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Mark9.24
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| Joined: | Tue Mar 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 3 |
| First Name: | Mark | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | cradle methodist - agnostic/atheist - in the process of converting |
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Posted: Tue Mar 6th, 2007 07:59 pm |
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I went to the first RCIA meeting last fall but I felt uncomfortable, like I was "playing Catholic", if that makes any sense. I also went to two or three classes the previous fall and had generally the same feelings and quit going then too.
I called the parish today and the director of religious education said that even though I couldn't join this Easter I was welcome to attend the classes, which I'm thinking about attending tomorrow night.
I just wish I could join the Church sooner than next year! I've studied the catechism for the past few years, have perused many a catholic forum, and have read several books on the Catholic faith and its history. I also watch a bit of EWTN, especially The Journey Home and Father Corapi. I've also read where sometimes special circumstances are arranged if you talk with the priest, although I doubt my wishy washy-ness would be considered.
I guess I'm just frustrated at myself for not sticking with RCIA once again. Is it wrong to be impatient? I guess I should make an appointment with the priest and quit whining.
Sorry for the rambling (and my first post at that). I AM happy to be here!
Last edited on Tue Mar 6th, 2007 11:33 pm by Mark9.24
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SBC2RCC
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | York, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 130 |
| First Name: | Monte | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | was Southern Baptist Minister, now Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Mar 6th, 2007 08:18 pm |
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Dear Mark,
Apology accepted, from another person who can get to whining at times also.
More, I was somewhat in your shoes, in as much that I took several years to get around to attending RCIA. In those years, I really wanted to get it over with and just be accepted into the Catholic Church. I had studied so much, I could pass any catechism test. Still, it was a good process that I was glad I went through, when I finally did do it.
How often do you attend Mass? Are you able to go to an adoration chapel and pray for awhile?
This was a regular part of my life even before I became Catholic.
In Christ,
Monte
____________________
In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5353 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Tue Mar 6th, 2007 08:54 pm |
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First of all, welcome to CHN and to the Catholic Church.
Mark9.24 wrote:
I just wish I could join the Church sooner than next year! I've studied the catechism for the past few years, have perused many a catholic forum, and have read several books on the Catholic faith and its history. I also watch a bit of EWTN, especially The Journey Home and Father Corapi. I've also read where sometimes special circumstances are arranged if you talk with the priest, although I douby my wishy washy-ness would be considered.
Actually, as a baptized Christian, you technically don't belong in RCIA. Most parishes combine RCIA with the Call to Continuing Conversion for what are properly called Candidates for Full Communion with the Catholic Church, like you, because they simply don't have the resources to separate them. Some smaller parishes, like mine, even group adult candidates for Confirmation into the same classes. In many ways their faith journey is similar, but in other ways they are quite different.
A larger parish in your vicinity, perhaps a cathedral parish, might well have ongoing classes for candidates. Ideally, candidates should be welcomed into the Church at several intervals during the year, and ideally their welcome should not take place at Easter time.
Your "wishy-washyness" indicates a more serious problem, though. Are you truly ready to join the Church? Have you been attending mass? Do you now "feel Catholic"? If not, maybe you're not ready to make that leap. Catholics do not proselytize. We don't want members who will stay with us for awhile and then walk away. We certainly don't want more "cafeteria Catholics" who accept a few teachings and reject others.
We believe that Catholics will literally be held to a higher standard on Judgment Day, and those who have knowingly rejected the faith will be in serious jeopardy. You can look into classes, or even discuss with your priest the possibility of private, accelerated classes, but until you are absolutely certain you are ready to take this step, you really shouldn't pursue anything beyond information. If you can find classes, attend them, but it is really not fair to your pastor to ask for special treatment unless you are firmly committed.
You said you have read the Catechism. Do you understand and accept everything in it? Do you believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Do you accept that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just as he handed it to the apostles at the Last Supper, and just as he hung on the cross at Calvary, and just as he rose from the dead on that first Easter.
Do you believe that the bishops of the Catholic Church are the true successors of St. Peter and the apostles? Do you accept the Communion of Saints, including the unique role of our Blessed Mother in salvation? Can you recite the Nicene Creed and fully accept the Catholic teaching on what each phrase means? Do you fully accept that the Holy Spirit resides in the Catholic Church and protects it from error? Do you truly believe that all salvation comes through the Catholic Church, which is the Kingdom of God on earth?
These are rhetorical questions; I don't expect you to answer them here. But until you believe all these things (even the things you truly do not understand) and are comfortable worshiping in the Catholic manner, you really shouldn't make the commitment to be Catholic.
Look into classes and attend them as much as you can. As a candidate, you truly do not make a commitment to join the Church until you stand before the congregation and make your Profession of Faith, which can happen on any Sunday during the year. So learn all you can and when you are ready to make that step, make it without doubt or reservation. Step off the cliff of faith with the sure knowledge that Jesus and his Church will catch you.
Sorry for the rambling (and my first post at that). I AM happy to be here!
And we're truly happy to have you.
____________________
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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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 731 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 11:49 am |
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I agree with Rick, to get rid of the real indecision first. If you don't believe the major parts of the catechism that would be a sign you shouldn't join the Church yet. My big sticking points were strictly cultural because in my part of the country Catholics and Protestants simply don't associate with each other much.
When the time comes, according to the National Statutes for the Catechumenate, an already baptized adult is supposed to be examined by a priest to determine how much additional study is necessary before being received into the Church. With all your studying, RCIA is not necessary and according to the NSftC is not to be required. The priest shortage has caused most parishes and diocese to ignore this but it is the rule (statutes are rules).
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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Darlene
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 868 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 03:49 pm |
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Dear Rick or anyone else who can answer,
From what I have just read on this thread, does this mean that I don't have to wait till Easter 2008 to become Catholic? In other words if I:
1. Can present proof of my Baptism, 2. Show that I know, understand, and believe in the tenets of the Catholic faith, and 3. Am ready in my mind and heart to become Catholic
I can join anytime before Easter 2008?
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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JasPax
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 04:09 pm |
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Actually, as mentioned above, it's going to depend on the policy of your diocese. In mine, everyone goes through the same RCIA classes (9 months), unbaptized and candidates. Maybe that's technically wrong, but it is what it is.
I groused a bit about this myself, but in retrospect, it was not a bad thing. Despite the fact that I had spent a long time studyine on my own, I still learned a lot. It is too important for shortcuts, in my opinion.
God Bless!
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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thiscatholicjourney
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 7th, 2006 |
| Location: | Reno, Nevada USA |
| Posts: | 34 |
| First Name: | Amber | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | From non-denominational to Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 08:17 pm |
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I believe if you are a practicing Christian with a solid understanding of Catholicism, you don't need to go through RCIA and wait for Easter... RCIA is technically intended for those who are un-baptized (though this is not often practiced on the pastoral level) or for those who have not lived a Christian life.
If you really feel ready, perhaps you could speak to your priest about bringing you in earlier.
I pray that God will continue to call you into His Church... don't give up! 
EDIT - I should have read everyone else's responses first...
I am going through RCIA... was a bit upset that I found out I didn't actually HAVE to... but I'm thankful for the experiene and for the people I've met through the process.
Last edited on Wed Mar 7th, 2007 08:20 pm by thiscatholicjourney
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Proudly entered the Catholic Church in 2007!
Learn about my journey!
http://thiscatholicjourney.com/blog.htm
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5353 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Thu Mar 8th, 2007 01:34 am |
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Darlene wrote: From what I have just read on this thread, does this mean that I don't have to wait till Easter 2008 to become Catholic? In other words if I:
1. Can present proof of my Baptism, 2. Show that I know, understand, and believe in the tenets of the Catholic faith, and 3. Am ready in my mind and heart to become Catholic
I can join anytime before Easter 2008?
It's not your decision, it's up to your pastor under guidelines issued by your bishop. It's a matter of accepting the authority of the Church.
According to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the accompanying instructions, the full RICA process should be reserved for the unbaptized. Previously baptized Christians should undergo a shorter process, and ideally should be welcomed into the Church at any Sunday mass, preferably not at the Easter vigil. HOWEVER, there is much discretion given to the bishop and pastor. You can't go to them and say "I'm ready, I'm coming in this Sunday." You must submit to their authority. One of the reasons is that your pastor normally only has the authority to administer Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. If you are admitted at any other time, you will still need to take classes as an adult candidate for Confirmation, and you will have to stand for Confirmation when the bishop comes to confirm the teenagers.
If the resources are available and the reasons are sufficient, special classes may be held for candidates for full communion, either with the pastor or a qualified catechist. Individual instruction may even be possible. But this is all up to the bishop and pastor.
If you have a willing, accomodating pastor with lots of available catechetical resources, he is more likely to be willing to work with you than a priest at a poor parish with no staff and few qualified volunteers. That's why I said you might have better luck at a large parish, such as a cathedral parish.
Saying all of that, there is also tremendous value in humbly accepting the decisions of the shepherds of our Church. In my parish, we seldom give the option because, frankly, those coming in from other Christian faiths often have to be made to unlearn much of their prior belief structure before they can reach ground zero. The unchurched have much less "baggage" to release, and so are easier to teach and quicker to accept and believe all that the Catholic Church teaches and believes.
Those who have come from other faiths and have done their homework and have truly begun to understand Catholic teaching end up becoming catechists themselves and help others in the group to come to a fuller understanding of the faith, especially through their admittedly better knowledge of scripture.
____________________
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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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 731 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Mar 8th, 2007 10:44 am |
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As Rick has pointed out, your background has a lot to do with it. That is why the priest is supposed to talk to you first to determine where you are in the process. It is unfair to require people who are already fully living in the Catholic faith to wait an entire year while suffering through a series of classes which for them may be excruciatingly boring. To explain it away as penance or some such is foolish. We truly don't know how much time we have on this earth and some things we just need to get on with so we can do our jobs, churchy or otherwise.
In my case, all it took was a few meetings with the priest and he confirmed me in September in a private ceremony with my sponsor, a friend from work. On October 1st, a bunch of friends from work came down for my First Communion. My friend's daughter was there in her Franciscan habit, which caused a stir in this liberal parish, as you may imagine.
Admittedly, my case was different because I was very active in the church and theological study for 22 years and had some Anglican seminary study.
But even with the priest shortage he should take the time to talk to people who want to join the church who are previously baptized to determine what is best for them. He can probably convince everybody to go through RCIA because that is a great way to make friends in the local church.
Last edited on Thu Mar 8th, 2007 10:45 am by Annie
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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sweetyface17
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 11th, 2007 |
| Location: | Hudson, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 43 |
| First Name: | Mandy | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Lutheran, Considering Catholicism |
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Posted: Sun Apr 8th, 2007 04:51 pm |
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| Hmmm.... this was very useful to me. Thanks!
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5353 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sun Apr 8th, 2007 06:55 pm |
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Mark9.24 wrote: I went to the first RCIA meeting last fall but I felt uncomfortable, like I was "playing Catholic", if that makes any sense. I also went to two or three classes the previous fall and had generally the same feelings and quit going then too.
You know, I enrolled in a Master's program at age 51, and I felt like I was "playing student". I don't have an undergraduate degree and I had been out of school for more than 30 years. And I had never written a "thesis". At 51, was I ready to be doing homework and writing papers? So after two or three classes, I was ready to drop out.
I didn't. Last year, after four years, I graduated from Loyola University with a Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies. I don't get a Master's Degree because I don't have a BA, but I did the same work and got good grades. I wrote something like 25 papers. I was 55 years old when I graduated a year ago April 30, 2006.
If it's worth doing, it's worth a little discomfort. We are creatures of habit, and change is always discomforting. Depending on your personality, it might be exciting or it might be frightening, but it is always uncomfortable.
So the question you have to ask yourself is, "Is it worth it?" Is it worth discomfort to discover whether this is the true path Jesus is calling you to walk?
Was it worth it for Jesus to crawl on that cross to die for your sins? That was pretty uncomfortable for him, too.
If you don't stick it out, you'll never find out.
____________________
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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jwashu
Member
| Joined: | Wed Apr 18th, 2007 |
| Location: | Arkansas USA |
| Posts: | 14 |
| First Name: | Joe | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist, Presbyterian, starting RCIA |
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Posted: Wed Apr 18th, 2007 03:56 pm |
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I understand you feelings!
As a former Youth Minister / Director in the Presbyterian Chuch who has taken too long getting around to truly investigating the Church I believe I'm ready.
However my wife has never been Baptised, even though her GF is a Baptist Minister. Thus it will be at least next Easter before she can join.
That being said our RCIA director told me that I may be able to do it sooner so that I can have my son Baptised Catholic rather than doing it at my Presbyterian Church. I'm not sure what all it will entail but I can say that even after 1 session at RCIA, my wife is starting to feel at home. That is a great feeling for me. Depending on her wishes and that of our Priest, I may take the whole year myself.
I just joined these boards today, it looks like it's going to be a great resource and I've very glad a new friend recommended it to me!
Thanks!
Joe
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5353 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Apr 18th, 2007 04:00 pm |
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jwashu wrote: I just joined these boards today, it looks like it's going to be a great resource and I've very glad a new friend recommended it to me!
We're very happy to have you here with us, Joe. I'm one of the few around here who can call you a "Northerner" (I don't know you well enough to call you a "yankee").
We look forward to your participation and to hearing your faith story when you feel comfortable sharing it with us. We hope you'll also be able to join us in our CHNI Chat on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET (7 PM Arkansas/Louisiana time).
Once again, welcome to CHN and to the Catholic faith.
Last edited on Wed Apr 18th, 2007 04:03 pm by CajunRick
____________________
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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