Some questions

[coward]

1) Do unbaptized adults who want to become Catholic:-
a) definitely have to go through RCIA
b) definitely have to have Godparents

2) Also, are Godparents a matter of tradition, or are there scriptual references?

3) About sinning/confession:
Lets say I sin (eg use G-d as a swear word).
So then I go to confession and confess the sin and promise to try and not do it again.
Now, I'm only human, so I might repeat the offence. Do I 'simply' confess again and try to do better? And so on...repeatedly.

4) Is it OK to have a picture or statue of Mary in my bedroom, at least when I'm online so I may better 'behave myself'?

5) If I'm intending to become Catholic and I die before I 'get in', do I go to Hell or do I get a 'fair hearing'? (I'm thinking about 'no salvation outside the Church' with this question.

6) I've watched EWTN's 'Divine Mercy Chaplet' (I think that's the right name - the one where they sing) and I find it *really* boring and repetitive (sorry). If I couldn't change my opinion of it, is that sinning in some way?

7) I am very anxious and self-conscious. If I feel 'awkward' about singing in Church, is it OK not to sing?

I apologise in advance for my ignorance!

 

[BillH]

Hi coward

1) Do unbaptized adults who want to become Catholic:-
a) definitely have to go through RCIA
b) definitely have to have Godparents

a) Well, not absolutely, but it's the normal means of being received into the church. You'd probably have to give a good reason to your priest why you couldn't do that.
b) Not exactly. If you're a grown adult, you don't need "Godparents," but you will need a sponsor -- somebody who will walk with you on your journey through RCIA. If you don't have a possible sponsor off the top of your head, your parish can usually find one for you.

2) Also, are Godparents a matter of tradition, or are there scriptual references?

Tradition. But a fairly ancient one.

3) About sinning/confession:
Lets say I sin (eg use G-d as a swear word).
So then I go to confession and confess the sin and promise to try and not do it again.
Now, I'm only human, so I might repeat the offence. Do I 'simply' confess again and try to do better? And so on...repeatedly.

The "efficacy" of your confession (for lack of a better word) is based on whether or not you genuinely feel sorry for your sins and are willing to take steps to not sin again. It is not exactly a promise that you'll never sin again (no one could honestly make such a promise) but it is an expression that you really are sorry for having offended God by your sins -- something a little beyond "Oops, I did it again... better get to a confessional!"

4) Is it OK to have a picture or statue of Mary in my bedroom, at least when I'm online so I may better 'behave myself'?

If it keeps you honest, it's not just ok, it's a positively good idea!

5) If I'm intending to become Catholic and I die before I 'get in', do I go to Hell or do I get a 'fair hearing'? (I'm thinking about 'no salvation outside the Church' with this question.

While there isn't a definitive church teaching about this, most Catholic bishops and theologians would agree that a genuine desire to be baptised probably "counts."

6) I've watched EWTN's 'Divine Mercy Chaplet' (I think that's the right name - the one where they sing) and I find it *really* boring and repetitive (sorry). If I couldn't change my opinion of it, is that sinning in some way?

There's no disputing taste, I suppose. No one is required to do the Divine Mercy Chaplet. As long as you don't step on the toes of those who do like it, this isn't really a problem.

7) I am very anxious and self-conscious. If I feel 'awkward' about singing in Church, is it OK not to sing?

You'll probably fit right in at most parishes!

I apologise in advance for my ignorance!

I hope that I was helpful!

 

[Rhamiel]

"6) I've watched EWTN's 'Divine Mercy Chaplet' (I think that's the right name - the one where they sing) and I find it *really* boring and repetitive (sorry). If I couldn't change my opinion of it, is that sinning in some way?"
No, that is a privet devotion, if you do not want to do it it is ok

"3) About sinning/confession:
Lets say I sin (eg use G-d as a swear word).
So then I go to confession and confess the sin and promise to try and not do it again.
Now, I'm only human, so I might repeat the offence. Do I 'simply' confess again and try to do better? And so on...repeatedly." Jesus takes away our sins through the sacrement of confession, when we sin agian we have to confess agian.


"2) Also, are Godparents a matter of tradition, or are there scriptual references?"
I think it is just a good tradition "little t" and a good idea

"5) If I'm intending to become Catholic and I die before I 'get in', do I go to Hell or do I get a 'fair hearing'? (I'm thinking about 'no salvation outside the Church' with this question" Jesus knows His own and He knows your heart. I would not be too worried

"7) I am very anxious and self-conscious. If I feel 'awkward' about singing in Church, is it OK not to sing?"
come on buddy, I am sure you have a great voice, the main part of mass is not singing but rather to be close to Jesus in the sacrement and then to be united with other christians.
"4) Is it OK to have a picture or statue of Mary in my bedroom, at least when I'm online so I may better 'behave myself'?" Thats why I have Jesus on my desktop wall paper, it is always nice to have pictures of our Lord and His saints to remind us that they are always looking after us

 

[BAFRIEND]

1) Do unbaptized adults who want to become Catholic:-
a) definitely have to go through RCIA
b) definitely have to have Godparents

2) Also, are Godparents a matter of tradition, or are there scriptual references?

3) About sinning/confession:
Lets say I sin (eg use G-d as a swear word).
So then I go to confession and confess the sin and promise to try and not do it again.
Now, I'm only human, so I might repeat the offence. Do I 'simply' confess again and try to do better? And so on...repeatedly.

4) Is it OK to have a picture or statue of Mary in my bedroom, at least when I'm online so I may better 'behave myself'?

5) If I'm intending to become Catholic and I die before I 'get in', do I go to Hell or do I get a 'fair hearing'? (I'm thinking about 'no salvation outside the Church' with this question.

6) I've watched EWTN's 'Divine Mercy Chaplet' (I think that's the right name - the one where they sing) and I find it *really* boring and repetitive (sorry). If I couldn't change my opinion of it, is that sinning in some way?

7) I am very anxious and self-conscious. If I feel 'awkward' about singing in Church, is it OK not to sing?

I apologise in advance for my ignorance!

I have never heard of adults having to have God Parents in RCIA. The purpose of God parents is to raise the children in the faith if something happens to the parents.

RCIA is rcommended for everyone... but I have seen the rules bent on a couple incidents for people. One I agreed with and another I don't know enough to make a comment on.

I am not going to advise you on confession. you need to speak to a Priest about the conditions.

As far as dying before becoming a Catholic... I don't know. If you have received a Rite of Welcome you can receive a Catholic funeral.

Traditionally in the Catholic Church, it is the choir that sings... this tradition has very much continued and I for one hope it does.

As far as RCIA the person I saw go through without RCIA attended daily Mass with his wife for many years and helped serve that Mass the entire time and the Priest new him. It as kept low profile, but the Priest let him go through without RCIA. The other person was a lady who went through Inquiry and dropped out. I believe her husband was a member of our Parish and she attended Mass every Sunday for years and was raising her children in the Church... the Priest also knew her and let her go through without RCIA. I would say that these are not typical situations.

as far as the picture of the Virgin Mary in your room... Well, why not ?

 

[Foundthelight]

Those unbaptized who are not yet Catholic, but truly intend to become Catholic do have hope as expressed by the Catechism of the Catholic Church;

1259 For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament.

Catechumens are those who are going through RCIA.

There is also hope for the ignorant;

1260 "Since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partakers, in a way known to God, of the Paschal mystery."63 Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved. It may be supposed that such persons would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity.

 

[D'Ann]

Thanks Foundthelight. That was helpful. But it would probably be wise to let Catholics answer these questions.... unless you are Catholic. HUGS

God bless,

Debbie

 

[BAFRIEND]

One thing I will add, if your Parish is trying to force you to get God Parents... I would certainly Parish shop. I would feel uncomfortable with it. I would feel uncomfortable if even a sponser were referred to as a God Parent. I have been involved a number of years with RCIA and have never heard of it before. It is probably a well intended gesture... but it is not showing much foresight for the human feelings that most Catechumens and Candidates go through while in the program. It does also not meet the traditional definition of what a God Parent is. if you are going to be "issued" God Parents as well as a sponser, I would definitely take it up with somebody.

 

[Sandlapper277]

1) Do unbaptized adults who want to become Catholic:-
a) definitely have to go through RCIA
b) definitely have to have Godparents

2) Also, are Godparents a matter of tradition, or are there scriptual references?

3) About sinning/confession:
Lets say I sin (eg use G-d as a swear word).
So then I go to confession and confess the sin and promise to try and not do it again.
Now, I'm only human, so I might repeat the offence. Do I 'simply' confess again and try to do better? And so on...repeatedly.

4) Is it OK to have a picture or statue of Mary in my bedroom, at least when I'm online so I may better 'behave myself'?

5) If I'm intending to become Catholic and I die before I 'get in', do I go to Hell or do I get a 'fair hearing'? (I'm thinking about 'no salvation outside the Church' with this question.

6) I've watched EWTN's 'Divine Mercy Chaplet' (I think that's the right name - the one where they sing) and I find it *really* boring and repetitive (sorry). If I couldn't change my opinion of it, is that sinning in some way?

7) I am very anxious and self-conscious. If I feel 'awkward' about singing in Church, is it OK not to sing?

I apologise in advance for my ignorance!

You've gotten some good answers.

1a- RCIA is recommended. With a sufficient reason you can be instructed by the priest in private. This can, and in my case did, include a scheduling conflict. So don't worry if you have to work or can't move a class or whatever, Priests usually are willing to work around you, not a blanket requirement that you free up Tuesday nighs, somehow And you don't receive a grade.

1b- For adults, they're called sponsors, and you will need at least one of them. If you don't know anyone in a parish, your Priest will find you one. For some, the sponsor is largely a formality, for others it's an actual mentorship. Varies based on your needs and your sponsor's personality.

2- Early tradition.

3- Pretty much. Intention matters, so you have to at the time of your Confession have an intention to never repeat the sin. Should you later do so, even 30 minutes later as you're driving out of the parking lot, doesn't make the confession useless. You'll have to confess again, though.

4- Hang one on your wall, on your dresser, whatever. If it's helpful, go for it!

5- Intention matters. We believe in a concept called "Baptism by desire". What it boils down to is that if you really want it, and you are unable to receive the Sacraments and then you die, God will count you as having received them. Remember, Sacraments are made for man, not man for the Sacraments.

6- Not at all. You can't hold a negative opinion of it, something like those who do it are sinning. But there's absolutely no requirement that you take up the practice. Same applies to the Rosary.

7- Lip-sing, sing quietly, stand up and just read the words, whatever. You won't be alone whichever of those three you choose.

 

[helenofbritain]

Any more questions?

 

[MatthewR]

I had similar questions myself, so it's been good to read the answers.
Just a question about sponsors:-
Does it matter whether you get on with them or not? I have 'social phobia' and generally don't get on with people too well (not that I cause problems, I'm rather quiet and some people misinterpret that as me being awkward).

Also, if I could make a suggestion to the TC.
I *strongly * recommend you start to pray the Rosary, or at least a few 'Hail Mary's' from time to time. I've recently begun to tentatively investigate this and so far, I think it has been beneficial for me. Remember that Mary is our Mother, no matter what our doctrinal position.
You might find the following helpful
http://www.virtualrosary.org/
http://www.theholyrosary.org/

And there is a chanted rosary here
http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html

 

[BAFRIEND]

I had similar questions myself, so it's been good to read the answers.
Just a question about sponsors:-
Does it matter whether you get on with them or not? I have 'social phobia' and generally don't get on with people too well (not that I cause problems, I'm rather quiet and some people misinterpret that as me being awkward).

Also, if I could make a suggestion to the TC.
I *strongly * recommend you start to pray the Rosary, or at least a few 'Hail Mary's' from time to time. I've recently begun to tentatively investigate this and so far, I think it has been beneficial for me. Remember that Mary is our Mother, no matter what our doctrinal position.
You might find the following helpful
http://www.virtualrosary.org/
http://www.theholyrosary.org/

And there is a chanted rosary here
http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html

If you do not get along with your sponsor,
the first step I would take would be to give it time. A few weeks just to confirm your feelings.
The second step would be to let your sponsor know you are uncomfortable with the realtionship and why. It is possible that your sponsor at this point will voluntarily step down.
The third step would be to talk to the person on the RCIA team in charge. Let them know that you are uncomfortable and would like a new sponsor. From my experience by now a change is the only solution. Be firm. You may need to go to the Priest. The program is to bring you into the Church and it is for you and not the sponsor. Do not underestimate the reaction to this from your sponsor or members of the RCIA team, it may be very negative. The assigning of sponsors can be very political and also it is in my experience difficult to get folks to be sponsors. You may need to decide to go to another parish. It is as simple as that.
But if you are cetain you are not matched with the correct person, then bearing that is far worse than going through a couple years with someone you are uncompatible with and believe me it will show in your attitude.

 

[helenofbritain]

Matthew,

Do you have any Catholic friends? THe only rules for a sponsor (or God parents) isthat they be a confirmed member of the Church. It helps if you get on with the, or can talk with them, because sponsors are charged with praying for their Candidate, and for helping them along their journey in Catholicism. This happens more and less with different people, but I chat with my godmother quite a bit about faith, as does my (Anglican) husband with his sponsor.

Try and pick someone, rather than having them picked for you - you'll most likely be more comfortable with that setup.

 

[BAFRIEND]

Matthew,

Do you have any Catholic friends? THe only rules for a sponsor (or God parents) isthat they be a confirmed member of the Church. It helps if you get on with the, or can talk with them, because sponsors are charged with praying for their Candidate, and for helping them along their journey in Catholicism. This happens more and less with different people, but I chat with my godmother quite a bit about faith, as does my (Anglican) husband with his sponsor.

Try and pick someone, rather than having them picked for you - you'll most likely be more comfortable with that setup.

In a lot of parishes, the sponsors are assigned. If you know someone they may be very receptive to it, because in my experience it is difficult to find volunteers due to the commitment.

BTW- if anyone ever calls and asks you to be a sponsor, do it.

 

[Sandlapper277]

I had similar questions myself, so it's been good to read the answers.
Just a question about sponsors:-
Does it matter whether you get on with them or not? I have 'social phobia' and generally don't get on with people too well (not that I cause problems, I'm rather quiet and some people misinterpret that as me being awkward).

Also, if I could make a suggestion to the TC.
I *strongly * recommend you start to pray the Rosary, or at least a few 'Hail Mary's' from time to time. I've recently begun to tentatively investigate this and so far, I think it has been beneficial for me. Remember that Mary is our Mother, no matter what our doctrinal position.
You might find the following helpful
http://www.virtualrosary.org/
http://www.theholyrosary.org/

And there is a chanted rosary here
http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html

At one extreme, the sponsor is a formality. They an have no more involvement that participating in the Scrutinies and standing behind you at Confirmation. That's the least involvement possible, and I'd not generally recommend it, but it's there.

 

[BAFRIEND]

At one extreme, the sponsor is a formality. They an have no more involvement that participating in the Scrutinies and standing behind you at Confirmation. That's the least involvement possible, and I'd not generally recommend it, but it's there.

I think the sponsor is involved with deciding when the person is ready to be Confirmed ? Are they at the meetings every week? Some Churches the sponsors join with RCIA after Mass, some, sponsors go to meetings an evening during the week with the person they are sponsoring.
At any rate, I would recommend that a person going through RCIA be involved and make some of the decisions about their journey and destiny. Because enough decions are going to be made for them. Do not let it get to you and be proactive and keep a good attitude.

 

[MatthewR]

Matthew,

Do you have any Catholic friends? THe only rules for a sponsor (or God parents) isthat they be a confirmed member of the Church. It helps if you get on with the, or can talk with them, because sponsors are charged with praying for their Candidate, and for helping them along their journey in Catholicism. This happens more and less with different people, but I chat with my godmother quite a bit about faith, as does my (Anglican) husband with his sponsor.

Try and pick someone, rather than having them picked for you - you'll most likely be more comfortable with that setup.

The only friends I have are my Mum and Jesus (and perhaps some distant relatives).
Honestly, I do not know anyone where I live.

 

[MatthewR]

If you do not get along with your sponsor,
the first step I would take would be to give it time. A few weeks just to confirm your feelings.
The second step would be to let your sponsor know you are uncomfortable with the realtionship and why. It is possible that your sponsor at this point will voluntarily step down.
The third step would be to talk to the person on the RCIA team in charge. Let them know that you are uncomfortable and would like a new sponsor. From my experience by now a change is the only solution. Be firm. You may need to go to the Priest. The program is to bring you into the Church and it is for you and not the sponsor. Do not underestimate the reaction to this from your sponsor or members of the RCIA team, it may be very negative. The assigning of sponsors can be very political and also it is in my experience difficult to get folks to be sponsors. You may need to decide to go to another parish. It is as simple as that.
But if you are cetain you are not matched with the correct person, then bearing that is far worse than going through a couple years with someone you are uncompatible with and believe me it will show in your attitude.

Thanks.