I went to a Catholic inquiry session and want to become Catholic but?

Question

I'm wondering if the time committment required in this particular parish is standard because it seems like a lot. The ask you to attend mass, then the RCIA class, then complete the assigned reading and attend another mass on Sundays. They also want you to meet independently with your sponsor and attend an occasional off-site retreat (which I think is a day or half day). This is a much bigger time committment than I was expecting. Is this normal or would I be able to find another church that does not require so much? I'm just concerned it will interfere with my job as I would already be missing work just to go to the classes.
Also, the RCIA class is discussion based. How much participation is required or expected because I don't like speaking in front of large groups (there are 15 people).

Answer 1

It sounds pretty typical to me.

But it should not nessecarily interfere with work. Usually the RCIA classes are in the evenings and the retreat is on a weekend.

If this schedule doesn't work for you (like if you work 2nd shift) speak to the priest, I'm sure he will accomodate you.

You won't have to really speak in front of large groups. Catholics don't demand any sort of "testimony". The class is encouraged to discuss things... that means if you have a question, pleases feel free to speak up! If you choose to stay quiet, that is mostly OK. The leader may call on you from time to time, just to make sure you are still on board, but they understand that some people are shy. Actually, Catholism is a good religion for shy people because we don't get up and call alot of attention to ourselves usually.

Answer 2

All members and future members of the Catholic Church are asked to attend Mass on Sundays.

You are being asked to attend an inquiry session once a week, do a bit of reading, and participate in a couple of retreats.

This sounds like a typical RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) commitment. If this will interfere with your work then talk to the leader about your situation.

Participation is expected. You might ask that the large group break up into smaller groups of three or four for discussion. This might make several people more comfortable.

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

They do hope and expect you can make an RCIA program, but if you speak to the pastor, I am sure they can work out something that will not interfere with your job. Many parishes hold the RCIA class as part of the Sunday mass. You attend the beginning of mass and go study the scriptural reading with the RCIA program. While discussion is encouraged, I don't think anyone will fault you for not offering as much discussion as some others might. I know that I did my Master's program online and I am MUCH better at writing than at open discussion. We are all different.
Good luck.

Answer 4

What you described is pretty typical faith formation for those wanting to become Catholic. The Church wants you to be well informed and prepared for becoming a Catholic. Becoming a Catholic is not something that is to be taken lightly.

Christ called us to take up our crosses and follow Him. Jesus called for total commitment from people. If the classes are interfering with your work schedule, talk to the RCIA coordinator and there may be an alternative way of attending RCIA, though it would not be as good as grooup discussion.

I do not think that they would force you to participate in group discussion if you do not feel comfortable. If you are able to attend the classes with the group, you will become more comfortable with other people and will be able to share your faith.

If you let people know the problems you are having and assure them that you do want to become a member of the catholic Church, I am sure that they will work something out.

Answer 5

First of all, this is the recommended amount of commitment. It's all voluntary. I didn't meet with my sponsor weekly, but I did e-mail her a couple times a week when I had questions. I *wanted* to go to Mass so that was never an issue. The assigned readings were short, and I *wanted* to learn, so it wasn't a burden. Can you reschedule your work hours to make up for the RCIA class? As for class participation, I don't believe I or my husband ever said a word, but we still "passed". :-)

Second of all, if being Catholic is what you want, then you have to accept the fact that you will be expected to be obedient to the Church. This RCIA process is one of the first chances for you to train yourself to be obedient. It was hard for me and my husband, because we'd done years of studying before we went to the priest and we felt we were already totally informed and ready to become Catholic. When we found out we'd have to take classes to learn what we already knew and wait until Easter to receive the Blessed Sacrament, it was difficult. However, we wanted to be Catholic and that's what it took, so that's what we did.

Now I look back on it and I see that we did learn some things that we didn't know and also we were better prepared at Easter than we would have been when we first talked to the priest in late September. Most of all, though, we got in the habit of being obedient, which wasn't part of our thought process -- we gave up being in total control and really let God control our journey. And that was worth the lesson.

So, as Christ says, count the cost. If being Catholic is what you really want, attending Mass is a pleasure and going to RCIA and reading the book is helping you achieve what you want, so they aren't the burdens you assume they will be.

--Sparki

Answer 6

Do speak with the RCIA coordinator or the priest about your schedule concerns -- or perhaps inquire at a neighboring parish, as not all RCIA classes are scheduled for the same evening/times. While it's preferred for candidates/catechumens to benefit from the entire RCIA program, if the scheduling is a barrier to your coming into the Church there are usually ways to accommodate that at the priest's discretion.

As for class participation -- you needn't speak at all if you don't want to, just listen and observe. You may find that as time goes on you'll feel more comfortable asking questions. But you're not going to get "grilled", if that's what you're worried about.

You're welcome to e-mail me if you have any other concerns. RCIA was the process by which I converted, too.

Answer 7

Your on a futile quest. The road to deception has many valleys and turns. Seek out a church that doesn't worship idols.

Answer 8

I would advise you not to. Catholic church tries to control a lot what women can do and not do.