RCIA tuition - what is the norm?

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Nina

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Hello everyone!

I’m considering starting RCIA – the cost is $70 and I was curious if this was typical for churches to do? I really like this particular church.

I’m completely new to Catholicism so I have no reference to other churches. whether they usually have a charge and if they do, what is considered reasonable. Can you tell me a bit about the RCIA programs in your churches, specifically in regards to tuition and what’s provided? I know for my program a book and I think a Missal is given with the program.

Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide 🙂
 
I’m surprised they charge, although the expense is often in that range.
 
Zero in our RCIA process. I don’t think it’s wise to charge inquiring Catholics.
 
I don’t remember my wife’s RCIA program having a charge, but it’s probably down to whether the parish has the resources. RCIA programs may include Bibles, Catechisms, retreats, other educational materials, and certainly people’s time. It is usually a September to Easter program so it doesn’t seem excessive for most individual converts.

I would like to think, though, that if anyone had financial issues they could speak to the priest or Director of Education and receive assistance. Converts definitely shouldn’t be gated out from Catholicism because they can’t pay.
 
I should mention I’m allowed to attend sessions whether I’m able to pay or not(I’ve been going for a bit), but I think to officially enter the program as a Catechuminate is where the tuition comes in.
 
goout said:
Zero in our RCIA process. I don’t think it’s wise to charge inquiring Catholics.
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I agree with this. My last post did cover what the funds might be for, and for such things in and of themselves the cost may be reasonable, but in regards to converting to the faith I must agree with you.
 
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Nina said:
I should mention I’m allowed to attend sessions whether I’m able to pay or not(I’ve been going for a bit), but I think to officially enter the program as a Catechuminate is where the tuition comes in.
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I would confirm with the priest or director of the program.
 
I’ve been on my parish RCIA team for over 20 years and we have never charged participants a dime. One might considering contacting a different parish if possible. All material is provided including a Bible are provided without charge. Donations are never asked for.
 
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There was no mention of money whatsoever when my wife and I went through it last year. That’s really odd.
 
They actually got the catechumens gifts the night of Easter vigil.
 
It’s a bad look at the least. Probably shouldnt confuse inquiring souls with any fees at all. Though it works for scientology…
 
Granted they help those who need financial assistance…I’m wondering if this situation should be considered a red flag that they’re bringing up money at all or if I should be understanding that some parishes don’t have as many resources as others for these programs.

Thank you all for your responses so far.
 
RCIA leads to a sacrament and there is no charge for a sacrament, right? I never paid anything and we do not charge anyone. As a catechist, we are not paid.
 
The cost structures for RCIA vary by parish.

At most parishes, there’s no charge for the RCIA classes, but you might or might not be expected to buy your own copies of necessary books, like a Bible and a Catechism. Some parishes just buy these, or get them free via a donation, and hand them out to the catechumens at no charge. Other parishes expect the catechumens to buy the books as they would buy a textbook, and the person can choose whether to buy a new copy or a cheaper old beat up used copy. If you have no money for books, then they might show you where you can access Bible and catechism free online, or just quietly hook you up with free books.

Other parishes do charge for the program. Usually the fee is in the 20 to 50 dollar range and they should be able to give you a price breakdown, e.g. 25 dollars for books, 10 dollars for food at the meetings, etc. I think in addition to covering costs and not having “hidden” costs (like being expected to buy your own book), some parishes reason that those willing to pay a fee will put more value on the classes and be more committed to going through the process.

A handful of parishes charge really high fees, like in the triple digits. In those cases you’d definitely want to see a price breakdown before you commit and compare costs with other nearby parishes (if there are any). Some parishes use a paid catechist which would drive up cost, or the catechist has to come in from a distance away. However, the parish should also have some mechanism for helping people who don’t have the money to pay.
 
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First, welcome to the forums, @Nina.

Both my wife and I went through RCIA at different parishes and there was zero cost either time. To the best of my knowledge, none of the parishes in the two diocese near us charge tuition or fees of any kind.

The parishes I’ve been involved with normally provide copies of the New American Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and/or the Compendium of the CCC. Many parishes also include other books like A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Why We’re Catholic, et cetera. All these books are provided gratis. We actually have a box of books just of the entrance to the church where the pastor will give people without a Bible a free copy.

I can kinda understand a parish that is stretched needing to find a way to cover the cost, but personally I would have been slightly put off if I was asked to pay tuition. In my mind, RCIA isn’t a self enrichment class but providing people what is freely given by God. Because of that I see it as a right of God’s children that falls under the Church’s mandate to go forth and make disciples of the world. Generally not good policy to charge people to hear the message of God.
 
I went through RCIA and now I’m a member of the RCIA team. My parish provides a NABRE Bible, Catechism, a number of booklets and usually a few other books that we pick based on the individual’s background. We’ve never charged for the class or materials and we don’t ask for donations. The Knights of Columbus usually do one or two fundraisers a year to cover the cost of materials and place a bulk order for all the books we need. I can see why a parish might charge though. It can get expensive and a lot of parishes might be struggling financially or simply not have any kind of program in place to cover costs.
 
I’m sorry but this is terrible, imo. I would find another parish because if they charge for this they will probably be in your pocket for everything with mandatory charges.

I was charged nothing a few years back and that’s how it should be. Lunch was provided and they had a donation box there with zero pressure to help cover lunch fees. Often times RCIA instructors would pitch in as the ministry only has so many funds.
 
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I have never heard of any charges for RCIA. I always thought it was free.
 
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