RCIA and talking to a priest?

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zipperc98

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I have what could be a silly question.

I am in RCIA and sometimes I feel like my dozens of questions seem to overwhelm those around me (my sponser, the Deacon running the RCIA program, and even a few members of the people participating in RCIA, other friends, etc)…

I keep feeling like perhaps the Pastor at the parish would be easier equipped to handle my overwhelming questions or continual ventings? Does that make sense? Coming from an LDS background, I have some questions that end up sounding more vague than anything else (because there are such fundamental differences among other issues)…in other words, I feel like it would take forever to explain what it was I was feeling and what my concerns were.

Would it be unheard of to try and seek an audience with the Pastor? Would he be too busy to listen to my thoughts? Should I just continue with what I am doing now? Any thoughts would be helpful.

TIA!
 
Of coarse you can ask your priest. I’m sure he’d be delighted to answer. Keep praying!
 
those of us in RCIA should of course have training in the basic doctrine and practice of the Faith, and we expect participants to answer questions since that is the primary reason for the first period “inquiry” and essential to learning during the catechumenate. That being said not all of us have had experience with special questions that come up for instance with LDS, JW, Judaism etc. Yes the pastor would definitely make time for you and want to meet with you, but like most he is busy and you should make an office appointment so he has the time to give your questions proper attention.

For those catechizing for RCIA a study of basic apologetics becomes necessary after a while, and the San Juan seminars series is invaluable, and there is a separate book on answering questions of Mormons. They are sold on the CA homepage.
 
There is also a balance between asking questions and just listening, especially to a systematic overview of part of the faith. Indeed, in an organized class there should be some time alotted to lecture-style learning. This seems boring in today’s “instant gratification” and facebook society. However, a concise lecture packs in the most information in the least time. This saves everyone precious time. It is a very valuable format.

Is it possible you are disturbing the class by interrupting with too many questions and asking questions that are off topic?

Can you experiment by limiting your questions to those directly on-topic and let’s say no more than 10 questions per session?

How many questions are asked on average by the other participants?
 
😃

I’m an RCIA sponsor.

The questions you are asking, are those that the 12 other candidates have and won’t ask.

I feel that it’s important for sponsors in RCIA to listen to, accept and recognize where each candidate ‘comes from’ in their faith and what difficulties they are experiencing accepting the Catholic Church.

Last year, an agnostic woman joined the Church, and she constantly had questions and I think there came a time when she also felt she needed to back off. I was really glad for her and for the RCIA program that she did not.
 
I had a similar problem. I found that between these forums for very specific questions in the archives, one generic history of the Church book and the Catechism, I could answer most of my own questions.

The RCIA folks are great for getting context of the answers you find.
 
Your pastor would be delighted if you were to make an appointment to discuss your questions. Make a list of the top 3 - 4 that are really bugging you and ask away! You can always make another appointment for further discussion if you like. It will be a real opportunity for you to get to know one another.
 
zipperc98 said:
I have what could be a silly question.

I am in RCIA and sometimes I feel like my dozens of questions seem to overwhelm those around me (my sponser, the Deacon running the RCIA program, and even a few members of the people participating in RCIA, other friends, etc)…

I keep feeling like perhaps the Pastor at the parish would be easier equipped to handle my overwhelming questions or continual ventings? Does that make sense? Coming from an LDS background, I have some questions that end up sounding more vague than anything else (because there are such fundamental differences among other issues)…in other words, I feel like it would take forever to explain what it was I was feeling and what my concerns were.

Would it be unheard of to try and seek an audience with the Pastor? Would he be too busy to listen to my thoughts? Should I just continue with what I am doing now? Any thoughts would be helpful.

TIA!
Click to expand...
Hi. Can I ask you what type of learning material you are using in your RCIA program??? I would love to know what other Churches are using in their programs. I used to run the RCIA program after I attended the program, but the RCIA program now is not what it used to be. It has become more of a social gathering place. I wamt to get involved agian but would like something I can show the director and/or deacon.

I would appreciate it if you could just give me a hint of what material your program is using. Thank you.
 
zipperc98 said:
I have what could be a silly question.

I am in RCIA and sometimes I feel like my dozens of questions seem to overwhelm those around me (my sponser, the Deacon running the RCIA program, and even a few members of the people participating in RCIA, other friends, etc)…

I keep feeling like perhaps the Pastor at the parish would be easier equipped to handle my overwhelming questions or continual ventings? Does that make sense? Coming from an LDS background, I have some questions that end up sounding more vague than anything else (because there are such fundamental differences among other issues)…in other words, I feel like it would take forever to explain what it was I was feeling and what my concerns were.

Would it be unheard of to try and seek an audience with the Pastor? Would he be too busy to listen to my thoughts? Should I just continue with what I am doing now? Any thoughts would be helpful.

TIA!
Click to expand...
Zipper…I hear exactly where you are coming from (I too came from an LDS background). I found that many of my questions, and concerns, that I voiced during RCIA sometimes befuddled those in the group.

In part it’s because the prism of LDS’s is so different in how they view God, Jesus, etc etc.

Can I give you a suggestion that helped me a great deal. Pray but dont let your doubts bother you, frighten you. LDS are taught that doubts are a big warning flag. I have learned that God can handle are sincere doubts and concerns.

Take your doubts, your skepticisms, your cynicisms in one hand and pray

“Lord, here they all are. Raw and unedited. I bring them with me as I approach You, yet I am trying to leave my heart open in faith that You can and will correct my distorted and disordered way of perceiving You”

Or something to that effect that would in line with your personal style of prayer.
It’s ok to have doubts, concerns, questions. Etc. The Lord can handle them all, and He understands WHY you have them. Mormonism, in my view, was something of a spiritual twist of truth and reality. JMO

Feel free to PM me if you feel that would be helpful.

(I expect even your pastor will not have a complete understanding of Mormonism so may not fully understand where you are coming fom)

God Bless
 
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