Concerns about RCIA director

[BusterMartin]

I hope this is posted in the proper location on these forums. My concern with my RCIA director stems from some things that were done in class. My wife came into the Church two years ago, and I was her sponsor. In those classes, the RCIA director had some serious personal issues which needed attending, so often the class was ran by either our deacon or priest. They did a great job! However, when the normal RICA director was there, I wasn’t too thrilled, but I chalked it up to the situation at hand since the person otherwise seems to have a good reputation at our Church. One area of concern was that the RCIA director told people there were no limits on how many times one could receive Communion in a day, and I corrected this after class (so as not to demean the RCIA director in front of others) and brought up Can 917 and 921. I was told that they no longer applied, and it would not be addressed any further with the class.

In our RCIA class this year, I’m a sponsor for a stranger (prior to the class anyway) and we are only a few weeks in. Already, though, we were just talking about Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the RCIA director mentioned it didn’t matter if we believe it or not since all that matters is that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. Now, I didn’t say anything because I wanted to double check what I thought, but if something is a doctrine, such as Mary’s perpetual virginity, the faithful are obliged to believe it. That’s what I thought, and after researching, that’s what I found to be true. So, at our next upcoming class, do I just let it slide, or do I pull the RCIA director aside and discuss privately, or do I do something else? Suggestions are welcome! My concern is that those coming into the Church are getting faulty information.

 

[Marocchino]

I went through a similar experience recently. Do not be discouraged. Continue to defend the truth. Bring magisterial documents as evidence for your position. If he says the document no longer applies, ask him for a document that supports this counter-claim. If the instructor won’t hear you, go to his supervisor. If his supervisor subscribes to the same errors, withdraw from the class. That’s my advice. Excuse my tone, but theological error accompanied by pertinacity angers me.

 

[Rainaldo]

In partial agreement with Marocchino, I would say don’t bother confronting the RCIA director himself; just go directly to the pastor. Document everything, of course.

 

[Contarini]

In partial agreement with Marocchino, I would say don’t bother confronting the RCIA director himself; just go directly to the pastor. Document everything, of course.

One wonders how the Catholic Church is going to find people brave enough to be RCIA directors, if this sort of approach becomes common. . . .

Edwin

 

[april32010]

One wonders how the Catholic Church is going to find people brave enough to be RCIA directors, if this sort of approach becomes common. . . .

Edwin

your point being ?,this should be ignored or going straight to the pastor.

 

[twopekinguys]

In partial agreement with Marocchino, I would say don’t bother confronting the RCIA director himself; just go directly to the pastor. Document everything, of course.

As an RCIA Director, I can tell you that I personally would rather have someone come to me before running to the pastor.

So many things can be solved if it is done in an honest and tactful way. Automatically running to the “boss” for everything just makes the person look like a snitch.

Just my two cents.

 

[mountee]

Personally, I would appreciate being talked to directly if I was doing something that bothered someone. As a retired teacher I can tell you that there were many times over the years that I had discussions with parents, other teachers and even students regarding issues where we had disagreements. Sometimes it might be difficult but working it out together was always worth it. The issues you have described need to be corrected but I still feel that it should be discussed privately with the RCIA Director first. If you can not persuade them to make a correction, take it to the pastor and let them deal with it.

 

[twopekinguys]

I hope this is posted in the proper location on these forums. My concern with my RCIA director stems from some things that were done in class. My wife came into the Church two years ago, and I was her sponsor. In those classes, the RCIA director had some serious personal issues which needed attending, so often the class was ran by either our deacon or priest. They did a great job! However, when the normal RICA director was there, I wasn’t too thrilled, but I chalked it up to the situation at hand since the person otherwise seems to have a good reputation at our Church. One area of concern was that the RCIA director told people there were no limits on how many times one could receive Communion in a day, and I corrected this after class (so as not to demean the RCIA director in front of others) and brought up Can 917 and 921. I was told that they no longer applied, and it would not be addressed any further with the class.

In our RCIA class this year, I’m a sponsor for a stranger (prior to the class anyway) and we are only a few weeks in. Already, though, we were just talking about Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the RCIA director mentioned it didn’t matter if we believe it or not since all that matters is that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. Now, I didn’t say anything because I wanted to double check what I thought, but if something is a doctrine, such as Mary’s perpetual virginity, the faithful are obliged to believe it. That’s what I thought, and after researching, that’s what I found to be true. So, at our next upcoming class, do I just let it slide, or do I pull the RCIA director aside and discuss privately, or do I do something else? Suggestions are welcome! My concern is that those coming into the Church are getting faulty information.

I can tell you from personal experience, I have been on both sides of this issue.

When I was going through RCIA, there was a similar situation, except it was with a priest. I approached him about the issue, and started with…“I don’t understand…”, and then went on to address the issue. This way it wasn’t a confrontational start with, “You’re wrong and here’s the proof…”.

This approach allowed us to get to the bottom of the issue in a calm manner, and no hurt feelings (I was right by the way…), and the issue was resolved very simply, a correction was issued, problem solved.

As an RCIA Director, I have had everything from people using this same approach, right up to screaming “You’re wrong!!”. In either case, I simply rely on the resources available. Bible, Catechism, GIRM, etc. etc. 99.9% of the time we are correct, but there is always that 1 time when it is an oops moment.

I think any normal person would appreciate you coming directly to them in a non confrontational way to have it addressed.

 

[Courtney_R]

So many things can be solved if it is done in an honest and tactful way. Automatically running to the “boss” for everything just makes the person look like a snitch.

My thoughts exactly. As difficult as it is, things should be handled at the lowest level possible starting with the offending individual. If they continue or get argumentative about it, then I would take it to the next level of authority until it is resolved.

 

[JRKH]

To be honest, I would most likely ask - and in class too - if the teacher could please provide source documents for that (whatever it is).
This is charitable, clear, and gives everyone the same opportunity to be enlightened…

It should become quickly apparent to all what is correct.

Peace
James

 

[Lochias]

One wonders how the Catholic Church is going to find people brave enough to be RCIA directors, if this sort of approach becomes common. . . .

Edwin

I’ll agree here. Talk to the director first, then the pastor if it becomes necessary.

 

[Don_Jackson]

…and after you talk personally to the director, and then the priest if not satisfied by you talk with the director, then the Bishop if you are unhappy with the priest, and then a private audience with the Pope, if…

All kidding aside, what your next step after a discussion is to volunteer and become an RCIA member, we need all the help we can get!

Action is the big difference between being someone critical of thinkers, and actually being a critical thinker!

 

[mfrances]

I hope this is posted in the proper location on these forums. My concern with my RCIA director stems from some things that were done in class. My wife came into the Church two years ago, and I was her sponsor. In those classes, the RCIA director had some serious personal issues which needed attending, so often the class was ran by either our deacon or priest. They did a great job! However, when the normal RICA director was there, I wasn’t too thrilled, but I chalked it up to the situation at hand since the person otherwise seems to have a good reputation at our Church. One area of concern was that the RCIA director told people there were no limits on how many times one could receive Communion in a day, and I corrected this after class (so as not to demean the RCIA director in front of others) and brought up Can 917 and 921. I was told that they no longer applied, and it would not be addressed any further with the class.

In our RCIA class this year, I’m a sponsor for a stranger (prior to the class anyway) and we are only a few weeks in. Already, though, we were just talking about Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the RCIA director mentioned it didn’t matter if we believe it or not since all that matters is that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. Now, I didn’t say anything because I wanted to double check what I thought, but if something is a doctrine, such as Mary’s perpetual virginity, the faithful are obliged to believe it. That’s what I thought, and after researching, that’s what I found to be true. So, at our next upcoming class, do I just let it slide, or do I pull the RCIA director aside and discuss privately, or do I do something else? Suggestions are welcome! My concern is that those coming into the Church are getting faulty information.

It is better to first person individually and present the correct doctrine from a trusted source such as the Catechism. If the person refused to hear your concern and correct it to the class then turn to the pastor for assistance.

 

[BusterMartin]

Thanks, everyone, for the (name removed by moderator)ut so far. Just as a point of clarification, I wasn’t planning on going to the priest right away. I do believe in addressing things directly with the person involved first. So, yes, if I discuss this further, I’ll be addressing it with the RCIA director directly…if things need to go elsewhere only then will I be able to decide that.

My question, which apparently was not worded the best way possible, was actually, “Is it worth the time to address these types of issues with the RCIA director, or are the issues so superfluous that I should just drop them?” I don’t want to be a nit-picker, so to speak, but I don’t want to turn a blind eye to things I shouldn’t. I have been known to be a bit too detail-oriented by some, and I can agree in some instances, so I just am trying to figure out how big of issues my concerns actually are.

 

[Usige]

Since you are talking about issues of doctrine, then yes you should talk to them. It might seem like nit picking, but the teachings of the Church should always be presented correctly. It sets a bad precedence to tell students certain teachings are open to interpretation.

 

[coachdennis]

Thanks, everyone, for the (name removed by moderator)ut so far. Just as a point of clarification, I wasn’t planning on going to the priest right away. I do believe in addressing things directly with the person involved first. So, yes, if I discuss this further, I’ll be addressing it with the RCIA director directly…if things need to go elsewhere only then will I be able to decide that.

My question, which apparently was not worded the best way possible, was actually, “Is it worth the time to address these types of issues with the RCIA director, or are the issues so superfluous that I should just drop them?” I don’t want to be a nit-picker, so to speak, but I don’t want to turn a blind eye to things I shouldn’t. I have been known to be a bit too detail-oriented by some, and I can agree in some instances, so I just am trying to figure out how big of issues my concerns actually are.

Obviously, these concerns are bothering you, and you want clarification from this RCIA Director, so it seems to me your first would be to discuss this with the Director. As other posters have said, how you approach your questions and/or concerns is paramount. Are you going to give the person a honest chance to explain statements that concern you, or are you going to go in with a “gotcha” attack? It sounds like you want to the former. If so, you may be pleasantly surprised by the result. If you choose the latter you may be needlessly putting the Director on the defensive, which would end any possibility of real discussion.

 

[Quaesitor]

If I may, please talk to the director and make sure that you get him to correct himself to the class. I’m in RCIA right now and I would hate to be told one thing, as my faith is forming, that is wrong or goes against church belief. People starting out in RCIA need to have a solid understanding of the faith if we are to have any chance of becoming productive and active members.

 

[IneedGod]

If I may, please talk to the director and make sure that you get him to correct himself to the class. I’m in RCIA right now and I would hate to be told one thing, as my faith is forming, that is wrong or goes against church belief. People starting out in RCIA need to have a solid understanding of the faith if we are to have any chance of becoming productive and active members.

 

[awsiukiewicz]

I hope this is posted in the proper location on these forums. My concern with my RCIA director stems from some things that were done in class. My wife came into the Church two years ago, and I was her sponsor. In those classes, the RCIA director had some serious personal issues which needed attending, so often the class was ran by either our deacon or priest. They did a great job! However, when the normal RICA director was there, I wasn’t too thrilled, but I chalked it up to the situation at hand since the person otherwise seems to have a good reputation at our Church. One area of concern was that the RCIA director told people there were no limits on how many times one could receive Communion in a day, and I corrected this after class (so as not to demean the RCIA director in front of others) and brought up Can 917 and 921. I was told that they no longer applied, and it would not be addressed any further with the class.

In our RCIA class this year, I’m a sponsor for a stranger (prior to the class anyway) and we are only a few weeks in. Already, though, we were just talking about Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the RCIA director mentioned it didn’t matter if we believe it or not since all that matters is that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. Now, I didn’t say anything because I wanted to double check what I thought, but if something is a doctrine, such as Mary’s perpetual virginity, the faithful are obliged to believe it. That’s what I thought, and after researching, that’s what I found to be true. So, at our next upcoming class, do I just let it slide, or do I pull the RCIA director aside and discuss privately, or do I do something else? Suggestions are welcome! My concern is that those coming into the Church are getting faulty information.

 

[awsiukiewicz]

I can’t believe what I’m hearing…but then again…yes I can…who screens people to teach RCIA ? I think if the Rector is too busy,and the Deacon is too busy…then perhaps someone w/ a more solid background in Catholicism…not to demean this poor individual who obviously volunteered for the job…but …I consider myself fairly well read, and sat in on RCIA in my parish and although things were pretty straight forward…I really wonder how people wishing to become Catholic really grasp what it’s all about …talk to the teacher first…PAX