I just wish it was EASIER to join the Roman Catholic church. Meaning, it takes a long time. I suppose there are valid reasons for process, but still.
My wife was put on fast track because she was pregnant.
Wouldn’t you hate to wake up one day and think you just made a big mistake? The longer it takes, the more you can learn beforehand so you really really have a better idea what it’s about.
The Church isn’t eager for one more “number”, Jesus wants your entire love and that comes with learning and reflection.
It’s almost conceited and cocky isn’t it - this Church that seems in no hurry to have you - but it’s so humble and so “free will” and so “wanting you fully aware of what you are getting into”, what it knows to be, the greatest thing, the fullness of the faith on earth, His Church.
I apologize but I disagree with you -- by making it difficult, we get real gems joining the Church. The folks who come to the Church as adults not only enrich their communities but the grace that comes with them permeates the entire Church
I only wish my confirmation and that of my fellow cradle Catholics was as strict. I don't know half as much as my fellow Catholics who were not cradle Catholics and each time I read them, I learn more and I praise God more.
The process really isn’t that long or that difficult. As a matter of fact, placed in its proper perspective, the process itself is a growth in grace and the joy that accompanies that. I balked for some time at entering a 6 year formation process for the permanent diaconate. I am now completing the fourth year and am finding that the process is more important than the end except maybe for the graces that will accompany ordination. As a matter of fact, I sometimes start to wonder if I will miss this after ordination. In a similar way, RCIA can be viewed as a process that brings all its own rewards regardless of its end.
It depends on the situation BUT if the reason is that you believe in its Theology because it is the TRUTH then lowering the bar is not that important.
That being said my parish priest allowed my wife to baptize her mom who was gravely sick in another state.