RCIA

[cmotherofpirl]

When you are not busy :D you can volunteetr as a sponser.

[Katholikos]

I bought 'Catholicism for Dummies' today - seems like a good book. Anyway, it says that converts are brought into full communion at the Easter Vigil, once they have made a Profession of Faith and attended RCIA classes. However a Catholic friend of mine recently told me that I would not need to attend RCIA classes as I am a Christian already. Who is right? Is it obligatory and how long do the classes last (weeks, months?).

Ellenita, RCIA is for Christians of other faiths and for non-Christians who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith. It remains an inquiry process right up to the Rite of Election, when Easter is approaching. Then the person chooses to join or not to make the commitment. Even then, you are free to change your mind up until Easter. So your friend is half right.

Some priests will give permission to omit RCIA, but usually only for people who already know a great deal about Catholicism, and who have little to learn. Even then, the classes are preferrable because they are a cultural as well as a historical and doctrinal learning experience. I've been through RCIA several times -- both as a sponsor and as an assistant to the teacher.

RCIA usually begins with an introduction in August and ends with baptism or profession of faith at the Easter Vigil, about 9 months of weekly sessions. Some meet twice a week -- once to study history and doctrine, once to study the weekly Scripture readings. However, some Catholic Churches are extending RCIA for two years. They have found the one-year program insufficient for producing knowledgeable, faithful Catholics.

I'm excited about your asking. Keep us posted on how this progresses. God gave me the privilege of watching the conversion of one other person on line. Her name was April, and she, her husband, and two sons came into the Church as a result of a Catholic/Protestant discussion group in which I participated. There were only four Catholics on the list. We used to have fierce arguments with April (and other Protestants). She was a Fundamentalist Baptist. Her whole family was in RCIA together, in Oregon. Now she teaches the Catholic Faith to kiddies :D . We still correspond, but she's going to college now and doesn't have much time for the computer.

So, keep us up to date on what happens. I promise you daily prayers.

JMJ Likos

[musturde]

How old do u have to be to be a sponser? Requirements?

[cappie]

The code of canon law states: To be admitted to the office of sponsor a person must be not less than 16, be a catholic wh has been confirmed and received the blessed Eucharist and not be either the father or mother of the person.

Ref: can 874

[Ellenita]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on RCIA. :D

'Office of sponsor' sounds important! So it's not just a mate who happens to be a catholic that can fulfill this role for you, but has to be someone who has been 'officially' recognised as a sponsor? Do you get to choose who it is?

[Ellenita]

Katholikos, thank you very much for your promise of prayers - it's very moving to think that someone I have never officially met, living the other side of the world, cares enough to pray!

I am intending to go to my first Catholic mass this Sunday! I have been to Catholic weddings and funerals, and many churches to light candles and pray, but this will be the first time I will be worshipping in a Catholic church at a mass - I'm a little nervous! :unsure:

[RUN-D.R.E.]

Before becoming a Religious Education Director, I used to attend RCIA almost every other year just to expand my knowledge of the faith (there is always a different aspect of an idea you haven't heard of). It was also a great way to get to know those who are going to be involved in the parish the following year.

Now that I am responsible for teaching RCIA, I can't seem to find parishioners who wish to attend or be involved in the RCIA process to teach, witness and share their faith/knowledge with the candidates.

Those of you who are Catholic should call your DRE or Youth Minister after the Thanksgiving Holiday and offer yourself and the gifts that the Lord has given you.

Those who are not Catholic, the RCIA process is a great non-pressure way to learn more and develop a lasting bond with those you might worship with in the future. Joining the Church is not only a journey but is also community experience.

God Bless!

[Sammy Blaze]

If I can add my two cents....well I was gonna add them anyways

RCIA is amesome, I'm not a convert, I used to teach the children wishing to enter the Church, and I'll say I've never learned more about Catholicism than when i was trying to teach others about our wonderful faith. Catholics are also encouraged to attend RCIA to learn more about our faith. Then again, my director had a master's in theology, and SHE taught me everything I needed to know about defending my faith. Godbless Pham, I'm out ~S.

[jasJis]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on RCIA.  :D

'Office of sponsor' sounds important! So it's not just a mate who happens to be a catholic that can fulfill this role for you, but has to be someone who has been 'officially' recognised as a sponsor? Do you get to choose who it is?

It's not such an official role, such as a Confirmation Sponsor or God Parent. Usually you pick who you want, though the Diocese will have guidelines. You can also get someone from phatmass to commit to helping you.

It is all about you having God's grace of support, and He will work through a sponsor and supporters.

[Katholikos]

Ellenita,

Your sponsor for RCIA is an important choice. It should be a Catholic, preferably but not necessarily of the same sex, who can help you become knowledgeable about the Faith. The RCIA sponsor will undoubtedly be the sponsor for baptism or, in your case, Confirmation. So it should be somene who knows or is willing to learn the Faith in depth, and who will devote the time to attending classes with you. Your sponsor can learn along with you, if he or she is not up to speed on all the teachings of the Church.

Phatmass will help you -- gladly. I am volunteering to be your online sponsor , if you'll have me. I'll answer your questions and help in any way I can. But we can't go with you to class, as your sponsor should. :D

JMJ Likos

[Anna]

Ellenita,

(((((Welcome Home)))))

Pax Christi. <><

[marielapin]

Ellenita, let us know how your first Mass went!

By the way, my then fiance, now husband Jared was my sponsor, which was very fitting since a lot of my main conversations about the teachings of the Church were done with him.

[Ellenita]

Marielapin, sadly I did not go. I haven't wanted to confess that since you have all been so lovely and supportive! I have not even been to a protestant church service for a very long time so I'm not sure why I thought it would be easy for me to go to mass - I want to go, but I've been very nervous about going to church since my past experiences in the house church movement and there is no one in my family or friends who go to church, so no one 'holds me accountable' when I don't go. Sorry, I don't know if this is making any sense at all.

Anna, thank you for your 'welcome home', though you may wish to now 'take it back' since I didn't get to mass! I have been thinking about your 'welcome home' these past couple of days and it seems to hit something very deep inside. I was raised in the 'high anglican' church, which as you know has some similarities in the form of the mass, but have gone from one protestant denomination to another, hoping to 'feel at home' but never quite.....I know that someone at Phatmass (Dave, or Blazer I think!) has said on occasion that our faith is not about how we feel and usually I agree with him, but in this particular matter, I think feeling at home is important. Anyway, just some thoughts....

Katholikos, I am totally overwhelmed by your generous offer of your time and (infinate, which you'll need!) patience and wisdom. I cannot recall anyone ever so freely offering me such a gift. I would quite understand if you wish to reconsider in the light of what I've written above!