The value of the RCIA program

[lufty]

a priest is supposed to be the head of every RCIA team. Yes the classes may be taught by lay catechists, who have had a role in the Church for 2000 years so there is plenty of precedent for us. Yes we are required to teach from materials approved by our bishops. The quality of the teaching, as in all such situations, depends as much on the attitude of the student as on the competence of the teacher. The best instructional materials are weak in the hands of a catechist, lay or cleric, who has a weak faith, and the most inadquate materials can be the springboard for excellent teaching by a catechist who is on fire with the Faith. I have not met a priest in 20 years of this ministry who has spare time to teach a class, although most make an extreme effort to participate at key times, nor to coordinate all that is necessary to make RCIA “happen”. They have the liturgical role which is demanding enough. In any case the action of the Holy Spirit is the driving force in RCIA and the pastor, catechist, coordinator and candidate who submit to the Holy Spirit throughout this process will experience joy and grace beyond description.

Welcome Home! to all!

Well, I’m totally at a loss now on what to think. I attended my 1st RCIA “class” structured meeting, and was clueless on what was going on. I was told that as I would be "starting kinda late (aka not last September) that I would be met by a representative. This did not occur, and without guidance on which group to join (it was broken into groups of some kind), and feeling awfully out of place, I left my name badge on the table and went home.
My 1-on-1 hasn’t returned my emails as well. So I guess I explore this whole thing on my own.

My assumptions so far exploring the CC in my area, is that the main focus of RCIA is for returning Catholics, and not for unbaptized non-Christians looking for guidance.

 

[Bonnie]

My assumptions so far exploring the CC in my area, is that the main focus of RCIA is for returning Catholics, and not for unbaptized non-Christians looking for guidance.

It’s supposed to be for anyone interested in learning about the Catholic Church. It sounds like someone has dropped the ball - in this case, you. Please don’t give up.

 

[awantz]

I went to RCIA and it was lead by a layman in another parish. I wasn’t given much of a chance to ask questions. I guess it depends on who is teaching.

 

[LARSCOUT0311]

I think what you’ll find with the RCIA program is that there is no “standard” so to speak. Alot of people have had positive experiences with it and alot have had negative.

For me, I found it very positive, very useful and very informative. Unlike other RCIA programs that I am reading about we were either under the eyes of the Pastor, another Priest or one of three permanent Deacons plus the RCIA instructor.

I think there are a few factors that may lead into a negative experience: 1) a lack of materials, 2) a lack of teaching ability(not everyone can teach or get a point across), 3) a lack of support for the program, and 4) believe it or not a lack of familiarity with the material. You would be surprised at how many Catholics (and others) do not understand what the Immaculate Conception is. From what I am reading it seems that alot of programs are just thrown together. But, the RCIA is also a time for reflection and seeking. If you don’t feel that something is right then you research it yourself or speak with a Deacon, Priest, Bishop, Sister or a Brother.

Also, as a note: The RCIA program can be attended by anyone in most parishes. Fallen away Catholics, the un-baptized, Catholics who just want “a refresher”, those that have not been confirmed yet, covnerts and those that have no intentions to become Catholic but just want to learn what its about.

 

[lufty]

I think what you’ll find with the RCIA program is that there is no “standard” so to speak. Allot of people have had positive experiences with it and allot have had negative.

For me, I found it very positive, very useful and very informative. Unlike other RCIA programs that I am reading about we were either under the eyes of the Pastor, another Priest or one of three permanent Deacons plus the RCIA instructor.

Also, as a note: The RCIA program can be attended by anyone in most parishes. Fallen away Catholics, the un-baptized, Catholics who just want “a refresher”, those that have not been confirmed yet, converts and those that have no intentions to become Catholic but just want to learn what its about.

I disagree, in that the RCIA “programs” in the major U.S. City in which I live appear to be orientated specifically to Catholics or returning baptized Catholics/Non-Catholics. The fact that I have yet to have an oppertunity to speak to a non-layman/person seems a bit strange to me. Humanity has it’s failures, and that is understandable as we are not all Saints. However, am I expected to be ignored by laymen in some kind of hazing ritual before I can have a single conversation with one who has been ordained? Is this cannon law?
Are non-Christians seeking wisdom, and guidance to be expected to forgive the short comings of humanity before actually having the opportunity of having a conversation, or blessings of those already in vocation? And are we expected to only begin to see our place in Gods house between September and Easter?
So far, in my experience, finding God and Christ, in Months that don’t “fit in” with the RCIA calendar, and being a non-baptized Christian, does not work with the current CC schedule of teaching.

 

[anjoh66]

It feels like i must share with you all how we do it in Sweden.

The RCIA is for 2 years and it starts with a course about the teachings of the catholic church, in it are dealt with the topics Mswood listed above in post no.16

This first year is an informatory one from september to may and the participants are not yet accepted as candidates or catechumens.
Then there is the summer vacation and the real RCIA starts in september for those who feel they wanna continue their way into the church.

In november they have the rite of acceptance when they are accepted as catechumens or candidates.

From that time on the courses are mostly about deepening the faith by discussions about a certain topic or text from the bible, and this continue till easter when the candidates are accepted into the church at Maundy Thursday and the catechumens are baptized at easter vigil.

Then comes the period of mystagogy and finally rehersal for confirmation which is done in june.

I myself was accepted as a catechumen in my home parish at lent last year and joined this group of catechumens in september so i didnt go the first year course about the churches teachings, this i did mostly by self studies and meetings with the priest in my home parish.
He then contacted this group and sent me there to join them for completing my catechumenate.

There is other candidates who has joined in with the group recently, also because they are already baptized and have already quite a long experience in the catholic church so their needs are different.

In my opinion this is a good way to do it, until now no one has left the group but all who is in is certain they wanna take the full step to become catholics, those who hesitated left after the first year, before being accepted as catechumens or candidates.

 

[Mike_Dye]

I am currently in RCIA and so far my experience has been wonderful. We are taught by one of our deacons. We have covered a wide range of biblical and catholic topics and so far from the outside research I have done we have not been taught anything that goes against Catholic teachings. We use the the Catholic Bible and the CCC as the basis for our classes. We have catechumens like myself, canidates and just recently we have had a few unconfirmed Catholics join our classes in preperation to be confirmed (we don’t have an adult confirmation class). Here are the classes we have had already:
The Journey
Conversion
Salvation history
Perseverance in Prayer
Command to Love God and Neighbor
Who is Jesus
Trinity
Sacred Scripture/The Liturgical Year
Mary - Feast Days
Rosary (this is when we where presented with our Rosaries and taught how to say the Rosary)
Communion of Saints
Heaven and Hell
Purgator
Advent
10th Commandment & 7 Deadly Sins
Incarnation - Word Made Flesh
Grace & Sacraments.

These are the upcoming class topics:
Holy Orders
Baptism
Confirmation
Marriage
Anointing of the Sick
Ash Wednesday
Eucharist (2 classes)
Confession
Confession Continued/Our Father
Easter Liturgy
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Authority of the Church
Role of the laity
Pentecost

It looks like you are in a great thought out program. God Bless You on your journey and welcome. The Easter Vigil is not that far away. As our parishes RCIA Director I am excited for you

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am curious about peoples’ RCIA opinions and experiences.
I quite often read here at CA of people considering the RCIA in order to enter the Church.
When I converted to the Church there was no RCIA program at my parish.
When I approached my priest his reply actually sent me away, and I found myself at an FSSP parish.
I was taught by a priest and encouraged by a friend who had attended a seminary in his younger days.
I don’t really have an opinion of the RCIA program except for being a little leery of it since (as far as I know) it is led by laymen and not priests. (I’m sure the material is approved, but still…)
My question (finally):
What have you experienced? Is it a good way to learn the true teachings of the Church? What are your opinions (what’s good, what’s not so good)?

I’ve been involved in RCIA in one way or another for 20+ years. I have been a Sponsor, Catechist, Team member, I’ve lead BOW, process Coordinator, doctrinal watchdog, and RCIA Director. I’ve been involved in 3 different parishes and participated in a session or two of a dozen different parishes around the country including two campus ministries. I’ve put together team training on the Rite, I have discovered many different understandings of the process and intent of RCIA, and many misunderstandings. Most processes are adaptations that reflect the person running the RCIA process.

RCIA is NOT a “One-Man Band” to make the Rite work correctly and provide the best spiritual experience for those participating it really does take a TEAM of well trained people all with the focus of bringing people into union with Christ and His Church.

 

[crm114]

An ex-priest taught the class.

This is puzzling. There is no such thing as an ex-priest. "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizidech. " There are of course priests who have received “laicization” or who because of misconduct have been removed from public ministry. But a priest who has been “laicized” or removed from public ministry should not be delivering RCIA.

 

[Bonnie]

But a priest who has been “laicized” or removed from public ministry should not be delivering RCIA.

Normally, that is true. But his case may be like my husband’s - the bishop has ok’d his teaching.

 

[no_good]

I’m currently in RCIA now. My first meeting was not good, so I switched parishes. I am SO thankful I did. I’m in a class of around 20 of us. All but 1 has been baptized. The parish priest leads the class and on a couple occasions the deacon has taught, but the priest is still there, and giving guidance and thoughts throughout the entire class. I think everyone feels very comfortable in class, everyone participates equally. We all have a great time. I wish everyone wanting to join the Catholic Church would get to have the same wonderful experience that I’ve had thus far.

 

[gh4]

I went through the RCIA program in the 80,s back in Ohio. There were probably 20 of us in the class. Each class was attended by the 20 of us, each of our sponsors and our parish priest and our parish nun and speakers each week. It was such a wonderful experience, we were all very sad when it was over in some ways, glad to be received into the Church, but sad that we weren’t meeting every week anymore!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I went through the RCIA program in the 80,s back in Ohio. There were probably 20 of us in the class. Each class was attended by the 20 of us, each of our sponsors and our parish priest and our parish nun and speakers each week. It was such a wonderful experience, we were all very sad when it was over in some ways, glad to be received into the Church, but sad that we weren’t meeting every week anymore!

But you could have continued meeting each week, Adult Catechesis, Adult Study Groups, which are missing in most parishes should follow RCIA.

 

[gh4]

But you could have continued meeting each week, Adult Catechesis, Adult Study Groups, which are missing in most parishes should follow RCIA.

Oh, that would have been so nice, and we probably would have if we had been encouraged to do so. No parish I’ve ever been in has encouraged things like this.

 

[usemelord]

RCIA? Frankly, I wish my experience had never ended. It just got better and better every week. I am a (65 yr. old) convert who will be celebrating my fifth “birthday” into the Catholic faith this coming Easter. A few months ago there was a similar thread inquiring about RCIA and I drew an analogy, which I thought was fairly reasonable, that just as some sports teams can be superior and others quite inferior and inept due to mismanagement and a variety of other reasons, so also can the RCIA experience be memorable or, sadly, uninspiring. I was fortunate enough to have an instructor who came within a whisker of becoming a priest. His teaching style was very palatable as opposed to some who are in-your-face-cram-it-down-your-throat-types. Like I said, I wish I were still in RCIA now almost five years later. I’ve had many, many so-called cradle Catholics say, in so many words, that they are envious of those who have gone through RCIA because we’ve learned everything that they’ve forgotten. Why, then, doesn’t the Church start some kind of a refresher course for lifetime Catholics in order to reinvigorate their faith lives?

 

[thequeen]

whenI decided to convert to Catholocism the parish that I went to and still am in did havearciaprogram but it did not have any one singed up I asked the assistant priest about receiving instructions in the faith and he said that there was no classes at the moment but that he could meet with me once a week if that was okay at first I was sad that I could not participate in rcia but let me tell you when I went through private instruction with a priest who was very orthodox when it came to church dogma I was glad that I did not go through rcia and let me tell you if you did not know the faith before you had instruction with him you sure knew it after that was 17 years ago this priest is almost 90 years old now and I feel fortunate to have had the luck to have him im my life some rcia programs are good just make sure that they are teaching the faith correctly and holding up to the magisterium of the church

 

[BlueSteel]

It was my understanding that you were supposed to stay with your local parish. Good or Bad. My experience with RCIA has been local parish was horrible and put me off the church. There was no chatachesis or any contact at all with a priest. I thought going to another parish was ‘shopping’ and was the same as what protestants do with churches?

 

[trackgirl]

It is interesting to me to hear the wide range of answers to the original question. I am currently meeting with a Sister weekly as I begin the process of conversion. I go to a small college and am not familiar enough with the area (nor in the area all year 'round) to go through RCIA at the local parish. I am really enjoying meeting with Sister though, and she seems to be teaching me what I have read in many apologetics works and in the CCC.

 

[Bonnie]

It was my understanding that you were supposed to stay with your local parish. Good or Bad. My experience with RCIA has been local parish was horrible and put me off the church. There was no chatachesis or any contact at all with a priest. I thought going to another parish was ‘shopping’ and was the same as what protestants do with churches?

In the “old days,” yes, one was supposed to stay within the parish boundaries. That is no longer true. At our last parish we had several families from the next state. At 1 parish here, which is closer to a town in Canada than our town, the people have been told they can attend mass in Canada when the priest isn’t there (when we have a priest, he gets up there about twice a month). I suppose, if any of them wanted to, they could also belong to the Canadian parish.

Now that there are so many differences between parishes, it makes sense to go to one that you are more comfortable at.

 

[LARSCOUT0311]

I disagree, in that the RCIA “programs” in the major U.S. City in which I live appear to be orientated specifically to Catholics or returning baptized Catholics/Non-Catholics. The fact that I have yet to have an oppertunity to speak to a non-layman/person seems a bit strange to me. Humanity has it’s failures, and that is understandable as we are not all Saints. However, am I expected to be ignored by laymen in some kind of hazing ritual before I can have a single conversation with one who has been ordained? Is this cannon law?
Are non-Christians seeking wisdom, and guidance to be expected to forgive the short comings of humanity before actually having the opportunity of having a conversation, or blessings of those already in vocation? And are we expected to only begin to see our place in Gods house between September and Easter?
So far, in my experience, finding God and Christ, in Months that don’t “fit in” with the RCIA calendar, and being a non-baptized Christian, does not work with the current CC schedule of teaching.

I just happened to be looking at some of the posts that people responded to and I want to say woaahh Nelly! I’m not sure where your hostility came from? I’m not sure where you are coming from. I said nothing about not being able to speak to the ordained…in fact I would like to say that even before joining the RCIA I spoke with the priests regularly and the laymen. Everyone was very helpful and was glad to see new faces becomng part of the Church. The OP asked for experiences in the RCIA and I gave mine. I’m sorry that mine were positive. I had nothing to complain about.

The only complaint I would have would be RCIA as a whole and the need for it to be standardized. Personally, and this is my opinion, the length of the RCIA program was just right for me. I went from September to Easter Vigil. It wasn’t about finding GOD. I found Him! It was about learning the ways of the Catholic Church, and thats what the RCIA is for. I enjoy doing it the Catholic way and I believe the Catholic way, so I put in my time and effort and went by their rules. Does it fit everybody’s time table? Probably not because some might not have a clue of what they are commiting themselves to and others may be more advanced and know all the ins and outs. As I said in my previous post and even alluded to in this one…this has been my personal experience and from my readings has varied from others experience.