Is there anything that can be done about RCIA as a whole, to make it better? Why are most RCIA groups so out of line with what the Church teaches? The only thing that I know of, that I can do now, is pray.
I’m very thankful that I’ve found an orthodox parish to go to, and my first class there is this coming Tuesday.
I’m only this far, but wanted to address this. I am currently in RCIA too. Our parish has had a very regimented approach to RCIA in the past. There were handouts with text from the CCC and scripture. The topics were fixed with little room for additional discussion. However, those who volunteered to led the discussions were very comfortable with the material and the process was smooth for catechists and candidates.
It appears though that our parish has been behind in implementing the Papal directive that RCIA be less regimented. Our priest and RCIA director said that the official requirement to modify was issues about two years ago, though we are not the only ones slow to change. So, my RCIA experience has been adjusted. As such, I have been told it may be a bit rough around the edges as everyone adjusts to the upated requirements.
I am okay with that as I understand the reasoning. The idea is that conversation at RCIA should evolve naturally from a discussion on the weekly scriptures, rather than follow a “How-to” approach that really doesn’t delve very deepy into a person’s faith. There is no specific requirement to read the CCC, though RCIA discussion will naturally reference it and many other relevant resources.
I do understand your desire to focus on the CCC. I just got my new copy in the mail yesterday, along with a copy of the compendium, and the American Catechism!
I am also a person who carries my Bible and a traditional missal with me to Mass each week. However, I know that faith isn’t something that necessarily proceeds from reading and committing to memory certain texts. And, RCIA isn’t just about becoming Catholic, it’s about being Catholic. I think the church wanted to get away from the idea that the CCC is a textbook for confirmands, and back to the idea that it is a statement of doctrine for all Catholics.
I think we could probably all agree that it is necessary for us to reflect on the weekly scriptures, just as we will after we are confirmed. The weekly scriptures can be discussed in a wide variety of ways that will allow RCIA leaders to offer wisdom from many resources that contribute to the full revelation of God and the Church, and apply that knowledge to a great many current topics of interest to those in the group. Surely, politics will come up, parenting, ethics in work, the value of prayer, and many others are things onto which the weekly scriptures can shed light.
While I would agree that evolution is probably outside the norm, it isn’t unreasonable to think it may be relevant. There are many public schools forming policy now on the specifcs of what will be taught. Many Christians find themselves having questions about what they want to be taught and what the Church and Christ want. And, as someone else said, try to give your group leaders the benefit of the doubt. Abuses is an awfully harsh word. If anything, I think it’s much more likely that as laypeople, they might simply be mistaken in the instances in which they have misrepresented doctrine. Take it to them and ask, and do give your priest the benefit of the doubt by discussing it with him before going to the bishop. Surely, he would appreciate your trust in him to look into the matter or to at least be aware of it before getting a call from the bishop.
Also, I might suggest that you pray over this again. Even if ultimately, you choose to become a member of one of the downtown parishes, you may be surprised at the way the perspective in this other parish makes you think and consider more carefully things which may confront you in life. That experience could end up being something very valuable for you.
I wish you the best in this.
P.S. I type a lot when I get rolling. Sorry.
