Skipping RCIA, straight to the sacraments?

[jmcrae]

I understand that. The way we were doing things the readings never tied in to the ‘topic of the week’. Sometimes she wanted to talk about Baptism (because the readings spoke of baptism) but people got off rail after the Scripture reading part and by the end of the night there was no time to discuss the actual topic of the night.

Honestly I think our instructor had good intentions, she just didn’t know how to implement them properly.

It also sounds like you were a very difficult, undisciplined group. There’s not much the teacher can do, if the students refuse to pay any attention to her.

 

[nickybr38]

Every instructor of RCIA has a book that is titled “The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” that comes from the Vatican. This book is not to be given out to the participants; it’s not a lesson book - rather, it gives the whole structure of the RCIA, with all of the prayers and Rites that must be done for each kind of participant (unbaptized; baptized in a non-Catholic Church; returning Catholic), as well as recommendations for the timing for each of the four Periods, depending on which kind of participant you are dealing with.

It has all of the words that the priest must say in each of the Rites, and it includes a list of the goals for each of the four Periods of RCIA, so that the instructors can evaluate the progress of the participants.

Interesting!

Well, I feel for you guys if you’re being taught to teach in that way (feeling things out as you go). Structure is so much more useful.

What does it teach about mixing unbaptized converts and baptized converts? Are they supposed to be in the same ‘group’?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Read the RCIA? How do you do that? We were given handouts but they were little prayers. That’s all we were given. Prayers and song sheets.

The ritual text is not for participants. But if you want to see it, you can get a copy here: ltp.org/p-1662-rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults.aspx That page also has a Google Preview link so you can see what the text includes.

 

[jmcrae]

What does it teach about mixing unbaptized converts and baptized converts? Are they supposed to be in the same ‘group’?

No, they’re not. They should actually be meeting on different nights. They can go to Breaking Open the Word on Sundays together, but they should be taking different Catechism classes, and being received into the Church on different Sundays (Baptized should be received on Pentecost Sunday; unbaptized should be received at the Easter Vigil).

But when there is either a very small group of participants, or a very small group of Catechists, it is often necessary to combine them, and quite often, one group or the other ends up doing things that are not appropriate for their particular status, such as baptized people being received on Easter Vigil, or unbaptized people doing a shorter Period of Catechesis.

 

[nickybr38]

No, they’re not. They should actually be meeting on different nights. They can go to Breaking Open the Word on Sundays together, but they should be taking different Catechism classes, and being received into the Church on different Sundays (Baptized should be received on Pentecost Sunday; unbaptized should be received at the Easter Vigil).

But when there is either a very small group of participants, or a very small group of Catechists, it is often necessary to combine them, and quite often, one group or the other ends up doing things that are not appropriate for their particular status, such as baptized people being received on Easter Vigil, or unbaptized people doing a shorter Period of Catechesis.

Ah, then I understand. I was the only baptized Christian joining the Church that year. I was brought into the Church on Easter Vigil (which was a wonderful experience).

For me RCIA was like… a final test of fire to prove I really longed for the Catholic Church. I’ve spoken to others who converted a few years before me (who were also baptized Christians converting to Catholicism) and they had the exact same sentiment (in fact, I am stealing the terminology from them because I felt it was apt).

I do feel like the majority of our problems just had to do with this being a very small area. They squeezed baptized and unbaptized converts together, then threw Catholics in need of formation in the mix and the result was… less then appealing. But they did what they could.

Anyway, to others who may or may not encounter RCIA experiences that are less then you expected - stick with it!!! As difficult as it may be it’s worth it.

 

[jmcrae]

For me RCIA was like… a final test of fire to prove I really longed for the Catholic Church.

While this is not actually one of the stated goals, I do find the process useful for weeding out those who lack perseverance.

I do feel like the majority of our problems just had to do with this being a very small area. They squeezed baptized and unbaptized converts together, then threw Catholics in need of formation in the mix and the result was… less then appealing. But they did what they could.

Now that you’re in full communion, this is actually a ministry that you could help out with, since it’s one that is very close to your heart.

 

[nickybr38]

While this is not actually one of the stated goals, I do find the process useful for weeding out those who lack perseverance.

Now that you’re in full communion, this is actually a ministry that you could help out with, since it’s one that is very close to your heart.

It’s funny you should say that. Recently I think I’ve been called to host an adult bible study or to just START one… for my local parish. I just haven’t had the guts to do anything about this niggling little urge yet… because I’m completely unqualified. As well versed as I felt beside the people of my RCIA group I am aware that I know very little.

and I’m so sorry for driving this thread so off the rails. ): I’m a ranty person.

 

[jmcrae]

It’s funny you should say that. Recently I think I’ve been called to host an adult bible study or to just START one… for my local parish. I just haven’t had the guts to do anything about this niggling little urge yet… because I’m completely unqualified.

Training is available from your Diocese. You can take it by correspondence if your Diocesan offices are too far away for you to attend in person.

As well versed as I felt beside the people of my RCIA group I am aware that I know very little.

You would also receive training before taking up any leadership position in RCIA.

 

[JohnMPhilomena]

There are some traditional parishes which do one-on-one instruction, like the FSSP. The instruction is likely to be in depth and tailored. The priest decides when you are ready to be received.

That’s the route I did because I felt like you do. I do not regret taking that route and I thank God for making it possible for me.

Me too. Our priest gave me several books to read and I met with him a few times to discussed them and ask questions. I was pleasently shocked one week when we met and he said, “Well, I don’t like to withhold sacraments, so, as far as I’m concerned, I can hear your confession now and then you can have have Holy Communion on Sunday.” (I was already baptised in the Methodist church).

Wow - it was great to have that confession behind me. I had confessed and repented many times in prayer, but it was great to hear the priest say, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Then my first communion was in the normal communion line with everyone else. Very few people even knew it was my first time. I was so nervous, but joyful.

Then I had my confirmation a couple months later.

I just love our priest. I don’t know what we will do when he retires. He is over 80 already, but still hanging tough!

Peace,
John