How do they determine if you're ready or not?

damooster · #1 Dec 13, '08, 8:09 am

I'm currently in RCIA and I've been reading these forums. I've read some posts that suggest that the completion of the RCIA does not automatically get you in to the church, and that the church determines whether or not you are ready. Is this true or am I misreading something?

My church is a bit more "liberal." Everyone I've talked to says the church is a bit more relaxed in some areas, and I'm assuming RCIA is one of them. I didn't start until the first week of November (even though the class started in September) and I just completed the Rite of Acceptance last Sunday. I've already been told that I will be baptized on Easter. No one has said anything about determining whether or not I'll need to prove I'm ready, which is the impression I'm getting from these forums.

So, is this true: the church has to determine your readiness before you are accepted?

sheila0405 · #2 Dec 13, '08, 9:54 am

It is at the discretion of the leader of the class. In our parish, if a person makes it to most of the classes, and is able to understand basic Catholic beliefs and the most common prayers, then that person is received. We make it clear that the person can change his/her mind right up until Easter Vigil. If the candidate shows a desire to learn and adhere to the faith, that is generally good enough. Let's face it, we are all continually learning more about our faith as time goes on. If you do the best you can with your RCIA studies, that should be sufficient. WELCOME!

Br. Rich SFO · #3 Dec 13, '08, 10:36 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by damooster

I'm currently in RCIA and I've been reading these forums. I've read some posts that suggest that the completion of the RCIA does not automatically get you in to the church, and that the church determines whether or not you are ready. Is this true or am I misreading something?

My church is a bit more "liberal." Everyone I've talked to says the church is a bit more relaxed in some areas, and I'm assuming RCIA is one of them. I didn't start until the first week of November (even though the class started in September) and I just completed the Rite of Acceptance last Sunday. I've already been told that I will be baptized on Easter. No one has said anything about determining whether or not I'll need to prove I'm ready, which is the impression I'm getting from these forums.

So, is this true: the church has to determine your readiness before you are accepted?

There are several interviews that take place along the way. The first one when you first sign up before the Inquiry phase. The second one when considering the Rite of Welcome or Acceptance. This one will be the Pastor or his designate, the RCIA team member or director, you and your Sponsor. The next will be before the Rite of Election or Call to Continuing Conversion. (there may be another somewhere in between) again involving the Pastor or his designate, the RCIA team member or director, you and your Sponsor.

**puzzleannie** · #4 Dec 14, '08, 6:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheila0405

It is at the discretion of the leader of the class. In

unless that person is the pastor, no it is not. The pastor will take into account the testimony of the catechist, the sponsor and most of all the catechumen or candidate himself in ascertaining if he is ready for Election. It is the bishop who calls the catechumens for election, and the pastor, or his delegate, must affirm publicly to the bishop that they are ready. There is usually some kind of interview, formal or informal, before Lent begins to determine whether the catechumen wishes to proceed toward baptism at Easter. RCIA is a process of conversion, first and foremost, not a class with tests and a report card.

welcome home!