Should I argue with my RCIA leaders or just bypass the process?

[legaleagle]

I am so confused and starting to feel a bit disheartened. I decided to go thru RCIA because I truly enjoy the classes and fellowship, but my priest told me that I could be received into the Church any time. Anyway, I decided I could use the time to read more and reflect so next Easter Vigil sounded like a good idea for me. Well, now my RCIA class leaders say that later on, both the catechumens *and *the candidates will go thru the scrutinies and be dismissed from mass before the Eucharist.

My problem with the scrutinies is, besides it being contrary to some sort of law/rule - - I’m assuming there’s canon law or something - - it makes me feel like my baptism didn’t mean anything. I was baptized and I’ve lived a Christian life since childhood. I’m not being self-righteous or arrogant in saying that - - I give all the glory to God for choosing me and leading me all these years. The Holy Spirit freed me from original sin and saved me from Satan before, so by going through the scrutinies, I would feel like my prior life was all a lie, or else the scrutiny for me would be a lie.

My problem with being dismissed in mass is: wouldn’t it be weird that I’d have to leave on a Sunday morning, but I can sit thru mass on the weekdays when I go??

I know there are posts on here that address the proper procedures re: catechumens and candidates. My main question is: assuming I’m correct on this stuff, then should I mention this to my leaders and tell them (in a charitable manner), or should I just give up and ask the priest about getting received into the Church on some other date with less fanfare? I should mention that in our small RCIA group, there are only 2 catechumens and about 7 candidates, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks.

 

[ccolley2]

I am so confused and starting to feel a bit disheartened. I decided to go thru RCIA because I truly enjoy the classes and fellowship, but my priest told me that I could be received into the Church any time. Anyway, I decided I could use the time to read more and reflect so next Easter Vigil sounded like a good idea for me. Well, now my RCIA class leaders say that later on, both the catechumens *and *the candidates will go thru the scrutinies and be dismissed from mass before the Eucharist.

My problem with the scrutinies is, besides it being contrary to some sort of law/rule - - I’m assuming there’s canon law or something - - it makes me feel like my baptism didn’t mean anything. I was baptized and I’ve lived a Christian life since childhood. I’m not being self-righteous or arrogant in saying that - - I give all the glory to God for choosing me and leading me all these years. The Holy Spirit freed me from original sin and saved me from Satan before, so by going through the scrutinies, I would feel like my prior life was all a lie, or else the scrutiny for me would be a lie.

My problem with being dismissed in mass is: wouldn’t it be weird that I’d have to leave on a Sunday morning, but I can sit thru mass on the weekdays when I go??

I know there are posts on here that address the proper procedures re: catechumens and candidates. My main question is: assuming I’m correct on this stuff, then should I mention this to my leaders and tell them (in a charitable manner), or should I just give up and ask the priest about getting received into the Church on some other date with less fanfare? I should mention that in our small RCIA group, there are only 2 catechumens and about 7 candidates, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks.

I am a little confused. Do you know what the “scrutinies” are? I mean, how they work? Did you ask the person in charge of RCIA what to expect? Have you asked your RCIA leader or Priest what the Scrutinies entail? Will you be answering questions from the Bishop??

When I went through RCIA (1992) the Scrutinies were just that you show up for the Scrutiny mass and you stand up in front of the church and say that you want to continue the process of RCIA. Then you just sign your name to a piece of paper and you go on to the next class of RCIA.

Many Churches are going back to the way that the Early Church did RCIA. In the Early Church, the Catechumens were dismissed at a particular point in the Eucharistic celebration. Each diocese/parish are different. In the Church that I came into, they had us attend RCIA class at night so that we could participate fully…except for Eucharist. At the church I attend now, they do dismiss the Catechumens and Candidates from Mass after the liturgy of the word and they go off to another room at the church to study the readings and also to receive instruction in the faith. Both ways are good. Just different.
CC

 

[quiet52]

from the RCIA Study Edition, section 141: “The scrutinies … are rites for self-searching and repentatance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. For the scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. These rites, therefore, should complete the conversion of the elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to lvoe God above all…”

The Scrutinies are generally celebrated on the 3rd, 4th & 5th Sundays of Lent.

For the baptized, there is a different and optional Rite of Scrutiny called the Penitential Rite, usually celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of Lent.

from section 459: “This penitential rite can serve to mark the Lenten purification of baptized but previously uncatechized adults who are preparing to receive the sacraments of confirmation and eucharist or to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. It is held within a celebration of the word of God as a kind of scrutiny, similar to the scrutinies for catechumens.”

from section 463: “This penitential rite is intended solely for celebrations with baptized adults preparing for confirmation and eucharist or reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Because the prayer of exorcism in the three scrutinies for catechumens who have received the Church’s election properly belongs to the elect and uses numerous images referring to their approaching baptism, those scrutinies of the elect and this penitential rite for those preparing for confirmation and eucharist have been kept separate and distinct…”

If your RCIA leader is referring to the Penitential Rite for the baptized as a Rite of Scrutiny, he/she is correct.

You are correct that you must not be dismissed from Mass along with the unbaptized. You are expected to attend the entire Mass in order to fulfill your Sunday obligation.

If the only time your RCIA leader provides catechesis is after dismissal, then you can join the unbaptized for Breaking Open the Word and the catechesis, and attend a different Mass in its entirety. But by virtue of your Baptism, you cannot be “dismissed” from Mass.

 

[fdesales]

I am so confused and starting to feel a bit disheartened. I decided to go thru RCIA because I truly enjoy the classes and fellowship, but my priest told me that I could be received into the Church any time. Anyway, I decided I could use the time to read more and reflect so next Easter Vigil sounded like a good idea for me. Well, now my RCIA class leaders say that later on, both the catechumens *and *the candidates will go thru the scrutinies and be dismissed from mass before the Eucharist.

My problem with the scrutinies is, besides it being contrary to some sort of law/rule - - I’m assuming there’s canon law or something - - it makes me feel like my baptism didn’t mean anything. I was baptized and I’ve lived a Christian life since childhood. I’m not being self-righteous or arrogant in saying that - - I give all the glory to God for choosing me and leading me all these years. The Holy Spirit freed me from original sin and saved me from Satan before, so by going through the scrutinies, I would feel like my prior life was all a lie, or else the scrutiny for me would be a lie.

You are exactly correct, which is why you (as a candidate) are not subject to the Scrutinies. They are SPECIFICALLY ONLY for the catechumens (actually, they are now called “Elect” during Lent). The Rite is very clear over and over that the candidates and catechumens are to retain their differences, since the former are part of the Church and their baptisms are valid. Thus, all Rites are supposed to maintain this separation.

With that said, I know some people (candidates) feel left out if the catechumens only receive the blessings that come with the exorcisms of the Scrutinies. With proper explanations, I think this can be overcome. There is a Penitential Rite specifically for the Candidates that precedes the Scrutinies (second week of Lent, usually). If a candidate demands to be part of the Scrutinies, there is no reason to prevent it, but most should remain apart. If you listen carefully to the prayers said, one can see it applies to the unbaptized, though…

My problem with being dismissed in mass is: wouldn’t it be weird that I’d have to leave on a Sunday morning, but I can sit thru mass on the weekdays when I go??

It is your perogative to NOT go with the dismissed, but I wouldn’t suggest it…

The dismissal prevents the candidate from sitting at the Eucharist but not invited to partake. How would you feel if you were invited to a picnic, but were not allowed to eat??? Strange… The dismissal avoids this. In addition, it gives you a chance to meditate and experience Christ further in the Liturgy of the Word by focusing some more on the reading. Remember, we experience Christ in reading Scriptures, as well as the Eucharist. Since you cannot receive the Eucharist, it would seem better that one would reflect more on reception of Christ through the Word…

However, the Rite does allow the candidate to stay behind, if they so desire. There is more spiritual benefit from leaving, but it is your perogative. I’ve been doing this for 8 years, and no one has ever asked me to stay, most prefer to be dismissed, I guess.

I know there are posts on here that address the proper procedures re: catechumens and candidates. My main question is: assuming I’m correct on this stuff, then should I mention this to my leaders and tell them (in a charitable manner), or should I just give up and ask the priest about getting received into the Church on some other date with less fanfare? I should mention that in our small RCIA group, there are only 2 catechumens and about 7 candidates, in case that makes a difference.

I think you could speak to your RCIA coordinator in private and express your concerns - that you feel you are being mixed in together with the catechumens and your baptism, your membership in the Church, is not being taken seriously. You do not desire to be part of the Scrutinies, (you are not supposed to be!!!) and you prefer to have a choice in the dismissal. I would suggest you go through the entire process - everyone has expressed they were glad they did, although it is human to consider the shorter alternative. The waiting will develop several virtuous attitudes within you, such as patience and obedience. You will grow more spiritually. You probably will learn more and will teach others (yes, candidates teach others by sharing their experiences with others in group settings).

Continue, but express your concerns in private. They are SUPPOSED to recognize the difference between candidate and catecumen, and if you notice they are not, they are failing you and need to change.

Take care,

Fdesales

 

[fdesales]

You are correct that you must not be dismissed from Mass along with the unbaptized. You are expected to attend the entire Mass in order to fulfill your Sunday obligation.

I would like to clarify, in case someone becomes scandalized…

A person who is a candidate and not received Holy Communion does not yet have a “Sunday obligation”, in the sense that they must attend the entire Mass. A person baptized but not fully Catholic is in “limbo” regarding canon law. He has certain rights, such as he can receive a Christian burial. However, he is not bound YET to certain obligations. There is absolutely no requirement for non-Roman Catholic Christians who are dismissed during the Mass to then go to another Catholic Mass to attend the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Mere baptism does not place a canonical requirment to attend Catholic Mass every Sunday. Certain canonical requirements are not placed upon people until AFTER Eucharistic initiation. For example:

Can. 920 §1. After being initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year.

Obviously, it would be silly to bind someone to the reception of the Eucharist if they had not yet received it…

Can. 844 §4. If the danger of death is present or if, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or conference of bishops, some other grave necessity urges it, Catholic ministers administer these same sacraments licitly also to other Christians not having full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who seek such on their own accord, provided that they manifest Catholic faith in respect to these sacraments and are properly disposed.

Here, we have an example where a non Catholic can receive the sacrament, though not yet properly initiated. However, again, it is not binding that one DO receive Catholic sacraments when they are not Catholic yet.

A candidate has the perogative to stay during the dismissal. However, he is NOT bound to attend Mass later IF he decides to go to the dismissal!!! That is incorrect.

Regards

 

[puzzleannie]

as an RCIA director my suggestion would be to first simply ask the catechist, or director, whoever told you this, privately to explain the process as it relates to your status. The catechists themselves may not know the baptismal status of everyone in the process (although they should) and making general statements about the process.

If that is not satisfactory, go to the pastor and ask him to intervene because “they are not doing the rite right”. You also have the option of doing as our candidates do, celebrate the pentiential rite on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, and also attend the Mass with the Elect for the scrutinies, in support of them, but not present yourself when the group is called foreward. If you would like to attend a full Mass you can either simply stay when the catechumens are dismissed, and join the class later, or go to another Mass.

You could also take the pastor up on his offer and be received into the Church now, and continue with class as a sponsor for a catechumen, which will give you the benefit of the classroom instruction, as well as a fuller understanding of the entire RCIA process itself (my mind is already working on you as a catechist in the future, you see).

Welcome Home!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am so confused and starting to feel a bit disheartened. I decided to go thru RCIA because I truly enjoy the classes and fellowship, but my priest told me that I could be received into the Church any time. Anyway, I decided I could use the time to read more and reflect so next Easter Vigil sounded like a good idea for me. Well, now my RCIA class leaders say that later on, both the catechumens *and *the candidates will go thru the scrutinies and be dismissed from mass before the Eucharist.

My problem with the scrutinies is, besides it being contrary to some sort of law/rule - - I’m assuming there’s canon law or something - - it makes me feel like my baptism didn’t mean anything. I was baptized and I’ve lived a Christian life since childhood. I’m not being self-righteous or arrogant in saying that - - I give all the glory to God for choosing me and leading me all these years. The Holy Spirit freed me from original sin and saved me from Satan before, so by going through the scrutinies, I would feel like my prior life was all a lie, or else the scrutiny for me would be a lie.

My problem with being dismissed in mass is: wouldn’t it be weird that I’d have to leave on a Sunday morning, but I can sit thru mass on the weekdays when I go??

I know there are posts on here that address the proper procedures re: catechumens and candidates. My main question is: assuming I’m correct on this stuff, then should I mention this to my leaders and tell them (in a charitable manner), or should I just give up and ask the priest about getting received into the Church on some other date with less fanfare? I should mention that in our small RCIA group, there are only 2 catechumens and about 7 candidates, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks.

The mix of Catechumens and Candidates may make a difference as to why they want to dismiss Candidates as well as Catechumens. Dismissal of Candidates however needs to be optional for them, you have a right by virtue of your Baptism to remain for the complete Mass. A Candidate cannot participate in the Scrutinies. I would speak with them and explain this.

 

[legaleagle]

Thanks everyone. I really love my RCIA class, so I don’t want to stir things up. The leaders are wonderful people, but I do need to address this with them and I will. Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[peary]

I am so confused and starting to feel a bit disheartened. I decided to go thru RCIA because I truly enjoy the classes and fellowship, but my priest told me that I could be received into the Church any time. Anyway, I decided I could use the time to read more and reflect so next Easter Vigil sounded like a good idea for me. Well, now my RCIA class leaders say that later on, both the catechumens *and *the candidates will go thru the scrutinies and be dismissed from mass before the Eucharist.

My problem with the scrutinies is, besides it being contrary to some sort of law/rule - - I’m assuming there’s canon law or something - - it makes me feel like my baptism didn’t mean anything. I was baptized and I’ve lived a Christian life since childhood. I’m not being self-righteous or arrogant in saying that - - I give all the glory to God for choosing me and leading me all these years. The Holy Spirit freed me from original sin and saved me from Satan before, so by going through the scrutinies, I would feel like my prior life was all a lie, or else the scrutiny for me would be a lie.

My problem with being dismissed in mass is: wouldn’t it be weird that I’d have to leave on a Sunday morning, but I can sit thru mass on the weekdays when I go??

I know there are posts on here that address the proper procedures re: catechumens and candidates. My main question is: assuming I’m correct on this stuff, then should I mention this to my leaders and tell them (in a charitable manner), or should I just give up and ask the priest about getting received into the Church on some other date with less fanfare? I should mention that in our small RCIA group, there are only 2 catechumens and about 7 candidates, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks.

I never heard of such a thing! Sounds like your RCIA instructor is on an ego power trip. I’d talk to the priest about it. Better yet, take his advice and be accepted into the Church ASAP. Maybe he was sending a signal that there would be a problem with the RCIA director in the future.

 

[legaleagle]

You could also take the pastor up on his offer and be received into the Church now, and continue with class as a sponsor for a catechumen, which will give you the benefit of the classroom instruction, as well as a fuller understanding of the entire RCIA process itself (my mind is already working on you as a catechist in the future, you see).

Welcome Home!

Thanks, puzzleannie. I’ve been thinking of being a catechist in the future too!

Peary: in this case, the directors are not on a power trip or anything - - they are very sincere and sweet people. But there’s obviously a problem here. If I do take my priest up on his offer, now I’m confused. Originally, I thought it would be nice to join before Christmas, but now I’m thinking that would be too rushed. I’ve never committed to anything before (not married, for example), so it’s a bit scary! If I wait until after Christmas, then I would have to figure out a date not too near the Vigil.

 

[fdesales]

I never heard of such a thing! Sounds like your RCIA instructor is on an ego power trip. I’d talk to the priest about it. Better yet, take his advice and be accepted into the Church ASAP. Maybe he was sending a signal that there would be a problem with the RCIA director in the future.

Don’t assume the worse… It is quite likely that these instructors are not aware of the differences or the particulars of the Scrutinies. Most RCIA people are self-taught, and it is within the realm of possibility that they just legitimately did not know… It’s not like there is an official arm of the Church that teaches classes on how to run RCIA!!!

Regards

 

[tinalewis]

In my opinion, dismissals are nothing short of horrible. I hated every dismissal. It seemed like the process was suddenly going backward.

“We want you to get to know Jesus by sending you away from Him. And we want you to know nothing about the Mass even though you’ll be Catholic after Easter Vigil.”

Right.

I had to go to two Sunday Masses each weekend there was a dismissal because I just had to have my Mass. I also went to weekday Mass about 3 or 4 times a week. Whew!

 

[fdesales]

In my opinion, dismissals are nothing short of horrible. I hated every dismissal. It seemed like the process was suddenly going backward.

“We want you to get to know Jesus by sending you away from Him. And we want you to know nothing about the Mass even though you’ll be Catholic after Easter Vigil.”

Right.

I had to go to two Sunday Masses each weekend there was a dismissal because I just had to have my Mass. I also went to weekday Mass about 3 or 4 times a week. Whew!

How is the process going backwards when you are given an opportunity to experience Christ further in the Liturgy of the Word? Remember Christ is present in the Scriptures, as well as the Eucharist. And since you cannot partake, you are not experiencing Christ in a more profound way by staying, then being dismissed. Why go to a wedding banquet if you cannot eat??? That’s my thinking. However, you are allowed to stay, and that is your perogative. Are you being forced to leave??? That would be incorrect.

I think “we want you to know nothing about the Mass” is a bit over the top, Tina. That is not why you are dismissed, and belays a mistrust in the Church’s desire to look after your spiritual welfare. If you have that attitude now, you likely will not remain a Catholic for very long. The first “issue” (there WILL be issues with a human organization, even if established by God) will cause you to fall away, since you do not trust that the Church has your spiritual welfare in mind… Thus, a negative incident will be the “church is out to get me”…

Someone gave you false info about having to go to Mass twice if you are dismissed. I have already cited the Canon law. There is no canonical law that I know of saying an un-initiated Catholic is bound to go to an entire Mass on Sunday. So don’t worry about going to Mass twice. That is only for us catechists or sponsors who go to the dismissals. Candidates are not bound to receive communion when they have not received yet!

Regards

 

[tinalewis]

How is the process going backwards when you are given an opportunity to experience Christ further in the Liturgy of the Word? Remember Christ is present in the Scriptures, as well as the Eucharist. And since you cannot partake, you are not experiencing Christ in a more profound way by staying, then being dismissed. Why go to a wedding banquet if you cannot eat??? That’s my thinking. However, you are allowed to stay, and that is your perogative. Are you being forced to leave??? That would be incorrect.

I think “we want you to know nothing about the Mass” is a bit over the top, Tina. That is not why you are dismissed, and belays a mistrust in the Church’s desire to look after your spiritual welfare. If you have that attitude now, you likely will not remain a Catholic for very long. The first “issue” (there WILL be issues with a human organization, even if established by God) will cause you to fall away, since you do not trust that the Church has your spiritual welfare in mind… Thus, a negative incident will be the “church is out to get me”…

Someone gave you false info about having to go to Mass twice if you are dismissed. I have already cited the Canon law. There is no canonical law that I know of saying an un-initiated Catholic is bound to go to an entire Mass on Sunday. So don’t worry about going to Mass twice. That is only for us catechists or sponsors who go to the dismissals. Candidates are not bound to receive communion when they have not received yet!

Regards

Hey - I’m just agreeing with OP that it is certainly wierd to be dismissed from Mass. I know from experience. When I was a part of RCIA, it was a requirement that I go to the dismissal Mass and be dismissed from the one I love so much…

No one told me to join in at two Sunday services. In fact, I was the only RCIA candidate who did! This was what I simply had to do since it was expected that I tear my heart out and ram a steel rod down my spine and get myself out the door to go to what I called a “No-Mass” - a.k.a the dismissal - and yet also wanted to worship the Mass with my soon-to-be fellow Catholic parishioners. As much as I loved and continue to love weekday Mass, there is an energy at Sunday Mass that is special (wouldn’t most folks agree?) and I wasn’t about to miss it for several weeks to sit and hear people talk about what could easily be discussed after Mass. Getting to know scripture can be handled in a classroom or at home.

When I was dismissed from Mass, it absolutely felt that I was being dismissed from Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at Mass. Who would want that to happen? We Catholics rightly sing praises to the Mass, yet we show our joy and praise by dismissing those we want most to show! When I began RCIA, I had been a regular adorer at a nearby perpetual adoration chapel for about 2 years. Thank the Lord that no one ever dismissed me from the exposed Blessed Sacrament.

And in my opinion, the Mass is more than receiving Holy Communion!!! Isn’t it prayer and sacrifice and love and the birth of our Lord right there before our eyes? It is to me. Why would I want to miss that? I would never want anyone to miss out on that. The Mass was also where the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance at the adoration chapel came to be. Rightly or wrongly, as a candidate I felt strongly that my prayers during Mass as recited on our behalf by the priest in the Eucharistic Prayer counted just as much as any Catholic’s prayers in asking the Holy Spirit to descend on the gifts of bread and wine. If my prayers did indeed count just as much as a non-Catholic as they do now as a Catholic, then we all lose something when we dismiss canditates or catechumens from Sunday Mass. We lose their participation, their presence, and their prayers. We also deny them one more opportunity to know Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

I strongly feel dismissal Mass should be optional, But I’ve heard many parishes are afraid that if they make it an option rather than a requirement, then no one will agree to be dismissed. My answer to that concern is “Well, yeah!. Of course they won’t!”

As for my remaining a Catholic for very long, your opinion is noted, but I’ll let Jesus decide how long I remain a Catholic.

 

[fdesales]

No one told me to join in at two Sunday services. In fact, I was the only RCIA candidate who did! This was what I simply had to do since it was expected that I tear my heart out and ram a steel rod down my spine and get myself out the door to go to what I called a “No-Mass” - a.k.a the dismissal - and yet also wanted to worship the Mass with my soon-to-be fellow Catholic parishioners.

As much as I loved and continue to love weekday Mass, there is an energy at Sunday Mass that is special (wouldn’t most folks agree?) and I wasn’t about to miss it for several weeks to sit and hear people talk about what could easily be discussed after Mass. Getting to know scripture can be handled in a classroom or at home.

I suppose we will have to agree to disagree, as I do see a purpose and meaning behind the dismissal, and since it appears you enjoyed the Mass so much, you certainly could have went with your loved ones at a different time, and go back for the dismissal at a later/earlier time. I fail to see why there had to be a separation at all.

The point of dismissal is more than “getting to know Scriptures”, it is about experiencing Jesus Christ, particularly through sharing and “breaking open” the meaning of the Gospel. By discussing it, one can pick up other meanings that others see and it takes on more meaning as a result of this sharing. The dismissal doesn’t “force” anyone away from their loved ones, if you do a bit of planning - a.k.a, go to a different Mass with them.

I apologize if I was under the impression that someone told you you had to go to another Mass, it seemed like you were upset about attending another Mass by your discussion.

And in my opinion, the Mass is more than receiving Holy Communion!!! Isn’t it prayer and sacrifice and love and the birth of our Lord right there before our eyes? It is to me. Why would I want to miss that?

Valid reasons to stay, or attend a different time where you are not dismissed…

To those who feel this strongly, I would never force them to attend the dismissal. As a candidate, you have the right and option to remain. I have not had anyone in 9 years ask me if they could stay, it probably is a bit unusual, but I think if they would have approached it with the emotion that you express, how could I not allow them???

I would never want anyone to miss out on that. The Mass was also where the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance at the adoration chapel came to be. Rightly or wrongly, as a candidate I felt strongly that my prayers during Mass as recited on our behalf by the priest in the Eucharistic Prayer counted just as much as any Catholic’s prayers in asking the Holy Spirit to descend on the gifts of bread and wine. If my prayers did indeed count just as much as a non-Catholic as they do now as a Catholic, then we all lose something when we dismiss canditates or catechumens from Sunday Mass. We lose their participation, their presence, and their prayers. We also deny them one more opportunity to know Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

All excellent points for remaining.

As for my remaining a Catholic for very long, your opinion is noted, but I’ll let Jesus decide how long I remain a Catholic.

You misread my statement. I said if you think that the Church is “out to get you” at this stage because of your experience (rather than oversight or some other innocent reason), than you will have problems. I didn’t say you would not remain Catholic for long, only if you had an attitude of mistrust towards the Body of Christ. We co-exist in a human organization divinely instituted. We are on a journey, one where perfection is not achieved. Sometimes, we have to be all things for the sake of all people, as Paul was. Rather than taking a negative approach, I merely console that you see it as an opportunity for growth in virtue. Don’t let such things ruin your walk as a Catholic - which includes other wounded Christians who stumble on the way to the Lord.

Having an attitude that the RCIA was “out to get you” - and forcing you to jamb a steel rod down your spine…, that can lead to problems, don’t you think?

Regards

 

[Mrs_Mac]

I would only add to the discussion that being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil was one of the most beautiful and mysterious experiences of my life. There is something truly special about that night that makes it the best time to be received into the Church.
After all, it’s a liturgy that only takes place once a year.

Something to consider.

 

[fdesales]

I would only add to the discussion that being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil was one of the most beautiful and mysterious experiences of my life. There is something truly special about that night that makes it the best time to be received into the Church.
After all, it’s a liturgy that only takes place once a year.

Something to consider.

Your comments explain why I personally do not care for “personal instruction” only as a way of bringing people fully into the Catholic Church. Consider all the other mysterious experiences you have missed out on. From my experience hearing from others, they all believe “yes, I could have gone through quicker by private instruction, by I am happy I didn’t”… I believe it is better to go through the RCIA, even if you come in late, just so you CAN experience these things. And too many people overlook the role of the sponsor, which it sounds like you didn’t have…

Welcome to the fullness of faith, my sister,

Regards