mercygate:
It seems to be the Gospel of RCIA that doctrine is to be avoided like the plague in favor of relating to the lectionary. In my experience, by the time a convert drags himself into the process, he’s doctrine-starved and wants all he can get. But the lectionary approach is probably better to reache those who have little formation in any faith.
The problem with RCIA is that it’s a one-size-fits-all operation. And it doesn’t fit all. You learn patience and obedience, though. And that counts for a lot.
you have I think stated the problem precisely. However, if those responsible for implementing RCIA take the trouble to study the ritual book and the guidelines they will see it is not either/or, lectionary vs doctrine. Unfortunately, many organized programs for instructing the RCIA catechists do present that point of view.
The guidelines for RCIA catechesis (I am speaking here of formation of the unbaptized) are very clear that the process involves both “breaking open the Word” that is teaching (faith sharing is part of this but not all of it, there needs to be good teaching) based on the lectionary readings, particularly the Gospel, since the foundation of initial evangelization is proclamation of the Gospel. That is why catechumens leave after the readings and homily for further teaching. That is where RCIA catechesis should begin, and that is why ideally this formation should take an entire calendar year, beginning at Easter, until the following Easter, so that the entire lectionary cycle is covered (without a summer break, year-round, not school year model).
However equally important is systematic presentation of Catholic doctrine, for which we have a beautiful model in the Catechism. There are several excellent summary presentations based on the CCC. Our Sunday Visitor has a series by Fr. McBride that is beautifully suited for RCIA or Confirmation classes. OSV has an excellent guide for the catechist, Making Disciples, which provides an outline of how to present each lesson, broken into topics that can be adapted to a year long, or part-year program. It comes with a companion book Opening the Scirptures, which links each Sunday’s readings of all 3 cycles to the relevant catechism topics.
The Association for Catechumenal Ministry has done a great job in compiling an excellent resource for RCIA, including reproducible reusable handouts and Catechist guide with a sound, thorough presentation of doctrine. Available from
ltp.org (liturgical trainging publications which also produces the ritual guide for RCIA).
Liguori also publishes excellent RCIA resources for adults, teens and children, in English and Spanish. the backbone is called Journey of Faith, but should not be relied on as the “textbook” but as a supplement to the classroom presentation, for “homework” and further study and reflection.
Fr. Lukefhar’s Catholic Home Study, including his excellent guide to the catechism are a great companion to JOF. For someone less than satisfied with what you are getting in your parish, get his guide, Essentials of the Faith by A Shrenck, or either of Fr. McBride’s catechism guides.
Yes, we do rely on videos a lot, because someone like Bishop Wuerl, Marcello d’Ambrosio or Scott Hahn can make a much better, succinct presentation than we can. But it is always a mistake for any teacher to rely too much on videos.
She assigned us where to stand and all that without asking…I wish she had asked us our preference…our church is pretty big and it’ll be at the busiest mass…so if you guys could say a little prayer for me tomorrow at 10 that I don’t pass out that would be great. Thanks 
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