RCIA Troubles and the lot

[gmrfrlife]

Last Easter I was confirmed. I come from a Pentecostal background. I noticed members of my parish look at me with suspicion. During RCIA most of the material I already knew since I have a degree from a bible college. When things were referenced in the Catechism I would reference scripture. I think they were intimidated by the education I already had. I am not sure how to fix it.

 

[midori]

Congratulations.

So-- I know RCIA continues through Pentecost of your confirmation year. Is it still continuing? How much longer do you have to go?

Without knowing your classroom dynamic, and without knowing what form your class participation took— I’m curious if the “looking with suspicion” might have been more of a “aughhhh, I want to go home to dinner” kind of a look. Because I’ve known those looks to definitely crop up when the teacher and a student get too far into the weeds, and the rest of the class just wants to get through the material and get on with the evening.

 

[Convert3]

Congratulations to you!
I wouldn’t concern myself with it. RCIA does cover a lot of material that a practicing Protestant would know. Concentrate on the differences that you need to understand better and don’t worry what others think, because you’re probably mistaken. Get involved in the church and you’ll get to know people better. Join the Knights of Columbus or participate in another way. I’m a member of our hospitality group, a lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. I also participate in a weekly Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer group. Find your niche and don’t worry what others think. I went through RCIA just over two years ago.

 

[1ke]

I noticed members of my parish look at me with suspicion.

The old, “they’re looking at me funny…” I have to say, this is in your head.

I think they were intimidated by the education I already had.

Meh, probably not. There are many who come to RCIA with a lot of knowledge and background from their prior faith community.

I am not sure how to fix it.

I don’t really see what there is to fix. You are a confirmed Catholic. Go forth, live your life.

 

[adf417]

There is the possibility that the student has surpassed the teacher.

Peace!!!

 

[Dovekin]

As an rcia catechist, I always wonder what i can offer. And how I can get others to offer what they have.

You have been confirmed now. Please continue to offer what you know. And continue to learn from those who know different things, or know the same things differently.

 

[Michael16]

I wouldn’t worry. I’m a convert myself from Lutheranism. You might just be feeling the “ new guy “ jitters. Welcome home!

 

[Dlee]

When things were referenced in the Catechism I would reference scripture

You sound like me - this is how we were taught - to answer questions with a scripture. That is okay! The more you use and become familiar with the Catechism, you’ll find yourself referencing both. I always carried my Bible to church, but now, I use the missalette provided. Some have their own missal. I could also use my Catholic Bible and ribbon the readings ahead of time. Don’t worry about it - you are now Catholic - enjoy!

 

[Minks]

@gmrfrlife Hi! Like others who have posted, I welcome you and hope that your time here will be rewarding to you. Best wishes to you!

I tend to agree with previous posters that others in your church may not actually be looking askance at you. Converting to another religion is a monumental undertaking, and I can imagine that you might feel like a spotlight follows your every move.

On the other hand, since you’ve asked, there are two issues that raise questions for me, based upon what you’ve chosen to reveal.

First, you’ve not identified your religion as Catholic, or convert, or something similar, but as “AKO.ako.25,” which, when I googled, raised even more questions. If I’m understanding correctly, you’ve made reference to a woman singer as your religion, and that does seem strange to me, since you present yourself as both wanting to be accepted and baffled as to why others might not accept you, yet you are cryptic in merely identifying your faith. Regardless of your motivation, that is rather setting yourself apart from a normal response, is it not? Especially, when you’ve intimated that some in your church are not accepting you at face value?

Second, you’ve told us that during RCIA classes, you chose to delve into the Bible, rather than a catechism, when a question needed our Catholic interpretation, which would be the only reason the others were searching in their catechisms. Since it’s fairly common knowledge among RCIA attendees that Catholics temper their understanding of Scripture through the teachings of the Church, covered in the catechism, rather than only relying upon Scripture, could it not have seemed to your classmates that you were clinging to Sola Scriptura? I can understand that you’d consult Scripture, in addition to and after reading the catechism, but not in place of it.

I’m reminded of an old TV show, “What’s My Line?” I guess I’m left to wonder, “Will the real gmrfrlife please stand up?”