1 year RCIA, 2 year RCIA, or private instruction

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Which do you think is best, and why?

A.) 1-year RCIA program

B.) 2-year RCIA program

C.) Private instruction with the priest.

None of the three above. RCIA should be an on-going, year-round process.

Option “D”

A. is NOT a 1-year RCIA program, it’s a 7 or 8 month program.

B. is no good because Catechumens are only Baptized at the Easter Vigil (except when seriously ill, etc.) so a person should be involved for One FULL liturgical yearIf they enter in March the would be Baptized 12 or 13 months later, If they enter in July they would be Baptized 19 months later. So no a “Fixed” length would not work. Unless you wanted to “fix” the dates beginning in September and being Baptized 19 months later. But then those entering in February would not be Baptized until two Easters later 25+ months.

C. is not very good because it privatizes the Christian Initiation process with no Christian Community support. It leaves a person with a relationship only with their priest at the end and no connection to the parish community. When new Candidates and Catechumens come into our parish they know at least 30 to 50 other people in the parish by the Easter Vigil!

I didn’t realize this was an old thread, but I’ll leave my new post anyway.

 

[LeahInancsi]

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?

I am very satisfied how the RCIA program is run at my parish and I recommend it be done in the same manner at other parishes.

 

[PBP]

Which do you think is best, and why?

A.) 1-year RCIA program

B.) 2-year RCIA program

C.) Private instruction with the priest.

Hello,
Remember that RCIA is a process, not a program. A program eventually comes to an end while conversion of the heart to Jesus is continual. The RCIA process in our parish begins every September with new candidates. They become full members of the church at the very next Easter Vigil. Many become active in parish ministries after. Wishing you a great day.

 

[PBP]

I ran out of time for edit. Here is a more complete dialogue on my thoughts.

Remember that RCIA is a process, not a program. A program eventually comes to an end while conversion of the heart to Jesus is continual. The RCIA process in our parish begins every September with new candidates. They become full members of the church at the very next Easter Vigil. Many become active in parish ministries after. The early church fathers wrote of the conversions of early christians and their time of study before becoming full members. Certainly all of us will not agree on the correct steps the process should involve. I suggest giving the courtesy of asking all of your tough questions of the team members first as they also are on a continual process. This exchange of charitable dialogue ensures growth of all Christians. If the dialogue needs, then visit with the priest but please pass on your information. Have a great day.

 

[jmcrae]

I ran out of time for edit. Here is a more complete dialogue on my thoughts.

Remember that RCIA is a process, not a program. A program eventually comes to an end while conversion of the heart to Jesus is continual. The RCIA process in our parish begins every September with new candidates. They become full members of the church at the very next Easter Vigil.

Unless they have been studying on their own and coming to Mass every Sunday for at least a year before that (and I would say they need more than that), this is way too quick. I feel strongly that everyone coming into the Church should have at least one “practice run” through the whole Church year (and the ability to be conscious that they are doing this, which means a period of time before that, to find out what the Church year is, to begin with), so that they know what they will encounter (ie: Lenten fasting, Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Holy Days of Obligation in the summer time, etc.), and how they will need to prepare for it when it’s the real thing. Let them make mistakes before they are bound by the obligations, so that they can work out a strategy for success when it comes to the real thing, instead of being labelled as “bad Catholics” right away, as soon as they encounter something they never heard of before, and handle it badly.

Many become active in parish ministries after.

Good for them. Hopefully, they’re being trained thoroughly to know what they are doing.

The early church fathers wrote of the conversions of early christians and their time of study before becoming full members.

Yes, and as I recall, they insisted on a seven-year, year-round process.

 

[PBP]

Unless they have been studying on their own and coming to Mass every Sunday for at least a year before that (and I would say they need more than that), this is way too quick. I feel strongly that everyone coming into the Church should have at least one “practice run” through the whole Church year (and the ability to be conscious that they are doing this, which means a period of time before that, to find out what the Church year is, to begin with), so that they know what they will encounter (ie: Lenten fasting, Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Holy Days of Obligation in the summer time, etc.), and how they will need to prepare for it when it’s the real thing. Let them make mistakes before they are bound by the obligations, so that they can work out a strategy for success when it comes to the real thing, instead of being labelled as “bad Catholics” right away, as soon as they encounter something they never heard of before, and handle it badly.

Good for them. Hopefully, they’re being trained thoroughly to know what they are doing.

Yes, and as I recall, they insisted on a seven-year, year-round process.

RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, defines the precatechumante as a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith. Quoted from “Come Follow Me” printed by Paulist Press.
The process is often only thought of as the means by which someone becomes Catholic. We rejoice over the conversion of someone to Catholicism because it grows the number for the faith. We rarely take into account though, that there may be someone looking to be introduced to Jesus for the first time. Then we have had candidates who came thru the process to please their spouse or some other family member. We cant judge the intent of any candidate. You and I are at a spiritual level that burns with the desire for covenental relationship with Jesus and time spent on building that relationship means nothing to us. I go to mass out of desire, not obligation. We have some candidates who grumble about attending mass as the RCIA group once a week for 4 to 6 months. Truth is I dont see many folks who would dedicate more time to the process. Please dont confuse my thoughts as being better than anyone else. What can we do ? Did I go way off on a tangent ? Welcoming all charitable (name removed by moderator)ut…

 

[jmcrae]

RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, defines the precatechumante as a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith. Quoted from “Come Follow Me” printed by Paulist Press.

Ideally, the precatechumenate (pre-RCIA) is facilitated through the Church, where those thinking of joining the RCIA can go to discuss their questions and thoughts about the Church and about the RCIA process.

The goals of the precatechumenate include, finding answers to initial questions, finding a sponsor from among the larger community, and becoming at least somewhat used to the idea of coming to Sunday Mass and participating in parish community events, such as Christmas parties, Adoration, and other things that are open to non-Catholic participants. This is also the period of time when any marriage issues are taken care of (Declarations of Nullity, etc.) and when we find out what their previous experiences have been - whether they were baptized before, or not.

Transition from the precatechumenate to the RCIA Catechetical Period is done by means of the Rite of Acceptance (for those not yet baptized) or the Rite of Welcome (for those who have previously been baptized).

The process is often only thought of as the means by which someone becomes Catholic. We rejoice over the conversion of someone to Catholicism because it grows the number for the faith. We rarely take into account though, that there may be someone looking to be introduced to Jesus for the first time.

These people need an extended process.

Then we have had candidates who came thru the process to please their spouse or some other family member. We cant judge the intent of any candidate. You and I are at a spiritual level that burns with the desire for covenental relationship with Jesus and time spent on building that relationship means nothing to us. I go to mass out of desire, not obligation.

Hopefully, they will make the faith their own, as time goes on. They still need to be instructed, and to have experiences that will show them what the Catholic life will be like for them - especially if this is not their own idea. These people, above all, are in least need of having an obligation or duty sprung on them by surprise, after the fact.

We have some candidates who grumble about attending mass as the RCIA group once a week for 4 to 6 months.

What happens to them after they get Confirmed, and nobody is telling them to come to Mass any more? Being Catholic is not for the faint-of-heart, and we are obliged to attend Sunday Mass every Sunday for the rest of our lives; it is not just an RCIA group thing.

Truth is I dont see many folks who would dedicate more time to the process.

I think they would, if they understood it as a gentle and gradual introduction to a life-style that they will be expected to maintain every day for the rest of their lives; not a special “add on” that will stop existing once they become Catholic.

Mass attendance on Sundays is only one part of the equation. If they don’t like to come to Mass during the RCIA formation period, then what is going to inspire them to come to Mass afterwards?

 

[PBP]

Ideally, the precatechumenate (pre-RCIA) is facilitated through the Church, where those thinking of joining the RCIA can go to discuss their questions and thoughts about the Church and about the RCIA process.

The goals of the precatechumenate include, finding answers to initial questions, finding a sponsor from among the larger community, and becoming at least somewhat used to the idea of coming to Sunday Mass and participating in parish community events, such as Christmas parties, Adoration, and other things that are open to non-Catholic participants. This is also the period of time when any marriage issues are taken care of (Declarations of Nullity, etc.) and when we find out what their previous experiences have been - whether they were baptized before, or not.

Transition from the precatechumenate to the RCIA Catechetical Period is done by means of the Rite of Acceptance (for those not yet baptized) or the Rite of Welcome (for those who have previously been baptized).

These people need an extended process.

Hopefully, they will make the faith their own, as time goes on. They still need to be instructed, and to have experiences that will show them what the Catholic life will be like for them - especially if this is not their own idea. These people, above all, are in least need of having an obligation or duty sprung on them by surprise, after the fact.

What happens to them after they get Confirmed, and nobody is telling them to come to Mass any more? Being Catholic is not for the faint-of-heart, and we are obliged to attend Sunday Mass every Sunday for the rest of our lives; it is not just an RCIA group thing.

I think they would, if they understood it as a gentle and gradual introduction to a life-style that they will be expected to maintain every day for the rest of their lives; not a special “add on” that will stop existing once they become Catholic.

Mass attendance on Sundays is only one part of the equation. If they don’t like to come to Mass during the RCIA formation period, then what is going to inspire them to come to Mass afterwards?

Evangelize by the way we live.

 

[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.

none of what you state is the policy as state in the “book” Rite of Christian Iniatiation for Adults. perhaps you know of parishes that deviate from the norms (for which there is wide latitude in any case) but canon law, and the rites, are very specific that no baptized person who is fully prepared and properly disposed may be refused the sacraments. The bishop decides what “fully prepared and properly disposed” consists of, beyond the preparation, described in the ritual book, and the disposition–state of grace, understands and desires the effects of the sacrament. the pastor and his delegates do their best to carry out those norms and prepare all candidates to the best of their ability. NO one may make a judgement about another candidate whom you may know in your parish, your family, your RCIA class. You are not privy to the pastoral counselling they receive, it is private, the pastor decides readiness, and the rest of us outside the process have no right to criticize what we cannot know.

my apologies, just realized this is an old thread, revived I know not why, and I have already answered this poster.

 

[LeahInancsi]

NO one may make a judgement about another candidate whom you may know in your parish, your family, your RCIA class. You are not privy to the pastoral counselling they receive, it is private, the pastor decides readiness, and the rest of us outside the process have no right to criticize what we cannot know.

I don’t recall claiming to know of the readiness of other candidates. I greatly appreciate the effort that the DRE and RCIA volunteers put into getting my class ready for Confirmation in eight months and my pastor for making minor alterations to the prescribed attendance at mass for candidates. I feel very fortunate and would have changed a thing.

My original post which you replied to merely stated my preference on this topic and you apparently to offense to it. I apologize for the misunderstanding.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

none of what you state is the policy as state in the “book” Rite of Christian Iniatiation for Adults. perhaps you know of parishes that deviate from the norms (for which there is wide latitude in any case) but canon law, and the rites, are very specific that no baptized person who is fully prepared and properly disposed may be refused the sacraments. The bishop decides what “fully prepared and properly disposed” consists of, beyond the preparation, described in the ritual book, and the disposition–state of grace, understands and desires the effects of the sacrament. the pastor and his delegates do their best to carry out those norms and prepare all candidates to the best of their ability. NO one may make a judgement about another candidate whom you may know in your parish, your family, your RCIA class. You are not privy to the pastoral counselling they receive, it is private, the pastor decides readiness, and the rest of us outside the process have no right to criticize what we cannot know.

my apologies, just realized this is an old thread, revived I know not why, and I have already answered this poster.

Don’t feel bad, I did the same thing. I generally don’t read the thread before answering the original poster. I didn’t notive the date yesterday. Another post by someone brought it back up to the top. I think it’s worth looking at again as we move closer to the Easter Vigil now that we are into the new year.

 

[quiet52]

Those of us who are involved as RCIA leaders will hear and witness directly from the participants what their attitudes are. I have talked about the need for “conversion of heart” many times, but each participant chooses how seriously he/she wants to work on allowing Christ to transform them.

I don’t like being judgmental, but I may SEE that a candidate is focusing on receiving the sacraments at Easter time, with a seeming sense of entitlement, not focused on learning or accepting the Church’s teachings or working fervently on his/her conversion of heart. I’ve been told “I can’t make it the next two weeks (referring to our sessions), but I’ll read the handouts.” I would be remiss to ignore this, out of any fear of being labeled “judgmental.” My instinct tells me a candidate may not be “properly disposed” – I know the candidate, the priest doesn’t.

Not all parishes have priests who are accessible to, or who are willing to be involved with, the candidates. I don’t want to bear the responsibility of furthering today’s “cafeteria Catholicism.” Any suggestions on how to better challenge, or guide, or talk with candidates with either a minimalist or lukewarm attitude?

 

[jmcrae]

I don’t want to bear the responsibility of furthering today’s “cafeteria Catholicism.” Any suggestions on how to better challenge, or guide, or talk with candidates with either a minimalist or lukewarm attitude?

I am out of the process now, but my strategy at the time was to ramp up the difficulty level of the lessons, and let the faint of heart weed themselves out. (That’s probably underhanded and mean - on the other hand, all of mine that made it to the Sacraments also made it through the first year, and beyond. None of them have quit the Church (yet). )

My motto: “Do, or don’t do. There is no try.” (Yoda)

 

[harrisunt]

I’ve noticed through my “1 year” process as a candidate that started in May when I began attending mass and formally in August when I began attending RCIA that the closer I get to Easter Mass the more I am becoming impatient about receiving the sacraments. However, I do not believe it is a sense of entitlement I just feel very empty at mass sitting in an empty pew watching others receive Christ. They come back and I feel like I am not one of them.
That being said, that feeling has begun to retreat as I began to take this time while I am alone to drop to my knees and pray that God will open my eyes and see that he knows my heart is ready but my mind is not. I still have about 2 months of good mental preparation before I am ready to receive Him.

This helps, but I agree with others that is a spiritual struggle to feel as if you are enamored with the faith and strong in your love of the Lord but unable to receive the blessings of the Sacraments.

"

 

[LeahInancsi]

I’ve noticed through my “1 year” process as a candidate that started in May when I began attending mass and formally in August when I began attending RCIA that the closer I get to Easter Mass the more I am becoming impatient about receiving the sacraments. However, I do not believe it is a sense of entitlement I just feel very empty at mass sitting in an empty pew watching others receive Christ. They come back and I feel like I am not one of them.
That being said, that feeling has begun to retreat as I began to take this time while I am alone to drop to my knees and pray that God will open my eyes and see that he knows my heart is ready but my mind is not. I still have about 2 months of good mental preparation before I am ready to receive Him.

This helps, but I agree with others that is a spiritual struggle to feel as if you are enamored with the faith and strong in your love of the Lord but unable to receive the blessings of the Sacraments.

"

At all parishes I have attended, those who are not able to receive the Eucharist for whatever reason can come go forward to the priest and receive a blessing. This is highly recommended at my parish in an attempt to make all in attendance feel included, etc. and for logistical purposes. I’m sure you’ve encountered the ackwardness to people trying to pass by you while you sitting in the pew.

Ask about receiving a blessing at the next Mass you attend or RCIA class whichever comes first.

Welcom HOME!

 

[harrisunt]

I have struggled with doing this. I know that it is allowed. It was actually discussed in class once but I’m not sure why I haven’t brought myself to walk forward.

You are right about logistics. I’m 6’ tall… when I don’t stand up, I cause a traffic jam.

One thing not covered in class was whether the priest must be the one to administer the blessing. Does anyone have any information on this practice?

 

[LeahInancsi]

I have struggled with doing this. I know that it is allowed. It was actually discussed in class once but I’m not sure why I haven’t brought myself to walk forward.

You are right about logistics. I’m 6’ tall… when I don’t stand up, I cause a traffic jam.

One thing not covered in class was whether the priest must be the one to administer the blessing. Does anyone have any information on this practice?

The majority of the people here will tell you that a blessing is only meaningful if given by the priest or deacon. As an Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion(EMHC) (extraordinary minister), I have been commissioned by my pastor to give blessings in lieu of the Eucharist, therefore I and many others believe my blessings are meaningful. Priest are Ordinary ministers as opposed to Extraordinary (this is another topic entirely).

At my parish, prior to the beginning of mass, someone explains to the community where the “crying” room is, etc. and how to receive blessings. It is requested that you approach the priest, deacon or ordianary minister with your right hand over your heart. The procedure may vary from parish to parish.

Many people only want to receive the Eucharist from a priest or deacon which causes their lines to be longer than the others. If you prefer to receive a blessing from the priest or deacon, then do not give a second thought to standing in thoses lines until it is your turn. That is why they are there and you will treated as graciously as a craddle Catholic.

Before you know it, all of this will be second nature. Don’t worry about a thing. We’re all God’s children.

 

[jmcrae]

I have struggled with doing this. I know that it is allowed. It was actually discussed in class once but I’m not sure why I haven’t brought myself to walk forward.

You are right about logistics. I’m 6’ tall… when I don’t stand up, I cause a traffic jam.

One thing not covered in class was whether the priest must be the one to administer the blessing. Does anyone have any information on this practice?

Only a priest can give you his blessing. Anybody (including any baptized non-Catholic) can ask God to give you a blessing.

If the purpose of going up to receive a blessing is just to “blend in” a little better and not feel conspicuous, then it doesn’t matter who you receive it from, but if you are actually wanting a blessing, specifically, then you will want to receive it from the priest.

 

[LeahInancsi]

Only a priest can give you his blessing. Anybody (including any baptized non-Catholic) can ask God to give you a blessing.

If the purpose of going up to receive a blessing is just to “blend in” a little better and not feel conspicuous, then it doesn’t matter who you receive it from, but if you are actually wanting a blessing, specifically, then you will want to receive it from the priest.

I think I covered these points in my prior post. I feel confident that he would truly like to be blessed, therefore I recommended that he go to a priest or deacon which should suit the hardliners on this forum. At the same time, it should make him feel more comfortable in walking to the front of the church for communion when the time comes. Kills two birds with one stone.

 

[jmcrae]

I think I covered these points in my prior post. I feel confident that he would truly like to be blessed, therefore I recommended that he go to a priest or deacon which should suit the hardliners on this forum. At the same time, it should make him feel more comfortable in walking to the front of the church for communion when the time comes. Kills two birds with one stone.

Yes of course, and I didn’t mean to step on your toes; I was wanting to add my voice in agreement with you.