Question:

I am getting married to a Catholic. I don't want to become a Catholic but I would like to have a better understanding of my partner's religion. Where can I get my questions answered?

Answer:

Any one with an interest in asking questions is welcome to attend the St. Frances Cabrini parish "inquiry" sessions. You can come, ask questions, listen to the questions others ask, and hear the answers.

Question:

I was baptized Catholic many years ago. I had my children baptized, too. I would like my children to make their first Communion and be confirmed, but I don't know how to answer the questions they ask.

Answer:

Many people find it difficult to explain the faith to children in up-to-date terminology. The place to start is by understanding the faith in terminology you understand. The baptism, first communion, and confirmation preparation programs, along with the RCIA program, provide you with the basic understanding and tools.

Question:

I am interested in the Catholic Church, but I was married previous to my present marriage. Does that mean I cannot join the Church?

Answer:

It may be possible to set things straight. Every situation is unique, so it is not practical to try to explain it all here. Please contact a priest or deacon or Annette and your particular situation will be discussed in a caring way -- and in complete privacy.

Question:

I have never belonged to any church. I'm interested in the Catholic Church, but I don't want to be put under pressure to join, and I don't want to feel like the most ignorant person in the class.

Answer:

The RCIA inquiry meetings are just what you want. Every question is a good one. No one knows all of the answers -- we just know different answers from the experiences of our lives. There is never any pressure to join the Church.

Question:

I'm beginning to get the idea that the RCIA is for anyone with the slightest interest in the Catholic Church. When does it start?

Answer:

It starts with the very next meeting of the inquiry group (RCIA or RCIC). It has been set up so that you can start when you feel ready. This is part of why we say there is no pressure -- there is not even the time pressure of when the program begins! Check the parish bulletin or call the parish office for details.

Question:

What does "RCIA"

Answer:

The letters stand for the name "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults"
It was brought into practice after the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s. The process (and its rituals, or "rites") is designed to reflect the same adult conversion process which was the experience of the early Christian Church.

Question:

How long does it take to become a Catholic?

Answer:

There is no set length of time. It will depend upon your personal situation and the choices you will make as you become familiar with the faith and practices of the church and the parish community. Ordinarily, the minimum time would be several months. The most important measure is readiness to live the life of a Catholic Christian.

Question:

You mentioned some rites or rituals; What are those rituals you mentioned?

Answer:

Just as we all do in "every day" life, the church community celebrates special events. Along the way toward becoming a Catholic, a person progresses through natural "phases." If and when you pass from one phase to the next, the community will celebrate that passage with you using special ceremonies.

The ceremonies we celebrate are called the "Rite of Acceptance," the "Rite of Sending and Election," the "Rite of Scrutinies", and the "Rite of Initiation." A short summary of each follows.

Rite of Acceptance (also known as the Rite of Becoming a Catechumen). This is a welcoming rite. A person who has been attending the inquiry sessions decides to enter into a formal period of preparing to join the Catholic Church. In effect, the person says to the community: "I have been learning about this community of faith. I wish to seriously study what it means to become a full member of it and will commit to regular, active participation in the Catechumenate program."

Note that this is not a commitment to become a Catholic. It is a commitment to investigate the possibility seriously. The community also plays a part in the Rite of Acceptance. This ceremony is the official "Welcome" to new catechumens. The community commits to support the catechumen on his/her faith journey.

Rite of Sending. This rite is normally celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent. It is for those who have decided they definitely intend to become members of the Catholic Church. The parish shows its support by "sending" the catechumens to the Rite of Election.

Rite of Election. This rite is usually celebrated with catechumens and sponsors from many parishes throughout the diocese. It is celebrated the first Sunday of Lent. Bishop Joseph P. Delaney, Bishop of the Diocese of Forth Worth, presides over the ceremony.

Rite of Scrutinies. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent special prayers are offered by the congregation in support of the catechumens as they complete their preparation to become Catholics.

Rite of Initiation. The ceremony in which new Catholics are baptized, confirmed, and receive first Holy Communion is the Rite of Initiation. Those who have been previously baptized (in another Christian tradition) ordinarily make a "Profession of Faith" and are confirmed. They are not "re-baptized."

Question:

After the RCIA, how can I continue my growth as a Catholic?

Answer:

After the Rite of Initiation, you can continue in the RCIA in what is called "Mystagogia." This gives you time to reflect upon your experience and develop ongoing means for sustaining and nurturing your Christian faith and life-style.

Question:

When does the program begin?

Answer:

The "program" is really a "process" by which you investigate and discern whether, and if so, when, you will join the church. It begins when you walk in.

You can begin by coming to one of our "open inquiry" sessions. Please call the Parish Office (817-326-2131) to find out the time and place of the next session.