Expert: Tom Schott - 12/19/2005

Question
I was baptized and had 1st communion as a Luthern, but was married to my wife in the Catholic Church since she is catholic. We both attend Catholic Mass almost every week. I have been seriously thinking of converting. From what I understand, I would not have to be baptized a second time but would have to take RCIA classes. The RCIA classes would allow me to be confirmed and take communion in the Catholic Church. I am having trouble understanding why I would have to go through basically communion classes again. Can you please explain the basics of the RCIA program to help me understand. Also, I read the roman catholic church does not reconize RCIA programs. Is this true? Furthermore, a coworker of mine who recently went through RCIA said the Church does not reconize my wife's and I marriage since I am not Catholic, but we received a marriage certificate uniting us according to the Rite of the Roman Catholic Church and signed by the pastor. I am confused and any help would be great. Thanks, Ralph  

Answer
Ralph,

 The person who handles the RCIA program at your parish could address most of these questions, but I can give you a brief response also. RCIA for you would not be about the content so much as about the community building. The RCIA process is not just about "class," about learning catechism material. It's an experience of church, a spiritual journey. You will enjoy it, it's not simply "classes." Be open to it. The basics of the process are too detailed to go into, and they vary from parish to parish. But all of them will have rites in church at various stages plus an educational/spiritual component. Check with your parish for details.

I don't know where you could have read that the RCC does not "accept" RCIA. It is the normative way of bringing people into the Church everywhere. So that's ridiculous. Don't believe what other people tell you about the Church; go to the pastor, associate, or deacon and find out. The Church does require an annulment for some people joining, but that applies only to divorced & remarried people. In your case, with proof that you have been married in the Church, there is no problem. Again, a check with the local parish would be helpful in clearing up details.

Merry Christmas!