RCIA. Why so long? When did it start?

[teadough]

When did the tradition of RCIA class start? What types of activities did the early Church Fathers have to do whenever they became a Catholic?

Also,why is it so long? Out of 30 people in our class,at least 10 stopped coming because of the time constraints and family obligations. Some were single parents or lived too far away to come to RCIA then attend Mass later in the week.

Should the Church change/re-format this tradition? Seems like more people would be more willing to come to the Catholic Faith. You could get together everyday and talk about the Catholic Faith and never run out of subjects.

 

[Irish_Saints]

RCIA in itself is actually more of a harkening back to the early centuries of the Church, when catechumens would be instructed in the faith for as much as 2-3 years before being brought into full communion with the Church. This served a number of purposes, I would imagine. First, it would tend to separate “wheat from chaff”, those merely curious from those who earnestly hungered after the truth. Secondly, it ensured that the whole and unambiguous gospel of Christ be handed on to the inquirer. And thirdly, in an age when persecution was rampant, I would imagine any “spies” would be rooted out by the waiting process.

I’m not entirely sure about the origins of what has become RCIA, although I strongly suspect it was a direct result of the post Vatican II Council. I do know that RCIA appears to have become a blanket tool for instruction of all sorts, although technically acccording to the norms of the US Bishops Conference, strictly speaking RCIA was for those non-baptised, non-catechised individuals who were inquiring into the Church. Those christians from other communities, who have already been validly baptised, were to undergo necessary instruction in the Catholic faith but were originally to be kept distinct from the catechumenate. Again, it appears in most parishes these days that a “one size fits all” RCIA program handles both the un-baptised and baptised in one class.

 

[teadough]

. Those christians from other communities, who have already been validly baptised, were to undergo necessary instruction in the Catholic faith but were originally to be kept distinct from the catechumenate. Again, it appears in most parishes these days that a “one size fits all” RCIA program handles both the un-baptised and baptised in one class.

Yes!! It is one size fits all. We have one guy that has not been baptized. He has still attended other churches for some time. That is the part that gets me on some nights. This one lady will sit there and talk to us like we have lived in caves and have never heard of Jesus. Last week she talked from 7-9:45pm about Abortion. Drives me crazy some nights. Especially after I work a 12 hr shift and then have to go listen to her explain to us how Jesus died for our sins for 2 hours. The classes when the Priest come are wonderful and directly to the point. They only come every now and then and we have been doing tis since September.

We have three instructors and all of them are single with no obligations to attend at their home. All but one try and keep us for the 2 hr period.

 

[Irish_Saints]

Yes!! It is one size fits all. We have one guy that has not been baptized. He has still attended other churches for some time. That is the part that gets me on some nights. This one lady will sit there and talk to us like we have lived in caves and have never heard of Jesus. Last week she talked from 7-9:45pm about Abortion. Drives me crazy some nights. Especially after I work a 12 hr shift and then have to go listen to her explain to us how Jesus died for our sins for 2 hours. The classes when the Priest come are wonderful and directly to the point. They only come every now and then and we have been doing tis since September.

We have three instructors and all of them are single with no obligations to attend at their home. All but one try and keep us for the 2 hr period.

All I can say teadough, is “keep your eyes on the prize!” It’ll be worth it come Easter Vigil!

I’m in a bit of a pickle myself…I’m physically unable to get to RCIA classes, so I have to try to contact the local chancery and see if it’s possible to do my instruction another way. I’m not looking for an “end run” to the communion line, mind you. But I’ve been a christian for nearly 25 years, and have been inquiring into the Catholic Church for nearly 12 of those! I’ve read the Bible (naturally), the Catechism, the early Church Fathers, writings of the saints, notable Catholic authors such as Newman and Chesterton…I say the blessing for every meal, I routinely and habitually make the sign of the cross, I recite the rosary and the chaplet of Divine Mercy. Basically, in every way but sacramentally I conduct myself as a Catholic Christian. I just need to “ink the deal”, so to speak.

 

[love4mary]

Although RCIA is the preferred norm in almost all parishes in the U.S., there are still other avenues available to those wanting to be in Full Communion.

Schedule an appointment with the priest and ask him if he can instruct you one-on-one. Explain your situation If, and this is a BIG IF, the priest has enough time in his schedule, he may give you private instruction.

This has happened many times in my parish. Our former pastor (pray for him as he serves our country in Iraq) instructed a young couple seeking Full Communion.

Speaking as someone who went through RCIA, I can understand how it can drag on. I used to complain that we got more “dessert” instead of “Meat and Potatoes” in terms of instruction, but let me tell you,the Easter Vigil made up for all of that. Plus I studied on my own after my children went to bed, and as long as I read Church approved information, I was safe, then I would simply bring up questions I had gained from my studies at the meetings.

 

[teadough]

I believe everyone when they say the wait will be well worth it. The anticipation makes it so exciting.:bowdown: I remember calling the Parish last June and feeling set back when they told me I would have to wait till Sept to start. In a way it is sort of a right of passage. Either way,I still feel very much apart of the Catholic Church.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

When did the tradition of RCIA class start?

The roots of RCIA for adults are of course found in the early Church. The current Rite was called for by Vatican II and was first put in place in the 1970’s and has developed since with National Statutes being added for particular countries along the way.

What types of activities did the early Church Fathers have to do whenever they became a Catholic?

The Early Church model was one of instruction in small groups usually away from the main Christian gathering. Because of persecution and death threats, Christians were very cautious of who they allowed in their company. The idea of Sponsor comes from this. You had to have someone known by the community to “Sponsor” you so that the community would feel safe that you were not a government “spy”, looking for Christians and their meeting places.
Usually this inquiry took a year or so when it was shown that you were really serious by the way that you changed the way you lived your life ,by observation and “testing”, more formal instruction was given. The whole process took several years. A Catechumen was not told however about the “secrets”. After you Baptism you were instructed in the the “secrets” the Sacraments. This took place usually every day for several months and were continued to be instructed for another year as a Neophyte or New Christian.

Also,why is it so long? Out of 30 people in our class,at least 10 stopped coming because of the time constraints and family obligations. Some were single parents or lived too far away to come to RCIA then attend Mass later in the week.

It is very important for everyone in this process to understand the seriousness, by demonstrating a clear commitment to learning the Christian faith and practice. Most RCIA processes that I know of have done many extra things to make it possible for people to attend. Like offering child care during the sessions and during the Mass that all Catechumens and Candidates attend together. Some have offered special sessions on Saturday morning once a month, for those who were unable to attend a Tuesday session(s) in the past month. I have known of RCIA sessions being held in homes to allow for the children to play together under the supervision of an older sister or brother while mom or dads attended the RCIA session.

Should the Church change/re-format this tradition? Seems like more people would be more willing to come to the Catholic Faith. You could get together everyday and talk about the Catholic Faith and never run out of subjects.

When someone see the Catholic faith for what it is they will do whatever they need to do to participate. The Christian community into which they are seeking entry will also help in whatever way they can.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Yes!! It is one size fits all. We have one guy that has not been baptized. He has still attended other churches for some time. That is the part that gets me on some nights. This one lady will sit there and talk to us like we have lived in caves and have never heard of Jesus. Last week she talked from 7-9:45pm about Abortion. Drives me crazy some nights. Especially after I work a 12 hr shift and then have to go listen to her explain to us how Jesus died for our sins for 2 hours. The classes when the Priest come are wonderful and directly to the point. They only come every now and then and we have been doing tis since September.

We have three instructors and all of them are single with no obligations to attend at their home. All but one try and keep us for the 2 hr period.

This is why it is very important to have proper training in the RCIA for those directing it. The large group may begin as one large group for opening prayer and announcements. But then should be broken into those in the Catechumenate, seeking Baptism.

Those already Baptized.

Those seeking some other adult ed like Sacramental preparation or additional catechesis because they are returning to the Catholic faith.

The group can then come back together for the close of the session.

Also only Catechumens are dismissed from Mass for what is called BOW.

 

[puzzleannie]

Should the Church change/re-format this tradition? Seems like more people would be more willing to come to the Catholic Faith. You could get together everyday and talk about the Catholic Faith and never run out of subjects.

“the Catholic Church” provides the rites and the sacraments, and the doctrine, and the laws relating to them.

“the Catholic Parish” under direction of the local bishop applies the rites and the prescribed preparation for them to meet the needs of those within those parish boundaries who are seeking to become Catholic. there are as many variations on how, when, where and for how long that preparation occurs as there are parishes.

the question OP really wants to ask, I think, is should the local parish adapt its policies to assure that all those who approach for initiation into the Church are given what they need according to their status and invidual circumstances. the answer is yes the local parish should do everything in its power to make sure everyone is reached, but experience shows that the more you bend over backwards, make exceptions, and try to make things easier, the more people, being human, tend to take advantage of your goodwill and expect more leniency and exceptions.

there is a minimum amount of instruction on doctrine and practice of the faith a candidate needs to make an informed choice to ask for the sacraments and to prepare for them, and the intermediate rites (with their preparation) assist that process.

RCIA is above all a process of conversion, it cannot be rushed, it is an internal spiritual work of the Holy Spirit within the individual, and those guiding his preparation cannot rush the Holy Spirit, or push the individual to accept and claim things before he is ready.

How long should it take?
It takes as long as it takes.
every person is different, is starting from a different point, and has their own journey to make. the role of RCIA and those who facilitate that process is to sponsor, companion and guide that person on the journey, in union with the whole Church, toward union with the Church.

it takes as long as it takes.

someone who is not willing to make the commitment to participate in the preparation and instruction may just need longer to reach a point where that commitment is possible.

we are speaking here of those for whom RCIA primarily applies: the unbaptized and uncatechized.

baptized Christians have already experience initial conversion so they do not need to pass Go they can go directly to the next step, which is preparation for a profession of faith, Confirmation and first communion, preceded by a general confession. Yes as with all Christians they are in a process of continuing conversion, but their status as baptized must be recognized and celebrated, and no, their preparation should not be forced into a mold suitable for the unbaptized.

yes, parishes, that means pastors, have the obligation to meet such individuals where they are and bring them the rest of the way, without forcing them to go back to square 1.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Although RCIA is the preferred norm in almost all parishes in the U.S., there are still other avenues available to those wanting to be in Full Communion.

Schedule an appointment with the priest and ask him if he can instruct you one-on-one. Explain your situation If, and this is a BIG IF, the priest has enough time in his schedule, he may give you private instruction.

This has happened many times in my parish. Our former pastor (pray for him as he serves our country in Iraq) instructed a young couple seeking Full Communion.

Speaking as someone who went through RCIA, I can understand how it can drag on. I used to complain that we got more “dessert” instead of “Meat and Potatoes” in terms of instruction, but let me tell you,the Easter Vigil made up for all of that. Plus I studied on my own after my children went to bed, and as long as I read Church approved information, I was safe, then I would simply bring up questions I had gained from my studies at the meetings.

I find a lot of posts like this one difficult because our RCIA for the 5 years I was involved in it’s leadership had the groups bond together so well that they wanted to keep on attending well after Mystagogy. We even did just that and offered to form a Small Christian Community out of each RCIA group after RCIA. Just so they could continue meeting , not necessarly weekly but monthly or one group did bi-weekly.

 

[LeahInancsi]

I find a lot of posts like this one difficult because our RCIA for the 5 years I was involved in it’s leadership had the groups bond together so well that they wanted to keep on attending well after Mystagogy. We even did just that and offered to form a Small Christian Community out of each RCIA group after RCIA. Just so they could continue meeting , not necessarly weekly but monthly or one group did bi-weekly.

I’m one of those who miss RCIA two years later. We became very close as a group and the DRE who taught the class was awesome. There is so much more to learn after RCIA that is available in books, but it was so nice to share it as a group where we could ask questions of someone who knew the answers.

In answer to one of the OP’s questions about RCIA being too long, I think a commitment should be made to being Catholic and attending each class and other activities is one way to create that commitment. Becoming Catholic is very special and holy. All this regardless of how Christian one feels they are.

 

[love4mary]

My RCIA might have lacked in the education portion, but Not in the friendships that resulted and those who volunteered as RCIA team members were incredible. I was spiritually and emotionally supported every step of the way.

We started out with 14 “newbies” in September but only 4 were confirmed at the Easter Vigil. One left the church completely within 3 years, one continues to attend Mass, but only on occasion and the other two, myself and the other are regular Mass goers.

Getting involved in parish activities is very important for those coming into the church. For many, friends and family have abandoned them due to their conversions and the feeling of isolation is very real. Let them know that they have a new and wonderful family in the parish community. I have known to many converts who have left the faith due to the loneliness of feeling like they no longer belong to a family. Make an extra effort to reach out to them.

I am now a Sacristan, Altar Server and EMHC plus I help clean the parish building once a week. Get involved!

Oh, and as for the wait?.,.,By the time of the Easter Vigil, I was absolutly STARVED for my Lord in the Holy Eucharist. The wait it worth it.

 

[LeahInancsi]

Getting involved in parish activities is very important for those coming into the church. For many, friends and family have abandoned them due to their conversions and the feeling of isolation is very real. Let them know that they have a new and wonderful family in the parish community. I have known to many converts who have left the faith due to the loneliness of feeling like they no longer belong to a family. Make an extra effort to reach out to them.

This is so true. It can’t be emphasized enough. I’m an EMHC every Sunday at 1 pm mass and count collection money every six weeks. I still get lonely because I’m the only one in my household who is Catholic, but the minute I hit the church steps, it goes away. I become one of a very large family.

 

[teadough]

This is so true. It can’t be emphasized enough. I’m an EMHC every Sunday at 1 pm mass and count collection money every six weeks. I still get lonely because I’m the only one in my household who is Catholic, but the minute I hit the church steps, it goes away. I become one of a very large family.

I really have such a desire to get involved in some way. I always wanted to at my Protestant churches I attended. Let me put it another way. I always wanted to feel like I wanted to get involved. Does that make sense?

I hope I did not make all my instuctors at RCIA seem bland. There is just this one lady who love to hear herself talk. Even at that I still like her very much. From what I gather this is a somewhat new group of instructors. I plan on helping out with RCIA next year in any way I can. Who knows.Maybe that is something I will really get involved with one day.

 

[Irish_Saints]

I really have such a desire to get involved in some way. I always wanted to at my Protestant churches I attended. Let me put it another way. I always wanted to feel like I wanted to get involved. Does that make sense?

I hope I did not make all my instuctors at RCIA seem bland. There is just this one lady who love to hear herself talk. Even at that I still like her very much. From what I gather this is a somewhat new group of instructors. I plan on helping out with RCIA next year in any way I can. Who knows.Maybe that is something I will really get involved with one day.

In addition to being a “new” instructor, this particular woman may have a real “passion” as it were for pro-life issues. When you hit someone’s “hot button” topic, it’s like opening the flood gates. Nothing wrong with that, she just needs to learn how to reign it in; chances are, even in RCIA class, she’s likely “preaching to the choir” when it comes to the sanctity of life.

With me, it’s church history and apologetics.

 

[rwoehmke]

It has struck me that people who decide to try the Catholic Church after belonging to perhaps several different denominations during their search are somewhat surprised when they decide to “become members” of a catholic parish. They are used to being accepted and signed up immediately with little or no instruction before hand. I think they then see something like an RCIA process etc. as a barrier erected to keep people out. The thought pops into their mind,“Maybe they really don’t want me”

In some denominations one just signs on and attends services. The sinner’s prayer might be said either before or after some basic instructions. Baptism may be optional until one decides to undergo it. Becoming dissatisfied and looking elsewhere some are attracted to the Catholic Church and just signing on and attending Mass isn’t enough anymore. That can be a surprise.

It is because as Catholics we believe that the Catholic Church is not one where one can wander in, become a member, and then decide to move on because it just isn’t quite what they thought it would be. A lifelong committment is made.

 

[LeahInancsi]

It has struck me that people who decide to try the Catholic Church after belonging to perhaps several different denominations during their search are somewhat surprised when they decide to “become members” of a catholic parish. They are used to being accepted and signed up immediately with little or no instruction before hand. I think they then see something like an RCIA process etc. as a barrier erected to keep people out. The thought pops into their mind,“Maybe they really don’t want me”

My first thought is that these people think it’s too much trouble to have to attend RCIA for 8 months.

In some denominations one just signs on and attends services. The sinner’s prayer might be said either before or after some basic instructions. Baptism may be optional until one decides to undergo it. Becoming dissatisfied and looking elsewhere some are attracted to the Catholic Church and just signing on and attending Mass isn’t enough anymore. That can be a surprise.

It is because as Catholics we believe that the Catholic Church is not one where one can wander in, become a member, and then decide to move on because it just isn’t quite what they thought it would be. A lifelong committment is made.

 

[puzzleannie]

My RCIA might have lacked in the education portion, but Not in the friendships that resulted and those who volunteered as RCIA team members were incredible. I was spiritually and emotionally supported every step of the way.

that is the experience we always wish for

candidate who is having marriage convalidated before Easter has invited the whole class to her wedding, because she says they feel like family

 

[skatepixie]

I really have such a desire to get involved in some way. I always wanted to at my Protestant churches I attended. Let me put it another way. I always wanted to feel like I wanted to get involved. Does that make sense?

I hope I did not make all my instuctors at RCIA seem bland. There is just this one lady who love to hear herself talk. Even at that I still like her very much. From what I gather this is a somewhat new group of instructors. I plan on helping out with RCIA next year in any way I can. Who knows.Maybe that is something I will really get involved with one day.

I think this is a good idea. I mean, if you get involved, as a convert yourself, you will understand exactly where your students are coming from. You will know what they need.

Also, personally, as a Youth Ministry teacher, I’ve had to learn far more than I ever thought possible, just to be able to teach. So, that too is helpful.

But for now, “offer it up,” and kind of keep a mental note of what you think people need and aren’t getting. Later, when you yourself teach, you can teach those things.

I also think that they should be asking the students what they know. If there are areas that most of the class is unsure of, then that should be given more time than things everyone seems to know (ie Jesus died for your sins). Yes, those basic things need to be covered a bit, but it doesnt take 2 hours to explain. If there’s extra time left and they want to use it, they can move on to other topics.

Also, are you coming into full communion this Easter? If so, you don’t have too long to go…only a little over 40 days.

Anyway, good luck with your RCIA process and God bless you.

 

[inthecloud]

In St Hipolitus (early III Century) times the Cathecumenate was 3 years long!