Receiving Sacraments

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I would presume that they consider the children to be in the Period of Catechumenate in which it states that using the Readings respective of the liturgical year are sufficient to introduce them to the doctrines of the Church. So that is probably why the catechist is focused on the readings in the class. But, I have to say, there has been very little “discussion” with the kids about the readings, much less letting them offer their own insights. The only real participation from the kids is when they are engaged in prayers.

The catechist did say that on Sunday November 9th, the children would be standing up mass when the priest announces/asks those who are in the RCIC classes if they wish to proceed with making their sacraments at Easter Vigil. I am supposing this is the Rite of Election?

It sounds like the children will be going through the Rite of Acceptance, though there should be more to it than simply asking them if they want to continue.

That means that right now they are in the Inquiry period, which is intended to be a slow and gentle introduction. I’m not sure how well the catechist is handling things and it also sounds like there’s a very large group involved. It’s hard for an outsider to comment much without actually being there. One of the tricky things with RCIA in general is that people can come from such very different starting points. You may have one person who is really living a Christian life already and another who barely has a concept of God. It’s hard to put them all together and find some kind of middle ground. Your daughter is lucky to have you involved in the process.

 

[Juliet512]

It sounds like the children will be going through the Rite of Acceptance, though there should be more to it than simply asking them if they want to continue.

That means that right now they are in the Inquiry period, which is intended to be a slow and gentle introduction. I’m not sure how well the catechist is handling things and it also sounds like there’s a very large group involved. It’s hard for an outsider to comment much without actually being there. One of the tricky things with RCIA in general is that people can come from such very different starting points. You may have one person who is really living a Christian life already and another who barely has a concept of God. It’s hard to put them all together and find some kind of middle ground. Your daughter is lucky to have you involved in the process.

There really is quite a bit of diversity in age and understanding going on in this group! The kids range from age 7 up to maybe 15 or 16? The majority are in the 7-10 year range I think but there are probably at least six kids in the 10-16 range. I talked to the director about the Spanish speaking students and also the size of the class…as well as the “rough start” to every class, which is exasperated by Spanish-speaking parents trying to communicate with a non-Spanish speaking catechist. He said they were trying to find another catechist so they could at least put the kids into two groups: one for older and one for younger.

I think that will help. Apparently the church doesn’t normally have such large groups. The catechist said last year there were only six kids in his group. Going from six to 36 is a huge leap! I think it would be hard to really connect and help that many kids in one group.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

That big a jump is amazing and I think it would be very overwhelming to the catechists.

My parish is small and we don’t have those kinds of numbers involved. But at the very least, dividing them into older and younger groups would be a good start. I can’t imagine trying to teach a 7-year-old and a 16-year-old in the same class.

 

[Juliet512]

That big a jump is amazing and I think it would be very overwhelming to the catechists.

My parish is small and we don’t have those kinds of numbers involved. But at the very least, dividing them into older and younger groups would be a good start. I can’t imagine trying to teach a 7-year-old and a 16-year-old in the same class.

I know! And I have already brought up my concerns with the director once. That is why I don’t want to push or seem like a complainer. The energy of the class really isn’t good. It’s very frustrating for me and I’m sure the catechist is frustrated also. Bless his heart, he really wants to teach these kids though. But, with so many and, with such a diverse age group and the language barrier with the parents and some of the students, he’s having a hard time. I try to help him as much as I am able by passing out books and other supplies and picking them back up for him, etc.

This is why I brought up the homeschooling option but, it seems that most believe it is best if I just stick with what the church has provided.

I haven’t taken the EIM classes nor am I familiar with the RCIA/RCIC process as I did not go through it myself. But, I do plan on getting some books and reading more about it. I would be happy to be a catechist next year, if it would help the church. I just don’t feel ready to do that this year. I need more training.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I’m not sure what EIM is.

As far as getting involved, I highly recommend it! There are so many roles that need to be filled. Catechists, of course. But I would love to have enough people so that different people could focus on prayer each week, on sponsors, on inquirers, on Breaking Open the Word sessions, etc. And with RCIA for children there are ideally people to focus on the parents as well. There would be room for a dozen team members without having people stepping on each other’s toes. In my fantasies, I guess. But RCIA is a wonderful ministry to be involved in!

 

[Juliet512]

I’m not sure what EIM is.

As far as getting involved, I highly recommend it! There are so many roles that need to be filled. Catechists, of course. But I would love to have enough people so that different people could focus on prayer each week, on sponsors, on inquirers, on Breaking Open the Word sessions, etc. And with RCIA for children there are ideally people to focus on the parents as well. There would be room for a dozen team members without having people stepping on each other’s toes. In my fantasies, I guess. But RCIA is a wonderful ministry to be involved in!

EIM stands for Ethics and Integrity in Ministry and in our diocese, all catechists or adults who work with the children in the church must have this training.

austindiocese.org/offices-ministries/offices/ethics-and-integrity-ministry-office/eim-workshops

 

[guanophore]

I know! And I have already brought up my concerns with the director once. That is why I don’t want to push or seem like a complainer. The energy of the class really isn’t good. It’s very frustrating for me and I’m sure the catechist is frustrated also. Bless his heart, he really wants to teach these kids though. But, with so many and, with such a diverse age group and the language barrier with the parents and some of the students, he’s having a hard time. I try to help him as much as I am able by passing out books and other supplies and picking them back up for him, etc.

God bless you for that! You can also try drifting over to the most off -task group of kids and try to interact with them, refocus them, and acknowledge how difficult it must be for them.

This is why I brought up the homeschooling option but, it seems that most believe it is best if I just stick with what the church has provided.

I think both things aare true. You should continue at home as you have been while participating in the parish program You can read up on the baptism of desire in catechumens to help you with your patience.

I haven’t taken the EIM classes nor am I familiar with the RCIA/RCIC process as I did not go through it myself. But, I do plan on getting some books and reading more about it. I would be happy to be a catechist next year, if it would help the church. I just don’t feel ready to do that this year. I need more training.

Sometimes the most important gift to bring is passion. You and your daughter have been profoundly impacted by the experience, and that is the sign of a calling. I don’t know if you can take classes online, but my diocese accepts the courses at University of Dayton.

 

[Isaiah45_9]

I’d like to agree with talking to your Parish Priest.

There are situations where home study is permitted. My youngest son (10) is autistic and our Parish gave us (My wife and I) the handbooks and handouts to teach him at home because of the difficulties he has in a classroom setting. (He goes to school and has a shadow teacher in general education, but he also take medication during the week. That medication affects his appetite, the medicine wears off in the afternoon - yes during homework, lol - and we don’t give him the medicine on the weekends so he can eat).

So we teach him at home, it takes about 2-3 hours will lots of breaks and very creative ways but we get the job done, lol. The real blessing is that he loves to pray, so we try to gear the education in a form of prayer - kinda like the Mass

Opinions will vary.

God Bless.

 

[Juliet512]

God bless you for that! You can also try drifting over to the most off -task group of kids and try to interact with them, refocus them, and acknowledge how difficult it must be for them.

I think both things aare true. You should continue at home as you have been while participating in the parish program You can read up on the baptism of desire in catechumens to help you with your patience.

Sometimes the most important gift to bring is passion. You and your daughter have been profoundly impacted by the experience, and that is the sign of a calling. I don’t know if you can take classes online, but my diocese accepts the courses at University of Dayton.

I found this book online but it appears to be out of print? amazon.com/Childs-Journey-Christian-Initiation-Children/dp/0867162643 the used copies are almost $50!

This author has other books that are available here: smp.org/author/415/Rita-Burns-Senseman/

There is one for the Eucharist/Reconciliation for younger kids and then there is one for Middle School Aged Kids preparing to receive Confirmation. I browsed through the one for Confirmation and it looks really good! I like the activities she suggests and the suggested scripture readings for the activities. I think it could be further adapted for younger children as well.

When my budget allows, I will probably try to purchase some of these books to start studying.

Thanks for your encouragement and support.

 

[Juliet512]

I’d like to agree with talking to your Parish Priest.

There are situations where home study is permitted. My youngest son (10) is autistic and our Parish gave us (My wife and I) the handbooks and handouts to teach him at home because of the difficulties he has in a classroom setting. (He goes to school and has a shadow teacher in general education, but he also take medication during the week. That medication affects his appetite, the medicine wears off in the afternoon - yes during homework, lol - and we don’t give him the medicine on the weekends so he can eat).

So we teach him at home, it takes about 2-3 hours will lots of breaks and very creative ways but we get the job done, lol. The real blessing is that he loves to pray, so we try to gear the education in a form of prayer - kinda like the Mass

Opinions will vary.

God Bless.

Thanks for sharing your story! It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your son.

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Thanks for sharing your story! It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your son.

Thank you, you too!