S
Sixtus
Guest
HERE I STAND. I SAY AMEN TO THAT: thumbsup:
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T
tundramom
Guest
any response from the archbishop on this?
in Christ
Steph
in Christ
Steph
J
JCPhoenix
Guest
I’m so sorry for this problem.
I’m actually shocked at how many are complaining about similar incidents in their RCIA programs.
This is my first year of involvement in RCIA, and I"m not doing the sponser thing…I’m actually up there teaching. It seems that the team is pretty solid, but I have noticed a certain trend towards “lateral theology” and they are definitely more “progressive” Catholics, but they do a good job of keeping most of their opinions out of it and sticking to what the Church teaches. From my observation at this point, anyway.
I’ve been a small group leader a few times, and the catechumens have had great questions, most of which I’ve been able to answer. There are a few things stated by those in charge that have made me cringe, but those things revolve more around customs at certain more liberal parishes than the faith itself, so I’ve had to keep quiet. If I’m going to speak up on something, it would have to be about something you’ve described.
For example…this last week I had the reflection on the readings and it was necessary to define certain things about Confession, hopefully leaving the impression upon the class that Confession is important. It was not the topic for the night so I didn’t get all theological, just defined what was necessary and gave my witness to it…and was complimented by the rest of the RICA team. Thank God they agree the Sacraments are important!
Stick it out, and then get involved…since you’re a new convert, it would likely be best to start out as a sponser, but you never know…sometimes God calls people to teach. I figured they wouldn’t let me teach at all the first year. I was honest about my lack of credentials and the next thing I knew, I was up in front of the class.
It’s all God’s game…pray, give it to Him, and do what you can in the meantime to remain loyal to what the Church teaches…not what poorly informed people teach.
I’m actually shocked at how many are complaining about similar incidents in their RCIA programs.
This is my first year of involvement in RCIA, and I"m not doing the sponser thing…I’m actually up there teaching. It seems that the team is pretty solid, but I have noticed a certain trend towards “lateral theology” and they are definitely more “progressive” Catholics, but they do a good job of keeping most of their opinions out of it and sticking to what the Church teaches. From my observation at this point, anyway.
I’ve been a small group leader a few times, and the catechumens have had great questions, most of which I’ve been able to answer. There are a few things stated by those in charge that have made me cringe, but those things revolve more around customs at certain more liberal parishes than the faith itself, so I’ve had to keep quiet. If I’m going to speak up on something, it would have to be about something you’ve described.
For example…this last week I had the reflection on the readings and it was necessary to define certain things about Confession, hopefully leaving the impression upon the class that Confession is important. It was not the topic for the night so I didn’t get all theological, just defined what was necessary and gave my witness to it…and was complimented by the rest of the RICA team. Thank God they agree the Sacraments are important!
Stick it out, and then get involved…since you’re a new convert, it would likely be best to start out as a sponser, but you never know…sometimes God calls people to teach. I figured they wouldn’t let me teach at all the first year. I was honest about my lack of credentials and the next thing I knew, I was up in front of the class.
It’s all God’s game…pray, give it to Him, and do what you can in the meantime to remain loyal to what the Church teaches…not what poorly informed people teach.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
As member of the RCIA Class of 2006, it really breaks my heart to hear so many people involved in bad RCIA programs. The instructor (DRE) of my class is a master’s graduate in theology at Franciscan University. He’s an excellent teacher, speaker and Catholic. I looked forward to Thursday nights like they were Christmas. For two hours, I was totally entranced. I couldn’t get enough, so I bought about 30 books on everything Catholic.
When I have a full year under my belt, I hope to volunteer to be a sponsor. I’m grateful for the wonderful woman who volunteered to be my sponsor. I can’t wait to sit through those wonderful lectures again.
If you’re in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and need a good RCIA program, feel free to PM me.
When I have a full year under my belt, I hope to volunteer to be a sponsor. I’m grateful for the wonderful woman who volunteered to be my sponsor. I can’t wait to sit through those wonderful lectures again.
If you’re in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and need a good RCIA program, feel free to PM me.
A
Andruschak
Guest
Thanks for the reminder. My RCIA instructor was supposed to find a sponser for me, and have them call me this week. Rite of Acceptence is this Sunday. As of Thursday Afternoon, no phone call. Will have to call RCIA tomorrow and see what gives. I still have no idea what the sponser is supposed to do next Sunday, but whatever it is seems to be indispensable
J
Jeanette_L
Guest
I was in your situation myself. I didn’t have a sponsor so they eventually had one of our RCIA instructors be my sponsor. I was fortunate that we had a large RCIA team and this didn’t hinder the process for any of us.
I hope and pray yours will work out without delay.
By the way, the sponsor basically stands with you during some of the ceremonies and vouches for your readiness to proceed. Nothing to be anxious about.
A
Andruschak
Guest
“Readiness to proceed”? What a concept.By the way, the sponsor basically stands with you during some of the ceremonies and vouches for your readiness to proceed. Nothing to be anxious about.
A
AlegreFe
Guest
We do make up the church but we are not an Authority on what is to be taught. That is left up to the Pope and the Bishops who are in union with the Pope.
I can’t believe that these people would say such things about the Catholic Church. Shame on them. I shall pray for them.
We need people such as yourself to teach in RCIA programs. So get confirmed in the Catholic Church and become an RCIA catechist.
I would be glad to send Christians your way to become Catholic Christians. If I weren’t already Catholic, I would be proud to be in your class.You seem to care about TRUTH and that is what would make you a great Catechist in an RCIA program. We need people like you in the Catholic Church. I pray for your Confirmation soon.
Please don’t turn away now just because of some ignorant Catholics in this RCIA program. You are with this Catholic person for a reason. Please don’t overlook that fact. Trust in Jesus Christ to bring you Home to the Catholic Church and then to your ultimate Home in Heaven.
A
AlegreFe
Guest
This is very understandable. So many converts went through the same thing you did. So all in due time, all in God’s time. No rush, no pressure. Patience is needed here by us Catholics who want to win souls and not arguments. So I will pray for your discernment.I would say it’s just the usual things a lifelong Lutheran would have problems with: Mary; papal infallibility; indulgences … I’ve heard all the arguments both ways on all of these subjects and my 36-year mindset is not easily changed.Add these things to the fact that it would cause huge family rifts (my father is the principal of a Lutheran elementary school and I have several relatives who are pastors / teachers), it’s a struggle for me. Obviously, I would be giving up a lot - which I’m willing to do for the truth - but is not a decision hastily made until I’m sure of what the truth is
LOLTo make a short story long
I here that from a lot of famous converts. Tim Staples wanted to prove the Catholic Church wrong and he ended up becoming a Catholic and an Apologist to boot. LOL That is great! Maybe you can do that same thing. We need more great Apologists and Catechists in the Church. God bless.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
Let this be a lesson to you to volunteer to be a sponsor in the future. I plan to do that after I get a little more experience under my belt.I was in your situation myself. I didn’t have a sponsor so they eventually had one of our RCIA instructors be my sponsor. I was fortunate that we had a large RCIA team and this didn’t hinder the process for any of us.
I hope and pray yours will work out without delay.
By the way, the sponsor basically stands with you during some of the ceremonies and vouches for your readiness to proceed. Nothing to be anxious about.
L
LeahInancsi
Guest
Let this be a lesson to you to volunteer to be a sponsor in the future. I plan to do that after I get a little more experience under my belt.
S
sterryfamily
Guest
I am in my second year as a team member and sponsor for RCIA in my parish (a cradle Catholic). I, too, have been glued to every word of our master’s graduate from Franciscan. They seem to really be turning them out with great orthodoxy.
I’m in Brenham, TX.
H
here_i_stand
Guest
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts regarding this post. You don’t know how helpful it’s been. God’s blessings to you all.This is very understandable. So many converts went through the same thing you did. So all in due time, all in God’s time. No rush, no pressure. Patience is needed here by us Catholics who want to win souls and not arguments. So I will pray for your discernment.
LOL
M
mo3
Guest
This is soooo true I wish I had said it first. Great Job AlegreFe! God bless.
J
Jeanette_L
Guest
I guess I chose my words poorly. To vouch that the Catechumen is sincere in his desire to learn the faith and to join the Catholic Church. Sound a little better?“Readiness to proceed”? What a concept.
My point was to assure that this is not going to wreck his RCIA experience if a sponsor is provided by his parish, even at a late hour.
A
Andruschak
Guest
Thank you. I think my nightly lessons at catechismclass.com show my desire to learn the faith
I am not sure where my daily rosary and novenas prayers fall.
O well, either I get a call from my sponser-to-be in the next couple of days, or I show up at the Church at 10:30 OM as schedule and take it from there.
J
Jeanette_L
Guest
And just remember, no matter what happens, our Lord knows where you are and your heart’s desire to be with Him in the Church!Thank you. I think my nightly lessons at catechismclass.com show my desire to learn the faith
I am not sure where my daily rosary and novenas prayers fall.
O well, either I get a call from my sponser-to-be in the next couple of days, or I show up at the Church at 10:30 OM as schedule and take it from there.
What’s that old saying, “don’t sweat the small stuff”? I mean I know this isn’t small stuff, per se, but it will all come together, and you will continue to learn and grow the rest of your life, you will not learn it all from now until Confirmation! Relax and enjoy this part of your journey, it is a great part! Wait until your Confirmation and first Holy Communion, want to talk about spiritual high? You will probably never, ever top that!
Peace and God Bless!
A
AlegreFe
Guest
Wow, I’m getting goose bumps and getting a “spiritual high” just thinking about it. I can imagine how you would feel Andruschak! I’m so happy for you. I will pray for you and hopefully you will be on a “spiritual high” that you will never forget. :yup: But just remember if you “feel” nothing that’s okay. Remember we walk by Faith and not by “sight” or in this case “feelings.”
That is why when we go to Mass, we should not look to “get something out of it” (except Jesus Christ of course in Holy Communion). A lot of people look to be “entertained” instead of looking to “put something into it” as in “our lives” for Jesus. We go to Mass to Praise God and to give Him thanks for everything we have in our lives. We give Him thanks for the gift of eternal life. We shouldn’t say “gimme, gimmie, gimmie” we should say “thank you, thank you, thank you!”
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