RCIA Help!

[arcountryrider]

I’ve read several threads concerning the RCIA process and it seems like there is a common thread among those that are in my situation.

I’m baptized, and coming to the church from another denomination. I’ve been going to mass several times a week; attending perpetual adoration to deepen my relationship with God; and reading the catechism and history of the Catholic church.

Here is the rub though. As with others, I’m being lumped into the typical non-baptized path of RCIA.

My question is this. Should I go to my leader to express my concerns and the need for a more individualized track or should I go to my priest?

I don’t want to seem like I am causing trouble or “going over her head”. However, I don’t want to sit through classes teaching me the “basics” when I already have that.

Any help, thoughts, prayers are VERY much appreciated.

 

[Genesis315]

I had a friend who was literally a scholar in Church history and theology–especially the Fathers (she had a Masters of Divinity), who had particularly studied the Catholic faith for two years while going to Mass everyday. The priest she talked to said she was well versed enough and didn’t need to do RCIA–however, she chose to anyway.

And she ended up being a great help in the class to others and she herself learned a lot more by hearing the struggles and questions of others. Plus, she made great Catholic neophyte friends to grow with along the way.

So, I’m not saying you have to, but you could look at the experience that way too

 

[joeybaggz]

I’ve read several threads concerning the RCIA process and it seems like there is a common thread among those that are in my situation.

I’m baptized, and coming to the church from another denomination. I’ve been going to mass several times a week; attending perpetual adoration to deepen my relationship with God; and reading the catechism and history of the Catholic church.

Here is the rub though. As with others, I’m being lumped into the typical non-baptized path of RCIA.

My question is this. Should I go to my leader to express my concerns and the need for a more individualized track or should I go to my priest?

Having been a ‘teacher’ in RCIA for many years, your post brings to mind a few questions.
First, you were baptized and you are coming from another denomination? Were you baptized in the Catholic Church, left it, and are coming back? Or were you baptized in a “Protestant” denomination? If so, were you baptized in the trinitarian form (in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)? If so, you do not need to be 're-baptized because the church recognizes baptism as a one time event if done in the trinitarian form as many of our protestant brothers do.

Secondly, are you an ‘ex catholic’ who has received the sacraments of initiation, baptism, reconciliation, eucharist, and confirmation. If not, classes in those sacraments, even though you are studying on your own, will hopefully be enlightening.

Lastly, from my experience, it is very difficult for RCIA classes to be individualized. If you have questions, I would suggest simply going to a priest or deacon with them. Also, a good suggestion might be some reading outside the Catechism. A great book is Karl Keating’s ‘Catholicism and Fundamentalism’. It is a terriffic apologetic work that extensively covers questions and criticisms the Church is subjected to (and individual Catholics also) by those outside the church. With just a few weeks to go before the Easter Vigil, I can not think of a better way to deepen your understanding of the very vital doctrines and dogmas of the Church. And if you’ve read Keating’s book, there are libraries of other works that should fill your time.

Welcome or welcome back as the case may be. Will keep you in my prayers

Shalom

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

My question is this. Should I go to my leader to express my concerns and the need for a more individualized track or should I go to my priest?

And who is going to provide the more individualized track for you?

I’m thinking that if you came to me with this question I would tell you that I don’t have other options for you. We have a class that meets once a week for catechesis. It takes time to prepare the material for those classes. I have church and non-church commitments on various nights and weekends. So coming up with a program “just for you” might be nice but isn’t going to happen.

Furthermore, there’s more to RCIA than the classes. (Though the classes are important – if you’re going to profess that you believe what the Catholic church teaches, then it’s important to know what you’re professing.) Beyond that, though, there’s an element of interior conversion. The prayer side of the session is going to apply to you and to me and to everyone else. Finally, there’s a community element to it. You are joining a church community by being part of the RCIA community.

Unlike a catechumen, you won’t have to wait until the Easter Vigil to be baptized. But until you do become a full member of the church, our RCIA sessions would be the best thing I could offer you.

 

[arcountryrider]

I think I misspoke when I talked about a more individualized track. I was pointing to the fact that some folks have had private lessons with a priest.

You will have to forgive me, I’m not very good at expressing my thoughts into writing in this type of setting.

This post was not meant to cause a stir, just asking for some kindly guidance.

I just ask that you keep me in your prayers and help me to find the patience and continued willingness to do God’s will.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I think I misspoke when I talked about a more individualized track. I was pointing to the fact that some folks have had private lessons with a priest.

You will have to forgive me, I’m not very good at expressing my thoughts into writing in this type of setting.

This post was not meant to cause a stir, just asking for some kindly guidance.

I just ask that you keep me in your prayers and help me to find the patience and continued willingness to do God’s will.

Private sessions with the priest are nice if he has the time. I don’t think many priests have that much time.

I guess the best thing I can suggest to you is to get as much as you can from the RCIA sessions. I hope your catechists are doing a good job of explaining what the Church teaches and I hope they’re helping you to grow in your relationship with Jesus. If you want to read more, pray more, etc. then that’s great. And keep in mind what your ultimate goal is.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’ve read several threads concerning the RCIA process and it seems like there is a common thread among those that are in my situation.

I’m baptized, and coming to the church from another denomination. I’ve been going to mass several times a week; attending perpetual adoration to deepen my relationship with God; and reading the catechism and history of the Catholic church.

Here is the rub though. As with others, I’m being lumped into the typical non-baptized path of RCIA.

My question is this. Should I go to my leader to express my concerns and the need for a more individualized track or should I go to my priest?

I don’t want to seem like I am causing trouble or “going over her head”. However, I don’t want to sit through classes teaching me the “basics” when I already have that.

Any help, thoughts, prayers are VERY much appreciated.

I would always start with the RCIA director. Speak with your Sponsor first and ask if they will accompany you. Then consider the Pastor and then the Diocese director of RCIA.

I will however agree with Genesis315!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

And who is going to provide the more individualized track for you?

I’m thinking that if you came to me with this question I would tell you that I don’t have other options for you. We have a class that meets once a week for catechesis. It takes time to prepare the material for those classes. I have church and non-church commitments on various nights and weekends. So coming up with a program “just for you” might be nice but isn’t going to happen.

Furthermore, there’s more to RCIA than the classes. (Though the classes are important – if you’re going to profess that you believe what the Catholic church teaches, then it’s important to know what you’re professing.) Beyond that, though, there’s an element of interior conversion. The prayer side of the session is going to apply to you and to me and to everyone else. Finally, there’s a community element to it. You are joining a church community by being part of the RCIA community.

Unlike a catechumen, you won’t have to wait until the Easter Vigil to be baptized. But until you do become a full member of the church, our RCIA sessions would be the best thing I could offer you.

Are you or have you been working towards a process for Catechumens and a separate process for Candidates? Which is where every parish needs to be going.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Are you or have you been working towards a process for Catechumens and a separate process for Candidates? Which is where every parish needs to be going.

I suppose that depends on what you mean by “process.” They meet together for catechesis because both groups need to know what the Church teaches. Obviously candidates aren’t dismissed from Mass and the two groups go through somewhat different rites.

I know that some parishes lump adult confirmation candidates into RCIA but we’ve separated them out with the assumption that they’ve been catechized already. We have a short-term program for them. (And frankly the only reason we can do that is that I was willing to be there two nights a week instead of one.)

Anything more than that is beyond our resources. And one-on-one is way beyond our resources.

 

[Scottgun]

GO TO THE PRIEST DIRECTLY AND ASK. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT…you get the idea.

Lay out your case respectfully to him and you might be amazed at the options that open up. I’ve helped several people from enormous hardship and bitterness by getting them one and one with the priest. He may say stick with RCIA, he may say something else. The point is, you will hear it preecisely where you need to hear it: from where the buck stops.

 

[charmed0723]

I’m a Candidate. In the first few weeks I felt the same way. Don’t worry our time will come, be patient.

 

[puzzleannie]

it’s that time of year, new people coming in, all starting from a different point, some baptized, some not, all with different needs in terms of schedule, meeting times, questions. Pulling myself apart trying to accommodate everyone. Made special arrangements for 3 people, all of whom have missed appointments at times chosen by them this week, so I have already devoted a lot of hours to “RCIA” without teaching anyone anything. it does get me down. IMO people are actually a lot happier with a definite meeting time, in a group with others, even if they understand not everyone in the group is progressing at the same rate. They seem to get more out of a formal class with a set agenda and syllabus, rather than my ad hoc efforts to teach this, that and the other.

 

[coranewf]

I’m a Candidate. In the first few weeks I felt the same way. Don’t worry our time will come, be patient.

**I am also currently a Candidate and can pretty much say the same thing. It’s a bit overwhelming at first. Like others have said, if you have questions, go directly to the Priest!

There are several others who are going through RCIA hanging out around here… you’ll run into them I’m sure!**

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I suppose that depends on what you mean by “process.” They meet together for catechesis because both groups need to know what the Church teaches. Obviously candidates aren’t dismissed from Mass and the two groups go through somewhat different rites.

I know that some parishes lump adult confirmation candidates into RCIA but we’ve separated them out with the assumption that they’ve been catechized already. We have a short-term program for them. (And frankly the only reason we can do that is that I was willing to be there two nights a week instead of one.)

Anything more than that is beyond our resources. And one-on-one is way beyond our resources.

Candidates should also be on a somewhat “short-term” process also. They can be received at any time they are ready and should not have to wait until Easter Vigil if possible. Hopefully you have a few more adult Catechists in training.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

I’ve read several threads concerning the RCIA process and it seems like there is a common thread among those that are in my situation.

I’m baptized, and coming to the church from another denomination. I’ve been going to mass several times a week; attending perpetual adoration to deepen my relationship with God; and reading the catechism and history of the Catholic church.

Here is the rub though. As with others, I’m being lumped into the typical non-baptized path of RCIA.

My question is this. Should I go to my leader to express my concerns and the need for a more individualized track or should I go to my priest?

I don’t want to seem like I am causing trouble or “going over her head”. However, I don’t want to sit through classes teaching me the “basics” when I already have that.

Any help, thoughts, prayers are VERY much appreciated.

I think if you go to dismissals this year you will be happier next year

 

[Junebug999]

I love being with the other new believers in the RCIA class. The pastor of the parish told me years ago he thinks I know more about his church than most of his parishiners, but I still like being with everyone in RCIA. (It took me 20 years to convert, I was a fence sitter for a long time. I’m just sitting in on RCIA now and will formally start RCIA in September.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Candidates should also be on a somewhat “short-term” process also. They can be received at any time they are ready and should not have to wait until Easter Vigil if possible. Hopefully you have a few more adult Catechists in training.

As I said in a response above, one of the differences between candidates and catechumens is that the candidates don’t have to wait for the Easter vigil.

As far as catechists in training, yes and no. It’s hard to find people who are both willing to take this on AND who will try their best to teach what the Church teaches. Some people make the most off-the-wall comments about things and I think they do more harm than good.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

As I said in a response above, one of the differences between candidates and catechumens is that the candidates don’t have to wait for the Easter vigil.

As far as catechists in training, yes and no. It’s hard to find people who are both willing to take this on AND who will try their best to teach what the Church teaches. Some people make the most off-the-wall comments about things and I think they do more harm than good.

I will second your last paragraph. I preferred to train RCIA and Adult Catechists myself in addition to the Diocese training. When I was actively involved in RCIA I asked every presenter to give me an outline a few week before, of what they were going to present, a copy of their handouts and PowerPoints so I could review them. (the priests and deacons of course never complied with this and the number of times I had to correct what a priest or deacon said “off the wall” in another session is not small) Sometimes I would give them an outline to start from, specifying certain items that they must include in the presentation. I would sit down with the person the week before to go over it. I would always be present during the presentations. We required all handouts to be referenced to the Catechism.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

As I said in a response above, one of the differences between candidates and catechumens is that the candidates don’t have to wait for the Easter vigil.

As far as catechists in training, yes and no. It’s hard to find people who are both willing to take this on AND who will try their best to teach what the Church teaches. Some people make the most off-the-wall comments about things and I think they do more harm than good.

…the assumption that they’ve been catechized already…

We pair 'um so far we have never seen an over catechized person… not one

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

We pair 'um so far we have never seen an over catechized person… not one

I don’t know what “we pair 'um” means.

I would agree that there is no such thing as an over-catechized person, but you have to draw the line somewhere. We’re not going to require that anyone receiving the sacraments of initiation in our parish must have a degree in theology first.