Ok I'm pretty much done with asking questions about catholicism?

Question

I'm convinced and ready to convert just about 3 more questions:

Do RCIA classes start at a certain time or can I sign up at any time?

I've been studying catholicism for 2 years now and I was raised but not baptized a baptist so I'm familiar with the bible and Jesus will this shorten the amount of lessons I must take?

Would it be possible (if there is no specific time to sign up for classes) to finish lessons and take on the sacraments by this easter or would I have to wait to next easter?

I'm sorry if I seem impatient I'm just excited and I thank Jesus Christ for leading me to his True Church?

Please I beg of you protestants don't object to my conversion I was raised a baptist and I know what they're preaching is not what the apostles preach and the early christians believed.

God Bless and thank you all on this forum for helping me.

Chick.com is probally the worst site you could have linked me to the error in what they preach is amazing and Jack Chick seems hateful. I've studied trust me maybe you should look into the beliefs of the early christians?

Answer 1

Congratulations! I converted to Catholicism in 1999. Like you, I also studied independently for two years. RCIA classes usually run Fall-Spring. If you are SURE you are ready to be received at this year's Easter Vigil (just over three weeks from now), make an appointment with a priest ASAP and try to convince him of that. If he says no, ask another priest. Good luck, and welcome to the One True Church!

Answer 2

Being the RCIA teacher here I run that class about a year along, because there is first the inquiry phase (which you could skip usually 3 months)Rite of Acceptance then there is the Catechumanate phase where you study and live the Catholic faith (about 6 months) then the rite of the elect which takes place the first weekend after Ash Wednesday. Then the period of Purification and Enlightenment (the season of Lent) then receiving the Sacraments at Easter Vigil. The period of Mystagogy after Baptism that runs through the Easter season.

Catholics take this time very seriously, since you are making a lifelong commitment they want to be sure you know what you are committing to.

Answer 3

RCIA classes usually start in the Fall and go until Holy Saturday.

You've not been baptized -- so technically you are a catechumen -- someone entirely uncatechised. If you were already baptized, you'd be considered a candidate. Then again, it could go the other way. Obviously no-one has to teach you about Jesus, God, the Trinity, the 10 Commandments, etc.

With you I praise God for your choice! If you want to read a really good book on finding truth in the Catholic Church, find David Currie's book, Born Fundamentalist, Born-Again Catholic. The book is actually his very long goodbye letter to his family explaining in great detail and using lots of Scripture as to why he chose the Catholic faith. It's an easy read.

God bless you on your journey into Jesus' Church -- home to more than 1 Billion Catholics!

Answer 4

Most parishes start RCIA classes in September. My parish has year round RCIA and mystagogy. It is to late, however, for you to join in full communion by Easter. You have already missed the Rite of Election and Rite of Sending.

Please don't let this disappoint you though. You can still attend mass and participate in sacramentals, just not the sacraments. I strongly encourage you to spend time in prayer and reading and learning more about the catholic religion.

I was raised baptist as well and I wish you the best of luck. Joining the Catholic church has been a wonderful experience in my life and I pray that it is the same for you. If you have any questions or would like help with anything please feel free to contact your local parish, a catholic friend, or I would be happy to help.

Answer 5

You are asking good questions. First, in most Diocese, RCIA starts in the Fall. It basically finishes with Easter (that's when people get baptized and receive Holy Communion). So check with a pastor of the Church you are looking at, or one that is near you. You could also just call the Diocesan offices, I'm sure they can help you find a parish.

Here is one perspective to consider. Our relationship with Jesus is life long. Just like with our spouse, we continue to grow and learn. Your Bible background will give you a good start, but there is still much to learn and most programs are spaced out. Besides, it is an opportunity to grow with the other people in RCIA.

I doubt that you be able to short cut the time, but really it is worth being patient. God be with you!

Answer 6

Most (but not all) parishes have year round Inquiry meetings so that you can join at any time. You will need to contact your local parish and ask.

Yes, the more you already know and the closer your relationship to God, then less learning and spiritual growth is needed before you are ready.

This Easter is probably too soon to receive your Sacraments (assuming that you have not started the process) unless there are special circumstances like danger of death.

Although receiving the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass is the most expressive way to join the Church, you can receive the Sacraments at almost any time.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 7

Most RCIA classes start at around Aug/Sept. You will then hopefully be ready to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.

Answer 8

It's good that you are excited, but these questions are best asked of a real Catholic priest. I suspect, however, that you will find the RCIA classes are pretty standardized, with little flexability for those who come with more or less foreknowledge. I also suspect you just barely missed the deadline for an Easter Eucharist. Fortunately, you can join at any time of year. Keep working out your salvation in fear and trembling, but never with shame or guilt. See you in Heaven!

Answer 9

I started my RCIA Class in December, and I will be baptized Easter 2008. Check with your parish and see when you can start. My parish has classes starting all the time. There will be a new class starting right after Easter in my parish so you might want to go check it out. Welcome to Jesus's True Church. God Bless.

Answer 10

Friend, the classes generally start in August or Sept, and you are brought into the Church at Easter.

You would not be able to do it this Easter. No, you will have to go through the entire class, but knowing the Bible is great! Good for you.

Welcome to our family.


Please ignore those who post the trash chick tracts as a reliable source. They are not.

Peace to you.