Improving RCIA

[valient_Lucy]

Ok, I’ve seen a lot of “Annoyed at RCIA” threads on here, and since I went through RCIA last year, I understand many of their complaints. I had many of them myself.
So, what should parishes and dioceses do to improve the RCIA? I have my own thoughts but I’ll share them later.

 

[Birdysboy]

As with any teaching environment, there are pluses and minuses to standardization. That being said, I think it would be better for the students and the teachers to have a “standard” format.

Here is a format suggestion for a 2 hour class:

1. Open with prayer and a reading. Something to help us get in tune with what we are trying to learn about God and His Church.
2. Old business, announcements
3. Topic
4. Questions on Topic and Practical applications
   Break
5. Other questions about the Church, Sacraments, Mass, History
6. Questions as to Moral Theology / Current Events
7. Next weeks topic
8. Close with prayer
9. Individual “coaching” as requested.

I think that structure leads to a better learning environment. I think that Moral Theology is so vitally important that it shoud be addressed every week. A well formed conscience is invaluable when you a learning student. Not just the whats, but the “how to be Catholic”.

 

[Damascus]

Some of my experiences:

The director would interrupt the Priest when he was talking (she did this a lot)

The director would be talking with food in her mouth (not a biggie, but could hardly hear her half the time since she ate through most of it)

When we got guest speakers that would be there for a specific topic the director let people go off topic and the guest speaker would never get his topic across

The Priests that poped in and out once and a while would try to answer a question and then the director would say something like, well thats not MY understanding on it! And then would go on to explain her understanding of something. Um, it was very wierd and she was horrible.

Thankfully she no longer does RCIA.

 

[Vic2]

As facilitator for the RCIA program in our parish, I have found that it is essential to first build a foundation of the faith. This is presenting the Basic Gospel Message initially in the class. Without an understanding of this essential message, the study of the rest of the doctrines of the Catholic faith is usually meaningless.

People first have to understand Christ, who He is, what He did, and how He is the essential center of the faith. Adults need to undergo a conversion experience and accept Christ as their Savior before any of the beliefs of the Catholic faith means much to them. I spend all of the weeks up to the Rite of Acceptance doing this before going on to teaching about Catholic beliefs.

Just as in the church in Acts, adults first underwent a conversion experience before being baptized.

I think people first have to know Christ before they should learn about doctrines of the faith. If they don’t, then they will know just some facts about the faith, but will not have a personal relationship with Christ.

 

[Birdysboy]

A question box was a nice addition in our Parish.

We watched a movie before class, for the early arrivers, a Steve Ray type event.

Our priest was the teacher, leader and organizer. We were so blessed.

Personally, I would like to see a standard textbook.

Anything to bring out the wallflowers in the class, participation is so helpful.

Here is a great idea: In order to teach RCIA you must be accredited to do so by the Magistarium.

Have regional lectures once a month.

 

[RCCDefender]

What if there was some kind of entrance exam… well exam may not be the right word - entrance survey. It would have a range of questions on it to allow the RCIA director to better be able to see where each inquirer was on his or her faith journey. That way there could be a time for small groups in which the discussions would be more relevant to the participants instead of having some participants feeling like they are in a remedial class and others feeling like they are lost and confused…

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Ok, I’ve seen a lot of “Annoyed at RCIA” threads on here, and since I went through RCIA last year, I understand many of their complaints. I had many of them myself.
So, what should parishes and dioceses do to improve the RCIA? I have my own thoughts but I’ll share them later.

If parishes and diocese would just implement the Rite exactly as it is written and not try and adapt it (which is forbidden by the Church) to their own likeing it would work well.

Initial interview with each person.

Inquiry period of 4 to 8 weeks with Sponsor already in place.

Interview witn person and sponsor before Rite of Acceptance or Welcome

The Rite of Acceptance (two to three time a year)

The Rite of Welcome (two to three times a year) on a different date from Acceptance

Catechumen = Catechetical session 2 hr. (see my outline of topics in other thread) and a BOW session during Sunday Mass for one full liturgical year.

Candidate = Catechetical session 2 hr. (see my outline of topics in other thread)

Rite or Reception into the Catholic Church two times a year.

A few days of prayer and reflection

Interview before the Rite of Sending and Election

Holy Saturday Retreat

 

[Andruschak]

Ok, I’ve seen a lot of “Annoyed at RCIA” threads on here, and since I went through RCIA last year, I understand many of their complaints. I had many of them myself.
So, what should parishes and dioceses do to improve the RCIA? I have my own thoughts but I’ll share them later.

For starters, how about running it the way the Bishops said it should be done, with Candidates not having to go through all the ceremony of the Catechumans?

I was baptised Church Of England, confirmed in the Luteran Church, and currently Unitarian Universalist. All I have read states that candidates should be make the profession at a sunday mass seperate from the Catecumans. This to be followed by Confirmation and the Eucharist.

But all the Churches in my area insist that I cam only be confirmed at the Easter Vigil with the Catechumans. So most of my RCIA classes are a tedious bore of “I know that already”.

Good News…there is a website, www.catechismclass.com that runs an excellent RCIA program, five on-line classes per week, no BS, solid doctrine and information, exactly what I need.

Anybody know of other on-line RCIA classes I might check out?

:bible1: :bible1: :bible1: :bible1: :bible1: :bible1: :bible1:

 

[Birdysboy]

If parishes and diocese would just implement the Rite exactly as it is written and not try and adapt it (which is forbidden by the Church) to their own likeing it would work well.

Ok, so let’s talk about wonderful comments like this, which is so typical of so many. Just do what the Church says. Ok so maybe the Church should, like I suggested, provide a complete lesson plan, a textbook and everything else that the Parish Priest needs to do his job in teaching the candidates. Or is that too much to ask? Maybe a lack of formal structure and education is why the Protestents, especially the Southern Baptists and Adult Sunday School blister most Catholics when it comes to Bible Studies?

Of course, I don’t have A SFO after my name, so how could I make sense?

 

[Birdysboy]

What if there was some kind of entrance exam… well exam may not be the right word - entrance survey. It would have a range of questions on it to allow the RCIA director to better be able to see where each inquirer was on his or her faith journey. That way there could be a time for small groups in which the discussions would be more relevant to the participants instead of having some participants feeling like they are in a remedial class and others feeling like they are lost and confused…

Survey is a very good concept. A blind one might get more honest responses.

 

[jmcrae]

Ok, so let’s talk about wonderful comments like this, which is so typical of so many. Just do what the Church says. Ok so maybe the Church should, like I suggested, provide a complete lesson plan, a textbook and everything else that the Parish Priest needs to do his job in teaching the candidates. Or is that too much to ask?

There are tons of materials available, and they are all very good. One reason that the Church in her wisdom doesn’t provide a set curriculum for the whole world is that becoming a Catholic is not about how much we know; rather, it is a spiritual process of conversion - so, instead of a curriculum, the Church provided us with a series of Rites.

Maybe a lack of formal structure and education is why the Protestents, especially the Southern Baptists and Adult Sunday School blister most Catholics when it comes to Bible Studies?

Being Catholic isn’t about “blistering” the “competition” - yes, those with the ability should study the Scriptures, but it isn’t required of every Catholic. Keep in mind, about 80% of us (world wide) are illiterate.

But the only thing that will really protect us from being scooped up by whatever the local heresy is, is a strong prayer life - the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, Novenas, etc., along with a strong sense of community, so that’s why these are the top priorities.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Ok, so let’s talk about wonderful comments like this, which is so typical of so many. Just do what the Church says. Ok so maybe the Church should, like I suggested, provide a complete lesson plan, a textbook and everything else that the Parish Priest needs to do his job in teaching the candidates. Or is that too much to ask? Maybe a lack of formal structure and education is why the Protestents, especially the Southern Baptists and Adult Sunday School blister most Catholics when it comes to Bible Studies?

Of course, I don’t have A SFO after my name, so how could I make sense?

Your diocese should have an RCIA commission. That Commission should have resources and material including things like “Basic Teachings for Catholic Religious Education” That document is the meat and potatoes of what should be basically contained in the Catechetical sessions of the RCIA process. Also Guidelines for Doctrinally Sound Catechetical Materials is a good reference.

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

My biggest problem with my RCIA class was that it seemed like everyones opinion on faith was accepted and correct. While it is good to share peoples experiences in their faith journey during RCIA, I got frustrated when someone in the class would say something that contradicated Catholic teaching and the teacher wouldnt speak up and correct them or state what the Church taught on the matter. I tried to once and all I got was a blank look from the teacher and the rest of the class. If it wasnt for this web-site and the articles on CA I wouldnt have a clue what the church really taught on certain matters. I wish I could go back in time and do RCIA over again so I could have contributed more to the experience.

 

[RCCDefender]

Survey is a very good concept. A blind one might get more honest responses.

Yes, but wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of helping the Leader divide the participants into groups according to their needs?

 

[RyanL_s_Wife]

For starters, how about running it the way the Bishops said it should be done, with Candidates not having to go through all the ceremony of the Catechumans?

Yes, what he, and the previous two posters said. Run the program like it is set up to be run!!! And separate the Catechumans from the Candidates, even if it is just for a portion of the class. I am sure there is a perfectly good reason that Candidates should NOT be accepted into the Church at Easter. So why do so many Churches insist on it?

I like the idea of a survey or initial interview. That way the director/priest knows where people are and can get an idea of what each person needs on their journey. Even if the RCIA team can’t meet everyone’s needs, it is nice to know they at least put some effort into finding out what those needs are.

Finally, interview the sponsors. I understand some people just want to be a part of something and help. That is great. But I just had a sponsor tell me “God doesn’t care what religion I am. You just have to find the Church that is right for you.” Some how I don’t think this is what an inquirer needs from a sponsor. While I realize some churches have to take the volunteers they can get. I am inclined to think more is not always better.

God Bless,

RyanL’s Wife

 

[Birdysboy]

But the only thing that will really protect us from being scooped up by whatever the local heresy is, is a strong prayer life - the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, Novenas, etc., along with a strong sense of community, so that’s why these are the top priorities.

I absolutely agree. But the candidates need to know WHY they are doing these litanies.

Listen, when you live in the Bible Belt, and the JW and the Southern Baptists and the Mormons come knocking on your door, you better know your stuff. You better know where you can find it in the Bible, and the Catechism and be prepared to give an answer for your faith.

The one question that has not come up is why are you here in this class, an honest answer. I bet over 50% is because they want to be married in the Catholic church. Since you have a captive audience for 6-7 months, teach them to be prepared to answer their faith. We as Catholics are responsible for evangelizing our neighbors, to not only give a kind word and a cold drink of water but also to answer any questions.

The normal questions: the Blessed Virgin, the necessity of Baptism, the True Presence, etc. Show them John 6, tech them Luke 1. Do anything, get them interested, get them to WANT to come to Mass to see WHY something is done.

 

[JoeyWarren]

RCIA needs to follow in the footsteps of what John Salter has done at ScriptureCatholic.Com.

Some Priests that do the RCIA just run down thru the Catechism.

When I got involved in the last class, I had the attention of those present when I led them thru the Biblical Basis of Our Faith by getting them to read the scriptures themselves.

I am in a current battle with the Pastoral Council because they believe only a Priest or Deacon should teach RCIA whereas I believe someone that has more of a Biblical Knowledge should be doing it.

These people are the types that hold a Priest and/or Deacons too high up on a Pedestal.

Actually I don’t know what the official position is on who is suppose to teach RCIA.

 

[LindaS]

I’m at work and don’t have any documentation, but I think that the clergy is not supposed to run RCIA. It is supposed to be run by laity. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Peace,
Linda

 

[Damascus]

RCIA needs to follow in the footsteps of what John Salter has done at ScriptureCatholic.Com.

Some Priests that do the RCIA just run down thru the Catechism.

When I got involved in the last class, I had the attention of those present when I led them thru the Biblical Basis of Our Faith by getting them to read the scriptures themselves.

I am in a current battle with the Pastoral Council because they believe only a Priest or Deacon should teach RCIA whereas I believe someone that has more of a Biblical Knowledge should be doing it.

These people are the types that hold a Priest and/or Deacons too high up on a Pedestal.

Actually I don’t know what the official position is on who is suppose to teach RCIA.

Dear Joey,

One of my Priests likely has more “Biblical Knowledge” than anyone I have ever seen on these forums or anywhere else. Not all Parish Priests have the same background so dont lump them all into one.

I happen to hold a Priest on a high pedastal. Why shouldnt I?

Read my first post on this thread and see how some self -proclaimed Bible know it alls handle the classes.

 

[JoeyWarren]

One of my Priests likely has more “Biblical Knowledge” than anyone I have ever seen on these forums or anywhere else. Not all Parish Priests have the same background so dont lump them all into one.

Unfortunately mine does not. I had to bail him out when some sticky questions got asked. I don’t think I was lumping them altogether.