Expert: Tom Schott - 1/5/2009

Question
I am a former "fallen away" Catholic who has recently found her way back to the church.

I would like to sign up for an RCIA course, but am a little hesitant about it. I tend to be a rather timid person and am afraid of looking foolish due to my lack of Catholic learning. I received Communion as a child, but had no formal religious training after that.

I am sure that things vary somewhat from parish to parish, but could you please give me a rough idea how RCIA classes are usually run?


Answer
Lisa,

You have no reason for concern. People with exactly the same background and situation as you go through the RCIA process every year. There is no way that anyone will think you foolish for lack of learning about the church. Indeed, I suspect they would be happy to have you join them. I know I would.

Rough idea of the process: About 9 months long, usually the school year. You will proceed through several phases in the process. Since you are already a baptized person, there is a slightly different process for you than if you were not baptized at all. Weekly gatherings to learn, share, and pray with others. You will be joined by a sponsor, somebody already in the church, to share your journey with you fairly early in the process. Several rites will take place in church as you pass through the various phases of the process.

As you note, how various parishes handle this may differ, but these are the essentials.

Good luck!