RCIA without the rites?

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I did not say that I perceived a military or academic structure in the Church, nor am I expecting or seeking same. I was responding to Br Rich’s repeated use of the descriptors “required” and “must be done” as applied to rites. He said the rites were “required” and “must be done” and I thought that meant that the rites were “required” or “must be done” in the most direct of interpretations, i.e., with penalty for failure.

Sacraments are normally always celebrated within Rites, and I used the “R” because they are not just simply ceremonies. In extreme emergencies Sacraments can be celebrated validly outside of their Rites. We could Baptize infants Saturday afternoon by lining them up and going down the line, I Baptize you in the Name of the Father…Pour the water, next, next, next. Of course we could and they would be validly Baptized. But do we want to do it that way, should we do it that way? Does it really have the same impact and meaning?

We have speed limit signs along our streets. Should we or must we obey them? NO, they are really only suggested speeds. Most people go 10 or 15 mph over those posted and they still get where they are going don’t they? Well most of the time anyway.

The Rites provide information and meaning along the way through to the Sacraments , about what we are doing and why we are doing it. IF we get where we are going that is all that matters, right? How we got there or what route we took doesn’t really matter. I don’t think so.

 

[Joannm]

The Rites provide information and meaning along the way through to the Sacraments , about what we are doing and why we are doing it. IF we get where we are going that is all that matters, right? How we got there or what route we took doesn’t really matter. I don’t think so.

Br. Rich is providing some very good points. I find it unfortunat that parishes are not celebrating the Rites. The Rite of Acceptance is one of THE most moving rites of the Church. I was involved in presenting a workshop to deacons on this Rite. While many knew what it was, few experienced it. They were amazed on how it affected them seeing it done correctly. I am on our diocesan RCIA committee and often give presentations to RCIA teams and doing the Rite of Acceptance with them is always one of those areas where we get the most postive feedback. It is truly a moving experience.

One doesn’t need to work extra hard to do the Rites. They are all in the RCIA book. All the priest really needs to do is read it. In our parish I prepare the candidates and give the book to the priest. It always goes smoothly since it is really self explanatory. The priest greets the people at the door, asks the questions, signs them with the cross and the sponsors basically do the rest. The Scrutinies too are fairly simple. I don’t understand why any priest wants to avoid them since they help the entire assembly focus on the need for reconciliation with God for their sins and those of the world.

The RCIA book outlines the entire process. Yes, there are variations on how to do the catechesis, but the focus of this thread is the Rites. Since they are all in the book, it is as simple as, to borrow a phrase, “do the red , say the black.” If anyone on an RCIA team does not have a copy of the RCIA book, then get your pastor to purchase a copy for each and every team member, and while he is at it, buy a copy for himself.

 

[GwenL]

Br Rich, I agree with you 100%. I think we should be doing all of the rites. I haven’t once suggested that “if we get to where we are going, that’s all that matters.” But you certainly realize that I am not in a position to do anything about this–as far as the rites and classes are concerned, I’m a passenger. I’m going to daily mass, doing a lot of extra reading, and spending many (wonderful) hours in adoration.

What else, exactly, do you think I (and others in my shoes) should be doing to “get where we are going?”

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Br Rich, I agree with you 100%. I think we should be doing all of the rites. I haven’t once suggested that “if we get to where we are going, that’s all that matters.” But you certainly realize that I am not in a position to do anything about this–as far as the rites and classes are concerned, I’m a passenger. I’m going to daily mass, doing a lot of extra reading, and spending many (wonderful) hours in adoration.

What else, exactly, do you think I (and others in my shoes) should be doing to “get where we are going?”

Focus on your Spiritual development. You can obtain the Rite and read and reflect on the prayers that should have been offered for you.

If the Pastor is not willing to follow the Rites there is nothing you can do. You could speak with your Sponsor and they may be able to speak with the RCIA Director or Pastor.

 

[fdesales]

I would never advocate questioning a Catechist or DRE in public. RCIA is truely a parish wide effort, and not a one person program, it does take a Catechumenate Team to do this right. Sometimes however it is seen as “MY” program and I’ll do it MY way. Everyone is there to serve those who are seeking.

There is a temptation for this ministry to be a personal “territory”, just as any other ministry. Those “in charge” like to do things their way. With experience and God’s grace, one becomes more open to doing things other ways. From my experience, an RCIA coordinator MUST be open to constructive criticism, from candidates at the end of the class or the priest. Being flexible is instrumental in having a successful RCIA program. No one likes to be told they are doing it wrong, but with the proper attitude, one becomes more open to hearing that “we could do this better by doing things this way”.

Regards

 

[fdesales]

Br. Rich is providing some very good points. I find it unfortunat that parishes are not celebrating the Rites. The Rite of Acceptance is one of THE most moving rites of the Church. I was involved in presenting a workshop to deacons on this Rite. While many knew what it was, few experienced it. They were amazed on how it affected them seeing it done correctly. I am on our diocesan RCIA committee and often give presentations to RCIA teams and doing the Rite of Acceptance with them is always one of those areas where we get the most postive feedback. It is truly a moving experience.

One doesn’t need to work extra hard to do the Rites. They are all in the RCIA book. All the priest really needs to do is read it. In our parish I prepare the candidates and give the book to the priest. It always goes smoothly since it is really self explanatory. The priest greets the people at the door, asks the questions, signs them with the cross and the sponsors basically do the rest. The Scrutinies too are fairly simple. I don’t understand why any priest wants to avoid them since they help the entire assembly focus on the need for reconciliation with God for their sins and those of the world.

The RCIA book outlines the entire process. Yes, there are variations on how to do the catechesis, but the focus of this thread is the Rites. Since they are all in the book, it is as simple as, to borrow a phrase, “do the red , say the black.” If anyone on an RCIA team does not have a copy of the RCIA book, then get your pastor to purchase a copy for each and every team member, and while he is at it, buy a copy for himself.

I agree the rites should be celebrated, I was offering a possible reason why an RCIA might not do them. It is likely not having the manpower to do it correctly, so it is just not done at all…To some, focusing on knowledge is the key to becoming Catholic. The RCIA, however, is clear that the Liturgy is where we “learn” about Christ the best, so skipping a rite is a mistake and short-changes the catechumens. In a perfect world, every ritual would be done, but we know it is not perfect, nor is there some centralized group that monitors and controls the practice of RCIA at various parishes.

RCIA is a journey, and the beginning of journies are not always “perfect”.

Regards