FAQs about RCIA - Page 2

SuscipeMeDomine · #16 Dec 9, '08, 4:13 pm

Are there more questions?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

1. I've never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord's Prayer.
8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
9. What is a catechumen?
10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

1. I've been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
5. I think I've been baptized but how can I prove it?
6. What is a conditional baptism?
7. What is a candidate?
8. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
9. When may I or when must I go to confession?

FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN'T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?

FOR ALL

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
2. I'm a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
3. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
4. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
5. What do I do if I'm not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
6. How long does RCIA take?
7. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
8. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
9. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?

Rolltide · #17 Dec 9, '08, 5:21 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuscipeMeDomine

Are there more questions?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

1. I've never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord's Prayer.
8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
9. What is a catechumen?
10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

1. I've been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
5. I think I've been baptized but how can I prove it?
6. What is a conditional baptism?
7. What is a candidate?
8. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
9. When may I or when must I go to confession?

FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN'T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?

FOR ALL

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
2. I'm a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
3. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
4. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
5. What do I do if I'm not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
6. How long does RCIA take?
7. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
8. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
9. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?

Good questions, but I'd put them in a slightly different order. Take Questions 1-7 from the FOR ALL section and put them first, at the top, called INITIAL QUESTIONS. I'd then take 8 and 9 and leave it at the bottom in a section called FINAL STEPS AND SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION (for all), or something like that.

KarenElissa · #18 Dec 9, '08, 7:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcrae

Candidates go for First Reconciliation at some point during Lent (after having received the Call to Continuing Conversion; not before), and are received into the Church on a Sunday during the Easter Season, or else on Pentecost Sunday.

Many parishes have the less desirable habit of Initiating everyone into the Church at the Easter Vigil, regardless of their status, though.

Another comment, for canidates, the order is more or less the same, but doesn't necessarily happen around Lent/Easter. My parish also receives candidates on Christ the King.

SuscipeMeDomine · #19 Dec 9, '08, 9:24 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolltide

Good questions, but I'd put them in a slightly different order. Take Questions 1-7 from the FOR ALL section and put them first, at the top, called INITIAL QUESTIONS. I'd then take 8 and 9 and leave it at the bottom in a section called FINAL STEPS AND SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION (for all), or something like that.

That sounds good!

Are there any other frequently asked questions?

Rolltide · #20 Dec 9, '08, 9:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuscipeMeDomine

That sounds good!

Are there any other frequently asked questions?

How about, "In the unusual circumstance that I want to enter the church, and the priest lets me skip RCIA, what generally happens then?"

Also, "I currently belong to an Orthodox church. Is it necessary that I go through RCIA too?"

SuscipeMeDomine · #21 Dec 10, '08, 8:53 am

An updated list...

INITIAL QUESTIONS

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
2. In the unusual situation that I do not go through RCIA, what can I expect?
3. I'm a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
4. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
5. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
6. What do I do if I'm not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
7. How long does RCIA take?
8. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

1. I've never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord's Prayer.
8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
9. What is a catechumen?
10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

1. I've been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
5. I think I've been baptized but how can I prove it?
6. What is a conditional baptism?
7. What is a candidate?
8. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
9. When may I or when must I go to confession?
10. I am an Orthodox Christian. Do I go through RCIA to become Catholic?

FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN'T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?

FINAL STEPS

1. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
2. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?

SuscipeMeDomine · #22 Dec 10, '08, 8:53 am

Would someone like to take a stab at the first question:

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?

KarenElissa · #23 Dec 10, '08, 8:56 am

I'd add as the first questions either "What is RCIA and who is it for?" or "I want to become Catholic What do I do?"

**jmcrae** · #24 Dec 10, '08, 9:46 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuscipeMeDomine

Would someone like to take a stab at the first question:

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?

This will be up to your priest. Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, "Who is my priest?" or "I have a priest?!"

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as "your" priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.

SuscipeMeDomine · #25 Dec 10, '08, 2:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcrae

This will be up to your priest. Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, "Who is my priest?" or "I have a priest?!"

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as "your" priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.

Is non-participation in RCIA available only to those who have already been baptized? I'm thinking that there is no alternative for someone who isn't baptized but I'm open to correction.

Would it also be appropriate to say something here about RCIA being more than just catechetical sessions? There are elements of faith formation, community building, and perhaps most importantly the rites themselves. Someone who doesn't go through RCIA would be received into the church, but wouldn't go through the rites of welcoming or sending, or the call to continuing conversion.

**jmcrae** · #26 Dec 10, '08, 2:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuscipeMeDomine

Is non-participation in RCIA available only to those who have already been baptized? I'm thinking that there is no alternative for someone who isn't baptized but I'm open to correction.

This is correct - unbaptized people have to go through the RCIA process, with the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, Scrutinies, and then all three Sacraments of Initiation at the same Mass.

Quote:

Would it also be appropriate to say something here about RCIA being more than just catechetical sessions? There are elements of faith formation, community building, and perhaps most importantly the rites themselves.

Yes, exactly. The purpose of RCIA is not to produce theologians, or apologists, but to produce Church members who have a strong sense of belonging.

Quote:

Someone who doesn't go through RCIA would be received into the church, but wouldn't go through the rites of welcoming or sending, or the call to continuing conversion.

This is also correct. Instead, they would go through a process of private instruction with either a priest or a qualified lay person, and would be received into the Church on an appropriate Sunday after it was ascertained that the person is ready not only to believe what the Church teaches, but also to be an active and participating member of the local parish.

SuscipeMeDomine · #27 Dec 10, '08, 3:03 pm

Does this seem accurate?

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?

It sounds like you're thinking that RCIA means "catechism class." This isn't true. Even people who know a great deal about Catholic teaching can benefit from RCIA. Remember that the purpose of RCIA is to produce Church members with a strong sense of belonging. RCIA includes not only catechesis, but faith formation and community building. RCIA also includes the rites themselves including the Rite of Welcoming and Call to Continuing Conversion.

However, if you are already baptized and would like to skip RCIA you can talk with your pastor. (If you have never been baptized then RCIA is the only way to come into the Church.) Arrange an appointment to see your priest (schedule about an hour for this) and let him know ahead of time that you are thinking of becoming Catholic.

At the meeting itself, discuss the fact that you would like an alternative to the RCIA process. He will most likely ask you a few questions to make sure, first of all, that you have no impediments to the Sacraments of Initiation, and also to see where you are at with regard, not only to your level of knowledge, but also the level of your involvement in the parish community up to this time. (Realize that even if you know your Catechism quite well, if you have not been involved with the parish community, he may recommend that you join with the RCIA process for at least part of the time, as a means of entering into the community life of the parish.)

A question that might arise from this is, "Who is my priest?" or "I have a priest?!"

Your priest is the pastor of the parish where you live - typically, the nearest Catholic Church to your home. If you have been attending Mass outside of your parish, you can also consider the priest of the parish where you have been attending regularly, as "your" priest.

Another consideration will be, how closely are you already living the Catholic lifestyle at home? If there are issues that need to be addressed in this area, he would also recommend spending time in the RCIA process, so that you can learn from other people how they deal with issues around non-Catholic family members, making time for prayer, etc.

**jmcrae** · #28 Dec 10, '08, 3:44 pm

That looks really good!

Rolltide · #29 Dec 10, '08, 4:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenElissa

I'd add as the first questions either "What is RCIA and who is it for?" or "I want to become Catholic What do I do?"

Agreed. I'd do these question first, and then move questions 7 and 8 to position 2 and 3.

INITIAL QUESTIONS

1. I want to become Catholic. What do I do?
2. What is RCIA?
3. How long does RCIA take?
4. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
5. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
6. In the unusual situation that I do not go through RCIA, what can I expect?
7. I'm a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
8. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
9. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
10. What do I do if I'm not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?

Rolltide · #30 Dec 10, '08, 4:14 pm

Also, the Orthodox question makes more sense at the top as question #1.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

1. I am an Orthodox Christian. Do I go through RCIA to become Catholic?
2. I've been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
4. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
5. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
6. I think I've been baptized but how can I prove it?
7. What is a conditional baptism?
8. What is a candidate?
9. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
10. When may I or when must I go to confession?