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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
RCIA	Keller	Sunday, March 16, 2008
Question: Is participating in RCIA required to become a Catholic? I ask because I have been going to mass with my husband for the last 8-10 years. I've attended the first 1/2 of RCIA once, but we moved and I couldn't finish. The reason I am hesitant to go through RCIA to conclusion is that I see the people going up on the stage and I just don't know if I can do that. I grew up in a faith tradition that was/is very oppressive towards women having an active role in church, and the thought of getting up in front of a group of people in church really, really terrifies me. I want to become a Catholic. But, I do not know if going through the RCIA process is something that I can physically or emotionally do. Is there any way to become Catholic without going through the RCIA program? If not, I understand. I just thought that I would ask. I get so much out of going to mass, and adult ed., and I even teach 1st grade at my daughters' (I have 4 girls!) Catholic school. I feel so surrounded and at peace with the Catholic church. I know, though, that I am still on the "outside". Being 'let in' would be a wonderful thing, but I do understand that it might not be possible. Thank you for your time.
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Keller: I am sorry you had bad experiences in your previous church fellowship. I hope that you can overcome those fears. I praise God that you have found the Catholic Church a place for your spiritual and religious home. After 10 years of being on the "outside" I think it is time for you to come into the House. We welcome you into the Catholic Church. If, however, this fear of the public presentation during RCIA remains a problem for you, yes, you can become Catholic without going through RCIA. You need to go to the parish priest and explain to him your situation and ask for private instruction. Keep in mind that Confirmation is normally a public event with the Bishop (just as your Baptism was probably a public event), but the instruction leading up to Confirmation may be privately done. Talk to your parish priest about this. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below: Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum. Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

RCIA

Keller

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Question:

Is participating in RCIA required to become a Catholic? I ask because I have been going to mass with my husband for the last 8-10 years. I've attended the first 1/2 of RCIA once, but we moved and I couldn't finish.

The reason I am hesitant to go through RCIA to conclusion is that I see the people going up on the stage and I just don't know if I can do that. I grew up in a faith tradition that was/is very oppressive towards women having an active role in church, and the thought of getting up in front of a group of people in church really, really terrifies me.

I want to become a Catholic. But, I do not know if going through the RCIA process is something that I can physically or emotionally do.

Is there any way to become Catholic without going through the RCIA program?

If not, I understand. I just thought that I would ask.

I get so much out of going to mass, and adult ed., and I even teach 1st grade at my daughters' (I have 4 girls!) Catholic school. I feel so surrounded and at peace with the Catholic church. I know, though, that I am still on the "outside". Being 'let in' would be a wonderful thing, but I do understand that it might not be possible.

Thank you for your time.

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Keller:

I am sorry you had bad experiences in your previous church fellowship. I hope that you can overcome those fears.

I praise God that you have found the Catholic Church a place for your spiritual and religious home. After 10 years of being on the "outside" I think it is time for you to come into the House. We welcome you into the Catholic Church.

If, however, this fear of the public presentation during RCIA remains a problem for you, yes, you can become Catholic without going through RCIA.

You need to go to the parish priest and explain to him your situation and ask for private instruction. Keep in mind that Confirmation is normally a public event with the Bishop (just as your Baptism was probably a public event), but the instruction leading up to Confirmation may be privately done.

Talk to your parish priest about this.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below:
Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum.
Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum
Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum
Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum
Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum