RCIA - making it more palatable?

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In nearly every parish across the U.S> these classes are offered to both.
The pastors like people to have the “refresher” course if you will, and just because someone is validly Baptized it does not necessarily equate to having a Catholic understanding of Scripture, Sacraments, or the Catechism.
 
I think the rcia has made it harder for people to join, many give up because of the rcia - I hope it’s abolished.
I am all for finding ways to make RCIA more engaging, but I believe it is essential. RCIA is actually an ancient Church tradition to try to ensure that people who become Christians know what they are doing and have the right intentions. Becoming a Christian and receiving the Sacraments is meant to be not merely ceremonial but transformative. Too often people want to experience the ceremonies of the Church but don’t really understand what the Church teaches or believe it. At the very least, a thorough RCIA program ensures that they have been informed about Church doctrine before they solemnly proclaim their belief in it.
 
RCIA and the classes that prepare folks for them are not intended for you.
So true! Many baptized Christians who are seeking full communion with the Church have had very little faith formation, so there needs to be a program for that, but it should NOT be done through RCIA. I know my parish has introduced such a program, and hopefully more parishes will do the same. Even then, however, it seems to me that the pastor should take into consideration the previous faith formation of the individual and decide what to do on a case-by-case basis.

When I was coming back into the Church, the parish I was attending had a special program for people who simply wanted to know more about the faith but weren’t ready to commit to it yet. Anyone could attend – non-Catholics, non-practicing Catholics, or even practicing Catholics. I would love to see more programs like that. Faith formation should be a lifelong journey.
 
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I think the rcia has made it harder for people to join, many give up because of the rcia - I hope it’s abolished.
We need RCIA, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved. The US Bishops acknowledge that it needs improvement, but few have come up with ideas that could universally work.

Catholics are keen on Sacramental Prep. We have training before 6 of the 7 sacraments.
  • Pre-Jordan class for parents about to baptize their babies
  • Preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion for children about to receive both sacraments for the first time
  • Confirmation Prep for children
  • RCIA for Adult Converts to prepare for Baptism, Confirmation & First Communion
  • RCIC for older child converts to prepare for Baptism, Confirmation & First Communion
  • Pre-Cana for marriage prep
  • Seminary for Holy Orders.
The only sacrament that doesn’t have prep is Anointment of the Sick.

We Catholics (esp in the Latin Church) believe that we need to be properly formed before partaking in the sacraments.

However, one place that we often screw up is by lumping all converts into one RCIA course, instead of having multiple courses and when necessary individualized instruction. I don’t really think RCIA was designed for a person who already knows Christ and can quote the Bible, etc. It was really designed for the person who is just getting to know Christ & His Church.

In other words, RCIA wasn’t designed for the well versed protestant who has done his/her homework before converting. This is where I think Symbolon works nicely… for the protestant convert who knows Christ and Scripture quite well.

God bless.
 
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I am all for finding ways to make RCIA more engaging, but I believe it is essential. RCIA is actually an ancient Church tradition to try to ensure that people who become Christians know what they are doing and have the right intentions. Becoming a Christian and receiving the Sacraments is meant to be not merely ceremonial but transformative. Too often people want to experience the ceremonies of the Church but don’t really understand what the Church teaches or believe it. At the very least, a thorough RCIA program ensures that they have been informed about Church doctrine before they solemnly proclai
At this time the Pius X is still in schism. So please do not go there. There is such thing as a proper, reverently done Novus Ordo, albeit they are hard to find. I do have 3 in my diocese, but since they are so far away I have opted to go to a Tridentine. Granted it took a little getting used to. Quite frankly I love the Novus Ordo. And I have heard some very hard-hitting no holds barred sermons at a Novus Ordo. I have gone to confession to some wo
I am in an RCIA class where everyone except for me is already baptized. Two Catholic one Protestant converting after attending mass with her catholic husband for decades. But if you split up the group it would just not be practical. I would be my own RCIA group. Not that I would mind this exclusive treatment but as most of the work is volunteer based this seems the practical approach. I also have to say that knowledge levels about the faith and church doctrine are in no way correlated to the sacramental status of the attendants.
 
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Which is why it is often done as one class. Lack of resources is another.
 
The RCIA is a beginners introduction to the faith and for many converts from Protestantism who know Steve Ray, Coming home network, Scott Hahn, early fathers, Marian theology, read saints books like St Therese, St Catherine of Siena, St Ignatius, Didache, Polycarp and probably know more about them than the instructor and all the scripture to defend yourself from well meaning Christians it could be too basic, as your overqualified in knowledge But what I find most endearing is that you have to come like a child, humble yourself and let the Holy Spirit take you on this journey.
 
As a RCIA catechist I can say that I would love to do more complex in depth lesson plans but it would only confuse 99% of the catechumens. Hardly anyone in any of the RCIA seasons I have been involved in at my parish can even navigate a Bible without great difficulty. Most do not even own Bibles until one is provided. 1.5 to 2 hours means a lot of info to take in.

The thing about a 2nd class for people more Bible savy is maybe only one person per season (if that) would be able to attend. At least at my parish over the last several rcia seasons. Then catechists need to prepare the plans. Most of us have full time jobs. Preparing lessons would kind of become a part time job.

I get your frustration though. I went through rcia a few years ago as a convert from protestantism. Rcia was very elementary and I often was on satisfied. All we can do is study on our own outside of the class if a RCIA program is too simple.
 
I am in an RCIA class where everyone except for me is already baptized. Two Catholic one Protestant converting after attending mass with her catholic husband for decades. But if you split up the group it would just not be practical. I would be my own RCIA group. Not that I would mind this exclusive treatment but as most of the work is volunteer based this seems the practical approach.
Fair enough. (I assume the random Vatican II reference was a mis-paste?) 🙂 Still, there are certain elements of RCIA not meant for already baptized Christians, such as the dismissal during Mass and the Scrutinies. I have known of baptized people preparing for Confirmation/First Communion leaving Mass after the homily with the RCIA group.
I also have to say that knowledge levels about the faith and church doctrine are in no way correlated to the sacramental status of the attendants.
I agree that that is often the case. Good point.
 
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Actually very weird how that quote ended up in there because I was t even doing any Vatican II reading today.
About the rite of dismissal I was told that all would take part when the time comes. I had specifically asked about that because in my understanding I would actually be the only one to whom this applies. But I was told they want to keep the group together.
Again it’s exciting in a way how premature reading about these things and expectations how they might go down are then met by a reality ‘on the ground’.
 
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High level article about what the RCIA is (it is the Rites, not the classes that prepare you for the Rites).

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/

of note:

“Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for already baptized Christians. In most cases, these individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called Candidates, usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Although some preparation may be with Catechumens preparing for baptism, the preparation for Candidates is different since they have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ, and many have also been active members of other Christian communities. The Candidates may be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil or at another Sunday during the year depending on pastoral circumstances and readiness of the Candidate.”
 
Then what would they do if they are instantly brought into The Catholic Church not knowing the difference between venial and Mortal sin? Not fully understanding The True Presence? Not knowing that they cannot just skip Church on Sunday once in awhile if they feel like it, which is not a big deal in protestantism? What if they do not understand that contraception is wrong because their previous denomination taught that it is perfectly fine?

Do you trust that everyone would have done their homework completely beforehand? I will admit that converts from protestantism are generally more “zealous” and into learning about The Faith than Cultural Catholics and those just getting their sacraments so that they can get married in The Church but There has ALWAYS been a process of initiation since the beginning. ALWAYS, since the first days of Christianity. Doing away with it would gain more converts? I highly doubt it.

However, it is possible for someone who IS well informed on Church teaching but not Catholic to talk to their priest and be received into The Church without going through RCIA. It is possible but I am sure this varies from Parish to Parish and Senior pastor to Senior Pastor. Honestly if 9 months of Catechesis is too long and will push someone away, what are they going to do when they face a moral crisis and need make a choice? Will they persevere? Will they remain faithful when 9 months of classes once a week was too much?
 
I can see what you mean in your post @Seeksadvice, as I’d done a lot of reading/thinking before I started RCIA and thought we might have really deep theological discussions - we didn’t, it wasn’t like that at all. However, I tried to get the most from the sessions and I did enjoy them, even if they were something I wasn’t expecting.
 
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You might consider taking a well known companion on your journey, Cardinal John Henry Newman.
Years ago, I happened upon a sermon titled The Lapse of Time. After that introduction I couldn’t get enough of JHN, voraciously devouring all I could of his writing (and it is A LOT) as well as a biography, truly humbling and inspiring story of transition from Anglicanism to Catholicism.
Go to newmanreader.org for access to his works at The National Institute for Newman Studies.
"Apologia"essays follow his faith development.
“Dream of Gerontious” prose is a wonderful glimpse at eternity - my favourite part is the guardian angel dialogue.
There is enough material on the website to occupy anyone for a year or two.
 
While participating, one should be taking opportunities to strengthen his relationship with the Holy Spirit. Joining prayer groups, and attending masses. “Being” a Catholic of desire for the time being is a good attitude. Frequent visitations to numerous Perpetual Adoration Chapels available in most cities would be very helpful to the new comer. If one wishes to be, then be.

I think less sensual and memory is what we are striving for. Ask the Holy Spirit, to “help my belief” (Mark 9,14-29), to clear my mind and my heart. Immerse oneself. Become one with what is being taught. Seek the inner meaning of the scriptural events, become a witness to them. Study the footnotes and go to the cross references to understand a broader meaning. If you can find a clergy who can spend some time to talk outside of RCIA, this would benefit you a lot.

I’m glad for you. You are really fortunate.
 
Steevyo - maybe it’s my cynicism, either inherent or job related, but I frequently see people “find God” in an attempt to avoid the consequences of their actions. When they want to look good for court or other things, they generally profess to have either “found God” or to be “good Christian” <insert thieves, rapists, murderers, etc.>. Have never seen a defendant come into court for sentencing and profess to have found atheism, satanism, etc. At one point, the grounds by the local jail did have a burning bush (compliments of a carelessly tossed cigarette butt); perhaps that was the source of some jailhouse “conversions.” If they profess any beliefs, it’s almost always Christianity and they’ve almost always had some divine revelation that God believes they have suffered enough, or that they will follow God and be good little boys/girls forever and ever amen, or that God wants them to be released into society, etc., etc… Some have even gone so far as to claim that, as God-fearing Christians, the criminal justice system should not have any power over them, that God never meant earthly punishments for persons such as themselves, etc… I can’t go into the specific backstory, but I trust you get the picture.
The area has had recent burglaries of various locations including the local Episcopal church that was completely trashed (read: stuff smashed and ransacked) inside besides having some altar ware and other items stolen. I remember that, not that many years ago, a local Catholic church was robbed at shotgun point during a Saturday Mass (can’t remember if there was a waivable statutory prohibition on congregation members carrying firearms into church or not). Once the prohibition became waivable, there are a decent number of churches that have made such waivers. I guess one could call me a bit skeptical about people’s motives at times.

Star - schedule permitting, I do try to attend daily Mass. Sometimes, after getting called out for hours in the middle of the night, the alarm clock just doesn’t have the same effectiveness. The term “city” is highly relative. The nearest city of ~30,000 people is more than 100 miles away, the nearest city of more than ~50,000, the seat of the area diocese, is about 240 miles away , the nearest in-country city of >100,000 is about 400 miles away. Schedule permitting, I stop by for periods of Adoration when it is offered at the local church. Regina, SK, about 200 miles away, may have such, but my experience with their cathedral is that they keep it mostly locked down… also the only time I’ve ever seen razor wire installed on a church. There is no Perpetual Adoration that I am aware of within a few hundred miles, such is life “in the middle of nowhere.”
 
Understood. I still feel that it is for God to decide whether somebody’s motives are pure. And I also think RCIA personnel still have authority in determining if an inquirer is eligible to reach the next stage which is based on determining a growth in faith, and more mundane things like attendance of weekly class and church.
I rest in the comfort knowing that those who try and deceive God by becoming a member of the Church with impure motives will be found out by God himself.
Good luck with your process.
 
The process is for the pastor to meet with those seeking full communion. He would determine how much instruction is needed.

Little children or those with developmental disabilities need only to demonstrate that they know there is a difference between the Eucharist and regular bread. I’ve been Catholic for 20 years and studied it in depth for 15 years before that. I’ve only scratched the surface of “fully understanding” the Eucharist. It is a miracle, there is only so much we can understand, we won’t hit “fully” until Heaven.

Learning our faith is a lifetime process. With 2000 + years and the whole world of great theologians, mystics, teachers, one mere human can never understand.

Mortal and venial sin? That is also not really something that we can every fully grasp. That is why we are advised to take our sins to the priest in Confession or to our spiritual director and he will help us determine our culpability. Little children preparing for 1st Confession can get it, I think most adults can grasp the basics of sin at the same level as the 7 year olds in one discussion then they continue to form their consciences all through their lives.

You can hand someone a small pamphlet with the precepts of the Church.

The Faith is enormously complex and very simple at the same time.
 
I remember reading somewhere that adults become Catholic in spite of, not because of RCIA. Suggestions on making it more palatable would be appreciated
My understanding is that, if you are already a baptized Christian, then you need not partake in the RCIA process, although you can if you so choose. Perhaps contacting some other parishes in your area could put you in touch with a priest who would be able to help you in a more one-on-one basis. Lots of Christians become Catholics throughout the whole year, not merely at the Easter Vigil with the unbaptized.

My own RCIA process was very enjoyable, because it was taught by a priest who was intellectual and orthodox, and it was in a parish which primarily looks after the university students in our town. There was no fluff or nonsense. Yes, it was even fun and had lots of great food. Another parish nearby is staffed by Fr. Terry Staples, who is the brother of Catholic Answer’s own Tim Staples. I’m sure his RCIA is also wonderful.

But there is another RCIA in this town which I would be incredibly wary of going to and, if forced to go to it, would do what I had to do with gritted teeth.

But I was an unbaptized heathen when I went to our little RCIA classes. As a validly baptized Christian, you have other options … provided your local parishes have adequate logistics to deal with “your sort.”😃
 
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