1 year RCIA, 2 year RCIA, or private instruction

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Which do you think is best, and why?

A.) 1-year RCIA program

B.) 2-year RCIA program

C.) Private instruction with the priest.
 
I am just speaking from personal experience, because when I converted almost 44 years ago…there was no RCIA. I, as a 15 year old went to the parish priest in the small town I grew up in and he gave me instruction. He made things sink in and was tough…just what I needed and I think might be what is lacking today from posts I have read. He made sure I knew about the Church and made sure I knew the reason for this and for that. God Bless him…

I know that today in most places that might not be able to be done, because of the priest shortage and how busy they are. I am just thankful that when I was wanting to convert I was able to do it through a very strict, but kind priest.:gopray2:

:heart:Blyss
 
As the DRE of a cluster of parishes in rural Iowa, we do not have enough converts to establish a large RCIA class all the time. We do private instruction. I teach the private instruction with our Deacon. The benefit of RCIA class would be that you have a group and a sense of community can be developed. Converts can see that they are not alone… that there are others that are travelling the path they are and have the same questions. Private instruction, however, allows one to go more in-depth and cater the program to the converts’ knowledge, questions, and background. The deacon and I are doing instruction with one catechumen (unbaptized) who is starting from scratch (did not even know the sign of the cross), but is voraciously absorbing Scripture and Catechism. The other sessions are with a married couples, Episcopalian background,… more knowledgable of Scripture, theology, and liturgy. Private instruction allows us to really work with the individual: Scripture, Catechism (Compendium), and even some spiritual direction.
 
I can only speak from my experiance but, from what I know private instruction with a priest is best. It was most tailored to my needs of the RCIA program. For me it will last just under the 1 year as said in the poll, I started in October rather then September. Private instuction allowed me to explore things at my own pace and ask questions without being embarassed as I have a hard time talking and asking questions with new people. It may not work for everybody such as those who would like to see others go through the process together. I was told I am the only one from my school (i’m in college) who will be baptized at the easter vigil. Personally, I think i two year program would be too long as, I am already anxiously waiting the easter vigil.
 
I am lucky enough to be getting a combination of both of those options at this very moment.

I am in RCIA this year, in a class from Sept to Easter… honestly I think more than that is a little overboard, as I and others I know have already been interested in the Catholic faith for about a year before asking about RCIA and the conversion process…

But I have had a mixture of the class experience - connecting me to other converts and to a community within the Church where there is friendly teasing and group instruction, group discussion and an exploration of each other’s opinions and faith experience.

At the same time, if I am not satisfied with my understanding of a topic or if I have questions about anything, I go to my spiritual director (and pastor at the parish I attend) with those questions and he helps me sort through those things… things that would take too much time and require one-on-one work that is not practicle to the group setting of the class.

I also rely on my sponsor for answers and guidance with various issues as well.

It is an excellent combination…

love,
Saoirse
 
A decade plus of experience working with RCIA:

First of all it does not really matter if you run a year round program, private instruction or a multi year program which should really be formation not program]…the end is when the indivdual either decides to enter the church and thus begin mystagogia or decides to follow a different path. All other calendar related timelines are artificial and are purely a means of managing time and resources.

Second; optimally you would offer catechesis on an ongoing basis with no thought to the calendar save the Easter Vigil for initiation of the Elect. But dioceses are large, numbers of adults entering the church substantail in numbers along with infant baptisms, first communions and confirmations. That places pressure upon the diocese [the Bishop’s time and geographic travels, etc] and on parishes for catechists usually volunteers], study materials and resources,etc. Smaller parishes may not have inquirers annually and geographically combining wwith other smaller parishes may be problematic. [My state is large and winter roads can be hazardous] So parishes opt to follow the school calendar and create programs that cover non-baptized persons, already baptized persons and adult confirmandi. Not the ideal; but a reality based upon resources…

Third; Based upon the realities, it becomes very important to provide a good formation and information in partnership with *good *sponsors. The role of sponsor must be more than just ornamental and honorary. The sponsor must take an active role in the informing and forming of new [catholic] christians.

I have been an advocate of a continuous program but we have not been able to get enough like minded volunteers to assist the pastoral associate and parish priest. Our parish has a vibrant group of volunteers for various ministries. And from personal experience, I can tell you that come Penticost I a happy to get my Wednesday eveings back until September. When you add in the RCIA Team meetings, attending mass twice most Sundays from Advent til Easter in order to facilitate RCIA dismissals in addition to other parish volunteer activities like the Pastoral Council, Liturgy Team, etc. I know that year round RCIA needs more volunteers than we already have.
 
None of the above. It should be a period of Inquiry, followed by at least one FULL liturgical year, with Initiation Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion) celebrated at the next Easter Vigil after the year of Catechesis.

The one on one instruction is between the Catechumen and their Sponsor.
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
None of the above. It should be a period of Inquiry, followed by at least one FULL liturgical year, with Initiation Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion) celebrated at the next Easter Vigil after the year of Catechesis.

The one on one instruction is between the Catechumen and their Sponsor.
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I chose 2 year from poll options, but for our parish what that means is what Brother Rich is saying here. We call it a two year program, however it can be longer based on the amount of time for you need. You are paired with sponsor early on in your journey. It works quite well.
 
I knew people who were in R.C.I.A. with me that were insulted that they started in September and had to wait until Easter for Confirmation.
It was evident to me that right up to Confirmation, some of these people should not have been Confirmed in The Faith.
One was very vocal that NFP was “stupid” and another held the view that abortion was a “personal” issue.
I believe some folks are more than prepared to come into Holy Mother Church after a month.
Others need AT LEAST two years.
I was in for 2 and 1/2 years and loved it.
 
catsrus said:
I knew people who were in R.C.I.A. with me that were insulted that they started in September and had to wait until Easter for Confirmation.
It was evident to me that right up to Confirmation, some of these people should not have been Confirmed in The Faith.
One was very vocal that NFP was “stupid” and another held the view that abortion was a “personal” issue.
I believe some folks are more than prepared to come into Holy Mother Church after a month.
Others need AT LEAST two years.
I was in for 2 and 1/2 years and loved it.
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My original comments are for unBaptized Catechumens.

Baptized Candidates still go through a period of Inquiry and should have all these general global questions (One was very vocal that NFP was “stupid” and another held the view that abortion was a “personal” issue.) about Catholic life answered. They should remain in Inquiry until they can accept a general understanding of the Church teaching. Maybe not the details or a full understanding but at least know what the Church teaches. The why can come later in catechesis.

Those who are ready and accept the teachings of the Church and demonstrate their ability to live out the Catholic faith, can come into full union with the Catholic Church in a matter of months instead of years.
 
catsrus said:
Others need AT LEAST two years.
I was in for 2 and 1/2 years and loved it.
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I resented the wait initially, but understand it now. If candidates aren’t willing to wait and demonstrate the willingness to practice their faith, they can always go to a baptist church on Sunday and be accepted immediately and get a cheap imitation of Christainity. You get what you pay for, so to speak. Not meant to offend but only speak the truth as I have found it.

Salvation and purification to be with God and Our Lady is a process. It only starts here on earth as most of us will not enter directly into the Kingdom of Heaven. RCIA is only a small part of the purification process.
 
I am not going to vote in the poll, which is useless as written. I support parishes following the Rite given to us by the Church, which is the RCIA, adapted by the bishops of each country, and further adapted by the bishop of each diocese.

That includes an extended inquiry period, as long as the individual needs, and determined by the individual’s need, not the parish calendary, followed by no less than one full year of instruction and formation for the unbaptized, from the beginning of Lent through Lent of the following year, punctuated by certain rites which facilitate the process of conversion, and culminated in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

I advocate following the RCIA as adapted for the baptized, respecting their status as members of the Body of Christ, adapting their formation to their individual circumstances, and celebrating the rites proper to their status. They may be received into the Church when they are ready, according to the plan decided by the bishop.

If you can find a priest with leisure to give private instruction, more power to you, I have not met one in over 30 years of active involvement in Catholic parishes and dioceses.
 
In general, I think that the 2-year, or otherwise known as the “year round” RCIA is the best model to follow. The “one year” model (which often ends up being only six months, from September to Easter) is too short for most people to be able to grasp the essential concepts. People are not computers, and they do need to hear things several times before they “get it,” especially if it’s completely new to them.

That having been said, we also need to be very flexible - there are some people who need private instruction; there are some people who have been living as Catholics for a really long time, and just need a bit of review and preparation to receive the Sacraments - there are also people who will need more than two years, or who want to participate part time without committing to the Sacraments yet, and that’s what I like about the year-round model - they can stay in, and there’s always someplace for them to go whenever they need the community and whenever they have questions.
 
I have offered various options for private instruction and study assisted by myself or one of the deacons every year, and every year the one or two persons who express interest do not follow through. It is a very weak substitute for the essential component of RCIA formation, integration into the life of the parish and the wider Church. Book knowledge is important but it is not everything.

I will also state, since it is coming up again, that every year the persons who seem to need more time, have more issues to resolve, more and deeper questions and even doubts are those baptized persons from another denomination. The unbaptized are generally much more receptive, less combative and resistant to hearing Catholic doctrine, moral law and scripture interpretation, and more eager to participate in parish life and activities. I suspect they may have less “baggage”. I do not advocate artificially shortening the process to meet arbitrary calendar deadlines.
 
puzzleannie said:
I have offered various options for private instruction and study assisted by myself or one of the deacons every year, and every year the one or two persons who express interest do not follow through. It is a very weak substitute for the essential component of RCIA formation, integration into the life of the parish and the wider Church. Book knowledge is important but it is not everything.

I will also state, since it is coming up again, that every year the persons who seem to need more time, have more issues to resolve, more and deeper questions and even doubts are those baptized persons from another denomination. The unbaptized are generally much more receptive, less combative and resistant to hearing Catholic doctrine, moral law and scripture interpretation, and more eager to participate in parish life and activities. I suspect they may have less “baggage”. I do not advocate artificially shortening the process to meet arbitrary calendar deadlines.
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It may be also that when the time gets short and it gets close to the Rite of Reception. Family and friends who may not agree with the persons decision will step up the opposition to it.
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
It may be also that when the time gets short and it gets close to the Rite of Reception. Family and friends who may not agree with the persons decision will step up the opposition to it.
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that is very true, I have seen this frequently.

there is another aspect that I have seen from time to time, both before and after Easter, and other RCIA catechists agree they have seen it, although I have never seen it written about. I truly believe that at least for some people the devil steps up attacks on people as we enter Lent, and I assume that is the reason the Church, in its wisdom, has the penitential RCIA rites of Lent. I also have seen people attacked after the honeymoon period following reception into the Church, or after confirmation.
 
puzzleannie said:
I have offered various options for private instruction and study assisted by myself or one of the deacons every year, and every year the one or two persons who express interest do not follow through. It is a very weak substitute for the essential component of RCIA formation, integration into the life of the parish and the wider Church. Book knowledge is important but it is not everything.
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True, it’s not. But there are some people, especially those who are otherwise of normal intelligence, but who have severe learning disabilities, who do a whole lot better with one on one instruction than they do in the group.
I will also state, since it is coming up again, that every year the persons who seem to need more time, have more issues to resolve, more and deeper questions and even doubts are those baptized persons from another denomination. The unbaptized are generally much more receptive, less combative and resistant to hearing Catholic doctrine, moral law and scripture interpretation, and more eager to participate in parish life and activities. I suspect they may have less “baggage”. I do not advocate artificially shortening the process to meet arbitrary calendar deadlines.
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I would agree with that, and all things being equal, if the unbaptized person and the baptized person both encountered the Church at the same time, then the unbaptized person will almost always enter the Church first.

But, another thing that happens is that those from other denominations do intense personal research, often for years and years, and when they finally do show up for RCIA, they are already functioning as Catholics, although without receiving the Sacraments, and in those cases (and only those cases) it is appropriate to sit down with the person, give them the Baltimore Catechism final exam or something similar to ensure that they actually do know their “book learning,” their prayers, the order of the Mass, and so on, do the Diocescan interview sheet with them to ensure that they are actually eligible to become Catholic, then fill in any blanks they may have, how ever long that may take, then test them again, then send them to First Confession, and then give them the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion the following Sunday, or as soon as possible, without making them wait for the Easter Vigil.
 
Our diocese has a 4-page interview form to guide an interview which should take at least an hour, and should be conducted by the pastor (but in practice is usually done by the deacon who directs RCIA) for every inquirer who approaches us. The purpose is to evaluate their status, and determine the best approach to meet their needs and bring them to the sacraments.

What is not supposed to happen is someone walks in the front door, fills out a form, pays a fee to the secretary, is given a calendar of classes or a rigid schedule, shows up for a pre-set number of classes, and celebrates the sacraments on a pre-set schedule. The RCIA is a process, there is theme and variations to meet everyone’s needs and meet everyone where they are. that there are abuses, misunderstandings in meeting those needs is unfortunate, but does not mean the process is not good, it means we often fail in execution.
 
In my opinion, people that are “investigating” the Church shouldn’t ever be grouped with people that have aleady accepted the Church as truth, but only need to learn Church rites, traditions and rituals.

Another thing, RCIA shouldn’t dwell on the things Catholics disagree with protestants about, but stress the things we all agree on. This would keep the minds of converts wide open, and not slam the door on them before they have time to grasp and really appreciate what the full faith has to offer.

After reading this thread, it is very obvious that there are more versions of RCIA in practice than there are protestant denominations.
jmcrae said:
But, another thing that happens is that those from other denominations do intense personal research, often for years and years, and when they finally do show up for RCIA, they are already functioning as Catholics, although without receiving the Sacraments, and in those cases (and only those cases) it is appropriate to sit down with the person, give them the Baltimore Catechism final exam or something similar to ensure that they actually do know their “book learning,” their prayers, the order of the Mass, and so on, do the Diocescan interview sheet with them to ensure that they are actually eligible to become Catholic, then fill in any blanks they may have, how ever long that may take, then test them again, then send them to First Confession, and then give them the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion the following Sunday, or as soon as possible, without making them wait for the Easter Vigil.
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I couldn’t agree more.

I have had some change in heart since my earlier post in this thread as I became frustrated this morning.

I am in quoted above situation with studying the Church for years, have a valid Baptism, already consider myself a Catholic as I practice the Church fully as much as the Church allows me to. But I actually left Mass this morning in frustration during the Eucharist as I am starting to feel like a total outsider as I’m not worthy of receiving the Eucharist as everyone else is, and feel I am just in the way during communion, so I left when it started.

Also the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not available to me via my priest. And today ater Mass, the priest was going to perform the Sacrament of Annointing the Sick to “Catholics” who had certain chronic ailments. But the bulletin said “to Catholics”, so I guess that excluded me. But I am retired on disability for many conditions, one being I have heart disease, on meds for an irregular heart beat, etc, and it is serious in nature but again, I am not worthy.

Of course, when I go to Adoration, no one is there except a person or two, so I feel at home and consider that “my” time to be with Christ. I feel welcomed there.

Now in my head, I understand it is this way at ALL parishes. But it is hardening my heart towards my parish. I pray about this everyday, and I realize I only have a few more weeks to go. But if I don’t change my mind, once I am a full fledged member, I am going to move to a nearby different parish. That way, I can put out of my mind this feeling of being unwelcomed.
 
I just read this post by apologist Michele Arnold at
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=133307

I quote;

*RCIA is primarily for the catechesis and sacramental initiation of the unbaptized. For Christians who are entering into full communion with the Church, it is preferred for them to be instructed and be received into the Church separately from the RCIA. Many parishes do ask non-Catholic Christians to go through the RCIA program for practical and pastoral purposes, but this is not absolutely required. I suggest that you contact the pastor of your local parish and ask him to assess your readiness to be received into the Church. If he determines that you are not yet fully ready, ask if he or someone on staff at the parish whom he trusts will complete your instruction.

You can participate at Mass to the extent you feel comfortable, with the exception of Communion. As for how God views your situation, please rest assured that he knows that you are following him to the best of your ability. God judges us on how well we followed him according to the light of truth that we had.* END QUOTE

That sounds reasonable, wish it was true…
 
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