Also, is there any point in attending mass if I can't participate in communion? Or should I just keep going to my current church while I take classes?I am a non Catholic Christian but I'm very interested in Catholicism. Advice?
No there is not a requirement to become Catholic when you attend RCIA Classes. The RCIA classes are for people wanting to learn more about Catholicism %26amp; for people wanting to join the church. You don't have to make a decision regarding the Church to attend the classes. You may be interested in this site http://www.amm.org/chss.htm which offers free books %26amp; courses on Catholic beliefs. If you are interested I strongly recommend this book ';We believe.. A survey of the Catholic faith'; This is a great book for any one wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith. '; From the AMM page';WE BELIEVE... A SURVEY OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH An explanation of Catholic teaching, cross-referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and following the same structure as the Catechism Creed, worship, Christian life, and prayer. The course studies belief in God, the Bible, the life and teaching of Jesus, the Church, Mary, the saints, life after death, the Sacraments, moral living, %26amp; Catholic prayer. '; I have read this book, it helped me to better understand the Catholic faith.
Yes there is always value in attending Mass, I am Catholic but I'm allergic to wheat so I cant receive communion either. But you can receive a blessing at Mass. If you want to receive a Blessing walk up to the front of the church with every one els when time for Holy Communion. (Since we can not receive Holy Communion we walk up with our arms crossed over our cheats, this way the priest knows we cant receive Communion. The priest will make the sign of the cross %26amp; pray a for prayer asking God to bless you ) You may be interested in this site http://www.catholicmass.org/english.html it has free online videos explaining The Mass. Click on DVD That will take you to the free online videos.. You may also find this interesting 100 Questions about the Catholic Mass.
http://www.catholicmass.org/101_Question鈥?/a>
I hope this helps to answer your question, God bless
P.S Don't let all the hatred on YA get you down. (There is a lot of hate on YA for all beliefs not just Catholicism) If these people would take the time to learn what the Catholic Church really teaches they would not be spreading hate about their fellow Brothers %26amp; Sisters.
May God bless them, because in God's eyes we are all His Children it doesn't matter if we are Protestant or Catholic we are all still family.I am a non Catholic Christian but I'm very interested in Catholicism. Advice?
Many people in RCIA will have already decided to become Catholic, but it is absolutely not mandatory. I think it's exactly what you are looking for! Be upfront with the priest or deacon and he will respect your choice. It's an excellent place to get your questions answered by a knowledgable source. If you feel that there is too much pressure, switch to a different RCIA class. You'll find one that works for you.
The priest will highly recommend that you attend mass. If you are taking RCIA to convert, they will definately encourage it. The eucharist is a big deal, but mass is another good place to learn what Catholics believe. The gospel reading and the homily are invaluable. You'll find that while most Catholics at mass will be taking the Eucharist, those who have not be able to go to confession will also not be participating. You will not be the only person in the building who is not recieving the host.
There's nothing wrong with still going to your current church while you are still deciding, but if you decide to become Catholic, you'll want to attend mass instead.
If it makes you feel any better, all Catholics have had long periods of attending mass and not recieving the eucharist. Those who are cradle Catholics had this as children, those who converted as adults, have it as adults. It's not meant to exclude you, it's just really important that those who recieve it understand what it means and are in union with the Church.
Good luck with your discernment! God bless!
You can attend RCIA classes and still decide not to join the Church. You do not have to be sure and committed.
Yes, there is a definite point to attending Mass even when you do not receive. You are there for the sacrifice and that in itself brings grace upon you. Additionally, you can find the prayer for a ';spiritual communion'; and say that during the distribution of Eucharist. I did this for 3 years until I could receieve, and the grace and understanding I received was not something I expected.
RCIA classes are also for people who are just looking into learning more about what the Church teaches. Some do go on to convert, others do not. There's no pressure and no expectation, and in fact if the priest/RCIA instructors feel someone is not ready they will tell them.
There is great value in going to Mass, especially if you're in RCIA classes, even if you can't yet receive Holy Communion. There are even some Catholics who, for one reason or another, cannot receive; yet they go to Mass to worship and pray. Isn't that what is done at your regular church? Then why not go to Mass, at least while you're still in the process of deciding whether you want to convert? If it's just a matter of feeling odd about remaining seated while everyone (or almost everyone) else goes up to receive Communion, you can use that time for prayer and spiritual communion. Many do. While receiving Holy Communion is, of course, the high point of the Mass and what everything leads up to, it's not the only reason to attend. Reverent worship and communal prayer and Communion are not separate parts but inextricably woven together; one can still receive the graces of the Mass and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist even if one does not physically receive Communion.
I came into the Church via RCIA classes. You're welcome to e-mail me.
There is definitely a point in attending Mass should you be unable to receive communion. It is the best way to help you understand the mass and you can still receive a blessing from the priest.
You can take RCIA classes without officially joining the Catholic Church as you are allowed to quit any time you want. It is simply a class. You have to take it to be able to receive communion and become official but you do not have to ';become official'; if you take it.
Also, it is always good to read up on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (you should do this in the RCIA program).
Hope this Helps!
Attending the RCIA process only needs a decision to investigate and explore, not to convert. You are completely free to stop at any time.
Although Eucharist is very important, Mass also shows you how the community prays and worships together. It starts to bring you into the community that you are considering joining/
I would never tell anyone to attend or not attend your current church. This is a very personal decision.
With love in Christ.
if you have an interest in the Catholic Church attend Mass as often as possible even if you don't participate in the Eucharist (communion), talk to the priest and ask him questions. Tell him you're thinking about joining the Catholic Church but haven't decided yet and you'd like to learn more before you decide to take RCIA classes. Pray daily for God's guidance.
First, go to a Traditional Catholic Mass. They are much truer to the original than the newer version. This link will help you find one in your area.
http://www.traditio.com/tradlib/masslat.鈥?/a>
The Mass is very beneficial to non Catholics too. The priest will help you to see if The Catholic Faith is right for you. God Bless.
you can go to communion but you have to cross your arms on your cheat, they will bless you...the best thing to do is talk to a local priest and make sure if you do decide to convert that that would be the church of your choice...it took me years to find my church and i love going there!
You don't need RCIA classes to learn about the Roman Catholic faith, you can read The Baltimore Catechism, the Bible The Douay Rheim Version is best, and the City of God by the Venerated Mary of Agreda this reading will give you a deep understanding to the mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith and why we believe as we do. If you would like to become a Catholic you can take the RCIA classes and fulfill what is necessary in order to become Catholic, Baptism, Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation. God Bless.
edit--Yes you can still go and participate in the Mass and make a Spiritual Communion, although you are not Catholic yet just being in His Holy Pure Presence allows you to closely lift up your prayers and petitions to the Almighty and they will be heard. Go to Mass every Sunday because when you go to Mass even without physically receiving the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord you are receive blessings and graces for paying Homage to Our Almighty and Everlasting Creator who deserves all glory and praise, for He is good and just.
Go to Mass, you get graces even if you don't take communion.
And RCIA is for learning about the faith, you can join later, bur many take classes so that they know our true faith, or what we REALLY believe. There is nothing wrong with that. I wish that more people would learn the truth, not just for conversion but so that they are smart enough to not mis-represent our beliefs.
';Thou shall not bear false wittiness'; is one of the 10 commandments we all follow.
Peace be with you and may God bless your journey, he did mine.
No, you are not obligated to become Catholic if you start RCIA. I urge you to do so, because the first 5-6 months of the class is especially geared towards inquiry. No decision will be needed from you during that time.
And yes - keep attending Mass.
How do we know that it is the Catholic Church that Jesus Christ founded
http://home.inreach.com/~bstanley/how.ht鈥?/a>
Why You Should Be Catholic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqfn75wgf鈥?/a>
Learn as much as you can. Attend mass and learn. Taking classes does not commit you, try to talk one on one with Catholic Clergy willing to answer your most worry some questions. I have been and still am weighing whether to convert.
Read the King James Holy Bible, and find the truth out for yourself, and then go out and find the true church, those that follows all of Gods Commandments
Study scripture. As you are drawn to the savior YAHOSHUA these earthly trinkets will loose their appeal.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Attend, even if you cannot receive
Experience is good
%26lt;%26lt;I am a non Catholic Christian but I'm very interested in Catholicism. Advice?%26gt;%26gt;
Okay. Let's take this one piece at a time. Shall we?
%26lt;%26lt;I know about RCIA classes, but if I start those does that mean I must have already made a definite decision regarding the Church?%26gt;%26gt;
No. Religious instruction is merely the first part. Receiving the Sacraments of Initiation come later, and it's through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, (first) Holy Communion, and Confirmation that one becomes Catholic.
The Church does the instruction part first; allowing for anyone who discovers something about Catholicism they simply cannot accept to leave the program, thus not converting.
Most people in RCIA probably have already done a great deal of independent research, and pretty much know what the Church believes and practices. They're (at the very least) 95% sure they want to be Catholics.
However, if - for whateve reason - one decides not to convert, they can can leave the RCIA program without converting.
%26lt;%26lt;I really want to learn more, but I haven't decided for sure that I want to convert, I'm just looking into it.%26gt;%26gt;
You should get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It's the Church's primary teaching tool and it's available in most bookstores. Softcover editions go for $10. If there is a Walmart in your area, you can obtain a soft-cover edition for $3.95, so I'm told.
%26lt;%26lt;Also, is there any point in attending mass if I can't participate in communion?%26gt;%26gt;
YES! While the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of the Catholic Christian Faith, a lot goes on at the Mass. The Catholic Mass is the sort of thing where you get out of it what you put into it - even when you cannot yet receive Holy Communion as a Catholic. It's still worth going to.
There's much you can learn about the Catholic Faith simply by attending Mass.
%26lt;%26lt;Or should I just keep going to my current church while I take classes?%26gt;%26gt;
If you are looking to convert to Catholicism, I would recommend you begin attending Mass on a regular basis at a Catholic parish.
Stay away from the Babylon Whore of Rome and it's pagan rituals if you want to be saved. It would also be interesting to you if you look up the Jesuit Oath and read it .You can find it in the Library of Congress. I think you will be appalled by it as much as I was.
stay away from catholisism!!!!! stay christian!!!! http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/ check out this link pleeeaase!!!!!!
Are Roman Catholics Christian?
Are Roman Catholics Christians? They are, if they have trusted in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of their sins. However, if they believe that the are saved by God's grace and their works, then they are not saved -- even if they believe their works are done by God's grace -- since they then deny the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
Being a Christian does not mean being a member of the Roman Catholic Church. It means being a member of the body of Christ, which is accomplished by faith and trust in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins. It means that you do not add your works to His work. Sincerity doesn't forgive sins. Membership in a church doesn't forgive sins. Doing works of penance doesn't forgive sins. Praying to Mary doesn't forgive sins. Forgiveness is received in the faithful trust and acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. You must trust Jesus, God in flesh, for the forgiveness of sins, not a manmade ritual and certainly not the Catholic saints. Even though the Roman Catholic Church affirms the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and His physical resurrection, it greatly errs in its doctrine of salvation by adding works to salvation.
The official Roman Catholic doctrine of salvation is that the grace of God is infused into a baby at baptism -- making him/her justified before God.1 This justification can be lost through sin and must be regained by repeated participation in the many sacraments found in the Roman Catholic Church. These sacraments increase the measure of grace in the person by which he or she is enabled to do good works, which are in turn rewarded with the joy of heaven:
';We can therefore hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do his will. In every circumstance, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere 'to the end' and to obtain the joy of heaven, as God's eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ,'; (Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 1821).
';Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification,'; (CCC, par. 2010).
No one can say whether a Roman Catholic is truly a Christian or not, since we cannot know people's hearts. But, if anyone, Catholic included, openly denies essential doctrines2 then he is not saved, and this is the problem. It appears that the Roman Catholic church is denying the essential doctrine of justification by faith. It says...
';If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.'; (Canon 9, Council of Trent).
';If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified, because he assuredly believed himself absolved and justified; or, that no one is truly justified but he who believes himself justified; and that, by this faith alone, absolution and justification are effected; let him be anathema.'; (Canon 14, Council of Trent).
For more on this, please see Council of Trent. Canons on Justification.
Notice that justification by faith alone is denied and heaven is the reward for doing good works. This is the problem. The RCC does not teach the biblical doctrine of justification by faith. It teaches justification by faith and works. If you want to see more on this, go to
The Roman Catholic view on justification.
So, what is the CARM position on Roman Catholics?
CARM's position is simple. If a Roman Catholic believes in the official Roman Catholic teaching on salvation, then he is not a Christian since the official RCC position is contrary to Scripture. Therefore, as a whole, Roman Catholics need to be evangelized. They need to hear the true Gospel. They need to hear that they are not made right before God by being in a church, or by being baptized, but by receiving Christ (John 1:12), believing that Jesus has risen from the dead (Rom. 10:9), and that justification is by faith (Rom. 5:1) and not by our deeds (Rom. 4:5). It is only true faith that results in true works (James 2), not the other way around. Roman Catholics, like anyone else, need to trust in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of their sins and not the Catholic sacraments, not the words of the priest, not the Pope, not Mary, not the saints, not penance, not indulgences, not the rosary, etc. Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Finally, I believe that there are truly regenerate Christians in the Roman Catholic church. But, they are truly Christians in spite of official RCC theology and in spite of the ritualistic offerings of this ancient church which has had too many hands meddling in it through the centuries, gradually moving it away from orthodoxy and into apostasy. Yes, apostasy. The Roman Catholic Church is no longer representing true Christianity.
Jesus alone saves. Jesus alone is Lord. Only Jesus' sacrifice can cleanse us. Only by faith are we made right before God. Justification is by faith, not by anything we do.
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