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JeffM
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| Joined: | Wed Aug 1st, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 11 |
| First Name: | Jeff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised Protestant-left the faith- now looking for more |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 01:27 pm |
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Hello,
There is a RCIA class starting this Monday at my local church.
My question is this:
Should I speak with a priest prior to going to the RCIA? From what I am reading the process is different depending on each situation. I was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and I think the process is suppose to be different then if someone was not.
I have been reading conflicting statements saying that the RCIA is not for everyone(aka different situations) and that this rule is often overlooked.
So should I be interviewed prior to attending? Or should I attend and speak with someone there?
I don’t know where to start.
Thanks!
Jeff
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5080 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 01:31 pm |
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JeffM wrote: So should I be interviewed prior to attending? Or should I attend and speak with someone there?
I don’t know where to start.
Each diocese and each parish has their own procedures. In some parishes you will meet with a priest, in others it might be a deacon or qualified lay person. Call the parish office and tell them you are interested in becoming Catholic, and ask them who you need to speak to. The program will be starting soon, so don't hesitate.
If you specifically want to talk to the priest you can certainly start there, but otherwise just ask to speak to the right person.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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JeffM
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 1st, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 11 |
| First Name: | Jeff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised Protestant-left the faith- now looking for more |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 02:24 pm |
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Thanks, I gave them a call and I was told I should attend the class. Once in the class we will discuss what needs to be done.
Quote from their website:
RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
"For those adults seeking entrance into the Church (Catechumenate), the RCIA program offers faith formation and sacramental preparation to all inquirers. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time they will receive the sacraments fruitfully. Those who are baptized (candidates) but have not received all the sacraments of initiation are also catechized during this period and brought into full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil. Inquiries into our Catholic faith and our RCIA program may be made to the CCE office."
So It looks like I was on the right path..thanks again 
Last edited on Wed Aug 1st, 2007 02:24 pm by JeffM
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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 734 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 03:10 pm |
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You will have to take what you can get but the National Statutes for the Catechumenate are summarized here:
http://www.catholic.com/library/How_to_Become_a_Catholic.asp
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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JeffM
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| Joined: | Wed Aug 1st, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 11 |
| First Name: | Jeff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised Protestant-left the faith- now looking for more |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 03:41 pm |
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Thank you for the link..I knew I read it somewhere
I suppose I can print that up and ask them where that leaves me.
The lady I spoke to on the phone told me that I would be instructed on what my part would consist of..so perhaps at the "meeting" I will be able to speak with a priest/deacon on how I should properly proceed.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Annie
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| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 734 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 03:56 pm |
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| I am sure they will have you take the class but make it clear that you are not a "catechumen" but a "candidate for full communion" or whatever the terminology is. Ideally, you would not join the Church at the Easter vigil but slightly before or after on any other Sunday but most places have everybody in one group at the Easter vigil and call them up in subgroups with the "catechumens" first and then the "candidates." or vice versa.
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Annie
Ora et labora
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Johnnie o
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 31st, 2007 |
| Location: | W. Hempstead L.I., New York USA |
| Posts: | 24 |
| First Name: | john | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic,altar boy(latin mass '62-4), 8yrs@ catholic school, Lapsed Ca. ... |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 08:42 pm |
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Hi Anne,
I'm sorry, i don't know Jeffs Protestant background, but the local RCIA coordinator decides whether he is or isn't a catecumen, Not Jeff. At our parish we have people who are catholics who have not been active in the Church, sent as participants in our group, for various reasons they are sent by their priests i.e. to become God parents.
Probably to be a better god-parent but they come non-the less.
God bless,
____________________
All warfare is based on deception
The Opponent is wise: Whenever He can, He makes use of the easiest and most effective of his weapons: Gossip. It doesn’t take much effort to use it, because others do the work for him. A few miss-directed words can des
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5080 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 08:59 pm |
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Johnnie o wrote: I'm sorry, i don't know Jeffs Protestant background, but the local RCIA coordinator decides whether he is or isn't a catecumen, Not Jeff.
Actually, a Catechumen is a person who has not been validly baptized. A Christian validly baptized in another Christian faith is called a "Candidate for Full Communion".
It's not up to the participant or the coordinator. It's dependent on the facts of the case. If there's any doubt as to the validity of the baptism, then it's up to the bishop.
In other words, a Catechumen is a person who will be baptized. A candidate is a person who has already been baptized and is becoming Catholic.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Johnnie o
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 31st, 2007 |
| Location: | W. Hempstead L.I., New York USA |
| Posts: | 24 |
| First Name: | john | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic,altar boy(latin mass '62-4), 8yrs@ catholic school, Lapsed Ca. ... |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 09:27 pm |
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Hello Rick,
Sorry, I guess i am guilty of not knowing the term defined. Anyone attending our RCIA classes are called catecumens, we haven't expanded the term.
A person baptised person who hasn't received the Sacraments still goes through the process, at our Church they, just miss the rite of election to the Church sevice a few sundays before Easter. They till attend the easter vigil and are presented as new members of the church.
We even had two Lutherans, go through the process, there are many aspects to learn.
The Roman Catholic Church revived the catechumenate with its Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) wherein being a catechumen is one of a number of stages leading to receiving the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist). This was a result of the Second Vatican Council, explicitly stated in point 64 of the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium
God bless,
Johnnie o
Last edited on Wed Aug 1st, 2007 09:44 pm by Johnnie o
____________________
All warfare is based on deception
The Opponent is wise: Whenever He can, He makes use of the easiest and most effective of his weapons: Gossip. It doesn’t take much effort to use it, because others do the work for him. A few miss-directed words can des
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 10:04 pm |
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Johnnie o wrote: Sorry, I guess i am guilty of not knowing the term defined. Anyone attending our RCIA classes are called catecumens, we haven't expanded the term.
That's not correct, Johnny. While catechumens and candidates are often put through the same process, they are supposed to be clearly distinguished at all of the rites including the Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Sending, the Rite of Election, and of course at baptism.
They do participate in the Rites of Acceptance and Sending. Instead of the Rite of Election they are Called to Continuing Conversion, and they are confirmed and receive first Eucharist with the catechumens at the Easter Vigil. They do not participate in the Scrutinies and other rites that are for the catechumens alone.
To call them "catechumens" if they have previously been baptized is absolutely incorrect, according to the instructions (rubrics) that accompany the Rite.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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The_Converted
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 2 |
| First Name: | Karen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Raised JW, 15 Yr Hiatus, Methodist, Future Catholic? |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 10:52 pm |
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CajunRick
Hi, again! Sorry, I had to drop out of the chat. It was going a little too fast for me. I'll try again next week, now that I have met some of you....but hello to all!
Anyway, about RCIA....I have been seriously considering going to RCIA classes at the local Catholic church, St. Max and really appreciate all the good information that your forum provides. My user name probably should have been closetcatholic, because that is how I feel. Last November, a co-worker shared that he was going through RCIA and as we worked together, he shared his experiences and some knowledge. Just in a very friendly way. Along with this, I started watching EWTN a little and discovered some programs that I really enjoyed, i.e. The Journey Home, Fr. B. Groeschel Live, The Abundant Life, and Fr. Corapi's Catechism/Other, as well as some others. This evolved over months and by April or May, I knew I had found something very special in the Catholic faith and continued to learn...and the more I learned, the more I wanted to learn and realized that it would take until long after RCIA, even a lifetime to understand all the nuances of the Catholic faith. But I found this to be exciting, because as long as I searched, there would be something new to challenge my thinking and renew and confirm my faith. This is the first time this has happened in my spiritual journey. So, I guess I'm finally "coming out", at least a little. It's exciting, but scary. Some days I do better than others, but I still feel I'm headed in the right direction.
As I have read others' experiences in the forum regarding their faith journeys, much of it has hit home. I'm wondering if any others have the same spiritual history, i.e. JW, Methodist.
Again, thanks for all the good info and help.
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1268 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 11:10 pm |
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The_Converted wrote: ...and the more I learned, the more I wanted to learn and realized that it would take until long after RCIA, even a lifetime to understand all the nuances of the Catholic faith. But I found this to be exciting, because as long as I searched, there would be something new to challenge my thinking and renew and confirm my faith. This is the first time this has happened in my spiritual journey. So, I guess I'm finally "coming out", at least a little. It's exciting, but scary. Some days I do better than others, but I still feel I'm headed in the right direction.
Hi Karen, welcome to the forum! I haven't even had the nerve to try the chat thing, so you're ahead of me there! I haven't been a JW or Methodist, just Baptist until Catholic. But what you said about catholicism always being a challenge and there always is more to learn and think about, hit home with me. That was one thing I also found exciting, there's always another page to turn and more to find out. And it's all good! I also had good days and not so good days, sometimes I thought what in the world am I doing? Then I would hear something so profoundly spiritual, or someone would say just the right thing I needed to hear, and I knew I was on the right journey. We will support you in any way we can!
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5080 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Aug 1st, 2007 11:23 pm |
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The_Converted wrote: CajunRick
Hi, again! Sorry, I had to drop out of the chat. It was going a little too fast for me. I'll try again next week, now that I have met some of you....but hello to all!
Sorry if we scared you away. We welcome you to the Coming Home Network and to the forums, and I hope yhou'll give us another chance in chat once you get to know us a little better!
My user name probably should have been closetcatholic, because that is how I feel.
You can't change your user name, but I can. If you decide you want it changed, just let me know and I'll take care of it for you. Or you can simply register again with a different name.
We're really happy to have you here with us. I think you'll find some "kindred spirits" including former JW's and former Methodists (I'm not sure if anyone else has been both, but it's quite possible). We'll do our best to answer your questions and to help you on your faith journey wherever it might lead.
We never pressure anyone, but it just so happens that RCIA is getting ready to start in most areas. If you want to take a chance on the sessions, there is no commitment asked or expected. You can go just to learn more about the Catholic faith. You might want to contact your local parish to see what there schedule is, just to keep your options open.
Once again, welcome to CHN. We're glad you joined us.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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NanaR
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 149 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Thu Aug 2nd, 2007 07:25 am |
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The_Converted wrote: CajunRick
Hi, again! Sorry, I had to drop out of the chat. It was going a little too fast for me. I'll try again next week, now that I have met some of you....but hello to all!
Anyway, about RCIA....I have been seriously considering going to RCIA classes at the local Catholic church, St. Max and really appreciate all the good information that your forum provides. My user name probably should have been closetcatholic, because that is how I feel. Last November, a co-worker shared that he was going through RCIA and as we worked together, he shared his experiences and some knowledge. Just in a very friendly way. Along with this, I started watching EWTN a little and discovered some programs that I really enjoyed, i.e. The Journey Home, Fr. B. Groeschel Live, The Abundant Life, and Fr. Corapi's Catechism/Other, as well as some others. This evolved over months and by April or May, I knew I had found something very special in the Catholic faith and continued to learn...and the more I learned, the more I wanted to learn and realized that it would take until long after RCIA, even a lifetime to understand all the nuances of the Catholic faith. But I found this to be exciting, because as long as I searched, there would be something new to challenge my thinking and renew and confirm my faith. This is the first time this has happened in my spiritual journey. So, I guess I'm finally "coming out", at least a little. It's exciting, but scary. Some days I do better than others, but I still feel I'm headed in the right direction.
As I have read others' experiences in the forum regarding their faith journeys, much of it has hit home. I'm wondering if any others have the same spiritual history, i.e. JW, Methodist.
Again, thanks for all the good info and help.
Karen,
I was raised JW, and became "inactive" about a decade ago. I never took up another faith (until now).
I also became interested in the Catholic faith because of a friend and co-worker. My friend Liz (not a former JW) became interested in the faith and joined RCIA in fall 2005. She was baptized Catholic at the Easter Vigil in 2006.
Liz and I would eat lunch together a lot, and her excitement with the things she was learning was contagious.
I also became a "closet EWTN addict" LOL. My husband, a former Catholic who converted to JW before we married, doesn't like for me to have it on when he's home.
I stepped into a Catholic Church for the first time November 1, 2006. As I listened to the scripture readings, I thought, that is how scripture SHOULD be read -- in context and with reverence. Also the way in which the OT reading and the NT reading were connected impressed me. I had no problem following the majority of prayers -- they are straight out of the Bible.
I am starting RCIA this month. I have fallen in love with the Catholic faith!
Look for Ali here. She is also a former JW. Also take a look at http://www.catholicxjw.com . Jeff Schwehm, a former Bethelite who runs the Apostalate, is a member of the Coming Home Network. He has appeared on The Journey Home, and his journey is detailed in Marcus's book. There are other conversion stories on Jeff's website. On the CHNI website, you'll find the conversion story of John Davis, another former JW who is now devout Catholic. When I first started investigating, I didn't have any idea that there were others like me who were drawn to the Church.
If you would like to talk off forum, just send me a pm and I will give you my email address.
I'm so happy to meet you!!
Peace,
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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Ali
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 660 |
| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Aug 2nd, 2007 08:03 am |
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The_Converted wrote:
As I have read others' experiences in the forum regarding their faith journeys, much of it has hit home. I'm wondering if any others have the same spiritual history, i.e. JW, Methodist.
Oh, Oh, Oh, pick me! Pick me! LOL I was a born and bred JW  Some very unique challenges coming out of that (dare I say it?) cult and into the Catholic faith. Lucky me for me I married a lapsed Catholic with a still strong belief system and he was able to get some sense into me.
There's me an another JW on the board. Ruth? Are you around? Check out the forum here where we post intro's, I think it's the Fellowship Hall.
And, have you ever seen Jeff Schwem on the Journey Home? He has an apostolate to help JW's leaving and interested in the Catholic faith. Check out these links to see if you might be interested
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholicxjw/ -- yahoo email list
http://www.catholicxjw.com/ -- website
Plus, I'm also in Ohio! Not exactly close to you, though. I'm up on the other end of the River where OH & PA & WV all meet. But we are vactioning in Cinci this year. My dh is a big Bengal's fan, we are trying to get to a preseason game while down there. Silly man, doesn't he know that Pittsburgh is the team with all the rings? LOL Trust me, he knows, cause I won't let him forget it!
Good luck on your journey. I look forward to reading your posts here 
Ali
ETA -- Ok, Ruth -- when did you sneak in? I *swear* your post was not there when I started mine! ROFLOL. (I'm in a goofy mood this morning. I have to be, I'm painting the house today. Me and two kids. Woohoo, fun  )
Last edited on Thu Aug 2nd, 2007 08:06 am by Ali
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JeffM
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 1st, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 11 |
| First Name: | Jeff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised Protestant-left the faith- now looking for more |
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Posted: Thu Aug 2nd, 2007 12:13 pm |
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Thanks for your responses
I spoke to the lady in charge of the RCIA program for my parish and she said that I would indeed be considered a "Candidate for Full Communion" and would be required to do less steps (I assume the same steps our Cajun friend outlined), of course provided my baptism is considered valid.
I was told that either way the class is the same, because I need to learn the beliefs and teachings of the church.
-Jeff
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
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Posted: Thu Aug 2nd, 2007 01:51 pm |
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JeffM wrote: I spoke to the lady in charge of the RCIA program for my parish and she said that I would indeed be considered a "Candidate for Full Communion" and would be required to do less steps (I assume the same steps our Cajun friend outlined), of course provided my baptism is considered valid.
That is the way it is handled in most parishes, due to a shortage of volunteers and participants, and that's the way we do it in my parish as well most of the time.
Ideally, each candidate would be processed individually, but in the "real world" it usually doesn't work that way, and that's fine.
We think of an "RCIA program" but that's actually not a correct term. "RCIA" is for catechumens only. It's the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" and actually refers to the rituals involved in bringing an unbaptized person into the Church. It's sort of like we would call school from grades K-12 "graduation". We use the term "RCIA" generically to indicate the classes and the process because no one has come up with a better, easier, more accurate term.
But if you want to be technical, 'RCIA' is the liturgical process of bringing an unbaptized person into the Catholic Church.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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The_Converted
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 2 |
| First Name: | Karen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Raised JW, 15 Yr Hiatus, Methodist, Future Catholic? |
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Posted: Thu Aug 2nd, 2007 09:00 pm |
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Rick, Marsha, Ruth and Ali!!!
Thanks so much for your kind welcome, words of encouragement and suggestions regarding websites! I have seen Jeff Schwehm on the Journey Home. (watch it every week)
Ruth, I'm excited for you regarding RCIA and actually attending Mass. I haven't been brave enough, but I'm almost ready. Glad you enjoyed it!
Ali, I know what you mean by "unique challenges" I'm gonna head over to fellowship hall and check it out.
It's great to meet all of you and look forward to reading your posts and sharing!!
Have a great evening! Karen
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