RCIA Sound Off!

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petr

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Have you started classes this year? Congratulations !!! Tell us about it. Good, bad, and ugly.

I went through last year. My journey was filled with curiosity, eagerness, frustration and ultimately transformation. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I encourage all of you to stay focused and engaged in the process no matter the issue … because … you probably will experience problems that will stop you from coming to class.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome my Brothers and Sisters.
Code: 
God of pardon and mercy,
you reveal yourself in your readiness to forgive
and manifest your glory by making us holy.

Grant that we who repent
may be cleansed from sin
and restored to your life of grace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
 
RCIA isn’t a “class” it is a process. Our parish has a year round process. We have two catechumens who have been with us since the spring. One has been all though Catholic school and knows a lot. The other didn’t know much at all but is eating it all up. We just go a candidate a few weeks ago who happens to be the brother in law of someone who went through the process and was baptized two years ago. We’ve also had a few inquiries but they haven’t come to sessions yet. If they don’t start soon they probably will have to by pass Easter this year. We also have a few kids in our parish school who haven’t been baptized who will go through a two year process.
 
Right now, I am interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, as well as other religions before I decide where I belong. I’m not in RCIA now but I might do it in the future. 🙂
 
Hi everyone my name is Lea I sstarted RCIA in August and I am loving it!!!😃 I also want to say that it is a process with ups and downs but with the good Lord by your side you can make it good luck to all who are also sharing this journey:thumbsup:
 
The Sister leading our RCIA classes is a religious relativist. The first two classes were painfully boring ‘self examination’ classes that boiled down to her asking us how we feel about a song, or a single bible verse, and an endless explanation on how to journal.

After that classes picked up but the more we actually study religious things (We’ve discussed who Jesus was and what the Bible is) the more her relativism peeks out.

Quite frankly I find her frustrating BUT I am refusing to sit in judgment and declare everything she says as useless because of her obvious confusion. Instead I look for the pearls and because I’ve been doing this I"ve been enjoying myself. 😃

A month in and I haven’t learned ANYTHING yet but I’m hoping things start to get more interesting soon!!!
 
petr said:
Have you started classes this year? Congratulations !!! Tell us about it. Good, bad, and ugly.

I went through last year. My journey was filled with curiosity, eagerness, frustration and ultimately transformation. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I encourage all of you to stay focused and engaged in the process no matter the issue … because … you probably will experience problems that will stop you from coming to class.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome my Brothers and Sisters.
Code: 
God of pardon and mercy,
you reveal yourself in your readiness to forgive
and manifest your glory by making us holy.

Grant that we who repent
may be cleansed from sin
and restored to your life of grace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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We started RCIA two weeks ago. I’m a catechist/team member. We have a large group-around 20 people, very interested in learning about the faith and quite talkative. They all bring a rich background of life experience, searching, seeking, etc. I think it will be very interesting this year.
 
I start my classes tomorrow and will let you all know how it goes. I suffered a great deal of spiritual abuse as a child so we will see how I handlethe classes. So far Mass is the only church service that has brought me any peace so I am hoping the classes will as well. I am praying for strength tonight. Good luck to all starting I hope it leads you down a wonderful path
 
I am having a very difficult time. My conversion began in December while I was still living in New York. There I attended a parish with amazing Dominican priests and with a young adult Catholics group full of smart and knowledgeable people. With them as my guides and I learned so much before the circumstances of life forced me to move to Montana about a month ago. Since I have gotten here I have been rather confused and dismayed at what I have encountered. One priest I talked to mentioned that the Church in the western states is much more informal then in the eastern states, but I feel that there is more going on here than just a lack of kneelers and an excess of hand holding. I have heard what I can only describe as false teaching from both a priest and an RCIA “team member”. I have encountered hostility towards traditionalism, and been made to feel that the manner of devotion which has sustained me through darkness and despair is unwanted here. I really don’t know what to do.
There is a small church about 25 minutes away that occasionally offers the Latin Mass, which I came to love while in New York. I have considered going there and asking the priest if I can have some sort of RCIA with him instead of the one at the church in town. What I want and need is serious catechismal instruction not a lot of “faith exploration”. At the same time I am concerned about “church shopping”. I am, after all, joining the Catholic Church not the church of this town or the next. I am afraid that, in light of serious problems, the informality is becoming a stumbling block and maybe I should learn to get over it. I just wish I had one Catholic here whose orthodoxy I could trust. I feel lost.
 
you should really listen to your heart. not every church is right for everyone. go check out the other church. they shouldnt be there to make you feel bad but to lift you up. go try out the other church and see if you get a better reception
 
I started a week ago. The first meeting was just about everyone introducing themselves and going over their faith history ( or lack there of). We had about 10 candidates and a total of about 20 people with RCIA commitee members and Sponsors. A good mix of men and women and younger people and older people. The program is run by a Sister that is also the principle of the school the Church runs.

It was a good first session, I think we have a good group.

This is actually my second crack at it. I stared RCIA several years ago but ended up moving and never got back to it or found a chuch I liked. Then I moved again a few years ago and found a very nice church that I like a lot.
 
Rose27 said:
I am having a very difficult time. I just wish I had one Catholic here whose orthodoxy I could trust. I feel lost.
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See, I told you almost everyone will have some problem that challenges them. Doctrine, schedules, culture, whatever. “The times they are a changing … and so are you.” I am beginning to think this is an inherent part of the RCIA process.

Side note: One of my favorite events during RCIA was when the Priest asked the candidates to come forward in Mass for the first time. We knelt down and the Priest prayed an exorcism prayer. Then the congregation repeated. 😉 They do that for a very good reason. This is spiritual warfare people. That prayer lifted a burden off of me that I cannot describe. I pray that all of you will be shown the same graces.👍

Rose, I understand. In my area I am lucky enough to have a conservative culture. But, not very far away things are very different culturally. Don’t let anything stop you.

We’ve made it through the doctrine of Mary! Sheesh, that was a tough one for many of my protestant brothers. But, we made it and are moving to other subjects. 👍
 
I began a formal RCIA process this year in September. Previously, I had been meeting with a representative of the Arch Diocese regularly, beginning last year as I missed the “RCIA season” start in '09.

It’s a big group, approx. 60 folks from all walks of life and interest, cradle Catholics, latent, other denominations, and folks like myself coming from no baptized background or established religion.

So far it has been enjoyable, informative, difficult, and uplifting at times. Both the parish priest, the RCIA director, and volunteers assist in the process. Occasionally we are visited by other priests and brothers of the parish as well.

RCIA members meet at 3 different Sunday mass times weekly ( a choice of 3 time slots), usually up front by the pulpit in a reserved section. The RCIA director, or a volunteer will explain the mass, readings, etc. about 15min before mass begins to folks who need it. It’s nice to be at mass with others on the journey, after a year of attending mass solo.

Last week I was asked to present the Gifts, which was a fun honor. So far, with the weekly study guides (we have them online at the parish website, and in handout form weekly), and group participation, it has been a nice experience. A great way to learn about Catholicism in my opinion. The parish really has a great program put together, and I’m blessed for waiting for it.
 
Two classes so far, plus the orientation dinner prior. I think the group is 20ish people or so, but most seem to be already members, so uncertain how many specifically are new inquirers like me.

Really enjoying it, and I know I will learn a lot…already, it is insane the amount of negativity around the rest of my life, going on. And now I am sort of panicky and having doubts…I have to remember to trust my feelings, the ones of peace and just knowledge of how true it is for me. I think there are obstacles that are flying into my face at incredible speeds, it is sort of hard to ignore them.

Then again, this is not my first time becoming a convert to a religion, so it should be something I have practiced for. Never in my life have I experienced such trials, so much threatening to keep me from making those steps. I suppose I should take that as a sign that I am indeed making the correct choice!

Excited to attend our next meeting!
 
Well…as a child I was baptized Catholic…and had first communion already…but never confirmed. But my husband is converting so I’m in RCIA with him. Problem is…it’s inquiry right now…and I’m bored out of my mind…except the nights where Fr. comes to talk. It’s weird though…talking about reconciliiaton and the Eucharist. I want to scream “of course I know about this…I have to go to reconciliation!” Oh…just waiting until the inquiry part is done…
 
i just started it in aug . I have learned so many thing its amazing
 
Hellooo!
I began the RCIA process in August and have loved it so-far. I’ll be 31 at the end of the month, have a Lutheran background, but have been leaning toward Catholicism for years now. Being pregnant with my first child finally pushed me back to the church, and I’m so happy to be a part of my group.I had felt something was missing in me for years and didn’t want my daughter to come to adulthood feeling the same way. There are actually only two of us newbies–the other person with no religious background at all–but there are other members of our parish who partake to learn more despite having been practicing Catholics for years–along with those assisting in the lessons and our sponsors. The questions asked have really opened my eyes and like other posters, I feel like we’re a small but happy family. There’s a lot of wisdom and faith in my group and i feel so happy being part of it. 😛
 
Started RCIA in September, and am loving it Our priest does most of the teaching, and he does a really great job. I do sometimes wish, though, that they had a “fast-track” program for those who are baptized Christians and have already studied the Catholic faith extensively, because most of what we are learning so far in RCIA is review. But since there isn’t, I’m just enjoying the journey, and hoping that Easter will come quickly!
 
EnglishTeacher said:
Started RCIA in September, and am loving it Our priest does most of the teaching, and he does a really great job. I do sometimes wish, though, that they had a “fast-track” program for those who are baptized Christians and have already studied the Catholic faith extensively, because most of what we are learning so far in RCIA is review. But since there isn’t, I’m just enjoying the journey, and hoping that Easter will come quickly!
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I know what you mean about the review. 🙂 Last week we discussed what prayer is… um, I’ve been praying for 28 years I think I figured that out already. Hee. But, still, I suppose we just gotta keep reviewing. 🤷
 
I’m starting RCIA here in Jan. Our parish meant to begin it earlier, but the lady in charge is recovering from a REALLY bad case of pneumonia and since I’m the only student, we’re taking it easy.

I come from a United Methodist/United Church of Christ upbringing with a 1/2 Catholic family (Dad, Brother, Dad’s whole family). DH is Catholic and returning to the Church which is one of the many things that prompted my turning to the Catholic Church.
 
Hello
Code: 
 I'm having a horrible experience. I only need confirmation but I was advised to go through the process to better prepare me. Ugh! I'm not liking it at all. Here's why:
1- The other people in the group don’t take dismissal seriously and often make light of what we are doing and use dismissal as a time to complain about their problems, make jokes about the faith and bash on other religions. I hit the ceiling when a gal grabbed the bible and flipped to the scripture smirked and said " I guess I’ll do story-time today." My mouth is still on the ground.

2- Never let the parish provide you a sponsor. I don’t have a sponsor and am now stuck with a gal who totally dislikes me. Please find a nice catholic peep who is willing to hang out with you. Never let a stranger be your sponsor. It would have been better to have just not started RCIA at all. I wish I knew someone who was catholic to sponsor me. This feels like an arranged marriage and we are both miserable.

3- No one makes a peep or ask any questions but complains bitterly after class that they are not being catechized well. In short people dislike a lot of the tenets of the faith but don’t want to admit it but don’t mind whining later on about not understanding.

4- The communion of saints. Oh good gravy! The recoil when we hit that subject was visible from outer space! No one seems to dig this aspect of the faith and has done nothing but complain about why we revere the V.M. Ugh! When those rosary pamphlets came out all heck broke loose. We lost one gal because of it. I adore the saints and have a strong devotion to the V.M. and I don’t understand why there is such a closed minded attitude about it. The V.M. is the mother of our Lord sheesh get over it!

Take Care M
 
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