1 year RCIA, 2 year RCIA, or private instruction

[jmcrae]

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.

Yes, I can understand that. But part of the problem is that people often treat the Sacraments as “graduation” and never return for more instruction in the faith, afterwards - they think they’re “done” when they’ve received First Holy Communion - and years later, when they find out that they didn’t learn something in RCIA, there is one of two reactions - first, “Well, they didn’t mention it in RCIA, so it can’t really be very important,” or, they feel ripped off that they had gone for years in the Church, never knowing this information, and thinking “Why didn’t they tell us that in RCIA?” But there is an underlying assumption that the entire faith can be learned in RCIA. It can’t. Even the most comprehensive RCIA is just bread and water, compared to the great richness of what is actually available.

 

[harrisunt]

While I appreciate the concern I do not look at Easter as any sort of graduation. If anything it is merely a stepping stone. I know this is a major concern among those who are converting into the Church but this seems to be a more common sentiment among those who are converting for reasons other than their personal walk with Christ (i.e. marriage).

I guess impatient was a poor choice of words regarding the Eucharist. I think it would be better to say that the anticipation is building because I feel Catholic is all that I do, except for that small portion of the Mass.

 

[jmcrae]

While I appreciate the concern I do not look at Easter as any sort of graduation. If anything it is merely a stepping stone. I know this is a major concern among those who are converting into the Church but this seems to be a more common sentiment among those who are converting for reasons other than their personal walk with Christ (i.e. marriage).

I guess impatient was a poor choice of words regarding the Eucharist. I think it would be better to say that the anticipation is building because I feel Catholic is all that I do, except for that small portion of the Mass.

Do yourself the favour of knowing about the Plenary Indulgence for First Holy Communion, and of at least knowing the fact that you become eligible to wear the Brown Scapular after you receive First Holy Communion.

Also, please consider taking the name of a Patron Saint for Confirmation.

If they don’t cover these topics in your RCIA, don’t write these topics off as “unimportant” - do a little personal study on the side, and give yourself the opportunity, at least, to have the fulness of the experience of your Initiation Sacraments, instead of just the bare minimum.

 

[harrisunt]

Pardon me, as I may be a bit out of line, but I don’t understand where your negative tone regarding my questions has come from. I believe that I am being a very proactive student and do not take any part of my program for granted, nor do I believe that there are any “unimportant” topics in RCIA.

I don’t know what part of my posts has led to your thought that I am approaching my class with this attitude. I’m sorry if this is out of line but the wording of your replies is rather upsetting.

 

[harrisunt]

However, having said my peace I will be researching the terms in your email that have not been cover to this point in my class. (They are on the schedule over the next 4-5 weeks.

We just switched RCIA directors after I began the process and it has been a tumultuous process that left us without a director of Adult Ed for nearly 8 weeks. But I believe that our current director is doing everything in her power to give us a full education and fully prepare us individually for the sacraments.

 

[jmcrae]

Pardon me, as I may be a bit out of line, but I don’t understand where your negative tone regarding my questions has come from. I believe that I am being a very proactive student and do not take any part of my program for granted, nor do I believe that there are any “unimportant” topics in RCIA.

NO, that is not what I am saying. Every topic in RCIA is very important - RCIA is the “bread and water” - the absolute minimum of survival. If you miss something in RCIA, or daydream for even a second, you won’t make it; everything in RCIA is very important to know.

What I am saying is that there are also things that are important for survival that are not covered in RCIA, especially in a shortened version of it. I am saying, Make sure you get these things, too. Don’t write them off as “not important” or in some way “optional” because they were not covered in RCIA.

What I am saying is, Just because something is not covered in RCIA, does not mean that it, too, is not important.

I don’t know what part of my posts has led to your thought that I am approaching my class with this attitude. I’m sorry if this is out of line but the wording of your replies is rather upsetting.

Sorry, that was not my intent; I am sure you are doing your very best.

What I am trying to drive at is that RCIA and especially a shortened RCIA is not enough to give you everything that you need - there is so much more stuff. The full two-year RCIA is “bread and water;” less than two years is less than “bread and water.”

But there is also “wine and cake” - great richness. More stuff. Great stuff. Stuff that you will never hear of in RCIA. That’s what I am trying to get at.

I am not trying to impune your motives or insult you in some way; I am just trying to say, There is more. Know that there is more.

 

[CarrieH]

Private instruction would be best because it could be tailored to the needs of the catechumen, but who has the time for this unless there are only one or two? But starting in September and finishing at Easter isn’t enough time, IMHO; there is too much to learn and “digest” to do it all that quickly unless the inquiry phase is done prior to the actual RCIA class (which is how I did it).

 

[harrisunt]

Thank you for your quick reply. I was hoping there was no malice in your posts but I couldn’t be sure. The internet is a fickle place to have a conversation of such importance. However I do appreciate the care which you have shown towards my spiritual and intellectual growth.

I’m still young and I’m lucky that I’ll be able to grow in love for Christ from not 'til eternity.

 

[jmcrae]

Thank you for your quick reply. I was hoping there was no malice in your posts but I couldn’t be sure. The internet is a fickle place to have a conversation of such importance. However I do appreciate the care which you have shown towards my spiritual and intellectual growth.

I’m still young and I’m lucky that I’ll be able to grow in love for Christ from not 'til eternity.

Of course - but also don’t miss out on the graces you can get right now.

Know about them, and consciously intend to receive them. You’ll be glad you did!

 

[CatholicMom67]

Hi I am new here. I had my first Eucharist and Confirmation last Easter.

I went through the one year plan. For me it was great. I have not had a divorce. I was baptized Lutheran. But I attended Catholic Mass my whole life with my Grandma until I was 24 years old. My parents would not let me take my first communion. Then I fell out after I had some health problems. I came back with my husband and I converted when I was 39. So fo me one year was good but for others the two year plan may be better if they need an annulment or have not ever attended Mass until recently.

Those who were in RCIA were blessed by the Priest. I understand your anticipation of your first Communion and Confirmation. I HIGHLY recommend you going to Eucharistic Adoration. This will bring you closer to the big day. You can make a Spiritual Communion when you are blessed by the Priest and at Eucharistic Adoration. For me the Eucharistic Adoration was the best devotion I have ever made and gift of many graces. Continue to go to Adoration after your first Communion. Conversion is a lifelong process and we need to keep working!

 

[harrisunt]

Oh yeah. Conversion isn’t just something that’s going to happen and stop. I teach with a bunch of cradle catholics in our parish in the LifeTeen program and I’ve got a long way to go (they do have a 25 year head start on me) before I understand my faith at their level.

God willing, my future military plans will only strengthen my bond with the Lord.

 

[dogjoywalk2]

I am currently in RCIA in a large parish. The program is only one year (started in June and ends in April or May), and while I believe that many people in the program would benefit from longer instruction I feel that one year is enough for me.
I did alot of private reading and praying before I considered joining the church from a Protestant background. I accept that the Catholic church is the one true church, and while I don’t understand everything yet, I have a lifetime to figure it out.
peace

 

[LeahInancsi]

I think the ideal situation would be to have a one year program prior to Confirmation and another year or two afterward to go into more detail. There’s a big problem with this theory is that, as I saw this my RCIA class, no one will come to class once they’ve been received into the Church.

For those who really want to learn, there are books, books and more books on every topic relating to Catholicism. In my large metropolitan area, we have a Catholic University that has theology classes at local parishes which can lead to a theology degree. Those who wish can audit these courses free of charge. I plan to start one of those courses tomorrow morning.

 

[harrisunt]

I don’t think the problem is that “no one” will come after acceptance into the church. Many people may not be willing to commit to another year or two of courses directly after RCIA. Also, why would you not allow your new members to begin interacting as if they are actually part of the parish. Why can’t they live and learn their lives like others in their Catholic family?

If you want to continue your spiritual journey beyond RCIA, which I will do and would recommend to others, that is your own prerogative and should not be dictated by the church.

 

[jmcrae]

I don’t think the problem is that “no one” will come after acceptance into the church. Many people may not be willing to commit to another year or two of courses directly after RCIA. Also, why would you not allow your new members to begin interacting as if they are actually part of the parish. Why can’t they live and learn their lives like others in their Catholic family?

Of course, the others in their Catholic family studied every day for their 12 years of Catholic school, and live their entire lives immersed in Catholic life and culture.

If you want to continue your spiritual journey beyond RCIA, which I will do and would recommend to others, that is your own prerogative and should not be dictated by the church.

I would certainly hope that they would do so anyway, since there is no way you can learn everything, or even close to it, in just one year or less.

 

[harrisunt]

Again, not saying that it isn’t a good idea, just saying that it should not be a mandate. I’ve encountered many of the students in my RCIA class who know more of the intricacies of their faith than cradle catholics. That is why I think this idea of mandated, post-RCIA classes is a little overboard.

I don’t want anyone to think I am an advocate of this idea that Easter Vigil is graduation but I think once you have been welcomed into the church you should be free to learn and participate at your leisure. You should not have a stigma attached to you because you were not born into the faith.

Just my $.02

 

[jmcrae]

You should not have a stigma attached to you because you were not born into the faith.

Which you most certainly will have, if you don’t know how to “blend in” - one important reason that I took a Saint’s name, put on a crucifix and St. Benedict and St. Teresa medals, started praying the Rosary, and got invested in the Brown Scapular at my Initiation was in order to become indistinguishable from the cradle Catholics.

But I didn’t find out about those things in RCIA; I found out about them through independent study. As far as RCIA was concerned, “one can be Catholic without these things; they are unimportant.”

One just don’t look anything at all like a Catholic, is all.

Plus, there are many graces to be had, and as a Catholic, that’s what it’s about - receiving as much grace as I can, where ever and when ever it’s possible. Sure, one could skid into Purgatory just above the flames of Hell, and you’d be “fine.” Personally, I’m aiming a little higher than that, though.

 

[cgirl4ever]

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?

just sit down and talk to me christian to christian. Be accepting of them and tell them how you really feel. Most importantly pray

 

[harrisunt]

Which you most certainly will have, if you don’t know how to “blend in” - one important reason that I took a Saint’s name, put on a crucifix and St. Benedict and St. Teresa medals, started praying the Rosary, and got invested in the Brown Scapular at my Initiation was in order to become indistinguishable from the cradle Catholics.

But I didn’t find out about those things in RCIA; I found out about them through independent study. As far as RCIA was concerned, “one can be Catholic without these things; they are unimportant.”

One just don’t look anything at all like a Catholic, is all.

Plus, there are many graces to be had, and as a Catholic, that’s what it’s about - receiving as much grace as I can, where ever and when ever it’s possible. Sure, one could skid into Purgatory just above the flames of Hell, and you’d be “fine.” Personally, I’m aiming a little higher than that, though.

Again, well said. I think if someone is truly 100% investing in their conversion that learning beyond RCIA won’t even have to be stressed. It will be longed for.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Private instruction would be best because it could be tailored to the needs of the catechumen, but who has the time for this unless there are only one or two? But starting in September and finishing at Easter isn’t enough time, IMHO; there is too much to learn and “digest” to do it all that quickly unless the inquiry phase is done prior to the actual RCIA class (which is how I did it).

Which is exactly why it should NOT start in September and end at Easter and it’s supposed to have at least a 6 to 12 week Inquiry period before the Rite of Acceptance or Welcome. I agree with you. Why do you no longer do it?