously baptized Christian, I went to Confession and then through Holy Week and was confirmed at Easter Vigil. I have never felt as wonderful as I did when I was confirmed…

One of our priests told me later…the Holy Spirit speaks but you have to be listening and I believe it.

stormy

Welcome and congratulations.