Becoming Catholic

sorry I do not know more about RCIA, but I would just like to say may God bless you and guide you.

Greetings in Christ my sister!

I would recommend calling your local Catholic parish and seeing what they think is best. All parishes should have an RCIA program but your best bet is to find a relatively large parish as they probably have the best resources to help you.

Have you tried that yet?

Anyway, God Bless you. I am in the process of becoming Catholic, and I can tell you that there is no denomination on the planet that fits the Bible (or Christian history) as perfectly as the Catholic Church.

Welcome to the path that leads HOME my sister!!!

Normally each parish has RCIA that starts in the fall.

You should talk to a priest and see how they work it.
Easter is when new Catechumens enter officially into the Church.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to OBOB, sister! (Shan't provide Australian info - that would be more hindrance than help )

Welcome!

From the link below see if you can find your Diocese for more information about churches in your area.
http://www.usccb.org/dioceses.shtml

beat up the priest, then everybody will do whatever you want... umm wait that is a bad idea...
try meeting the priest in person after one of the masses, tell him that you are frustraited, be honest about the problem but still polite, I think that would work

good luck on your journey

I would suggest keeping trying to phone but otherwise you could write a letter/ note to the presbetary or pop into the church one day when it is open and see whoever's about. You might be able to pick up details of who runs RCIA from the parish newsletter for example.

Rhamiel said:

beat up the priest, then everybody will do whatever you want... umm wait that is a bad idea...
try meeting the priest in person after one of the masses, tell him that you are frustraited, be honest about the problem but still polite, I think that would work

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A great suggestion!

karamelkiss_22 said:

Thanks for all the responses, but now I have another dilemma in front of me.
What do you do when you find a local Church, but you call and email them and still can't get an answer on the phone or a response by email?
HELP!!!!!!!

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stop by the church office or ask preist after mas

karamelkiss_22 said:

Hi!
I live in Southeast Georgia, USA. I've been doing a lot of reading and a lot of surfing on the Internet lately. I'm really interested in becoming a Catholic, but I don't know where I should begin. I've been reading about the RCIA, but I'm wondering if it's to late to begin this late in the year. Is there a right time to start or what? Do all Catholic churches participate in the RCIA classes? If anyone can help me with some info. or links I'd appreciate it.

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Most churches do, yes. I'm sure there are exceptions here and there. In fact, it may be that the church you are enquiring at does not have it and that's why they're not getting back to you...??? I would check with the next closest church as an alternative.

As far as the "right" time to start, if you are already a validly baptized Christian then it doesn't matter much, I dont think. Jump in when you're ready and then get confirmed when you're ready. Easter vigil is mostly for catechumens, not candidates for full communion.

As far as links go, start here:

http://www.catholic.com/library/Pillar.asp

Peace be with you on your journey.

Greg

karamelkiss_22 said:

Hi!
I live in Southeast Georgia, USA. I've been doing a lot of reading and a lot of surfing on the Internet lately. I'm really interested in becoming a Catholic, but I don't know where I should begin. I've been reading about the RCIA, but I'm wondering if it's to late to begin this late in the year. Is there a right time to start or what? Do all Catholic churches participate in the RCIA classes? If anyone can help me with some info. or links I'd appreciate it.

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My understanding is that it does matter to some degree.

In my diocese, the classes begin at the same time as the regular school session, typically late August-early September.

However, you can join in the classes up to a month after they begin. The first month is kind of an introductory month if you will.

karamelkiss_22 said:

Thanks for all the responses, but now I have another dilemma in front of me.
What do you do when you find a local Church, but you call and email them and still can't get an answer on the phone or a response by email?
HELP!!!!!!!

Click to expand...

Unless distance is an issue, I'd suggest you find a different parish.

I know we're not supposed to shop for parishes, but sometimes you have no choice. If you aren't getting a response at one, you may have better luck at another. A friend of mine did that and had little difficulty.

Not all parishes have RCIA classes, but even those that do not should be able to refer you to those that do.

God bless you on your journey.

I just started RCIA in September. To the best of my knowledge, they all start around that time and end at Easter. You would be too late for this year, but you are still able to go to Mass each week and may even be able to be a member already. I am a member of the Church even though I am not fully initiated. BUT I was baptised as a kid and my hubby is Catholic, so that may have helped

In the meantime you could get a Catholic Bible and a Cathecism plus some study guides, like Scott Hann´s Bible study and the Liguori Cathecism Study. And study the lifes of the saints since you will have to pic one as your role model for confirmation.

karamelkiss_22 said:

Thanks for all the responses, but now I have another dilemma in front of me.
What do you do when you find a local Church, but you call and email them and still can't get an answer on the phone or a response by email?
HELP!!!!!!!

Click to expand...

If the priest you've tried to contact is as good with electronics as some priests from the area where I live, that's...uh...predictable.
All the same, I agree with the rest that you could just go talk to them after mass, that should do it.
Welcome to the OBOB and good luck!

karamelkiss_22 said:

Thanks for all the responses, but now I have another dilemma in front of me.
What do you do when you find a local Church, but you call and email them and still can't get an answer on the phone or a response by email?
HELP!!!!!!!

Click to expand...

I would recommend that you show up in person. It is rude but Catholic organizations, more often than not, will not get back to someone. Go during regular business hours and talk to the office person. Good luck and God bless.

Oh - I just saw your last post - please disregard the above.

karamelkiss_22 said:

Forgive me for not knowing this, but where would I find info. on the lives of the Saints?

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Go to the library and look in the 260-290 section. I found a couple of really good books on saints and martyrs

Or at Barnes and Noble in the religion section.

And finally, the parish you are going to RCIA may have a library you can check some books out of, or a bookstore