Is RCIA the only way for an adult to become Catholic?

Bataar · #1 Jul 24, '12, 11:05 am

A friend of mine wants to convert to Catholocism. In talking to people who have had experience with the RCIA programs at various local churches, I'm kind of at my wits' end. I don't want her to go to any of those programs because they are all borderline if not overtly heretical. I don't know what to do.

Em_in_FL · #2 Jul 24, '12, 11:25 am

Set up an appointment for you and your friend with a trusted and orthodox priest.
Discuss the issues you've heard about at these programs.

Samuel63 · #3 Jul 24, '12, 12:27 pm

If there are "lukewarm" RCIA programs, this implies the pastor that runs the parish is either lukewarm also or not involved with the RCIA program. Both situations are rather sad. But how do you find a good solid parish and pastor you can rely on?

I believe there is no sure method. We all sin and fall short. However, you can improve your odds at getting solid catholic teaching in my opinion. I have noticed for example, parishes that do not offer Eucharistic Adoration tend to be on the liberal side. There are exceptions but this can be an indicator. Another sign I look for is how many people go to confession on the first Saturday of the month. This is related to the First Saturday devotion. Another test is to look for pro-abortion candidate bumper stickers in the parking lot.

I scan the parishes in the area by zip code at www.masstimes.org to see what they offer. You can do an initial screen of the parishes this way from the comfort of home.

Finally, we do need another approach. The weak RCIA programs are so pathetic. Perhaps a good pastor will offer an alternative. I would be attracted to small group weekly meeting with the pastor and other candidates, time permitting.

marian_love · #4 Jul 24, '12, 12:48 pm

How are they heretical?

LoyalViews · #5 Jul 24, '12, 12:56 pm

RCIA is not required, but Cathechism IS. You must learn the teachings of the Church to believe the teachings of the Church. If you don't trust the RCIA, you can have your friend meet with a priest privately if she's willing!

Elizium23 · #6 Jul 24, '12, 1:11 pm

Find the FSSP parish near you, and make an appointment with the priest. The FSSP practices the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite according to the 1962 Roman Missal. There was no RCIA in 1962, and traditional priests still observe the form used then, which is individual sessions with the priest. You may also find yourself going to the Traditional Latin Mass offered in that same parish, and surrounded by like-minded Catholics.

Winter_Warlock · #7 Jul 24, '12, 2:36 pm

Bataar,

It seems from your post that you are not or do not agree with the teachings of the Catholic Church. That is your opinion / view. And as I will respect your beliefs I suggest that you respect your fiend’s beliefs. As this is your friend’s choice! If you are truly a friend you should support them in their decision, not try to hold them back as you do not believe as they do – heck you may believe but again this is not about you or what you think is right for your friend. But what they believe is best for themself.

May God bless and keep you.

Winter.

Bataar · #8 Jul 24, '12, 3:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winter_Warlock

Bataar,

It seems from your post that you are not or do not agree with the teachings of the Catholic Church. That is your opinion / view. And as I will respect your beliefs I suggest that you respect your fiend’s beliefs. As this is your friend’s choice! If you are truly a friend you should support them in their decision, not try to hold them back as you do not believe as they do – heck you may believe but again this is not about you or what you think is right for your friend. But what they believe is best for themself.

May God bless and keep you.

Winter.

You misunderstand me. I definitely want my friend to become Catholic, but I don't want her to have to spend a lot of time going to a class and learn false/meaningless teachings. A friend of my mom's went through RCIA a couple of years ago and from what he learned, there's basically no point in being Catholic as there's no hell, after all, how could a loving God send anyone to hell. Sin is only a sin if it's against your conscience, etc. I don't want her being taught anything like that.

Kathryn Ann · #9 Jul 24, '12, 3:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bataar

You misunderstand me. I definitely want my friend to become Catholic, but I don't want her to have to spend a lot of time going to a class and learn false/meaningless teachings. A friend of my mom's went through RCIA a couple of years ago and from what he learned, there's basically no point in being Catholic as there's no hell, after all, how could a loving God send anyone to hell. Sin is only a sin if it's against your conscience, etc. I don't want her being taught anything like that.

Yes, I think you were misunderstood, Bataar. Unfortunately, some RCIA's are, well, shall we say, not as stringent as others?

But if you happen to be a sponsor, you can make sure to supplement with some very good books, internet sites that uphold the teachings, etc.

I also would like to know if it is possible for someone to meet privately with a priest, study on his or her own and then be accepted into the Church at the discretion of the priest.

Anyone know if this is possible? I too have friends and relatives, some with very young children, or schedules that would allow them to study

on their own, but not to attend night classes.

Do you think it is realistic to expect a busy parish priest to do this though? Would he not just point the way to RCIA? And what is the rule on whether a person may join at a time other than Holy Saturday and how long

a "private" study under the tutelage of a priest would take?

Peace to all here!

LoyalViews · #10 Jul 24, '12, 5:35 pm

I for one, really, really, really don't trust the RCIA here. I can guarantee you that in the RCIA here, one would learn more about how to make pipe-cleaner peace symbols than about Church teaching, so I can understand why you don't want your friend to go.

Contact you Bishop, see if there's a priest in the diocese willing to do one-on-one sessions.

Blue Horizon · #11 Jul 24, '12, 11:56 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bataar

You misunderstand me. I definitely want my friend to become Catholic, but I don't want her to have to spend a lot of time going to a class and learn false/meaningless teachings. A friend of my mom's went through RCIA a couple of years ago and from what he learned, there's basically no point in being Catholic as there's no hell, after all, how could a loving God send anyone to hell. Sin is only a sin if it's against your conscience, etc. I don't want her being taught anything like that.

Bataar
Let me get this right - you have thrown all RCIAs in the bin because of the 2nd hand info you have from one person who did RCIA two years ago in a parish different from your friends?

In these times of priest shortage, it may not be easy to find a priest around with enough time to teach Catechism 1 on 1 to whoever knocks on the door?

Why not get involved in your local RCIA team yourself and keep them honest if that is really the issue. Alternatively, go along as your friend's Sponsor/support-person.

Samuel63 · #12 Jul 29, '12, 9:21 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoyalViews

I for one, really, really, really don't trust the RCIA here. I can guarantee you that in the RCIA here, one would learn more about how to make pipe-cleaner peace symbols than about Church teaching, so I can understand why you don't want your friend to go.

Contact you Bishop, see if there's a priest in the diocese willing to do one-on-one sessions.

Pipe-cleaner peace symbols - priceless! This was my experience in catholic elementary school. My wife converted before we got married and had to attend an RCIA program. It was the same pile of dissent, plus social justice and comfort Catholicism.