RCIA- Now using "Alpha for Catholics"

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kirabira

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Just wondering if anyone had anything to share about this program. Opinions/experiences.
I’m a little concerned that its ‘fluffy’, concerned about it being ‘protestant’ and wondering how much attention is given to Catholic beliefs and historical christianity (Catholicism!). I’m also concerned because the program is a 2 year program. I am more for reconciliation with the Church ASAP for those who are baptized- particularly for those who might have already done so much research/ reflection to get to the point where they join RCIA…
thanks
Kira
 
Hi.

I took an Alpha course several years ago at an Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Bay City MI. I loved the course, and decided to offer it to my parish at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bay City. It went over fairly well the one offering we made with it. It was supported by the pastor, but the education commission APPEARED to not be fully behind it. I say appeared, because I never heard them say a bad word about it, so my perceptions could have been misguided. All the same, I believe the course is well prepared and well received. It is NOT Sacremental, it is NOT Marian, it is NOT a lot of things Catholic. But, there is no misinterpretation of anything in our Good Lords life. My only knock on the course is I believe it has an over-emphasis on the Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some people say that’s “beginner Christianity” stuff, I think otherwise. Many people get a bit taken back by others talking in tongues and the like, while I admit others were on fire after the retreat. We some day hope to have the time to offer the course again, right now the Good Lord has asked us to watch over our children, so we are.

Peace.
 
Kirabira
You are right the Alpha course is a definite non starter, check out a previous thread in apologetics. The title is " Alpha program use in Catholic Church". 👍
 
doh thanks! I am still getting used to the forums and figuring out organization. I wish we had subcategories here (like sub category RCiA —> RCIA programs —> ALpha, #2, #3)

I see now that there is a search button! I will try that =)
 
In case you weren’t able to locate the other Alpha thread, here is the link: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=1500

It would certainly be better to base an RCIA course on something Catholic. If there is no good Catholic program, then find a good book that discusses the our Faith and build a course around that. Better that than to have incoming / returning Catholics have a protestant idea of our Church!

A good book, for example, is “The Faith Explained” published by Scepter Press. The description from Scepter’s website says: The Faith Explained is an all-in-one handbook to help you understand, explain, and defend the great truths of the Catholic Faith. In brief and readable chapters, it explains the purpose of human existence, God and His perfections, the creation and fall of man, the Incarnation, the Redemption, the sacraments, sacramentals, prayer, the importance of the Bible, and much more. Perfect for RCIA classes, this book is also a magnificent refresher course on the Faith for Catholics and an illuminating resource for non-Catholics with questions about the Church.

Just a thought! Good luck!

In Christ,

Debbie
 
I would not use Alpha. The Alpha program "tacks on Catholicism’ at the end.

Suggestion:

Better to take the catechesis approach as following the structure (order) of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Use the inex and structure of the CCC as the basis for the lesson. You can readily consult the CCC at any time, right on the spot. Also have as a reference the Modern Catholic Dictionary by Father John A Hardon S.J. This dictionary has a concise yet extensive discussion on many topis that may come up. Of course, I am assuming that you have a bible on hand also. (NAB and RSV-CE)
 
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