I am a Lutheran at the present time but am seriously considering converting to Catholocism. I was raise Baptist but left that church with I was in my mid 20s because I did not feel they espoused the true doctrine of Christ and His Church. I wanted to convert to Catholocism then but was considering the ministry and did not feel I could take the vow of celebacy. I have received the sacrament of baptism and completed adult confirmation in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Now to my real question, and I have asked this before and received some very thoughtful answers, but I have done some research and wanted to get a revised answer. Its not that I do not desire to learn more about the Catholic church and of Christ, It's a time factor with my job, family and other commitments that I would find it difficult to faithfully attend an RCIA program. In my research, I found that the RCIA process is for unbaptized persons. I am baptized. I am also a practicing Christian and fully believe in God, Christ and all the Church teaches and professes. I have read numerous books on the Catholic faith and feel I have a good grasp on those beliefs. Additionally, I fully believe and understand the beliefs of the Church. I have been attending Mass on a regular basis and the only thing lacking is the ability to receive the Eucharist. I strongly believe in Christ's exortation to receive His body and blood as often as I can. I believe in the importance of the Eurcharist and would like to begin receiving it as soon as possible. I found one website from a Catholic Church which stated that a baptized Christian, raised in a Christian family and who has an extensive connection to the Church may become a member without the RCIA process. Is this true? How would I go about this route? Again, I am not trying to shirk any responsibilities, I just want to begin receiving the body and blood of my Savior because I believe in its power and I believe Christ commanded it of us.

-- Jeff (celtic@egyptian.net), August 03, 2004

Answers

Response to Contemplating converting to Catholocism

Jeff, you sound like you are an excellent Christian and we would welcome you into the Catholic church. As I understand it, the RCIA “program” is not compulsory before an adult is received into the Catholic Church, and it can be dispensed with if the priest of your local parish believes you already have sufficient understanding of the Catholic faith and are spiritually ready. Talk to your local parish priest about your situation.

There are many forms of "ministry" in the Church other than the celibate priesthood.

You are in my prayers.

-- Steve (55555@aol.com), August 03, 2004.

Response to Contemplating converting to Catholocism

Jeff: Congratulations on your decision of joining the Catholic Church! Welcome home. Of course you know that Luther separated from Our Church and it is such a motive of joy to see people like you come back. Count on my familý's prayers for you.

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), August 03, 2004.

Response to Contemplating converting to Catholocism

There is a great website on the Catholic faith, answering all the questions and queries that you may about the faith: Catholic Answers

-- Andrew (andyhbk96@hotmail.com), August 03, 2004.

Response to Contemplating converting to Catholocism

I have taught RCIA for quite a few years, and the great majority of people who participate in the program are already baptized. The RCIA is primarily for anyone who is entering the Catholic Church (the majority of whom, in my area at least, are baptized Protestants); but also for adult Catholics who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and have not received more than elementary instruction in the faith; for adult Catholics who simply wish to understand the teachings of the faith better; and for non-Catholics who would like to understand Catholicism better, without any commitment to convert.

Yes, RCIA can be waived for specific individuals who are already well grounded in the Catholic faith. You should make an appointment to meet with the pastor (or other priest) of the parish you are attending. Let him know the purpose of the meeting in advance, so he can be prepared. If he is satisfied that you know the basics of the faith, he can waive the requirement.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), August 03, 2004.

Hello Jeff,

I am in a similar situation that you are, because I have already been baptized as a Protestant and I decided to become Catholic. I have a longing to receive Christ in the Eucharist, just as you describe. I have found that this trial is teaching me patience and helping me to love Jesus all the more as I wait to receive Him. I agree that I believe the Eucharist is powerful and provides wonderful graces, so I am all the more anxious for it.

I too have to take RCIA beginning in the fall. I had a schedule conflict with the time when they were going to offer the class, so one of the directors offered to give me some books to read independently, then meet with her occasionally to discuss what I've learned. This will be if we can't find another way for me to take it at a different parish. Perhaps you could do this also if your schedule would permit it, rather than attending a class. Talk with your RCIA director or other directors from area parishes to see if something like this might be possible. Even though I have studied a lot before making the decision to join, I have found that there is always more to learn. The beauty of Catholicism is that the history is so deep and rich, even someone who's studied it for years has only merely scratched the surface.

May God bless you. I am so excited to hear that you are joining the Catholic Church! The Lord is so good to have led us here, isn't He?

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), August 03, 2004.

Dear Jeff, Welcome brother.Praise the Lord for His wonderful Love and Mercy. You certainly are on the path of righteousness.My prayers are with you. God Bless, Ramanie.

-- Ramanie Weerasinghe (lilanw@yahoo.com), August 03, 2004.

Wow! Congrats also! I am in a similar situation, but a little different. I was baptized Catholic. But, raised Methodist. I was also confirmed Methodist, and am now looking to go back to the Catholic Faith. In the past 2 or 3 years, when I go to church, I have felt moved to attend Mass. It feels like home. So, after my recent engagement to my fiance who is also Catholic, I decided to make it official and convert. Does anyone know, if I must be re- confirmed Catholic?? Or does the fact that I was confirmed Christian count??? I'm a bit confused as to what I need to do. I asked my RCIA director (attended my first class last night) and she said "good question!!!". So, I'm reaching out here. Thank you all, and God Bless!

-- Victoria Richardson (victoria_h_richardson@hotmail.com), September 09, 2004.

Victoria,

I replied in the other thread where you asked this question.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), September 09, 2004.