RCIA - making it more palatable?

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Seeksadvice

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After about 20+ years of Methodism followed by approximately 8 years of atheism and moral nihilism, I felt a strong urge/desire to learn about the Catholic Church. Went to a Catholic wedding of one of my co-workers and was intrigued by the ideology espoused in the accompanying Mass.

I signed up for RCIA roughly around the time of my 40th birthday. After three classes, I am not 100% sure what to think of the RCIA process. 1.5 hours/session doesn’t seem to be enough time to get into details. Wish that there was a version for persons who have familiarity with the Bible. Not sure why we’re using a translation of the Bible that not even the priest likes; supposedly it’s easier to read or something (though it gives him trouble).

I remember reading somewhere that adults become Catholic in spite of, not because of RCIA. Suggestions on making it more palatable would be appreciated 🙂 At least we don’t have any intentional trolls (though do have one person the group who I serious doubt is there for sincere reasons).
 
Hello Seeksadvice -

I would recommend that you check out the free 7 day trial of FORMED.org It’s a Catholic streaming service.

Once in there, there is a program called Symbolon, which was originally created with RCIA in mind.

Symbolon is a total of 20 epsoides, broken into two parts (or seasons)
Symbolon, plus all the other stuff on FORMED.org can really help you. If the Catholic Parish in your area doesn’t have a parish wide subscription to FORMED, you can purchase a personal subscription for UNDER $10 per month.

It’s really worth checking out… there are study programs, movies, documentaries, audio talks, audio drama, audio books, a dramatized audio New Testament, and eBooks. Lots of stuff to check out.

God Bless
 
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Look at the time as time for you to deepen your relationship with Christ and spend more of each day actively in the presence of God. God wants you to spend eternity in communion with Him, so get started now. 😀

Of course the small amount of time spent in a classroom is not enough, nor is it the main thing you are really doing. Ask at the class if they have a book or video series that you can watch that is more bible oriented. For example, in our parish they could put you onto a bible series about Mary. Or we would tell you to do the Symbolon series of videos, a more general introduction to the faith.

Simply start your lifelong process of conversion and growing in Christ. RCIA will be over, but you will continue. Oh, and use whichever version of the bible works for you. A recommendation would be the Ignatius version of the RSV, having all the books of the bible.
 
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I’ve read some of the RSV and I believe the NRSV. We use the Catholic Answer Bible, which though “modernized,” reads very oddly to me. In the move to “modernize,” it feels like it’s missing some of the essence for lack of a better term. A more modern word may not carry with it the same depth of meaning that an older one might. Perhaps, the better thing would be a more educated populace, but, that’s a discussion for another time and place.

We have watched part of Symbolon. Got a chuckle out of part of Bedrich Smetana’s “Moldau” being used for the introduction music to the first part. Love the work and have played it at least once 🙂 Though, I am not 100% sure how it fits with St. Peter’s though.

The very nature of a symbolon itself makes sense in a way, particularly in a world hostile to the early Church.
 
Bear your way through it. It’s worth it in the end. And you don’t have to just study read what’s required for rcia. There’s places like this to discuss the theology, and I’m sure there’s bible study groups around you that would be glad to have you even though you’re not fully in the church. Look at the rcia as a penance you have to pay to enter the church. The rcia serves 2 purposes. 1 to make sure you know the teachings of the church before you enter. 2 to keep out people that are not serious and doing it on a whim or trying to join with the purpose to create disorder.
 
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RSV seems more toward the literal translation end of the spectrum, though not as far as you can get in that direction. The NAB-RE (probable suspect for the Catholic Answer Bible) will seem less literal and more of the “dynamic equivalence” type, plus you will have a boring (in my opinion) translation of the psalms. Older psalm translations are better (my copy of the NAB is old enough that it has an older version of the psalms and is better). If you like really old translations, you can work with the Douay-Rheims bible or a confraternity translation. The DR will seem on the more literal end, more like the King James.

The NRSV overly tends towards gender inclusive language, but otherwise has seemed fine. I haven’t read a Catholic version of it, though, just a Protestant one.

I agree with you about the symbolon and the two halves being perfect in a hostile world. Concerning “Moldau” in St. Peters: 😜 Perhaps the rivers of living water? (the Holy Spirit)?? Doing my best here…
 
Since the quality of RCIA instructors varies from inspiring to insipid to downright erroneous, your search for resources is admirable. You may not want to struggle through the full catechism, but a compendium, such as Fr. John Hardon’s “The Faith” is an excellent, easily read and digested Q&A style catechism. For another view point, Catholicism for Dummies by Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Kenneth Brighenti is also excellent. It explains the faith in plain language.

As to a good, working bible, many like the RSV-CE or RSV-2CE. For some reason, it leaves me cold. I would not even consider the NAB or NAB/RE, as they are squishy translations and the footnotes can be toxic. For a daily reader, I have come to embrace the Revised English Bible w/Deuterocanon (“Apocrypha”). Excellent used copies are available for $4-$10. It is published by Oxford/Cambridge Press and was edited in cooperation with all major denominations in the UK, Catholic included. It is not overly Anglicized and reads quite well.
 
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Thanks Ben. I figured that the penance would be more along the lines of having people I know start looking at me strangely, etc. Since I’ve started RCIA had a lot of things change in life… some good, some meh. People who have known me for a while have become distant (even those who don’t know about me going through RCIA). Other people who I haven’t really known have become friendlier (including an old work acquaintance who is the color corps commander of the KofC out here asking why I haven’t joined the KofC…). Somethings have become easier, and somethings have become harder. I find myself more conflicted at times, and sometimes don’t enjoy the things I once did. For the last 8 years or so, been a pretty hardline atheist and moral nihilist. Still having some difficulties wrapping head around the concept of a universal right/wrong. I figured that all of this was part of the penance.

Pug - as an attorney, I kind of make my living on words. As a prosecutor, I have to be specific in word choice. That’s one of the big issues I have the the more modern translations. At best, they lose some of the subtle nuances. That’s one of the big things that bothered me about the translations at times. The Genesis readings we did are examples; even the priest referenced the difference back in the day between “serpents” and “snakes.” Also, could be worse from Smetana, they could have done The Dance of the Comedians.

Pol - thanks for the info. Seeing as to how ~90%+ of my ancestors came from the British Isles, the English Bible might be a good pick. I don’t shy away from challenges, reading, or otherwise. Six years of cellular/molecular biology in undergrad/grad followed by three years of law school followed by studying for the patent bar. Trust me, the CCC has nothing on the patent prosecution textbook I had 🙂 . Bought a hardcopy version of the CCC the last time I was in a “major” city out here on the Northern Prairie.
 
There is a theory that has nothing to do with religion. It’s that every 7 years or so, our tastes and enjoyments change. Supposed to be cyclical. Not saying that’s what’s happening to you or that I believe it really. Could explain your changing in choice of what you like doing. Supposedly goes for types of food we like too. (Hasn’t been true for me, I’ve liked my steaks bleeding since I was a kid),

If people are distancing themselves because of your faith then they weren’t your friends in first place and you’ll find better friends in the faith.
 
Pick up a douay Rheims version of the bible. You won’t be sorry. Especially since you make your living on words. Modern translationstyle drive me nuts, not to mention they have cut out verses that have been in bible for over 1000 years.
 
Ben - I have heard of that theory. Not sure if I believe it or not. Some changes over the course of years can also be the result of being exposed to new things. Honestly, if you haven’t been exposed to new things over the course of seven (7) or so years, you aren’t getting out much. Heck, if I hadn’t moved out here, I never would have gotten to experience lutefisk or pickled . Same for moose, elk, Swiss chard, etc.

For several years, had abandoned the concept of Methodism. More than seven (7) years on that. Can’t explain the move away from atheism, just noticed an increase in peace the initial times I visited the church and was impressed with the ideology expressed in the wedding ceremony.

People distancing themselves: I’m used to people liking/not liking based on various things.
 
If ya ever just need to talk feel free to message me. I’m not much of a talker but I’m a good listener. For catholic stuff, I’ll at least point you in the right direction.
 
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I think a problem with RCIA is that it’s hard to design a one-size-fits-all course to cover the needs of all the different types of folks going through it, who range from persons who’ve done a lot of Scripture or philosophical reading and study, to those who never thought much about God or religion before. Some are just interested in getting done with RCIA so they can get on with their lives as Catholics, others have many questions they’d like to explore. I would suggest you get a better Bible of your choice, make use of the other resources people suggested, and get through RCIA as you would a required course in school.
 
I’ve just started RCIA as well (but in the UK). My impression is that it’s like a post-graduate course: the sessions are introductions and good for discussions but to get the fullest from it requires plenty of personal study.

For me this means listening to lectures on headphones whilst I’m working (Peter Kreeft and Bishop Barron are both excellent; many good universities also record and upload theological lectures to YouTube). I’ve also been reading various books on Catholicism.

I’m also starting to read the text for Daily Mass if I can’t attend it. Over the course of three years this will cover the entire Bible. Because the readings are always linked together, I find it a useful way to make me think about the faith every day. I’ve been using this website: http://www.ewtn.com/daily-readings/

God bless.
 
Seeksadvice said:
Wish that there was a version for persons who have familiarity with the Bible.
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You can talk to your priest about accelerating your instruction. Or supplementing it. You are correct that the catechesis portion of RCIA may be above or below the level of knowledge for some individuals while right on target for others. But remember, RCIA isn’t only catechesis, The process should build community, assist you in living a Catholic life, introduce you to the liturgy, and accompany you through the rites. All these things prepare us to live a Catholic life.

I was highly catechized before entering RCIA, in fact I was more well read than many of the Catholic sponsors in the program. My approach was to be humble, acknowledge that while I knew a lot I didn’t know everything, and I tried to add positively to small group discussions, research things on my own to take what I’d learned to a more advanced level, and I got involved in parish life through several organization including starting a catholic bible study for young adults, which our parish did not have.

And, whoop whoop, this month is my 25 anniversary of entering the church!
 
Seeksadvice said:
though do have one person the group who I serious doubt is there for sincere reasons
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As a recent RCIA joiner this quote leaves me a little puzzled. Maybe you can clarify? It seems a bit that you are making assumptions and passing judgement about other inquirers? Because this process should be about you and your relationship with God first and foremost. Be aware that every person joining RCIA is different. Different background, different experiences, different calling. Also be aware then there are a lot of people volunteering pro bono and sacrificing their time on a Sunday to help you on your path. It also should be understood that not everybody volunteering can be a charismatic guide. It’s that box of chocolates I guess where you don’t know what you’ll get. But in the end this should not really matter because it will be you who will have to do the main lifting.

In that sense I agree that ninety minutes per week is not enough. We rarely make it through an entire lesson because open communication which can not be so easily controlled is a vital part of these meetings. And we are a tiny group. What I do during the week is read the Bible (not yet enough), read Apologetics (currently St. Augustine and Chesterton), read History, and go to Church whenever I can (sometimes a lunch break to pray). The subject touched on every week can be guiding you in your private studies. Good luck.
 
RCIA and the classes that prepare folks for them are not intended for you.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is for the unbaptized adult.

For the Christian seeking full communion, there should be a meeting with the Pastor to determine the amount of prep needed, if any. Then the Christian should be able to make a statement of Faith, receive Confirmation and Communion.

In reality, parishes have developed bad habits of sticking everyone on RCIA prep classes that are usually taught to the lowest common denominator.

I’d suggest you meet with your pastor and ask for private instruction, the worst he can say is “no”. If he says “no”, then, offer your suffering up for those who do not know Jesus…
 
The Catholic Answer Bible is a tool for apologetics. It’s not MEANT to be Scripture word for word.

Keep in mind that RCIA is not always populated by people with a full or even correct interpretation or reading of the BIble. SOme people are simply unchurched. We have to start in baby steps, and for most, 90 minutes is a LONG time to be in a room with cradle Catholics and others they don’t know.

If you just started, this is still the period of inquiry.
Things will change, and it will go VERY quickly.
Ask your questions and be at peace. All will be well.

Welcome home.
 
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