=MSSheBear;10696215]Okay I went through RCIA in 2011-2012. I was in it about 8 months. First a two year program would be too much because we are much more mobile these days. In my area most people move every two or three years. But I wish we had more of a follow up after the Easter Vigil. I feel we needed encouragement to keep going to parish events and perhaps some help dealing with some of the issues that came up after we were released from RCIA.
A couple of the RCIA group had issues with certain personnel in the parish. I feel that if they had been encouraged to talk about it with more experienced Catholics they would not have been looking for another parish. I give that as an example.
As far as the content, I feel the instruction for RCIA needs to be tailored to the group. I came in as a practicing Christian and I didn’t need the Trinity explained to me but I wish we had spent more time on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our RCIA team seemed to be staffed with more “liberal” Catholics. Our group was more theologically conservative than they were. We had to explain to one leader that missing Sunday Mass without a good reason was a mortal sin.
Our priest would not have had the time to lead the “process.”
I found the expected attendance at all the sessions and parish events and particular Masses a challenge. I had to change my work schedule and I feel very blessed to have a wonderful car that didn’t need any repair during that time. But I am glad I was, um, encouraged to go to all those events because I have a much better idea of what being Catholic is like. There are just some things you can’t read about in a book.:twocents:
I certainly don’t disagree with the tayloring part. BUT expereice has taught me that many Teachers are not qulaified to do that.
And there has to be [IMO] a list of topics to be covered in all RCIA programs.
While listening to Mass on EWTN this morning Father Lenord made this comment about the sacrament of Confirmation:
"In taking this step of Faith one must be prepared to [fully] Proclaim and when necessary; to Defend our Catholic Faith."
For ME; that was a "WOW! That sums up why the RCIA program is so important.
As for your preist “not having the time.” This is no-doubt often true. HOWEVER IMO, they MUST make the time! Unless they have a Deacon or a trained religious who too could do the job.
Short of administering the sacraments; I can think of no more important; signifiant or beneficial task, than preparing souls fully and correctly for entry into Christ one church.
As for the “people issues”. Having taught for more than 20 years; its not a unique issue. One of the major difficulites for those of other faiths; comming into the CC is not understanding [because its not taught or discussed
] that our worship is different than what they are used too and comfortable with. With Catholics; our Worship is [or is meant to be] GOD CENTERED. It’s ALL about God; and we [the laity] must and do take “second place.”
If conflicts arrise and there are other Catholic Parish options available [not always the case]; then by all means, go to another Catholic parish. IF Not: humilty and patient endurance are the answer. God never prosied us it would be easy; ONLY that it is POSSIBLE with His Grace.
1Pet.4: 13 ” But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Phil.1: 29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, “
2Thes.1: 5 “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering “
THANK you so very much for sharing!
God Bless you and WELCOME HOME!
pat/PJM
I would say those confessions would be valid.