I am preparing to begin RCIA. I am waiting on a few formalities. While I wait, is there a commercial RCIA or RCIA type book I can begin on my own?

Also, my priest says that I need to complete a year of "INQUIRY" before I am baptized. I have spent several years in my own personal inquiry about the Catholic Faith, and I feel that I am beyond that stage and am ready to be baptized. Is it reasonable for me to ask my priest to move ahead?

I understand that there is a process to be followed, but it seems that the program should be tailored to the individual's readiness more than a specific time line.

I do not feel like wading through junk from the anit-Catholics. SO PLEASE NO FLAMES--AND NO RECRUITING FOR OTHER RELIGIONS PLEASE Thank You!

-- tiesha (tiesha@ici.net), June 25, 1999

Answers

TIESHA, you don't mention whether you are coming from some christian denomination, if you come from outside christianity, whether you're an atheist or agnostic...that doesn't make a bit of a difference.

WELCOME HOME!!!

ENRIQUE

-- ENRIQUE ORTIZ (eaortiz@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Tiesha

What a beautiful name. Where does it come from? As to RCIA program this has been put in place htese past few years to bring little ones into the fold with a solid basis of their understanding of the Roman Catholic Church.

As in in our parish it starts in October and end Easter time. Twice a week group sessions are the norm with home visits by the sponsors are involved also. Be patient for it is a lot to learn and there are many out there who will make you fell uncomfortable for your choice.

If I may liken the RCIA to blueprint in which you will come to understand. It is not for the weak-hearted. I hope you are " introduced " to Our Holy Mother for She will guide you through at all and will always speak to Her Son about your progress.

To echo Enrique's words - welcome home -

Peace And Well Being A Little Brother In Christ

Jean B.

-- jean bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), June 26, 1999.

Hi,

Welcome to The Church. I would ask to speak with the pastor. If you are Validly Baptized in another church. RCIA is really not for someone that is already Christian, however most parishes use it to bring a Non-Catholic into full union with the Church. Take your time and pray, Develope a full prayer life. I would suggest "Faith of our Fathers" if you have not read this book, as the next one for you to get.

Br. Rich S.F.O.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), June 27, 1999.

Hi Tiesha, I am a member of our parish RCIA team. First of all the process is designed to work where ever you are in your faith walk. The 1 year period is not exactly accurate if the process is carried to its full intention. There is a period of Inquiry and when the person is deemed to be ready(this is to be decided by the RCIA team with input from all catechist and the person's sponsor), they then are welcomed into the Catechumenate or period of Purification. Have you been baptized in another Christian tradition? If so, the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults are then adapted for you and you are catechised just as a non-baptized person would be. The baptized will have issues that are different from those non-baptized but there is still a need to be catechised. The full acceptance can take place anytime but often wherever the parish's RCIA process is in developement determines this. Many parishes operate on a nine month schedule yet others like ours operates year round. We have two candidates in the period of purification right now with 5-10 (they come and go) in the Inquiry phase. I hear some exasperation in your words but regardless of how long it's taking you, you need to seek help from above and know that He will help you because neither the priest, the team nor the parish called you, He did! My prayers are with you as they are with all inquirers, candidates, catechumens and elect. God Bless. WTB

-- W.T. Booker (winstonbooker@sprintmail.com), July 22, 1999.

W.T. Booker - Wonderful post for the lady and sense you are a very good shepherd of the newly arrived lambs.+Peace+

Tiesha - Hope all is going well for you in the programme. Please let us all know. +Peace+

-- jean bouchardRC, (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 24, 1999.