RCIA question

[Hoonbaba]

I found out that it's possible for me to enter the Catholic Church much earlier than Easter vigil of 2004, since I've already been baptized.  I haven't had a chance to talk with 2 chaplains that're guiding me through RCIA, but I was specifically told that I don't have to wait until next year.  Anyone know more about this?

-Jason

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

I believe you have to go through all the classes, but perhaps it is dependent on the parish. Its worth a shot!

 

[nyj]

When the priest thinks your mature enough spiritually to enter into the fullness of the Catholic Church, you can.

 

[ZooMom]

My husband was privately instructed by the priest at our old parish. He received Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, and we both received a blessing to sacramentalize our marriage, in a private ceremony around the end of summer 1993. There is no Church law that says a person must go through an RCIA 'class'. Only that they receive sufficient instruction and are fully cognizant of the meaning of their conversion.

In fact, in some respects I would have preferred private instruction. It allows you to progress at your own pace, without spending whole sessions covering ground you already know. For instance, at least the first three of my RCIA classes were devoted to dispelling the 'worship Mary, idols, Pope, etc...' myths that I had already learned about and dismissed.

God bless you, whatever you decide. And the Peace of Christ be with you.

 

[isshinwhat]

Amen to what njy said. The leaders of the Church have actually said they would rather only unbaptized converts go through RCIA, with the rest attending a different class. The questions asked are often very different. When I went through, we did a combination of the two. We separated the Baptized and non-Baptized for the first half of the class. It worked alright, but I'd prefer a different class altogether.

NEal

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

Well, I agree with what you all are saying. I already knew 99% of what was covered in the class, just from talking to you all on here and reading on my own.

I would have benefited more from individual questions that I could ask one-on-one.

Anyway, good luck Jason, I hope you make the leap!

 

[Brian Daniel]

I found out that it's possible for me to enter the Catholic Church much earlier than Easter vigil of 2004, since I've already been baptized.  I haven't had a chance to talk with 2 chaplains that're guiding me through RCIA, but I was specifically told that I don't have to wait until next year.  Anyone know more about this?

-Jason

Priests that are members of Religious Communities can be more likely to just bring one in without the RCIA. I knew a really old, conservative Jesuit who thought parish programs were "utter trash." Two of my friends were received into the RCC after reading understanding the Baltimore Catechism. Just watch out for New Ager Religious.

God bless,
Brian

 

[Jose]

When I converted ; I talked with the astor of our Church. He consulted with our Bishop and I was allowed personal intruction on some of the Issues that the Pator though needed to be covered.
I would recomend to you to talk with the Pastor at the Parish. Also I will warn you about the type of instruction: both extremes ( conservative and liberal) can lead you into traps and error. If it sounds weird, ask and question.

May G-D grant you the wisdom to continue on your road to full communion with the Church.

 

[pax]

I have a friend who was received into the Church on the Solemnity of the Ascension last month. If you have been baptized you probably wouldn't have to wait until the Easter Vigil, but there probably will be some private instruction.

 

[DustedOffMouse]

I am 22 and just went through RCIA this past fall/winter/spring. I was raised in protestant churches...I was never baptized, but I was very active in the churches I had gone to- not only in youth/choir activities, but also in Bible Studies and Bible Quizzing and things. So Christianity itself was not new to me in the least.

But it was reccommended that I still go through RCIA, even though I had a more solid Christian background than any of the other people in the class who were baptized as babies but not raised in the church because it gave all of us a good background in the RCC's history, tenets and traditions.

I thoroughly enjoyed the class.. there was a woman about 15 years older than me, two girls 5 years younger, and 3 12 year olds. We all had different takes and different questions on things- but we all learned and grew together. It was a great experience that I wouldn't change at all.

So if you are eager to get into the church quick, go for it. But RCIA is not a bad thing and you can still meet one-on-one with whoever is in charge of Religious Education or your priest. But it is not a bad experience, whether baptized or not, whether raised as a Christian or not. You can learn things from the other people in the group that you might not have even thought of on your own or that your 'mentor' had not thought of to bring up. The others can help you grow and you can help them grow. I wouldn't turn my back on it just because you are eager to get to Eucharist. Or do the quick path, if you must, and then go sit in on RCIA. Our parish, they rec. it for anyone who is joining OR anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic church in general. Cradle Catholics often sit in.. even the Baptist preacher in town sat in one year to learn more about ecumenism (sp?) and the Catholic church

 

[Caedmon]

In fact, in some respects I would have preferred private instruction. It allows you to progress at your own pace, without spending whole sessions covering ground you already know. For instance, at least the first three of my RCIA classes were devoted to dispelling the 'worship Mary, idols, Pope, etc...' myths that I had already learned about and dismissed.

I wish my RCIA was more detailed like this. I always feel like it's "cookies and kool-aid" info. All they do is summarize a little pamphlet for each class, but that always leaves me wanting a whole lot more than what they cover. It's really kind of frustrating sometimes. Oh well, I just wish they would cover more stuff in my class.

 

[MariaRegina]

I wish my RCIA was more detailed like this. I always feel like it's "cookies and kool-aid" info. All they do is summarize a little pamphlet for each class, but that always leaves me wanting a whole lot more than what they cover. It's really kind of frustrating sometimes. Oh well, I just wish they would cover more stuff in my class.

Dearest Humblejoe:

Christ is in our midst!

You could always ask any questions here (within the Catholic/Orthodox Forum).

Do an internet search as there are quite a few good Catholic sites. Have you ever checked out the Vatican site? It's fascinating. sometime I do a www.google.com search and get some great information. I just stay away from the weird stuff out there.

Ask the people at your RCIA program if they have any books they could lend you. Many churches have libraries. Also ask them if there are any sites on the Internet that they would recommend.

Your sister in Christ,

Elizabeth

 

[DustedOffMouse]

I wish my RCIA was more detailed like this. I always feel like it's "cookies and kool-aid" info. All they do is summarize a little pamphlet for each class, but that always leaves me wanting a whole lot more than what they cover. It's really kind of frustrating sometimes. Oh well, I just wish they would cover more stuff in my class.

That's unfortunate... we had a paperback book.. like 250 page thing that went through twenty some chapters of about 10-15 pages each that detailed each of the major parts of catechism, had the cross references to the actual catechism, had prayers, Scripture, etc. We could keep them, plus the Bibles they gave us, plus a great deal of supplemental material as well.... publications, printouts, newsletters, pamphlets and so on and so on. Most of it was the discussion from what we had read and then after the homily, going through the liturgy and what they Words meant, how they made us feel, how they relate to church doctrine and tradition.....it was ever so thorough and informative!

 

[Caedmon]

That's unfortunate... we had a paperback book.. like 250 page thing that went through twenty some chapters of about 10-15 pages each that detailed each of the major parts of catechism, had the cross references to the actual catechism, had prayers, Scripture, etc. We could keep them, plus the Bibles they gave us, plus a great deal of supplemental material as well.... publications, printouts, newsletters, pamphlets and so on and so on. Most of it was the discussion from what we had read and then after the homily, going through the liturgy and what they Words meant, how they made us feel, how they relate to church doctrine and tradition.....it was ever so thorough and informative!

Aye Caramba!

I'll say that's "ever so thorough and informative"! Our RCIA was nothing like that. It was kindergarten stuff, compared to my level of curiosity. We only got 2 or 3 packets of 4 page readings, none of which reference the Catechism, at least not to my knowledge. Not to mention, there was very little suggested Scripture reading, which was another big disappointment. I felt like I was being taught a kid's lesson. And the only reason that I received a copy of the Catechism is because I met with the resident minister, and she surprised me with a copy. I never got a Bible either, but I have a few Bibles of my own, albeit Protestant Bibles. I wish there was something more to our RCIA.

 

[Woodsy]

I just bought my own NAB and hardback copy of the Catechism this weekend.
I casn't wait til my own classes start in September.

 

[MariaRegina]

Aye Caramba!

I'll say that's "ever so thorough and informative"! Our RCIA was nothing like that. It was kindergarten stuff, compared to my level of curiosity. We only got 2 or 3 packets of 4 page readings, none of which reference the Catechism, at least not to my knowledge. Not to mention, there was very little suggested Scripture reading, which was another big disappointment. I felt like I was being taught a kid's lesson. And the only reason that I received a copy of the Catechism is because I met with the resident minister, and she surprised me with a copy. I never got a Bible either, but I have a few Bibles of my own, albeit Protestant Bibles. I wish there was something more to our RCIA.

Dearest Humblejoe:

Christ is Risen!

Will they allow you to ask questions of your own? Is it strictly set up so you don't have any chance to ask questions except what they are covering?

If you can obtain a copy of the CCC and bring your own bible, maybe you can ask some interesting questions that will bring more understanding to all the catechumens.

Do they ever have a pot luck dinner so you can be more casual and get to know the other people in friendly groups? If not, why not ask them if you all could do it?

"If it's gonna be, it's up to me."

Hope this helps!

Your sister in Christ,

Elizabeth

 

[Caedmon]

Will they allow you to ask questions of your own? Is it strictly set up so you don't have any chance to ask questions except what they are covering?

It is difficult for me to get a word in edge-wise during class, because they are so concerned about covering all the things on that little packet. Argh... it makes me mad sometimes. It's hard enough being a shy person, but they have to snap through everything like it's do or die.

If you can obtain a copy of the CCC and bring your own bible, maybe you can ask some interesting questions that will bring more understanding to all the catechumens.

I have my own Bible and a CCC, but we almost never use them. We never even so much as cracked the CCC, and studying from the Bible was few and far between.

Do they ever have a pot luck dinner so you can be more casual and get to know the other people in friendly groups? If not, why not ask them if you all could do it?

They have those every month or so, but they usually don't like to talk about deep religious stuff while they're there. They just like to "socialize" then.

"If it's gonna be, it's up to me."

Well I hope I can do something, because this RCIA stuff isn't satisfying me at all. I feel like I'm wading through a river of generality. Nothing is discussed in-depth, except when someone expresses a tangential opinion, and even those are cut short when the teachers feel they are running out of time. But one of the things that really irritates and frustrates me, is when the other person in the class starts talking, and they just will not let me get a word in edge-wise!!! Grrrrrrrrr!!! That is so frustrating. I can hardly ever express my questions and opinions. But anyways, I know I am ranting now. It's just really frustrating.

 

[MariaRegina]

It is difficult for me to get a word in edge-wise during class, because they are so concerned about covering all the things on that little packet. Argh... it makes me mad sometimes. It's hard enough being a shy person, but they have to snap through everything like it's do or die.

My Dearest Humblejoe:

Let them know by writing a brief note to the administrator of the RCIA or your priest or minister. When I was a catechumen, we had personal time with the priest, and I learned a lot.

I have my own Bible and a CCC, but we almost never use them. We never even so much as cracked the CCC, and studying from the Bible was few and far between.

Some catechists don't like the CCC, as it is frowned upon by some liberal dioceses. I hope that isn't your problem.

They have those every month or so, but they usually don't like to talk about deep religious stuff while they're there. They just like to "socialize" then.

Ask them if they will be having a day of recollection with a priest giving the retreat. It's important to interact with a priest as he is ordained for the ministry. Lay people don't have that power of ordination.

Well I hope I can do something, because this RCIA stuff isn't satisfying me at all. I feel like I'm wading through a river of generality. Nothing is discussed in-depth, except when someone expresses a tangential opinion, and even those are cut short when the teachers feel they are running out of time. ...
It's just really frustrating.

Let them know you are frustrated - you are probably not the only one.

Your sister in Christ,
Elizabeth

 

[Angelus00]

Aye Caramba!

I'll say that's "ever so thorough and informative"! Our RCIA was nothing like that. It was kindergarten stuff, compared to my level of curiosity. We only got 2 or 3 packets of 4 page readings, none of which reference the Catechism, at least not to my knowledge. Not to mention, there was very little suggested Scripture reading, which was another big disappointment. I felt like I was being taught a kid's lesson. And the only reason that I received a copy of the Catechism is because I met with the resident minister, and she surprised me with a copy. I never got a Bible either, but I have a few Bibles of my own, albeit Protestant Bibles. I wish there was something more to our RCIA.

Just wanted to let ya know that our RCIA was similar to what you're experiencing. That is, it was until someone brought up that the major teachings of the faith were not being addressed. The person that spoke up (that'd be me :o ) was a first time sponsor and was really kinda scared to say anything (shy & all). But, SOMETIMES, God works in you and you just HAVE to say something. In this case, after the words were said, the program director made a complete turn around and arranged guest speakers for many of the core beliefs, tagged the RCIA team itself to be presenters for devotions, sacramentals, etc. AND spent an entire session discussing the Mass and everything that went along with it. So now this year, they're gonna start out with a mixer to get to know everyone and when the formal program starts there's gonna be alittle more structure and focus on the nuts & bolts (that's what the director calls them ) and a little less on the "wow what a wonderful, warm fuzzy, etc..... experience your receptions gonna be" attitude. Sorry, that's just my take on last year. Course, my PERSONAL opinion is that those that think they want to become Catholic need to know what they're getting into. Course, I could be way off-base, too.

Peace be with you

 

[Caedmon]

Just wanted to let ya know that our RCIA was similar to what you're experiencing. That is, it was until someone brought up that the major teachings of the faith were not being addressed. The person that spoke up (that'd be me :o ) was a first time sponsor and was really kinda scared to say anything (shy & all). But, SOMETIMES, God works in you and you just HAVE to say something. In this case, after the words were said, the program director made a complete turn around and arranged guest speakers for many of the core beliefs, tagged the RCIA team itself to be presenters for devotions, sacramentals, etc. AND spent an entire session discussing the Mass and everything that went along with it. So now this year, they're gonna start out with a mixer to get to know everyone and when the formal program starts there's gonna be alittle more structure and focus on the nuts & bolts (that's what the director calls them ) and a little less on the "wow what a wonderful, warm fuzzy, etc..... experience your receptions gonna be" attitude. Sorry, that's just my take on last year. Course, my PERSONAL opinion is that those that think they want to become Catholic need to know what they're getting into. Course, I could be way off-base, too.

Well that's what I was looking for. Like I said before, it was mostly "cookies and cool-aid" info during our classes. I don't think we had too many "nuts and bolts," esp. with us never even opening a CCC. That was frustrating. Thanks for you support though. I guess I'll just to try to see if I can get things changed. I hate to do it, because I'm naturally so shy, and I'm not really a Catholic per se, but I want to learn more, so I'll ask them about it.