And they are sometimes much more formed than Catholics are because even if they don’t contain the whole deposit of faith, they do well with what they do have by studying the written Word.
This is a very good point, and something to appreciate and build on.
The overwhelming majority of persons joining the Church through RCIA are not pagans or disbelievers. They are joining the Church from Protestant denominations. They typically bring excellent habits of studying the Word of God, and well-developed tithing practices with them. They often bring great habits of sharing their love of Christ with this around them, as well.
As such, there are MANY more similarities than differences, and candidates can be made to feel more welcome and accepted by highlighting these similarities.
Whenever beginning a new class of RCIA - I start with a diagram of the continuum of Christianity, and plot on the line where each denomination falls, and show how close they are to the fullness of faith, the Catholic Church.
After demonstrating how close the candidates are, I tackle the most common misconceptions that Protestants have in the next two sessions: Worshipping Mary, praying to saints instead of Jesus, and the confusion many have around the Real Presence.
By showing how close we are at the start of their journey, coupled with correcting their burning misconceptions right away; I find candidates more at ease, more receptive to being formed, and generally more positive about their experience going forward.
By the way, the continued splintering of Protestant denominations over gay weddings, gay ministers, and the like is driving them to the Church with greater speed and in larger numbers.
Let us pray that all might be One,
Deacon Christopher
