RCIA and a dominating participant

[crenfro]

Hello.

You’ve just made my day with your post, especially saying that RCIA is a highlight of your week. How lovely!!!

God bless you and we really need you and lots more like you. Keep the faith!

 

[unseenchanges]

I agree with casslean here. I would not suggest confronting them at all, but it sounds like this person is rather argumentative which could make for a difficult situation if you were to confront them. I think it’s best to bring it up to the Priest privately and let it be handled accordingly.

 

[1ke]

Should I perhaps be a bit bolder myself and pipe up when this person is hogging the time? Should I speak to the catechists - though to be fair it isn’t like they are unaware! Is it the done thing, once RCIA is over, to make an appointment to speak with a priest about any lingering questions I have?

I would say yes, be assertive and bring the conversation back around. You need to advocate for yourself by making it known the person going off on tangents is not benefiting the group. If the people in charge can’t stay in control the lessons, then maybe someone else should be in charge. My gosh.

Talk to the priest privately and ask him to use some techniques during his talks such as “that’s a great question, see me after class” to this lady. He needs to be a better speaker. I often speak and when RCIA has a person like this, the director is the one who deals with them, politely but firmly.

Lastly, if the priest can’t or won’t control things and you still have questions-- by all means seek him out privately.