RCIA Update, and a Question

[chloebelle]

Hi everyone! I haven’t been on this board much lately, but I’ve got a feeling I’ll be here far more frequently now because I just finished my initial RCIA interview! I was a bit nervous but it really went so well. The religious ed coordinator I spoke with was so warm and welcoming, and seemed genuinely interested in my well-being. We also really just hit it off personality wise and have a lot in common. She also told me which mass she attends and invited me to sit with her.

  The pastor there is known throughout the community for being kind of a rockstar, I haven't met him yet, but I'm really excited because she kind of reiterated what I'd already heard about him from others. She says he's the best priest she'd ever worked with in her 40 years of heading the program. I really like how the program is organized and it's convenient for my schedule with meeting times and such. I'm soooooo excited to start this new chapter in my life, and this has really solidified that my coming into the church was the right thing to do. I'm so happy. :egyptian:

However, I do have one question. While she was running through the different steps of the process, she mentioned something called the book of the elect. She told me that all of the candidates go to the cathedral and sign it. What exactly is that? I meant to ask her but didn't get the chance. I've looked it up online and it talks about who signs it, but not what it actually *is*. So, could anyone elaborate for me? Thanks for all of your help! :heart: :heart:

 

[mikeghiorso]

Each parish maintains a Book of the Elect which each RCIA candidate signs (usually during Lent at the local Cathedral). The term elect means “one who is called.” It represents your calling into the Faith. In our parish, once it is signed, it is placed near the altar so all the parishioners can pray for the Elect as they approach the Easter Sacraments. After the Rite of Election, the RCIA candidates are called “the Elect” in the prayers and Scrutinies approaching Easter (Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent). Congratulations and blessings on your journey.

 

[psalm90]

What is the text for RCIA? Is it standardized? How do the dedicated volunteers who teach RCIA qualify for that?

 

[Horton]

What is the text for RCIA? Is it standardized? How do the dedicated volunteers who teach RCIA qualify for that?

There are various programs depending on what the parish wants to use. I’ve been involved with 3 parishes and all used different programs. However all three programs taught the same basics so in that way they are standardized.

The volunteers with RCIA are generally made up of the laity. The RCIA director at my parish is a deacon & his wife, but all the other volunteers are laity. The previous parishes had lay people as directors.

As far as qualification, that is up to the priest of the parish to determine. Fidelity to the Catholic faith would most likely be one of the most important qualifications. Knowledge of the material being taught is certainty another. Of course being able to actually teach is another. There are people who can know the material but are not able convey it to others. The director usually assigns certain topics to various volunteers, but generally the directors lead the class. There are certain topics that are covered by the priest.