RCIA problems

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cheezey

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I could really use others’ thoughts.

My first two RCIA classes were two or three readings from the Bible, discussion, done. Disappointing.
It took a lot of effort to even get into RCIA. After an admonishment from the diocese office, the Deacon finally called. But we ended up discussing my immediate housing issues, and was told I’d be contacted by the RCIA person shortly. It took almost another month. I had a disappointing meeting; nothing informative was said, she took no notes regarding baptism where & where, etc. We were to meet again, but I ended up in the hospital and missed it. She called shortly after I arrived home; her tone was “I am washing my hands of this” and her words were, “Well, now you have to follow up with the Deacon because I am going out of town til Palm Sunday.” I did, we met, and it turned out to be my first class. I had wanted the inquiry process to continue instead. And, after all this time, I was very unsure of this parish, having been told by another priest that this one is very disorganized.

In the last two classes, he has referenced negatives about non Catholic Christians; I know he is there to teach Catholicism, that is why I am there! but to speak so ill of my inherited faith was off putting to say the least. It wasn’t even in support of why the Catholic Church is the true church or anything theological. “We’ll need to meet a couple of times in the summer; we can’t lose you to them…”
Yikes. I am still one of them!!! And this week, I calmly said so.
But, also, this is the deacon who offered to help with my move and bailed the afternoon before, leaving me stranded. No warning. He sat on a document that I needed to procure the space for six weeks, nearly costing me the rental. No explanation. If he’s the teacher, then he, too, sat on all my inquiries of RCIA for those three months. No explanation.
I don’t feel awkward for this, but for being misled for that first class, and now the comments. And more so when I become the only student, as the other needs to take a long break.
I believe he should uphold the Catholic Church by telling me about the Church, not by admonishing the others. I admit, I am sensitive to this, having grown up with the animosity between the two.
It also seems that there should be more discussion of Church only theology; the Bible has been my reading all along. I’d think there’d be more “Why praying to Mary is NOT worshiping” type discussions. Certainly, if this is a year long process, we will not get through the Bible anyway, not at barely three chapters a week.
It is tempting to stop and go to another parish. I doubt I can go to the Monsignor because he didn’t care to help with making RCIA possible, either. In fact, he walked away from me in mid sentence.
The deacon hasn’t found a sponsor for me yet, either. This maybe, is understandable, but why I am not kept informed of my choice to learn and become?
Thoughts? Suggestions? Is this a typical way of teaching?
Sorry for being verbose, it’s just what I do.Trying, though…

was this the right forum to post?!!
 
I’ll pray for your ongoing conversion.

I have heard from people I trust that not all RCIA programs are run well. I’m sorry to hear you’re having a bad experience.

I suggest getting a copy of the Baltimore Catechism to read at home to supplement your RCIA course. If there are any gaps in their presentation of the Faith, the book will fill them.

Keep us posted, but I have a feeling the moderators will suggest a different forum.
 
Rich_C said:
I’ll pray for your ongoing conversion.

I have heard from people I trust that not all RCIA programs are run well. I’m sorry to hear you’re having a bad experience.

I suggest getting a copy of the Baltimore Catechism to read at home to supplement your RCIA course. If there are any gaps in their presentation of the Faith, the book will fill them.

Keep us posted, but I have a feeling the moderators will suggest a different forum.
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thank you on all counts…
 
cheezey said:
was this the right forum to post?!!
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That’s the easy part of your post. RCIA generally fits in the evangelization forum.

Beyond that, things sound very confusing.

It sounds like you’re currently in the Inquiry stage, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of teaching, but more of a time to explore whether this is the right path for you. One thing you might consider is whether this is the right parish for you. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable someplace else.
 
This thread may end up in the Liturgy and Sacraments forum. 🙂

But a few thoughts.

Most parishes have something of a one size fits all approach toward RCIA, at least in the beginning. This is particularly true of the inquiry classes that are offered in conjunction with RCIA.

The classes follow a somewhat consistent schedule year after year and those in attendance may be first-timers or persons who have been attending for months. The people may be baptized Catholics needing additional education or sacraments, baptized non-Catholics who wish to become Catholic, and the unbaptized. Some seekers know a great deal about Catholicism; others don’t know much.

It’s been my experience that the classes tend to emphasis what Catholicism has to offer more so than what is expected of Catholics. So if you already know the “what Catholicism has to offer” part then a lot of this may seem pretty mundane. If you are looking for rules and regulations you are likely to have to learn a lot of that on “your own time”. It may be presented eventually but then again it may not.

And some parishes are definitely better organized than others. Unfortunately leadership, organization, and teaching skills are not imparted with ordination. And neither is the ability to attract and keep organized delegates who will supply the missing skills of the ordained. 😃

Some parishes are wise enough (and have the human resources available) to more closely tailor their RICA programs to specific needs of the inquirers, catechumens, and candidates. You may not be in one of those parishes.

If you hear about a better RCIA program at a nearby parish you might be able to attend some of the classes there. It can’t hurt to ask.
 
If possible, try another parish. Some parishes don’t have the best people for the job (like any group). I, personally, was very blessed with the group I had. But one town over, we heard less than nice things about their classes. So you might wanna look around for another RCIA class.
 
If it was me, I’d have already been seeking another parish for RCIA. In fact I did reject the first parish I tried RCIA at due to personalities running the program. It was a great decision for me.
 
Do keep in mind that RCIA is not very representative of the experience you’ll have of the Church itself. I had a less than stellar RCIA experience too, but ultimatly RCIA is temporary and after it, you’ll have the whole universe of the Catholic Church opened up to you. Then you can find your niche so to speak, seek out where you’re comfortable and really begin to grow.

I’m sorry it hasn’t gone very well for you. I would hope RCIA would always be a great experience, as it should be, but try to be patient. Looking through the Catechism is a great idea.

🙂
 
Keep the faith cheesy, if you have to change parishes, change parishes, but keep the faith. Remember Jesus and the Blessed Mother love you. and they wants you to be happy.🙂
 
I too had a bad experience of RCIA, some of it similar to yours. I was an evangelical Protestant at the time and knew the Bible very thoroughly. I found it very frustrating that they spent most of the time talking about basic Bible knowledge that I already knew. I wanted to learn about specifically Catholic things and these were barely mentioned.

But I am very grateful and blessed to have entered the Catholic Church. From my perspective now, I was jumping through a pretty silly hoop, but the reward made it worth it. I had to learn the things I wanted to know about on my own. For example, I made it through RCIA without being taught how to go to Confession. But I learned this and much more. It has been over 30 years and I have not come close to exhausting the richness of the Catholic faith.

Just persevere and do not be put off by the annoying aspects of this program. Perhaps you can find another, but if not, put up with it. It will only be unpleasant for a short time and you have eternity before you.
 
Hello! You mentioned frustration that you would not be able to get through the Bible at only 3 chapters per week. It seems like you may be expecting something similar to a Bible study? While hopefully your parish does have something like that, I doubt that this would be the focus of an RCIA program. Ideally you would be studying the basics of the Catholic faith with an opportunity to ask questions and receive some answers, perhaps in conjunction with that Sunday’s scripture readings. If you have already done a lot of study, the program may seem a little shallow - and it sounds like, in your case, insulting as well! :mad:

I actually got in trouble the opposite way in my first class. When asked why I was there, I mentioned something about not agreeing with Protestantism, and a really big scary-looking guy said, “You DO know that Protestants are Christians, right?” 😛
 
There seems to be multilevels of issues here concerning things not directly involved with RCIA (like housing and moving issues according to the OP)

The best thing would be to find a RCIA program separate from this situation and the personalities involved.

With all the things that others have said, I would like to add my perspective as someone “on the other side” – meaning teaching in the program.

It is VERY DIFFICULT to deal with individuals who come in the first night and before the first session is over are being vocal about this is not what RCIA is about, they know best how a program should be run, this is not true doctrine, I know more than you so why the wait for (fill in the blank), I am already bored, this is a waste of time, I didn’t have to do this at my last church or churches etc.
 
Look up Fr. John Riccardo’s pod cast. They have a section on RCIA and he is very good and easy to listen to. It helped me understand some things I did not understand at the time of my RCIA . Hope this helps.
 
cheezey said:
I could really use others’ thoughts.

My first two RCIA classes were two or three readings from the Bible, discussion, done. Disappointing.
Click to expand...
You brought up a lot of issues, some of them not too clear. You mentioned something about finding a place to live. What has that got to do with RCIA?

Perhaps it would be better to go to another parish, is that possible?

I agree that this parish seems disfunctional. Remember that many of the people you are dealing with are volunteers and it sounds like some of them are only half converted themselves. Certainly, they got off on the wrong foot.

Have you started reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church yet? It is very good and will answer many if not most of your questions. vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

Linus2nd
 
Linusthe2nd said:
You brought up a lot of issues, some of them not too clear. You mentioned something about finding a place to live. What has that got to do with RCIA?

the deacon who bailed on the move is the teacher

Perhaps it would be better to go to another parish, is that possible?

I agree that this parish seems disfunctional. Remember that many of the people you are dealing with are volunteers and it sounds like some of them are only half converted themselves. Certainly, they got off on the wrong foot.

Have you started reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church yet? It is very good and will answer many if not most of your questions.

been reading it for a year now many questions

vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

Linus2nd
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thank you. I’ve just been handed some bad news. I may stop altogether. start at another parish when I can handle this better.
thank you

I
 
cheezey said:
thank you. I’ve just been handed some bad news. I may stop altogether. start at another parish when I can handle this better.
thank you

I
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I’m terribly sorry and I will pray for you. I agree with the other’s that it may be a good idea to just try a different parish when you can/are ready. You will be in my prayers.
 
Hopefully this will help a bit- RCIA does not have one single hard and fast rule about when it starts or how long it goes.

However, You are coming into a parish that is still in the middle of the last RCIA process - the catechumens were baptized on Holy Saturday Night; the candidates made their profession of Faith; and the process is still on going as it does not end until Pentecost. So they are dealing with whomever joined the Church a few weeks ago, and have a responsibility to them which comes before a responsibility to others wanting to join through the next RCIA program.

My parish does not officially start RCIA until September. I have tried for many years to change that, and so far have very limited success (I have been a team member of RCIA for something like 15 years or so).

I can understand not only frustration, but a few other emotions if in the middle of this, you have been trying to resolve some housing issues. Please try to not let that spill over into your feelings or reactions to the parish. I cannot speak to how well they are organized, and I can guarantee that RCIA may come across as “one size fits all” and that can cause consternation. You may need to avail yourself of some written materials in addition to the class; and above all, patience.

Welcome to your exploration of Catholicism; may you be very blessed on this journey.

As to trying other parishes, I can’t speak to the matter as I don’t know what is really going on in the one you have approached; but all the others are likely to be in the same position - working with the current RCIA group which just entered the Church at Easter.
 
I’d think there’d be more “Why praying to Mary is NOT worshiping” type discussions. Certainly, if this is a year long process, we will not get through the Bible anyway, not at barely three chapters a week.
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You won’t be taught what the Church isn’t, or what she doesn’t believe- you should be taught what she IS, and what she DOES believe. If a classmate has the question about why this isn’t considered worship, then it would get discussed, but if no one brings it up, or has a problem with what the Church teaches, why side track with a bunch of “we don’t do these things” There is plenty we DO do to discuss! 🙂
 
Sorry you’re having this experience. Try another parish’s RCIA program. Also try limiting your expectations. receive the sacraments then work on gaining knowledge of the faith finding the best places and ways to practice it.
 
I am returning Catholic and will be confirmed end of May. It was not required of me to attend RICA, but I have been studying the Catechism. And at first was going through many difficulties on all levels…personalities, conflicting information, wrong information. I was saying “really??” "and you want me to study what?"But I knew- I know- God’s will for me was to return to his church, after a lifetime away-that much I never doubted.

So first I centered on that. It was God’s will I was following. Then -belief that he would offer me his grace, it giving me the strength sufficient. And send gifts of the Holy Spirit
wisdom understanding counsel courage knowledge reverence and wonder and awe of our Lord…and really that is how I started when things became difficult confusing and all that.

I would say probably the most powerful teaching I have received so far is a group started at our parrish…we meet weekly and are studying Farther Robert Barron’s Catholicism Series- which is the most amazing initiation one could receive-you can get more info at his website wordonfire.com -as well as see some clips.

I’ve said- and will say…RICA members and leaders…this series is it! older Catholics- cradle Catholics - lukewarm- just curious…this series is it!

A review from George Weigel - one of the leading authorities on the Catholic Church in the world. He is the author of more than 15 books, including Witness to Hope and The End and the Beginning, the two-part biography of Blessed Pope John Paul II, and most recently, *Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st Century Catholic Church. *

says Weigel:**" Father Robert Barron’s “Catholicism” series—the DVDs and the book—is the best introduction to the Church of the future that I know. Every Catholic parish in America should junk its RCIA and adult education programs for a year and adopt “Catholicism” instead. The results would be, I think, remarkable." link attached:

**catholicworldreport.com/Item/2133/evangelical_catholicism_pope_francis_and_the_21stcentury_church

One final word. For awhile I was experiencing what I can only believe was from the evil one…to be sure he will do whatever to derail you. Confusion, even use others to do so. someone on here suggested I just pray the rosary a lot when this happened and I think he has finally gotten the message. Mother Angelic says to just laugh at the evil one. I think God allows these things to strengthen us- helping us to decide to order our hearts to His will.

hope this helps and no matter the how difficulty may appear, The angels in heaven rejoice! God Bless. praying for you~
 
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