1 year RCIA, 2 year RCIA, or private instruction

[puzzleannie]

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.

no, it is not, every parish does the best they can to meet the needs of everyone who comes to the, given the resources they have in terms of time, meeting space, volunteer catechists, and pastoral staff. I have offered every year to obtain individualized instruction for non-Catholic Christians. Either they do not follow thru, do not keep appointments, which is extremely frustrating for the priest and deacon, who are already exceedingly busy, or they drop out.

The only ones who persist are those who attend the regular Sunday class. In every case where we have confirmed an adult Christian who, in the pastor’s judgement, has a very good background, but without some framework and structure to guide their formation, they are no longer attending Mass in this parish two years later.

I am sorry you feel unwelcome. Every thing we do in RCIA is intended to welcome you, to involve you in parish life, to help your initiation into the practice of the lived faith. If your parish has failed, I apologize on their behalf, but I assure you it was not their intent.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

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.

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.

Remember that satan is out there also working very hard to keep you away.

 

[jmcrae]

Remember that satan is out there also working very hard to keep you away.

That’s a really good point.

Also, not receiving the Sacraments yet does not mean that you are “unwelcome” - it just means that you have not yet made your Profession of Faith and received Initiation, yet.

Sometimes, it’s really hard to keep that in our minds - it’s easy to feel sorry for ourselves, and feel left out when everyone else gets to do something and we don’t get to. It’s difficult and lonely to be the “baby” of the family - but giving up will not get you any closer to your goal, either. Walking out now because you feel left out will not make it better.

Instead, stay the course, do whatever they tell you to do, and you will make it; you will receive the Sacraments - and then they’ll go and do something else that makes you mad, because this is how it is in the Catholic Church with your parish - it’s not on purpose, but they will drive you crazy, if not one way, then in some other way.

That’s just how it is, and all we can do is love them, accept them, and do the best we can, because we, too, are also driving somebody crazy, as well.

This, by the way, is the definitive proof that the Catholic Church is the Church of the Bible, because the Corinthians, the Philippians, the Ephesians, the Romans, and the Colossians all went through all this stuff, as well.

 

[pnewton]

I went through the one year program, even though I was already a baptized Christian. I think that private instruction by a priest, although desireable, is simply not realistic for most parishes. Our priest personally oversees the RCIA and he would not be able to devote near as much time if he had to instruct each of the dozen or two individually that go through RCIA. (and he is a rarity to personally teach RCIA).

I have also been on the other end of instruction, teaching the faith to each of my two teenagers, who do not live with me but each decided to join the church while in high school. They were never in town on the designated day for RCIA, so my priest allowed me to instruct them for the same time period. We read and discussed our way through the whole Catechism. I have now gone through that thing three times. Wheww!

 

[Beyrak]

Remember that satan is out there also working very hard to keep you away.

Yea, I have considered that and blame my frustration on him.

My only concern now is my parish going against the Conference of Bishops, and bringing me into the Church at the Easter Vigil. The U.S. Conference of Bishops states,

"It is preferable that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil lest there be any confusion of such baptized Christians with the candidates for baptism, possible misunderstanding of or even reflection upon the sacrament of baptism celebrated in another church or ecclesial community . . . " (NSC 33).

Is it common for parishes to bring in baptized Christians at Easter, or do most adhere to the USCB?

 

[marci]

I am a “cradle catholic” and have no experience with RCIA, but as a homeschooling mom of 4 children. I do have experience with catechism. I understand that there is a need for instruction and understanding when it comes to reception of the sacraments, but I think the whole idea of “using” the
Sacraments as some sort of “reward” for completion of a “program” is not the ideal.

Before anyone jumps on me, let me explain. I think for many in RCIA, particularly baptized christians, it is an undue burden to force them to wait to receive confession for many months simply because it’s “standard procedure”.

The Sacraments do not exist for us to be rewarded with after we have achieved perfect understanding of the faith. They exist to give us the Graces needed for our Salvation.

As a cradle catholic, there are many things I will never fully understand about my faith, but I believe them to be truths because I trust in the Holy Spirit to guide my faith. The Holy Spirit guides those who seek the true faith in the same way, why aren’t we more willing to trust in His power? I can instruct my children in their catechism all day long, they may be able to recite perfectly, every Commandment, Sacrament, Prayer, etc., but I still pray that the Holy Spirit will give them the faith to believe all that I have taught them.

I have seen posts on this forum where people have had serious anxiety over the fact that they cannot at least go to confession during RCIA formation. Can you blame them? Once they understand the necessity of this Sacrament, of course they would be conscious of the need to confess their sins. Why make them wait?

I have actually seen a post in which the individual was told to wait until the next years program because no one else was signed up and that they wouldn’t get the experience of community if they went through RCIA alone. WHAT?
Was this person supposed to say, "Sorry, Holy Spirit, I know Your calling me, but I have to wait until there are enough people in the class to constitute a “community”.

This kind of thinking is what confuses and frustrates many who are going through RCIA

 

[pnewton]

I have seen posts on this forum where people have had serious anxiety over the fact that they cannot at least go to confession during RCIA formation. Can you blame them? Once they understand the necessity of this Sacrament, of course they would be conscious of the need to confess their sins. Why make them wait?

Amen to that. I have never heard a satisfactory answer to this question. We baptize infants so that they can be in heaven. Why do we deny absolution to those desirous of joining the Church?

 

[marci]

Amen to that. I have never heard a satisfactory answer to this question. We baptize infants so that they can be in heaven. Why do we deny absolution to those desirous of joining the Church?

Totally agree pnewton. There have been times in my life when I felt such a need for confession that I made an apointment, rather than wait for Saturday. This feeling of urgency for confession comes from God, why would we squelsh that?

 

[jmcrae]

Before anyone jumps on me, let me explain. I think for many in RCIA, particularly baptized christians, it is an undue burden to force them to wait to receive confession for many months simply because it’s “standard procedure”. …]

I have seen posts on this forum where people have had serious anxiety over the fact that they cannot at least go to confession during RCIA formation. Can you blame them? Once they understand the necessity of this Sacrament, of course they would be conscious of the need to confess their sins. Why make them wait?

I understand where you’re coming from, but let me tell it from my point of view. Before the Call to Full Communion, they can drop out at any time, and decide they don’t want to be Catholic. For a lot of people, it takes them that long to realize that they don’t want to be Catholic.

But, if they go to Confession, then they are already receiving the Sacraments (without having been given the Rite of Welcome yet by the Bishop), and they have forfeited their choice to say “no” when it comes time to go to these Rites - it would be a cart before the horse situation, where they are going to the Bishop to receive permission to start receiving Sacraments that they are already receiving.

Once they do these Rites, that’s it - they have been accepted into the Sacraments by the Bishop through the Rite of Welcome (speaking here only about Baptized candidates), and they can go to Confession. (By custom, they normally wait until Easter to receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion, but if their priest wanted to, he could give them these Sacraments any time after the Rite of Welcome - it’s only the unbaptized who actually have to wait until the Easter Vigil.)

There is no more option to drop out and not become Catholic after they have started to receive the Sacraments.

The Sacraments do not exist for us to be rewarded with after we have achieved perfect understanding of the faith. They exist to give us the Graces needed for our Salvation.

I agree with this completely. And believe me, they really only know the bare minimum when they get to the Sacraments. It’s surprisingly difficult to catechize adults - they need to hear the same lesson at least seven times over before they really “hear” it with their hearts and minds. Before that, they hear it with their ears and intellect, but it doesn’t really sink in at all - and with 54 lessons to cover, there is not a lot of time for repetition, even if they do a full two years.

I have actually seen a post in which the individual was told to wait until the next years program because no one else was signed up and that they wouldn’t get the experience of community if they went through RCIA alone. WHAT?
Was this person supposed to say, "Sorry, Holy Spirit, I know Your calling me, but I have to wait until there are enough people in the class to constitute a “community”.

I’m with you on this one. This is a case where it would have cost nobody anything to give the person private instruction.

Personally, I can’t even imagine cancelling the class just because only one person came. I believe that God sends the people who need to hear the lesson that day - sometimes God doesn’t send anybody. Sometimes He sends 30 people. But if only one person shows up, I still give the lesson, because I believe that God wanted that person to hear it.

Besides, they took the time and trouble to show up, and that counts for something in this busy, over-booked, stressed-out society. I would never send anybody home without giving them something.

 

[Andruschak]

Which do you think is best, and why?

A.) 1-year RCIA program

B.) 2-year RCIA program

C.) Private instruction with the priest.

C. Last September that is what I tried to get. I am quite sure I could have been confirmed a month later at any Sunday Mass. Instead I was lumped into RCIA with the catecumans, to be confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

(Baptised Church Of England in 1944…in England.)

Confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Had serious thoughts about becoming a Lutheran Minister. This fell through due to finances and the draft.

As an adult have kept up with Bible studies, and religious news. Some of that news includes the Catholic Church, of course

Since September 2006 I have learned NOTHING from RCIA. I know all that stuff already. I certainly know more about the Catechism and the Bible than most of the cafeteria catholics.

I will admit that I brush up at catechismclass.com

The retreat center I just returned from holds an 8 day retreat every year, Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. I plan to be there in 2008.

 

[homewardbound]

I had a very bad experiance with RCIA last fall, so I’m right now pretty leery about it, unless its being taught by the priest himself.

I’ve been praying every day that God would have me confirmed before Easter of 2008, if its His will. Last week, I went to a different parish and the priest there is willing to instruct me personally! I’m extremely excited about this, and in knowing whatever I’m taught will not be in error, not like the almost pagan RCIA teacher I had before. My boyfriend is crossing his fingers that I still may be able to be confirmed this Easter since I have such a strong grasp on the faith and believe completely. I doubt it and am fine waiting, but it sure would shock that RCIA group to see me at confirmation!

Praise God for leading His children to His Church in His own ways.

 

[kell0618]

Hello,

My honest answer is all of the above or none of the above, depending on how you look at it.

For some people, one year is sufficient and for others, they are just not ready. And there are some cases where the people need private instruction if they may have special needs or if for example, it is someone about to leave on military duty.

Whatever is best for the Inquirer is my answer.

Dominus vobiscum,

Kelly

 

[jmcrae]

I had a very bad experiance with RCIA last fall, so I’m right now pretty leery about it, unless its being taught by the priest himself.

I’ve been praying every day that God would have me confirmed before Easter of 2008, if its His will. Last week, I went to a different parish and the priest there is willing to instruct me personally!

May I ask a favour of you, please?

Be very good and kind to this priest.

Be a joy to teach - show up on time, prepared with your books and pen, and with your homework completed. Never be absent without letting him know ahead of time, (and unless you are actually being carried off in an ambulance, or actually in the hospital, don’t ever be absent.)

The reason is for the sake of others - so that he will be willing to do this again some time, when someone else is also in this situation.

Thank you.

And good luck!! It’s only six weeks until Easter, but if you study for at least three hours a day from now until then, you could still make it.

 

[homewardbound]

May I ask a favour of you, please?

Be very good and kind to this priest.

Be a joy to teach - show up on time, prepared with your books and pen, and with your homework completed. Never be absent without letting him know ahead of time, (and unless you are actually being carried off in an ambulance, or actually in the hospital, don’t ever be absent.)

The reason is for the sake of others - so that he will be willing to do this again some time, when someone else is also in this situation.

Thank you.

And good luck!! It’s only six weeks until Easter, but if you study for at least three hours a day from now until then, you could still make it.

Thank you! I will do my best to be a joy to teach. I hope my excitement and love for my faith will be shown to him. Speaking of which, I need to go email him to set up our first meeting. Luckily, I have a wide open schedule that is very flexible so he can meet with me at his leisure. I also really hope I am no where near the last person he instructs.

 

[puzzleannie]

Thank you.

And good luck!! It’s only six weeks until Easter, but if you study for at least three hours a day from now until then, you could still make it.

in the early Church, which is the model for the restored RCIA, the instruction of the catechumens was intensive, all day every day, with fasting, penane and vigil prayers, in the residence of the bishop, by the bishop himself. in fact that is the origin of many of our lenten penitential and prayer practices. the entire purpose of Lent, and all the bishop’s time and attention, was for the elect to facilitate their conversion and preparation. with luck, your priest won’t be quite so demanding, but you could certainly ramp it up yourself using catechismclass.com or other resource. my own lent, like that of every RCIA director I know, is devoted to prayers for you and all our catechumens and candidates.

this is also an appropriate opportunity to strongly urge all those of you who will be received into the Church at Easter on no account neglect Mystagogy, the period of “reflection upon the mysteries” which follows Easter. Experience over the last 30 years has shown that those who participate in these sessions have a far, far greater likelihood of remaining firm in their conversion, and of still being practicing Catholics in 5 years following initiation. Those who do not have any instruction, support or follow-up after Easter have a very high probability of leaving the Church within 5 years.

 

[Sr_Sally]

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.

I agree with this. I did not vote in the poll because there are too many variables about the people coming into the church. But in my specific case, my husband has been living with me, watching me, learning with me for many years before he was ready to approach our Pastor. As a baptised, practicing Christian, who had been receiving instruction (however casual) from a practicing Catholic, he does not need an entire year of RCIA. And our Pastor agees.

However, there are other people who are “inquiring”–they want to check out this Catholic thing and learn about it before making any commitments. They do need 1 year, 2 years, sometimes more to find out what the church teaches and come to agree.

The answer cannot be one-size-fits-all because people are not all the same! As another poster said, we need more people willing to volunteer to help with RCIA. People committed to being true sponsors and not just warm bodies that show up for special occasions. And of course, we need priests who have the time to do individual instruction as needed.

Pray for vocations!

 

[LeahInancsi]

I am one of those weird ducks who are wildly opposed to Baptists (for example) being confirmed into the Catholic church in a matter of weeks merely because the Church recognizes their baptism as valid. That, for the most part, is the Church’s directive for candidates. It makes for a very ignorant Catholic. All catechumens are assumed to be pagan idiots. Even in the US.

Before you jump, this is one of the few policies of the Chuch I disagree with. Fortunately, the parish where I was baptized and confirmed did not follow it.

 

[jmm08]

Not everyone is the same.

Because of a shortage of Priests and religious, people are more likely lumped together into groups. And in my parish they do a pretty good job I think.

a) English-speaking / Spanish-speaking classes

b) Youth (or perhaps youth with one or more parents) / adult classes

However, while many people can get through in the one year (September through Easter). Some of us require more time and assistance. I’ve been pretty much on my own (unguided by living people) since Easter a few years ago, although I did not get confirmed at that time (still unconfirmed and no sacraments except being Baptized years ago). I think my sponsor only bargained on a commitment lasting from September through Easter.

It seems to me, however, that Mary is able to pick up muchh of the slack (so long as one is seeking to reform their life). If things are unfair or if I am underprivileged in any regard, there is no reason to complain too much so long as I have recourse to Mary. Because she can comfort and provide some leadership. I depend on the Rosary a lot for comfort. This is what I depend on and I am rarely in an attitude in despair since she started helping more closely. I don’t respond well – I’m not a very good listener. Sometimes it takes me months or more than a year to figure out that I really should have paid attention to something.

 

[puzzleannie]

I am one of those weird ducks who are wildly opposed to Baptists (for example) being confirmed into the Catholic church in a matter of weeks merely because the Church recognizes their baptism as valid. That, for the most part, is the Church’s directive for candidates. It makes for a very ignorant Catholic. All catechumens are assumed to be pagan idiots. Even in the US.

Before you jump, this is one of the few policies of the Chuch I disagree with. Fortunately, the parish where I was baptized and confirmed did not follow it.

No, it is not the “Church’s directive” that baptized candidates be recieved into the Catholic Church in a matter of weeks. It is the very clear directive that they be suitably catechized in the elements of Catholic doctrine, according to their individual needs, so that they may fully understand and assent to their profession of faith and be worthily disposed for the sacraments.

No catechumens are not assumed to be pagan idiots, not any where in the rites and not by anyone who assists their preparation. Please do not make these inaccurate and inflammatory generalizations.

May I once again suggest that if you are not happy with the way RCIA – or any doctrinal formation – is done in your parish that you become involved yourself as this is almost entirely a volunteer ministry. If you are not going to help, could you at least shut up so the rest of us can get on with it?

 

[cgirl4ever]

you get one on one and you’lll learn more and get better spiritual direction