Rite of Acceptance issues

[puzzleannie]

John Joseph:

It appears to me that this is definitely a one size fits all approach. My priest even told me this is a cost effective way to conduct the RCIA.

COST EFFECTIVE!?!?!?!?!?!
first of all what cost is involved? does he mean extra time to do two rites at the same Mass (causing a parking problem, the one liturgical abuse no priest will tolerate)
if he is worried about use of resources of time, textbooks, catechists, why not lump all the first communion, confirmation and RCIA classes together, children youth and adults in a big room, show them videos on different topics, have small group discussions, snacks and craft activities
don’t laugh, my neighboring parish does exactly that

The RCIA reform involves RITES, liturgy, with words and actions that cannot be changed by whim, any more than any other liturgy. there is room for a lot of choice and variation to fit individual parish and pastoral needs, but there is NO LEEWAY for using the wrong rite at the wrong time for the wrong situation.

Nor, by the way, may the Rites reserved for the ordained be conducted by the non-ordained catechist or DRE, even for children. The rites proper to Mass must be done during Mass, although there is provision for some of the optional rites to be done at another suitable time and place.

It is a big thick book, and the study edition guides the director through every imaginable situation, but it requires just that, intensive study and respect for the words and actions of the liturgical rites, and the reason for them.

just a quick skim over the relevant section in the morning before Mass is not enough time and leads to abuse such as you describe.

the Rite cautions over and over again about confusing the catechumens with the baptized, and denying the dignity and position of the baptized (this is not a state to exalt the baptized, but to exalt the sacrament, so don’t fall into a false humility that denies this status)

 

[John_Joseph]

puzzleannie:

COST EFFECTIVE!?!?!?!?!?!
first of all what cost is involved? does he mean extra time to do two rites at the same Mass (causing a parking problem, the one liturgical abuse no priest will tolerate)
if he is worried about use of resources of time, textbooks, catechists, why not lump all the first communion, confirmation and RCIA classes together, children youth and adults in a big room, show them videos on different topics, have small group discussions, snacks and craft activities
don’t laugh, my neighboring parish does exactly that

The RCIA reform involves RITES, liturgy, with words and actions that cannot be changed by whim, any more than any other liturgy. there is room for a lot of choice and variation to fit individual parish and pastoral needs, but there is NO LEEWAY for using the wrong rite at the wrong time for the wrong situation.

Nor, by the way, may the Rites reserved for the ordained be conducted by the non-ordained catechist or DRE, even for children. The rites proper to Mass must be done during Mass, although there is provision for some of the optional rites to be done at another suitable time and place.

It is a big thick book, and the study edition guides the director through every imaginable situation, but it requires just that, intensive study and respect for the words and actions of the liturgical rites, and the reason for them.

just a quick skim over the relevant section in the morning before Mass is not enough time and leads to abuse such as you describe.

the Rite cautions over and over again about confusing the catechumens with the baptized, and denying the dignity and position of the baptized (this is not a state to exalt the baptized, but to exalt the sacrament, so don’t fall into a false humility that denies this status)

Apparently they lumped the Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Welcoming into one ceremony this past Sunday. I’m not knowledgeable enough to know if this is acceptable.

My RCIA program does indeed lump all into one class. To go even further, there are about six or seven individual churches participating in this program. One class two hours per week for everyone. There are people who are not baptised (from other churches, not from mine) and people such as myself who need only receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We are all taught at the same time by one Sister. We study the exact same things and do not break into separate groups according to level. In a nutshell, I am being taught the exact same things that the unbaptised are being taught and on the exact same schedule. We share the same syllabus.

I’m starting to wonder if I should say something about this to someone? Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[otm]

John Joseph:

Apparently they lumped the Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Welcoming into one ceremony this past Sunday. I’m not knowledgeable enough to know if this is acceptable.

My RCIA program does indeed lump all into one class. To go even further, there are about six or seven individual churches participating in this program. One class two hours per week for everyone. There are people who are not baptised (from other churches, not from mine) and people such as myself who need only receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We are all taught at the same time by one Sister. We study the exact same things and do not break into separate groups according to level. In a nutshell, I am being taught the exact same things that the unbaptised are being taught and on the exact same schedule. We share the same syllabus.

I’m starting to wonder if I should say something about this to someone? Any ideas or suggestions?

I would probably let it ride at this point, as they probably will not be able to make changes that could have been made at the start.

The process can be a problem for several reasons; with a large group of candidates, catechumens, and non-catechized Catholics, staffing to get people throught the process can be difficult if the group is to be broken up into sub groups ( and adding partially catechized Catholics, and those who need to be confirmed adds to the burden).

In addition, given the permutations, it is difficult to master a liturgical rite which is performed once a year, and easy to make mistakes. I suspect that most priests are trying to do it correctly, and simply don’t realize some of the permutations.

It is also my understanding that although the priest has the power confered to him to Confirm candidates and catechumens, Confirmation of others such as yourself is to be reserved to the bishop; that may be a Canon Law issue.

Most likely you will learn something, and possibly quite a bit; whether or not you learn what you need to may be another question. Keep in mind that one can have all the knowledge in the world, and not have faith; one can have great faith, and little knowledge, which often leads to trouble. RCIA, for the proper candidates, and an adult Confirmation class (which is really what you shoud be in) should focus on both knowledge and faith building.

If you feel that you are not getting enough information, you might inquire as to what you might read which would help you focus on the necessary areas.

 

[Pug]

Br. Rich and asquared, I looked at the sites, but could only find how to buy the book at usccb.org. I didn’t find an internet copy. Hmm. I may have to ask the DRE. I’m sure we’ve got one around the parish somewhere.

 

[otm]

Pug:

Br. Rich and asquared, I looked at the sites, but could only find how to buy the book at usccb.org. I didn’t find an internet copy. Hmm. I may have to ask the DRE. I’m sure we’ve got one around the parish somewhere.

Or, you might try a good Catholic Bookstore; they should carry it.