Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

How to Become a Catholic (Explanation of the Inquiry and RCIA process)
CatholicAnswers ^ | August 10, 2004 | CatholicAnswers

Posted on 04/21/2014 8:51:13 PM PDT by Salvation

How to Become a Catholic


Becoming Catholic is one of life’s most profound and joyous experiences. Some are blessed enough to receive this great gift while they are infants, and, over time, they recognize the enormous grace that has been bestowed on them. Others enter the Catholic fold when they are older children or adults. This tract examines the joyful process by which one becomes a Catholic. 

A person is brought into full communion with the Catholic Church through reception of the three sacraments of Christian initiation—baptism, confirmation, and the holy Eucharist—but the process by which one becomes a Catholic can take different forms. 

A person who is baptized in the Catholic Church becomes a Catholic at that moment. One’s initiation is deepened by confirmation and the Eucharist, but one becomes a Catholic at baptism. This is true for children who are baptized Catholic (and receive the other two sacraments later) and for adults who are baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist at the same time. 

Those who have been validly baptized outside the Church become Catholics by making a profession of the Catholic faith and being formally received into the Church. This is normally followed immediately by confirmation and the Eucharist. 

Before a person is ready to be received into the Church, whether by baptism or by profession of faith, preparation is necessary. The amount and form of this preparation depends on the individual’s circumstance. The most basic division in the kind of preparation needed is between those who are unbaptized and those who have already become Christian through baptism in another church. 

For adults and children who have reached the age of reason (age seven), entrance into the Church is governed by the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), sometimes called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). 

Preparation for the Unbaptized

Preparation for reception into the Church begins with the inquiry stage, in which the unbaptized person begins to learn about the Catholic faith and begins to decide whether to embrace it. 

The first formal step to Catholicism begins with the rite of reception into the order of catechumens, in which the unbaptized express their desire and intention to become Christians. "Catechumen" is a term the early Christians used to refer to those preparing to be baptized and become Christians. 

The period of the catechumenate varies depending on how much the catechumen has learned and how ready he feels to take the step of becoming a Christian. However, the catechumenate often lasts less than a year. 

The catechumenate’s purpose is to provide the catechumens with a thorough background in Christian teaching. "A thoroughly comprehensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life, aided by approved catechetical texts, is to be provided during the period of the catechumenate" (U.S. Conference of Bishops, National Statutes for the Catechumenate, Nov. 11, 1986). The catechumenate also is intended to give the catechumens the opportunity to reflect upon and become firm in their desire to become Catholic, and to show that they are ready to take this serious and joyful step (cf. Luke 14:27–33; 2 Pet. 2:20–22). 

The second formal step is taken with the rite of election, in which the catechumens’ names are written in a book of those who will receive the sacraments of initiation. At the rite of election, the catechumen again expresses the desire and intention to become a Christian, and the Church judges that the catechumen is ready to take this step. Normally, the rite of election occurs on the first Sunday of Lent, the forty-day period of preparation for Easter. 

After the rite of election, the candidates undergo a period of more intense reflection, purification, and enlightenment, in which they deepen their commitment to repentance and conversion. During this period the catechumens, now known as the elect, participate in several further rituals. 

The three chief rituals, known as scrutinies, are normally celebrated at Mass on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The scrutinies are rites for self-searching and repentance. They are meant to bring out the qualities of the catechumen’s soul, to heal those qualities which are weak or sinful, and to strengthen those that are positive and good. 

During this period, the catechumens are formally presented with the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, which they will recite on the night they are initiated. 

The initiation itself usually occurs on the Easter Vigil, the evening before Easter Day. That evening a special Mass is celebrated at which the catechumens are baptized, then given confirmation, and finally receive the holy Eucharist. At this point the catechumens become Catholics and are received into full communion with the Church. 

Ideally the bishop oversees the Easter Vigil service and confers confirmation upon the catechumens, but often—due to large distances or numbers of catechumens—a local parish priest will perform the rites. 

The final state of Christian initiation is known as mystagogy, in which the new Christians are strengthened in the faith by further instruction and become more deeply rooted in the local Catholic community. The period of mystagogy normally lasts throughout the Easter season (the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost Sunday). 

For the first year of their life as Christians, those who have been received are known as neophytes or "new Christians." 

Preparation for Christians

The means by which those who have already been validly baptized become part of the Church differs considerably from that of the unbaptized. 

Because they have already been baptized, they are already Christians; they are, therefore, not catechumens. Because of their status as Christians, the Church is concerned that they not be confused with those who are in the process of becoming Christians. 

"Those who have already been baptized in another church or ecclesial community should not be treated as catechumens or so designated. Their doctrinal and spiritual preparation for reception into full Catholic communion should be determined according to the individual case, that is, it should depend on the extent to which the baptized person has led a Christian life within a community of faith and been appropriately catechized to deepen his or her inner adherence to the Church" (NSC 30). 

For those who were baptized but who have never been instructed in the Christian faith or lived as Christians, it is appropriate for them to receive much of the same instruction in the faith as catechumens, but they are still not catechumens and are not to be referred to as such (NSC 3). As a result, they are not to participate in the rites intended for catechumens, such as the scrutinies. Even "[t]he rites of presentation of the creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the book of the Gospels are not proper except for those who have received no Christian instruction and formation" (NSC 31). 

For those who have been instructed in the Christian faith and have lived as Christians, the situation is different. The U.S. Conference of Bishops states, "Those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate" (NSC 31). For this reason, they should not share in the same, full RCIA programs that catechumens do. 

The timing of their reception into the Church also is different. The U.S. Conference of Bishops states, "It is preferable that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil lest there be any confusion of such baptized Christians with the candidates for baptism, possible misunderstanding of or even reflection upon the sacrament of baptism celebrated in another church or ecclesial community . . . " (NSC 33). 

Rather than being received on Easter Vigil, "[t]he reception of candidates into the communion of the Catholic Church should ordinarily take place at the Sunday Eucharist of the parish community, in such a way that it is understood that they are indeed Christian believers who have already shared in the sacramental life of the Church and are now welcomed into the Catholic Eucharistic community . . ." (NSC 32). 

Christians coming into the Catholic Church must discuss with their pastor and/or bishop the amount of instruction needed and the time of their reception. 

Peace with God

The sacrament of baptism removes all sins committed prior to it, but since Christians have already been baptized, it is necessary for them to confess mortal sins committed since baptism before receiving confirmation and the Eucharist. 

In some cases, this can be difficult due to a large number of years between the Christian’s baptism and reception into the Catholic Church. In such cases, the candidate should confess the mortal sins he can remember by kind and, to the extent possible, indicate how often such sins were committed. As always with the sacrament of reconciliation, the absolution covers any mortal sins that could not be remembered, so long as the recipient intended to repent of all mortal sins. 

Christians coming into the Church should receive the sacrament of reconciliation before their reception into the Church (there is no established point for when they should do this) to ensure that they are in a state of grace when they are received and confirmed. Their formation in the faith should stress that frequent confession is part of Catholic life: "The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation with candidates for reception into full communion is to be carried out at a time prior to and distinct from the celebration of the rite of reception. As part of the formation of such candidates, they should be encouraged in the frequent celebration of this sacrament" (NSC 36). 

The Christian fully enters the Church by profession of faith and formal reception. For the profession of faith, the candidate says, "I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God." 

The bishop or priest then formally receives the Christian into the Church by saying, "[Name], the Lord receives you into the Catholic Church. His loving kindness has led you here, so that in the unity of the Holy Spirit you may have full communion with us in the faith that you have professed in the presence of his family." 

The bishop or priest then normally administers the sacrament of confirmation and celebrates the holy Eucharist, giving the new Catholic the Eucharist for the first time. 

Reception in Special Cases

In some situations, there may be doubts whether a person’s baptism was valid. All baptisms are assumed valid, regardless of denomination, unless after serious investigation there is reason to doubt that the candidate was baptized with water and the Trinitarian formula (". . . in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"), or that the minister or recipient of baptism did not intend it to be an actual baptism. 

If there are doubts about the validity of a person’s baptism (or whether the person was baptized at all), then the candidate will be given a conditional baptism (one with the form ". . . if you are not already baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"). 

"If conditional baptism . . . seems necessary, this must be celebrated privately rather than at a public liturgical assembly of the community and with only those limited rites which the diocesan bishop determines. The reception into full communion should take place later at the Sunday Eucharist of the community" (NSC 37). 

Another special case concerns those who have been baptized as Catholics but who were not brought up in the faith or who have not received the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist. "Although baptized adult Catholics who have never received catechetical instruction or been admitted to the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist are not catechumens, some elements of the usual catechumenal formation are appropriate to their preparation for the sacraments, in accord with the norms of the ritual, Preparation of Uncatechized Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist" (NSC 25). 

Waiting for the Day!

It can be a time of anxious longing while one waits to experience the warm embrace of membership in the Church and to be immersed into Catholic society. This time of waiting and reflection is necessary, since becoming a Catholic is a momentous event. But waiting can be painful as one longs for the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the joys of Catholic life—the security that being a faithful Catholic bestows. Yet even before being received, those waiting to be fully incorporated already have a real relationship with the Church. 

For those who are already Christians, their baptism itself forms a certain sacramental relationship with the Church (cf. Vatican II, Unitatis Redintegratio 3; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1271). They are also joined to the Church by their intention to enter it, as are the unbaptized who intend to do so: "Catechumens who, moved by the Holy Spirit, desire with an explicit intention to be incorporated into the Church are by that very intention joined to her. With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own" (Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 14:3; CCC 1249). 

Thus, even before one is fully incorporated into the Church, one can enjoy the status of being recognized by the Church as one of her own, precious children. 

NIHIL OBSTAT: I have concluded that the materials 
presented in this work are free of doctrinal or moral errors. 
Bernadeane Carr, STL, Censor Librorum, August 10, 2004 

IMPRIMATUR: In accord with 1983 CIC 827
permission to publish this work is hereby granted. 
+Robert H. Brom, Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004



TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; History; Theology
KEYWORDS: catholic; converts; rcia
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 181-196 next last
To: Elsie
Would the Israelites mourned for thirty days if there had not been a grave?

Deuteronomy, chapter 34

 

5So there, in the land of Moab, Moses, the servant of the LORD, diedd as the LORD had said;

6and he was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; to this day no one knows the place of his burial.e

7Moses was one hundred and twenty years oldf when he died, yet his eyes were undimmed and his vigor unabated.

8The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days, till they had completed the period of grief and mourning for Moses.


121 posted on 04/22/2014 10:46:17 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 119 | View Replies]

To: Elsie
The human mind HATES blanks.

That's right. And who created every human mind that ever existed?

122 posted on 04/22/2014 11:02:45 AM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 113 | View Replies]

To: rwa265

**My son’s wife is also Presbyterian and they got married in her church. They were allowed to have Beatles music played at the wedding.**

Sounds like the PCUSA, a PINO church. More like a social club actually.


123 posted on 04/22/2014 11:09:45 AM PDT by Gamecock (The covenant is a stunning blend of law and love. (TK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 89 | View Replies]

To: Gamecock
Sounds like the PCUSA, a PINO church. More like a social club actually.

Yes, but are they saved?

124 posted on 04/22/2014 11:18:35 AM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 123 | View Replies]

To: FourtySeven
Depends.

In the Protestant mind set the right church membership doesn't save, faith in Jesus does. There are plenty of saved folks in apostate denominations. Conversely there are lost souls in solid churches.

That's why conservative Presbyterian churches preach the Gospel in every sermon.

125 posted on 04/22/2014 11:25:07 AM PDT by Gamecock (The covenant is a stunning blend of law and love. (TK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 124 | View Replies]

To: Gamecock

I’m curious, what does that phrase, “faith in Jesus” mean, to you?


126 posted on 04/22/2014 11:29:56 AM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 125 | View Replies]

To: FourtySeven
Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XIV.

Of Saving Faith.

I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts; and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word: by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.

II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of god himself speaking therein; and acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principle acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory; growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Source

127 posted on 04/22/2014 11:34:54 AM PDT by Gamecock (The covenant is a stunning blend of law and love. (TK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 126 | View Replies]

To: RedHeeler

You say “Peter, the Liar”.

That “Liar” wrote Epistles in the Sacred Scripture.

Obviously, he returned to grace and God lifted him up.


128 posted on 04/22/2014 11:44:44 AM PDT by Running On Empty (The three sorriest words: "It's too late")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Biggirl
Christianity is BOTH a faith and a relationship.

Not in the sense of Catholicism...That would be faith in Jesus Christ, not faith in a specific religion...

One does not become a Christian by becoming a Catholic any more than one becomes a Christian by becoming a Pentecostal...

129 posted on 04/22/2014 11:48:46 AM PDT by Iscool (Ya mess with me, you mess with the WHOLE trailer park...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 87 | View Replies]

To: Biggirl
Even the “ born-agains “ do have their baptism services conducted as well.

It is sad and telling that you consider yourself not to be a born again Christian...

And yes we do have baptism services...AFTER we are born again Christians, as a testimony that we have become Christians...

130 posted on 04/22/2014 11:51:13 AM PDT by Iscool (Ya mess with me, you mess with the WHOLE trailer park...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 88 | View Replies]

To: Gamecock
But the principle acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

I also read the other parts; this is what you put in bold though.

Again though, what does that mean in a practical sense? In action. In the world in reality. How does someone " accept, receive, and rest upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace."

I really don't understand; I'm not trying to be cute or funny. I've heard these words from other Christians before and they sound very theologically impressive but I don't understand how they are manifested in daily life.

131 posted on 04/22/2014 12:02:51 PM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 127 | View Replies]

To: FourtySeven
I rely on Christ for my Salvation, not church membership, not my own works, not my theological precepts. I am a miserable sinner with no hope of Salvation without Jesus.

Jesus took my sin and I get his righteousness. I put my trust in Him alone.

No different than boarding a plane to Italy. I know that flying is the safest way to travel. I know that air travel is the fastest way to get there. That knowledge does me no good unless I actually get on the plane, that is put my faith in the plane. That it will get me where I want to go in a relatively timely manner and in one piece.

Does that help? :-)

132 posted on 04/22/2014 12:15:31 PM PDT by Gamecock (The covenant is a stunning blend of law and love. (TK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 131 | View Replies]

To: Gamecock

It kind of helps, thanks.

To extend your boarding a plane once you have faith in the plane analogy, I still don’t understand how you “board the Jesus plane”, so to speak, once you have faith in Him.

I think that’s really my question. I mean clearly you aren’t saying you just believe he exists and that’s it (right?). So what comes after belief in him (for you)?

Or is that all saving faith is (mere belief in Jesus)?


133 posted on 04/22/2014 12:20:51 PM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 132 | View Replies]

To: FourtySeven
It is far more than a mere belief. If you go back to my post of the WCF it talks about what it all means. Fearing God, turning away from my sin (repenting) etc.

I think many Christians look at it a mere intellectual ascent, but I believe it is far more than that. After coming to faith there is the whole sanctification thing. You grow in the Christian life. Your own sine becomes more abhorrent to you. One becomes more in tune with what God expects based on the study of Scripture and through prayer.

Maybe using my airplane analogy you buckle up, know how the oxygen masks work. You pay attention to the flight attendants when they make announcements. There is more than just getting on the plane. Growing in the knowledge of plane safety increases the chance of arriving without incident. Not following the rules and you may bonk your head on the overhead bin when turbulence occurs.

134 posted on 04/22/2014 12:30:37 PM PDT by Gamecock (The covenant is a stunning blend of law and love. (TK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 133 | View Replies]

To: Gamecock

Now THAT is helpful thank you.

And see, I don’t think in this regard Catholicism and non-Catholic Christians are that far off. We both believe...

“It is far more than a mere belief. If you go back to my post of the WCF it talks about what it all means. Fearing God, turning away from my sin (repenting) etc.

“I think many Christians look at it a mere intellectual ascent, but I believe it is far more than that. After coming to faith there is the whole sanctification thing. You grow in the Christian life. Your own sine becomes more abhorrent to you. One becomes more in tune with what God expects based on the study of Scripture and through prayer.”

All of that we Catholics agree. Which is why sometimes I find it odd we (”Papists and Prottes”) fight so much sometimes. I mean sheesh, we agree on the important stuff right? What am I not getting? Anyway...

I gotta log off, not to hop in the shower but hit an hour and a half of DC traffic on the way home. Hope you had a Happy and Blessed Easter!

Thanks again,


135 posted on 04/22/2014 12:52:23 PM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 134 | View Replies]

To: Iscool

I am saved by the precious blood which Jesus shed from the cross and from my baptism which also forgives me of my sins. So YES I am a born again Christian Roman Catholic.


136 posted on 04/22/2014 1:21:01 PM PDT by Biggirl (“Go, do not be afraid, and serve”-Pope Francis)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 130 | View Replies]

To: freedumb2003; ravenwolf; Salvation; Elsie
Quotemining is the last refuge of the scoundrel. -dumb

Hahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa!

Hahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa!

Hahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa!

So, in your OPINION, 2003, anybody who quotes Scripture is a scoundrel?

If you want to bash Catholics, go to your nearby Church. -dumber

I only bash the Roman Catholic cult and it's misuse of Scripture to support it's doctrines of devils. It is a manmade, self-appointed authoritarian structure that discounts the Word on God into second place behind it's "traditions".

My church is the whole Body of Christ, and I am a grafted member of the family!

Why do you believe Paul, the liar? -wolf

Why do you believe the Roman Catholic traditions that deny and defy the Word of God? Crying/weeping is not repentance, it is only a sign of conviction. For reference, see court TV where there are lots of criers!

137 posted on 04/22/2014 1:54:17 PM PDT by WVKayaker ("Let's keep the grassroots momentum going ..." -Sarah Palin 4/19/14)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Elsie
Oblivious... good word.

Describes the response to #55.

(I wonder if THESE popes are forgiven by Christ?)

Unfortunately, history has shown that corruption is inevitable in any man-made institution. I believe it's instructive to note that the New Testament pattern is one of autonomous local congregations of believers. Even in the nascent church's formative years as it spread outward from Jerusalem, you see no pattern of a "Chief Apostle" as elders were selected and installed in every congregation.

138 posted on 04/22/2014 1:57:50 PM PDT by awelliott (What one generation tolerates, the next embraces....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 100 | View Replies]

To: WVKayaker

I’m curious: which doctrines of the Catholic Church are of the devil? In your opinion?


139 posted on 04/22/2014 1:59:49 PM PDT by JPX2011
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 137 | View Replies]

To: WVKayaker

>>So, in your OPINION, 2003, anybody who quotes Scripture is a scoundrel?<<

No, only those that do so with evil intent.

>>If you want to bash Catholics, go to your nearby Church. -dumber

I only bash the Roman Catholic cult and it’s misuse of Scripture to support it’s doctrines of devils. It is a manmade, self-appointed authoritarian structure that discounts the Word on God into second place behind it’s “traditions”.<<

IOW, you bash them out of complete ignorance and a great deal of prejudice. And I see you show your Christ-like qualities by making fun of my name (lower than quotemining).

>>My church is the whole Body of Christ, and I am a grafted member of the family!<<

You are as “Christian” as muhammed.

>>Why do you believe Paul, the liar? -wolf

Why do you believe the Roman Catholic traditions that deny and defy the Word of God? Crying/weeping is not repentance, it is only a sign of conviction. For reference, see court TV where there are lots of criers!<<

Your ignorance and hatred are showing. Again. Very “Christian” of you.


140 posted on 04/22/2014 2:11:59 PM PDT by freedumb2003 (Fight Tapinophobia in all its forms! Do not submit to arduus privilege.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 137 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 181-196 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson