Expert: Michael Clark, Ph.D. - 9/4/2006

Question
I was born into a Protestatnt family, baptized as a baby in the Congregational Church, later as an adult was baptized when I joined the Presbyterian Church where I later served as an ordained Elder.  I was educated at a Catholic University (St Leo) and have had a continuing desire to know more about the Catholic Church as my on faith strengthened in Christ.  Now I believe I woul dlike to formally become a Catholic but I'm not sure if I need to go through the RICA or another process.  Of course I will talk to my local church, but saw this Q&A forum while doing research and thought I would try my question out with you first!  :-)

Thanks so much,

Douglas  

Answer
Douglas, you probably will be required to attend the RCIA. But, honestly, I think it's a good thing. I myself didn't succeed the first time I tried the RCIA. But a bit later in life in a different city and at a different parish it was enjoyable. The reason I think it's good is because it might stimulate any reservations which you may have. And it’s a perfect place to ask any doctrinal questions. Joining the Church was a wonderful thing for me. But also very serious. Almost like a marriage. So I'm glad I went through the preliminaries to ensure that it's what God and I really wanted.

The next step might be to make an appointment with your parish priest--if you can't catch him after Mass, perhaps call the secretary.

Peace of Christ!