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DrSharkey
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| Joined: | Wed Aug 22nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Jackson, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 36 |
| First Name: | John | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Agnostic, Southern Baptist (sorta), church of Christ, looking Romeward |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 12:42 pm |
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I'm not ready, yet, to commit to RCIA. Still have a lot of other things to work out. But, I was wondering about some things.
My work schedule keeps me very busy. By necessity, I work a lot of nights and weekends, and my schedule is never fixed. I might be off this Wednesday, but have to work the next. How would that work with RCIA? Does someone have to attend EVERY class every time?
Also, this may sound foolish, but if I wanted to talk to the local parish priest, should I call first to schedule an appointment? In other words, are "walk-in's" discouraged?
Thanks in advance.
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http://sharkeysworld.blogspot.com/
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DrSharkey
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 22nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Jackson, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 36 |
| First Name: | John | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Agnostic, Southern Baptist (sorta), church of Christ, looking Romeward |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 12:44 pm |
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Forgot something...
I don't know the "proper" place to post this. Are there any former members of the "church of Christ" here in this forum?
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http://sharkeysworld.blogspot.com/
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japhy
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Princeton, New Jersey USA |
| Posts: | 185 |
| First Name: | Jeff (you can call me "japhy" | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic (Latin Rite) |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 01:04 pm |
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DrSharkey wrote: My work schedule keeps me very busy. By necessity, I work a lot of nights and weekends, and my schedule is never fixed. I might be off this Wednesday, but have to work the next. How would that work with RCIA? Does someone have to attend EVERY class every time?
Also, this may sound foolish, but if I wanted to talk to the local parish priest, should I call first to schedule an appointment? In other words, are "walk-in's" discouraged?
These answers really depend on the parish running the RCIA program. What day/night do they meet? How long are the meetings? How long is the RCIA program (i.e., when does it start)?
The parish is really the only place you can get these answers. I would suggest calling the pastor (or the person who runs RCIA if he or she is mentioned in the bulletin or web site).
As for the committment, you're not joining a social club. You are there to learn about the Catholic faith. This is not a part-time thing. If this means it takes longer for you to become a Catholic, so be it; if it means you have to change your schedule to fit it in, so be it. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made.
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[Mary said,] "Do whatever he tells you." - John 2:5
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 818 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 03:05 pm |
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Hi John,
It sounds to me like you have not yet actually decided to learn about the Catholic Church. Making that decision should be your first step. If you decide to learn about the Church and its teachings, you will find yourself figuring out how to make it all work.
BTW, you can do RCIA without joining the Church. There are steps along the way where you can decide if you want to continue or not. In fact, you can all the way to the end (Easter) and still you are not obligated to join the Church. You will learn a lot, along the way about the development of society, social order, religions, world history, etc. 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 03:24 pm |
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DrSharkey wrote:
I'm not ready, yet, to commit to RCIA. Still have a lot of other things to work out. But, I was wondering about some things.
If you don't feel ready to commit to anything, I think that you'll find the catholic church to be the least pushy or forceful of any church you have ever given any interest in. This was a tremendous blessing for me. If anyone pushed, I normally would back up.
My work schedule keeps me very busy. By necessity, I work a lot of nights and weekends, and my schedule is never fixed. I might be off this Wednesday, but have to work the next. How would that work with RCIA? Does someone have to attend EVERY class every time?
As the others have said, You would have to discuss this and work things out with either the pastor and the RCIA team. It strickly a church by church decision. Since we don't know what days or times they have RCIA, you may find that you will be able to make it. 
Also, this may sound foolish, but if I wanted to talk to the local parish priest, should I call first to schedule an appointment? In other words, are "walk-in's" discouraged?
There are NO Foolish questions here on the forum! Normally it's much easier for all, If you call and make an appointment with the pastor. That way you wont be frustrated with him not being in the office when you stop by. Parish Priest tend to be very busy and if you stop by, you may be taking his time when he is already scheduled to visit someone in the hospital or who is dieing. It is very wise to make an apt.
I also wanted to say John. Welcome to the forum, we're very happy to meet you and hope you will come in often and visit. We will all do our best to help you with your question, concerns and thoughts.
God Bless you on your journey of faith
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1333 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 05:22 pm |
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| Hi John, welcome to the forum! It sounds like maybe you should go to the first RCIA meeting you can, and see what it's all about. They can answer your questions regarding their own procedures. I remember during my RCIA, it was generally required that we be there every week possible. One man traveled as part of his work and his wife would come in and tape the meeting. This was all approved ahead of time. I myself had gallbladder surgery in March just prior to the Easter vigil and missed three weeks. But I had attended regularly until that time. I missed a couple of other times unavoidably but the leaders are so willing to work with you. I hope it works out for you.
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bjbouwer
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 55 |
| First Name: | Bonnie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Scientist, pinball Christian, RCC in 2006 |
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Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 11:20 pm |
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DrSharkey wrote: Forgot something...
I don't know the "proper" place to post this. Are there any former members of the "church of Christ" here in this forum?
I was baptized CoC, but left soon after that -- couldn't handle the lack of musical instruments!
Is that good enough? 8-)
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Bonnie in WI
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5253 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 12:13 am |
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DrSharkey wrote: My work schedule keeps me very busy. By necessity, I work a lot of nights and weekends, and my schedule is never fixed. I might be off this Wednesday, but have to work the next. How would that work with RCIA? Does someone have to attend EVERY class every time?
Since you are already a baptized Christian, you technically don't belong in RCIA at all. Many parishes place candidates (those already baptized) in the same classes as catechumens (the unbaptized) for convenience, but it's not necessary. Your priest might well be willing to work with you to schedule separate meetings with him or a trained catechist (teacher).
As for the specific answer to your question, I never took attendance. I don't think anyone in my program ever attended every class every time. Even those who don't work are often parents with young children or have school functions to attend, etc. The important question is whether you are progressing on your journey to learn more about the Christian faith and the Catholic Church. If you are already a committed Christian, your path will probably be much shorter than someone who is completely unchurched.
I have had some people who were often unable to attend, but sought out the literature we handed out, asked questions by email, and asked to meet with me privately. They demonstrated their willingness to do what they needed to do to progress, and so their journey was not hampered. The Church wants you to be Catholic, and the process of joining the Church is flexible enough that it can work around any obstacle if everyone is willing to make the effort.
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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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DrSharkey
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 22nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Jackson, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 36 |
| First Name: | John | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Agnostic, Southern Baptist (sorta), church of Christ, looking Romeward |
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 12:49 am |
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Since you are already a baptized Christian,
Rick, I've read several different comments on this, but what "usually" constitutes proof of baptism? I never got a certificate of baptism. But the church of Christ baptizes by immersion "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit". I'm going to call the church where I was baptized in 94 or 95 (I was in Med school at the time so was only getting 2-4 hours of sleep a night, so I really can't remember specifically if it was in Sept 94 or Sept 95) to see if they have record. I did get a Bible with a note signed by the elders acknowledging my baptism. Whatcha think? I know I could just call the local Priest and ask him (which I will do, eventually) , but ours is a relatively small town, and word spreads fast.
And, truth be told, I'm extremely nervous about even walking into St Mary's in this town. Not for anti-Catholic reasons on my part, but for reasons I may go in to later, (when I get up that nerve). I'm sure I'm the ONLY one posting here to have that fear!!!
Last edited on Fri Aug 24th, 2007 12:52 am by DrSharkey
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http://sharkeysworld.blogspot.com/
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5253 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 01:34 am |
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DrSharkey wrote: Since you are already a baptized Christian,
Rick, I've read several different comments on this, but what "usually" constitutes proof of baptism?
It's up to the bishop of the diocese, but virtually anything that demonstrates that baptism in a church acceptable to the Catholic Church is acceptable, and the Church of Christ is an acceptable baptism. I have seen people use photographs, statements from witnesses, and even sworn affidavits.
I did get a Bible with a note signed by the elders acknowledging my baptism. Whatcha think?
It would almost certainly be acceptable in my diocese.
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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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BettyBoopToo
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 01:38 am |
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DrSharkey wrote: but ours is a relatively small town, and word spreads fast.
Small town's can become an issue (I live in a very small town for 40 yrs! I know how bad they can be.) and I can only imagine how it could be if you hold a public position in your town. Considering your title, I'm assuming you do.
And, truth be told, I'm extremely nervous about even walking into St Mary's in this town. Not for anti-Catholic reasons on my part, but for reasons I may go in to later, (when I get up that nerve). I'm sure I'm the ONLY one posting here to have that fear!!!
I hope that you will become comfortable with us, you can share, But Only when your ready too. Maybe it would help if you traveled to the nearest bigger city to contact a priest??? I'm sure that the guys can let you know what parishes are available in another city.
Anyway, God Bless you on your journey doctor. I'll pray that your able to find some peace with your decisions and that your not tormented too much over it. I'm positive their have been others who have had to hide behind a ficticious name and keep their conversion private. I'm sorry for those who have to, but I can completely understand.
Gods Peace
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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