RCIA Confusion

[firestar]

The Rite of Acceptance is scheduled this Sunday in my parish and I’ve got a few concerns.

So far, none of us have sponsors (unless the sponsors were family/friends that were with them in the beginning) - I’ve read some places that sponsors take part in this, is this true and should I be concerned that I don’t have a sponsor yet?

Also, we haven’t been told anything about this rite - just “show up 15 minutes before Mass starts and we’ll go over what will happen”. Now I’m probably being a bit paranoid, but that just strikes me as treating us like little children and/or wanting to hide something. If it’s not a big deal, why not cover this in class? We were also told that everyone must show up for this. Isn’t this only for those who have accepted what they have been taught in class? From what I’ve read, it’s not a “group activity” is it?

I’m so disillusioned with this whole process, the questions that I’ve asked about the different Rites (since they are done differently in each parish) have received the answer “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it”. Why can’t I get a straight answer??

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The Rite of Acceptance is scheduled this Sunday in my parish and I’ve got a few concerns.

So far, none of us have sponsors (unless the sponsors were family/friends that were with them in the beginning) - I’ve read some places that sponsors take part in this, is this true and should I be concerned that I don’t have a sponsor yet?

Also, we haven’t been told anything about this rite - just “show up 15 minutes before Mass starts and we’ll go over what will happen”. Now I’m probably being a bit paranoid, but that just strikes me as treating us like little children and/or wanting to hide something. If it’s not a big deal, why not cover this in class? We were also told that everyone must show up for this. Isn’t this only for those who have accepted what they have been taught in class? From what I’ve read, it’s not a “group activity” is it?

I’m so disillusioned with this whole process, the questions that I’ve asked about the different Rites (since they are done differently in each parish) have received the answer “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it”. Why can’t I get a straight answer??

Your concerns are valid. You should have had a Sponsor long ago. Yes, your Sponsor does take part in the Rite. It is not an optional Rite but does mark an entry into the Catechumenate, the beginning of preparation for your Baptism, in my opinion at Easter Vigil 2009. It is an individual Rite, it is celebrated in a group.

It is nothing to worry about. But it should not be kept secret, a general outline would have been appropriate.

Have you asked why you can’t get a straight answer? Call the parish TODAY and see someone this afternoon.

 

[theresa]

At our parish, I was a sponsor a few years ago for a friend going through the RCIA process. Overall, it was a good experience, but sometimes those on the RCIA team treated the candidates and catechumens like children. At times, they acted like they were leaders in a game of some sort, keeping secrets and doing silly things to “entertain” us. Thank God, our parish priest was good and kept things in line most of the time. But if you don’t have a strong priest to lead things, you might not see any kind of improvement. You could try taking your concerns to the priest, if you haven’t already. I’ll be praying for you. It disturbs me when I hear this kind of thing. It makes me wonder at the formation that new Catholics are receiving. If you feel your formation is poor, do a lot of reading on your own so you will understand the Church and Her teachings. God bless you!

 

[firestar]

Your concerns are valid. You should have had a Sponsor long ago. Yes, your Sponsor does take part in the Rite. It is not an optional Rite but does mark an entry into the Catechumenate, the beginning of preparation for your Baptism, in my opinion at Easter Vigil 2009. It is an individual Rite, it is celebrated in a group.

That’s what I thought from all my reading on the different Rites, but then again each parish does their own thing - so I wasn’t positive.

The main frustration for me is that the majority of my personal reading on Catholicism doesn’t speak about the RCIA program at all (I’m a history buff so it’s all pre-Vatican II, church fathers, etc.), so it is a bit foreign and seems almost like a sorority/fraternity/club initiation process.

I never would’ve started taking the RCIA classes had I not already known that I wanted to join the Catholic church. I believe the teachings of the church, have done a lot of reading, prayed about it and all I want to do is be baptised and confirmed! I had no idea it would be this difficult.

 

[firestar]

At our parish, I was a sponsor a few years ago for a friend going through the RCIA process. Overall, it was a good experience, but sometimes those on the RCIA team treated the candidates and catechumens like children. At times, they acted like they were leaders in a game of some sort, keeping secrets and doing silly things to “entertain” us.

That’s exactly what it feels like. I asked about limbo when the priest said “the Churches teachings are always true” - mainly for a clarification if this was Tradition or tradition - and he just went into an explanation of limbo for those who didn’t know what it was and just completely sidestepped my original question.

I’ll be praying for you. It disturbs me when I hear this kind of thing. It makes me wonder at the formation that new Catholics are receiving. If you feel your formation is poor, do a lot of reading on your own so you will understand the Church and Her teachings. God bless you!

Thank you for your prayers, I truly do appreciate it! Luckily I have done a lot of reading on my own, so I know this isn’t an accurate representation of the Church as a whole. I’m just incredibly frustrated and mainly needed to vent and to see if I’m right to be concerned.

 

[firestar]

I have one last class tonight before the Rite of Acceptance on Sunday, so I’ll give it one more shot and see if they say anything on the Rite. I really don’t like just “showing up” 15 minutes beforehand not knowing what will happen. (or maybe that’s when I’ll finally get a sponsor? ) Yes, I have a general idea from what I’ve read online, but as I’ve said before everyone does their own thing. What happened to Catholic = Universal?

Honestly, right now I’m so discouraged about this whole process that I may take Br Rich’s above advice and wait until 2009. This is already my 2nd go around with RCIA as the original class I started with was much worse than this one. I’ve only got 2 other Catholic churches even remotely within driving distance in my area, so I may just be out of luck.

People have suggested that I just stick it out and “jump through the hoops”, but I really don’t think that’s what Jesus intended to have someone do in order to follow Him.

Has anyone else gone through this? Should I just grin and bear it? Arrrgggghhhhh…

 

[historybrat]

I think prayer would be the best way for you to figure out what you need to do next.

My RCIA experience was very rocky. My priest taught it and he’s fairly liberal. Some to the stuff he said was plain false, and he ignored some of the Church’s teachings. Anytime I tried to ask for clarification I was told that whatever it was was in the past and Church needs to modernize. Anyway it was a bit of a painful experience. I could not switch parishes because I live in a rural area, the next parish is almost an hour away.

After praying about it I decided to stick with it for two reasons:

1. Even though it was painful, it taught me humility and patience. Two good qualities to have.
2. I felt called to join to become Catholic. I knew without a doubt this is what God wanted me to do. To not complete it would be disobeying God’s will. Not something I was willing to do.

I don’t know if its the same with you but prayer should help you find out. The only thing I can tell you is that for me it was worth it. I was Baptized, Confirmed, and received First Communion this last Easter. It was a beautiful experience, and every day I am glad I went through with it.

Historybrat

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I have one last class tonight before the Rite of Acceptance on Sunday, so I’ll give it one more shot and see if they say anything on the Rite. I really don’t like just “showing up” 15 minutes beforehand not knowing what will happen. (or maybe that’s when I’ll finally get a sponsor? ) Yes, I have a general idea from what I’ve read online, but as I’ve said before everyone does their own thing. What happened to Catholic = Universal?

Honestly, right now I’m so discouraged about this whole process that I may take Br Rich’s above advice and wait until 2009. This is already my 2nd go around with RCIA as the original class I started with was much worse than this one. I’ve only got 2 other Catholic churches even remotely within driving distance in my area, so I may just be out of luck.

People have suggested that I just stick it out and “jump through the hoops”, but I really don’t think that’s what Jesus intended to have someone do in order to follow Him.

Has anyone else gone through this? Should I just grin and bear it? Arrrgggghhhhh…

I’m not specifically suggesting that you wait until 2009. Only that you should have a full liturgical year and proper catechesis BEFORE the final preparation for Baptism.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

That’s what I thought from all my reading on the different Rites, but then again each parish does their own thing - so I wasn’t positive.

The main frustration for me is that the majority of my personal reading on Catholicism doesn’t speak about the RCIA program at all (I’m a history buff so it’s all pre-Vatican II, church fathers, etc.), so it is a bit foreign and seems almost like a sorority/fraternity/club initiation process.

I never would’ve started taking the RCIA classes had I not already known that I wanted to join the Catholic church. I believe the teachings of the church, have done a lot of reading, prayed about it and all I want to do is be baptised and confirmed! I had no idea it would be this difficult.

You have to go to the Apostolic Church history to find the RCIA. If you are really interested read some of the Early Fathers on Conversion and Baptism. Two books that might be of interest would be ***The Awe-Inspiring Rites of Initiation -the origins of the RCIA by Yarnold, S.J. ***and Ages of Initiation - the first two Christian millennia by Turner, S.T.D.

 

[Ravyn_Guiliani]

My RCIA experience was similar and I am just glad I got thru it. But I learned nothing. I had to study on my own. Unfortunately from what I hear of ohers’ experiences it does not seem to be any better anywhere. I say just get thru it. Also for the whole liturgical year—RCIA did not end at Easter, there was a time of mystery after that and basically it was just about a whole year from September to about July.

 

[blossom02]

Don’t worry it is only a mass prayed for you on your journey. This is the beginning of second stage of your journey. Nothing that will make you do somthing you don’t want to do.

Catechumenate

The second stage is called the catechumenate and for the unbaptized who are now called catechumens, should last no less than one full year. For the baptized but uncatechized the period should be a similar length. For the candidates for full communion, this stage could well be much shorter. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming mark the beginning of this stage. Catechesis for this period is rooted in the Lectionary and the Word as it is proclaimed in the midst of the community. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation and the community acknowledges their readiness.

 

[Ravyn_Guiliani]

Don’t worry it is only a mass prayed for you on your journey. This is the beginning of second stage of your journey. Nothing that will make you do somthing you don’t want to do.

Catechumenate

The second stage is called the catechumenate and for the unbaptized who are now called catechumens, should last no less than one full year. For the baptized but uncatechized the period should be a similar length. For the candidates for full communion, this stage could well be much shorter. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming mark the beginning of this stage. Catechesis for this period is rooted in the Lectionary and the Word as it is proclaimed in the midst of the community. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation and the community acknowledges their readiness.

uh…in my RCIA , we started in September as investigating then in December we were welcomed as catechumens/candidates and got the whole she-bang at Easter and then we had approx 10 more weeks of mysteries/pentecost/Holy Spirit to about July. I am assuming that was normal.

 

[sires6]

My suggestion is to call or visit the RCIA leader off class time and have them explain. As for the sponsor, if you can’t find one yourself that is: a Godly Catholic Christian above the age of 16 not directly related to you (mother, brother, sister, aunt) then ask your leader to help. I am a director for RCIA and will help, but mostly when asked. My guess is that the RCIA leader just didn’t think it really important to share with you then, but at another time it would be good.

It is a little confusing, different even strange… but sometimes a little faith will carry you all the way. God is waiting for you at the other end, you can trust Him to take you home, even if you can’t see the path.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

uh…in my RCIA , we started in September as investigating then in December we were welcomed as catechumens/candidates and got the whole she-bang at Easter and then we had approx 10 more weeks of mysteries/pentecost/Holy Spirit to about July. I am assuming that was normal.

That is about normal.

The perfect situation that every parish should be working towards in my opinion is that Inquiry takes place for a number of weeks (6 to 12) beginning whenever. The Rite of Acceptance takes place just after the beginning of the year before Lent (J/F). The Rite of Welcome takes place 3 times a year (J/F, M/J S/O). The Catechumenate runs from Lent until the Rite of Election in the next Lent. The Elect are initiated at the next Easter Vigil, one liturgical year after their Rite of Acceptance. The Rite of Reception into full union with the Catholic Church takes place twice a year, just before Pentecost and just before Advent. Yes there are also ten weeks after Easter of continued exploration. Ours continued for one year after on a monthly basis after the ten weeks.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

My suggestion is to call or visit the RCIA leader off class time and have them explain. As for the sponsor, if you can’t find one yourself that is: a Godly Catholic Christian above the age of 16 not directly related to you (mother, brother, sister, aunt) then ask your leader to help. I am a director for RCIA and will help, but mostly when asked. My guess is that the RCIA leader just didn’t think it really important to share with you then, but at another time it would be good.

It is a little confusing, different even strange… but sometimes a little faith will carry you all the way. God is waiting for you at the other end, you can trust Him to take you home, even if you can’t see the path.

A sister, brother, spouse, aunt, uncle or grandparent are not prohibited from being your Sponsor. Just so everyone knows. Some places do try to make up rules like that.

 

[sires6]

You’re correct, Fr. I made a slight error. code of Canon Law says it should not be the father or the mother… my mistake…

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2Y.HTM

My encouragement still holds. There is a book called Rite of christian Initiantion of Adults LTP Press that tells you everything that you need to know about the actual rite… but it’s in “church-ese”… best bet is to have a sit down with the Leader… with a cup of coffee and a chocolate brownie!!!

I personally love it when there are walnuts in the brownies, but that’s my personal choice.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

You’re correct, Fr. I made a slight error. code of Canon Law says it should not be the father or the mother… my mistake…

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2Y.HTM

My encouragement still holds. There is a book called Rite of christian Initiantion of Adults LTP Press that tells you everything that you need to know about the actual rite… but it’s in “church-ese”… best bet is to have a sit down with the Leader… with a cup of coffee and a chocolate brownie!!!

I personally love it when there are walnuts in the brownies, but that’s my personal choice.

I’m not a priest, just to make that clear. However. I do agree on the coffee and walnut brownies!

 

[sires6]

I suggested the coffee… but I can’t drink it. I prefer mine with hot chocolate! the extra dark, ghiradelli’s kind.

 

[firestar]

My guess is that the RCIA leader just didn’t think it really important to share with you then, but at another time it would be good.

I’ve asked numerous questions via e-mail and telephone because I know at the class itself it tends to be very hectic and crazy and because I wanted to give the leader a chance to reference anything they needed to, and granted some of my questions were answered, but several (specifically regarding the rites and keep in mind these were very basic questions as to how they were done in this particular parish) were just “we’ll get to that when the time comes”. That’s what bothers me the most. It just turned me off and got me wondering what are they hiding? If it’s no big deal, then why not answer the question?

 

[kage_ar]

This document might help?

catholic-ew.org.uk/liturgy/Resources/Rites/RCIA.pdf