RCIA: I have a confession

[mercygate]

Here’s the secret: RCIA is part of the test. If you are willing to STAND it, then God really is calling you to be Catholic.

For the idea that the OP might become part of the solution: don’t count on it. Incompetent people who run substandard programs are definitely NOT looking for enthusiastic, orthodox people to join the team.

 

[mercygate]

I help teach RCIA and I agree, many of the people coming in know almost nothing about Christianity and you have to bring them in slowly or they won’t return the following week. As you progress throughtout the year, you add layers of Catholic doctrine.
But in the begining you may very well be teaching them how to look things up in the Bible.

The most difficult thing about RCIA is that people come in with widely varying backgrounds. As you point out, there are people who don’t know how to look something up in the Bible. Others, like Paul, come in with a bag full of BIG ISSUE questions and a strong theological background . . . Makes for an interesting time.

 

[CalCatholic]

The most difficult thing about RCIA is that people come in with widely varying backgrounds. As you point out, there are people who don’t know how to look something up in the Bible. Others, like Paul, come in with a bag full of BIG ISSUE questions and a strong theological background . . . Makes for an interesting time.

I agree, and people with strong theological backgrounds need to step up and do a little studying at home with Catholic theology books. But many of the people we are seeing are trying to conform to basic Christian ideas; praying, social justice, and understanding the mass. RCIA has to start out slow and work up at a pace that the class can follow. Maybe the advanced student can also attend a Bible study class to take the next step. Just a thought.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

One realization I’ve gradually come to is that the process is primarily about faith formation, not just about facts. While the catechists should be knowledgeable, and blatant errors should be corrected, the most important thing is that those entering the church develop a strong faith and feel part of the (universal) community they are joining.

I’m so happy to see you say this. So many people equate RCIA with catechesis and it’s NOT.

Catechesis is one part of RCIA. If people are going to profess their faith in the Church then they need to know something about what the Church teaches. But there’s no way we can teach everything about Catholicism in a year or a year-and-a-half. We can only give the basics.

And even if people can walk out of a catechetical session and name the three conditions for a mortal sin or the names and dates of holy days of obligation, that’s not what’s going to make them Catholic or keep them Catholic.

We need to nourish and encourage their spiritual lives, their relationships with Jesus. Because ultimately if that relationship isn’t strong they’re going to fall away from the faith – any faith.

As I said, RCIA is not just catechesis. It’s also the dismissals at Sunday Mass and helping catechumens encounter Jesus in Scripture and be fed by that encounter.

And finally, RCIA is the rites. If liturgy is done well – and if the candidates and catechumens learn to appreciate liturgy – the rites (and Mass in general) will be important parts of their lives.

I feel sorry for those people who think RCIA is something they need to endure in order to become Catholic. It sounds like they’re missing a big part of the process.

 

[Bonnie]

I think the best solution is to just learn to smile and nod and pray. The instructor has been teaching the class for more than 15 years, so I think much change now is not likely.

Pity you aren’t in our parish. We had the same problem, a lone teacher who didn’t want to give up the job. Finally had a heart attack so several of us jumped in to help. Then we found out exactly how unorthodox he was!

It was painful for everyone involved, but he was eased out, so was another volunteer who wanted everything done her way.

We now have a team of 4 - not trained, but well educated, orthodox, & enthusiastic.

Pray, yes, but don’t just nod & smile. Please talk to the priest. He may not be aware of the problems. RCIA doesn’t have to be boring or heretical or stupid.

 

[SuperH]

Yeah… RCIA at my parish is wonderful.

Our director of religious education is very knowledgeable.

Know your facts, and don’t be afraid to ask for references or clarification. “It’s in the Bible/Catechism” isn’t good enough of an answer. “Please help me find it,” is a great response to that type of situation.

Here’s a suggestion:
Participate here.

Here’s another:
Listen to EWTN Radio all day (if you can, at work for instance), and while doing miscellaneous things around the home, and you will learn a LOT of facts VERY fast.

It is YOUR job as a future Catholic to make sure that people understand the proper teachings of the Church. It doesn’t matter if you’re a priest/religious director, etc. It is YOUR job as a Christian to spread the truth!

Please don’t hate the process. Try to find ways to work around the issues, and work to resolve the issues proactively.

 

[T700]

Again, thank you to everyone for your insightful and excellent comments and suggestions. After speaking with one of the priests and lengthy discussion with my wife, I have made my decision.

My wife strongly encouraged me to discontinue the RCIA and that we would return to the Anglican communion. The priest commented, “I’ve had lots of complaints, but what can I do? They’ve been teaching it for 20 years and I’m new here?”

I’ve decided to complete the course of instruction. After completion, I suspect we will look for another parish. Some of you may wonder why I am going this route. Here are the reasons:

1. I am in process of obtaining an annulment and changes parishes at this point would delay the process.
2. No matter what, I believe there are lessons to be learned in any classroom.
3. It teaches me patience and humility.

Paul

 

[adopted_heir]

I had a similar RCIA experience, and I moved halfway through the process so I had two classes in two dioceses to contend with. The second one more fits the problem here; the teachers seemed to water down the teachings so as to not scare us away. The problem with it was, I kept thinking, how is this Catholic? They’re just re-teaching Protestant thought. There’s a lot to be learned from RCIA, good or bad, but what got me through was reading reliable sources on my own time (the Bible, CCC, other helpful books like “The How-To Book of the Mass,” “Catholicism for Dummies” was even good), asking questions and engaging in friendly debate (our class was nice enough to have lots of discussion opportunities like that), and having a close relationship with an established, orthodox Catholic, so even when something in RCIA was fishy or downright heretical, it stood out like a sore thumb and I could recognize it for what it was.

RCIA was a great experience altogether, but I didn’t rely on it for my education or formation in the way that I did on sources with the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur marks. I think the teachers are genuinely trying to be helpful, but they really don’t want to scare anyone off by presenting things they’re worried may be hard for a convert to swallow.

 

[Bonnie]

The priest commented, “I’ve had lots of complaints, but what can I do? They’ve been teaching it for 20 years and I’m new here?”

The priest is being too timid. The RCIA instructors are teaching error & heresy. If he doesn’t want to “fire” the team, he should at least attend the classes so he can correct the errors. If he can’t be there, then there should be another priest, a deacon, or a well-educated layperson present. Then the errors can be corrected immediately.

 

[graceandglory]

The priest is being too timid. The RCIA instructors are teaching error & heresy. If he doesn’t want to “fire” the team, he should at least attend the classes so he can correct the errors. If he can’t be there, then there should be another priest, a deacon, or a well-educated layperson present. Then the errors can be corrected immediately.

This is exactly how it is around here. I am lucky to not have been required to go to RCIA when I came back across the Tiber. I had studied enough over the twenty years I was away from the Church to know the basics thoroughly. I am still learning, I’m a sponge.

How does someone “break in” to be able to teach RCIA? It really is the old guys left over from the Post Vatican new agey days that seem to be catechizing the new converts.

It is truly a sad state of affairs.
What can be done about it? I have never seen in my church bulletins ads asking for new catechists.

 

[graceandglory]

Here’s the secret: RCIA is part of the test. If you are willing to STAND it, then God really is calling you to be Catholic.

For the idea that the OP might become part of the solution: don’t count on it. Incompetent people who run substandard programs are definitely NOT looking for enthusiastic, orthodox people to join the team.

When I arrived at my parish a few years ago, a few friends enthusiastically introduced me to the young priest. They encouraged me to get involved and help out with the Catholics Can Come Home program. When I finally discerned that was what God was calling me to do, I volunteered and spoke with the lady in charge. She basically told me to tone it down, water it down, and not be so orthodox.

While it was the priest who was encouraging me to be involved there, the folks in charge didn’t want an enthusiastic revert who knew her faith. Seemed they just wanted more of the same, same age, same demographics, same interests, maybe more partners for pinochle parties or something.

 

[rrank]

JP2 said, “the smoke of Satan has entered the Church”… just as we cradle Catholics are fortunate that the Holy Spirit has given us wonderful former Protestant bible scholars to re-evangelize us in our own faith, there are those life-long Catholics misguiding prospective converts in their own version of the faith, and I believe sometimes intentionally. I understand your dilemma regarding the annulment, but I would advise you not to sit back and be “smoked by Satan”. Take your catechism and challenge anything you think is a false teaching! Go to the pastor and then to the Bishop. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, call me and I will go with you. Rick 303-725-0707. The Holy Spirit will protect Sacred Tradition… and He will do it through us if necessary.

 

[mentorcouple]

Paul my heart goes out to you. RCIA should be a very exciting experience in becoming Catholic. Remember, those teaching RCIA are volunteers and are at various stages of knowledge and teaching ability. In most cases their desire to do good is sincere.
Many Dioceses have certification requirements to help raise the level of knowledge for those involved. We have a very good RCIA program, yet sometimes things happen that shouldn’t. It is the human factor. I’m sorry it didn’t work out well for you, but hang in there. The Lord put a stirring in your heart for a reason. Pray and be steadfast in following that stirring. Peace

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

How does someone “break in” to be able to teach RCIA? It really is the old guys left over from the Post Vatican new agey days that seem to be catechizing the new converts.

It is truly a sad state of affairs.
What can be done about it? I have never seen in my church bulletins ads asking for new catechists.

You probably won’t see a notice in the church bulletin since they don’t work! People in general will assume they’re not qualified or not really needed.

I’d suggest talking with your pastor or RCIA coordinator and volunteering to help. They’d probably be delighted! There’s a lot of work involved in catechetical sessions and dismissals and it’s easier if it’s shared.

 

[drmg79]

I am truly sorry to hear that. I am currently taking RCIA classes and LOVE it.The associate pastor teaches our classes and is excellent-very thorough, organized and knows the bible in and out. Sounds like you definitely should offer it up and maybe get a spiritual director to help you along. Take another RCIA course at a different parish maybe. We were given several books to use and they are what we cover in class…maybe you would find them helpful-they have helped me:

“The Faith Explained” by Leo J. Trese
“The Apostolate’s Family Catechism” volumes 1 and 2
And also, Dr. Scott Hahn’s books are very good. Easy to read and really insightful. Hope this helps a bit. Good Luck!

God Bless

 

[susant]

I am an Episcopalian. My husband and I wanted to become Catholic after studying about it for a long time. I watch EWTN everyday and also pray the rosary several times a week. We went to the “introductory” meeting before beginning RCIA. I was brought up in a high Episcopal church. I believe in transubstantion and the apostolic succession. The priest stated that Episcopalians didn’t believe in them and he knew because his mother was one! We never went to anymore meetings or the church there. I really want to turn Catholic but I can understand what you are saying too. We also discussed things that were things that anyone going to church already know. Why sit through 9 months of that! I am not saying that if I wanted it bad enough I would endure it, but give me a break!

 

[T700]

I am an Episcopalian. My husband and I wanted to become Catholic after studying about it for a long time. I watch EWTN everyday and also pray the rosary several times a week. We went to the “introductory” meeting before beginning RCIA. I was brought up in a high Episcopal church. I believe in transubstantion and the apostolic succession. The priest stated that Episcopalians didn’t believe in them and he knew because his mother was one! We never went to anymore meetings or the church there. I really want to turn Catholic but I can understand what you are saying too. We also discussed things that were things that anyone going to church already know. Why sit through 9 months of that! I am not saying that if I wanted it bad enough I would endure it, but give me a break!

Trust me, I DO commiserate with you! You ask the rhetorical question, “Why sit through 9 months of that!” and my answer is, because that is where the true Church dwells.

I could have stayed in my Anglican church and had a very comfortable life. Both my wife and I were very active and respected. I was a reader and one of the vestrymen. I can recite the services from the Book of Common Prayer by heart. But all that aside, after studying the Church Fathers, the CCC, the Bible, and quite a few books of theology from both the Anglicans and the Catholics, I became convinced that the one, true Church that Jesus Christ founded was in Rome.

Once I came to that belief, I could no more go back than I could deny my wife or country. From a selfish point of view, after I knew the truth, I would truly fear for my soul in the great judgment, if I did not act on that knowledge.

I cannot tell you what to do, but I hope you reconsider and give it another try.

Paul

 

[Bonnie]

I am an Episcopalian. …want to turn Catholic but I can understand what you are saying too. We also discussed things that were things that anyone going to church already know. Why sit through 9 months of that! I am not saying that if I wanted it bad enough I would endure it, but give me a break!

RCIA was intended for non-Christians - no Christian church background. Unfortunately, Christians who are converting are too often lumped in with the non-Christians.

We wanted separate classes, but our parish is just too small. We’ve tried to accommodate those who have more knowledge.

We were concerned that 9 months was too sort of a time to really get into the spirituality. So we set up a 2 year cycle in such a way that people can start each year. Those who don’t really need the classes can be brought into the Church the first year & drop the classes if they want.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have any converts this year.

 

[jmcrae]

Friends,

I have a confession. I hate RCIA. I love our Lord, the Holy Mother, and the holy Catholic Church, but going to RCIA is painful, bordering on unbearable. I’m going to list some of the things that are making me crazy and I fully expect to be written off as a whiner or malcontent, and that’s OK. I’ve just got to get this off my chest and hopefully see if I’m alone in these feelings.

1. No structure. We start late and end early. The lessons have only a vague form and a series of questions starts us off on many tangents.

I’m on your side with this one. You have the right:

To have a complete syllabus given to you at the beginning of the course, that says what time things start, what time they are expected to end (with leeway of 5-10 minutes for unexpected events) and the dates, as well as any other requirements (Sunday Mass, retreats, Rites that pertain to your particular status, etc.) Anything not known should be marked with TBA and an approximate time to expect them, (for example, Rite of Welcome for Candidates, TBA, some time near the beginning of Advent.)

1. The material is simple beyond reason. We spent nearly a full hour explaining how to look up things in the Bible and how the whole chapter/verse thing works. We reviewed that again tonight.

Are there members of your group who have difficulty with this? If so, after going over it once, perhaps they need private tutoring.

1. Factual errors. No, the senate of the United States never “voted that Mary is the protectoress of the country”. No, the constitution of the United States does not say, “The US shall forever remain a Christian nation.”

Contact the priest and let him know that you were taught this in the RCIA class.

1. Doctrinal errors. Things that clearly contradict the CCC. For example, “To get to heaven, just be good and hope that God is happy with you.”

yikes!!

I really don’t know what to do. Guess I’ll just tough it out another nine months.

Call the priest and tell him exactly what you’ve told us.

 

[T700]

JP2 said, “the smoke of Satan has entered the Church”… just as we cradle Catholics are fortunate that the Holy Spirit has given us wonderful former Protestant bible scholars to re-evangelize us in our own faith, there are those life-long Catholics misguiding prospective converts in their own version of the faith, and I believe sometimes intentionally. I understand your dilemma regarding the annulment, but I would advise you not to sit back and be “smoked by Satan”. Take your catechism and challenge anything you think is a false teaching! Go to the pastor and then to the Bishop. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, call me and I will go with you. Rick 303-725-0707. The Holy Spirit will protect Sacred Tradition… and He will do it through us if necessary.

Hello Rick,

Your concern and offer are both very kind and appreciated. For now, I will deal with this in a low key manner. My eyes are on the Lord and nothing will turn me from that.

Paul