This priest says: "RCIA, how it is currently practiced, is pathetic and shameful."

[Lepanto]

I went through RCIA a few years ago in Idaho, and I experienced everything that this priest mentions.

fatherpaul.org/didaskalos/editorials_answers/vocation/RCIA_and_priests.html

My RCIA class was taught by a woman with a Masters of Divinity, but she was as liberal as they come (she would’ve made a nice Episcopalian). Every lecture sounded like a manifesto on social justice, but completely devoid of spiritual content. Our pastor only showed up for one of our classes the entire year. I sometimes wondered, was he really too busy to visit a classroom of 25 prospective converts?

Anyways, the priest-author of this article made me chuckle, too. He really nailed it, even the detail about "In the center of the room is a table, and on the table there is a doily, upon which one may find a bible open to some random page, and a candle burning. Of course, these are mere props, sacred things brought forth to ‘create an atmosphere.’ "

Our classroom had the same props, of course.

If you went through RCIA, was this your experience?

 

[North_of_Nod]

This has not been my experience. Mine has been absolutely wonderful so far, but I have heard cases like that mentioned on here before. It’s really unfortunate, and I definitely think that some serious adjustments need to be made in those places.

 

[JReducation]

I went through RCIA a few years ago in Idaho, and I experienced everything that this priest mentions.

fatherpaul.org/didaskalos/editorials_answers/vocation/RCIA_and_priests.html

My RCIA class was taught by a woman with a Masters of Divinity, but she was as liberal as they come (she would’ve made a nice Episcopalian). Every lecture sounded like a manifesto on social justice, but completely devoid of spiritual content. Our pastor only showed up for one of our classes the entire year. I sometimes wondered, was he really too busy to visit a classroom of 25 prospective converts?

Anyways, the priest-author of this article made me chuckle, too. He really nailed it, even the detail about "In the center of the room is a table, and on the table there is a doily, upon which one may find a bible open to some random page, and a candle burning. Of course, these are mere props, sacred things brought forth to ‘create an atmosphere.’ "

Our classroom had the same props, of course.

If you went through RCIA, was this your experience?

I agree with the author that the RCIA program in many parishes is very lacking. It needs to be reorganized and it needs a more solid curriculum with very clear benchmarks that state what the Church wants the convert to believe, before being admitted to the faith.

I disagree with him that everything is the fault of the priest. I also disagree with his description of how priests waste their time. Like every other situation in life, you have people who do a job well done and others who do a mediocre job. But even if you do a job well done, there is never a guarrantee that you will always have a result that is equal to the investment. A good teacher is a must in any school. However, not every student is going to be successful. People make choices and unfortuantely, they are not always the best choices. Additionally, there are some very well trained religious and lay theologians who are not priests. One of our brothers is a theologian and runs RCIA for a parish. He is not a priest. He’s excellent, because he’s clear, orthodox and very organized teacher. He does not miss a single point of what is important. We cannot assume that because a man is ordained he is a theologian or much less a talented educator. Deacons and priests get a general degree in theology and philosophy. They are not theologians. There is a difference. A theologian is an expert in a particular area of theology.

I can’t really answer your question about RCIA experience from a personal level. I am a convert from Judaism. But I never went through RCIA. It was non existent in my time. I was groomed by the Franciscan Brothers who taught me in school. Even though we were Jewish, because our mother was Jewish, my Catholic father insisted that we attend Catholic school under the guidance of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, because he had been educated by them.

We did and I fell in love with Catholicism watching these good and holy men, of course my father too. During my high school years I noticed how much they loved their founder. I was impressed that everything they taught us, they always quoted something that St. Francis did or something he said or someone said about him.

I began to ask questions about St. Francis. The brothers began to explain to me how Francis lived the Gospel and about Francis’ relationship with Christ. One thing led to another. I began to ask questions about Christ and the Church. Two years after graduating from high school, I ran into the Franciscans again at the university and I asked them to be baptized. I was.

Today, several decades later, I am a Franciscan Brother. I would not trade my journey for anyone else’s.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[SaltySirena]

I am a cradle Catholic who went through RCIA to be confirmed as an adult.

The program I went through was pathetic! But I didn’t know that at the time.

When my daughter was preparing for her own confirmation 9 years later, that was the first time I ever heard the term “gifts of the Holy Spirit” and learned what they were!

 

[pnewton]

Mine was great. It was taught by the priest who believed in covering all the basics. Our curriculum was the CCC.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Mine was great. It was taught by the priest who believed in covering all the basics. Our curriculum was the CCC.

You can’t beat that as a catechetical foundation!

 

[FickleFreckled]

I had one experience with RCIA 13 years ago when a woman I knew returned to the Church after many years and wanted to go through RCIA to reaquaint herself with Catholicism. She asked me to go with her. I attended the first inquiry meeting with her. I had a bad feeling when the program was being run by very recent converts. Right off the bat, an inquirer asked, “Why do Catholics have communion at every Mass?” The enthusiastic Catholic-of-one-year running the meeting responded, “Well, the Church just wants to make the Eucharist available at every Mass.” I was finally able to answer her question myself after I stopped hyperventilating.

I don’t know if they’ve gotten any better. I can understand why the enthusiasm level of recent converts might be good for the process, but not as teachers or moderators. Hopefully it’s improved.

 

[kimbaichan]

I have read so many bad things on line about RCIA, it scares me. I have to admit, I’m going to RCIA at church A because it starts in October, the RCIA at church B starts at the end of August. I figure even if its a messed up program they can’t do too much damage in six months. Meanwhile, I’ve re-read the Bible, I’m almost finished with the CCC, I’m reading the Church Fathers, Ecumenical Councils, and taking the K of C Catholic home study course. Just in case:shrug: I for sure don’t want to take my first communion and then go, “You believe WHAT?!?”

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement:

The Church doesn’t need many Catholics. The Church needs faithful Catholics.

We don’t just need warm bodies in the pews on Sundays, we need people on fire for the faith! We need people who are dedicated to living the faith!

 

[pnewton]

I have read so many bad things on line about RCIA, it scares me. I have to admit, I’m going to RCIA at church A because it starts in October, the RCIA at church B starts at the end of August. I figure even if its a messed up program they can’t do too much damage in six months. Meanwhile, I’ve re-read the Bible, I’m almost finished with the CCC, I’m reading the Church Fathers, Ecumenical Councils, and taking the K of C Catholic home study course. Just in case:shrug: I for sure don’t want to take my first communion and then go, “You believe WHAT?!?”

That pretty much covers it all!!!

 

[masuwerte]

I went through RCIA at my wife’s parish several years ago, and I’m sorry to say that I was told some things which are not true, while many teachings were mis-represented or omitted. So is the confirmation of an adult who didn’t know what he was getting into, even considered valid? IIRC, the catechism says a candidate must be properly instructed.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I read somewhere on these fora that RCIA stood for Repelling Converts In-Advertantly. Indeed.

I was a facilitator type person for RCIA a few years back. If I had been a candidate I would have learned that women would be allowed to be priests someday, when you pray you shouldn’t ask for things over and over (vain repetition?) and Catholics don’t pray the rosary anymore. One confirmand said he didn’t think the Catholic church was different than any other and the only reason he was being confirmed was to make his grandma happy. In spite of this he was confirmed. I know a past co-worker converted but they use contraception.

Oh, and the part where Fr. Ward say that priest need to stop watching so much TV? Yeah, they need to get off the internet too. :coolinoff: Ooookay, I’m done.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I went through RCIA at my wife’s parish several years ago, and I’m sorry to say that I was told some things which are not true, while many teachings were mis-represented or omitted. So is the confirmation of an adult who didn’t know what he was getting into, even considered valid? IIRC, the catechism says a candidate must be properly instructed.

Someone will corect me if I’m wrong but a person does not need to know or fully understand everything about the Church to be (validly) confirmed. They need to assent to what the Church teaches (summed up in the Creed). For example, I might not totally get why the church is against contraception; I just need to say that I’m going to go with the Church on that and the rest of her teachings. I behooves me to learn why the Church teaches certain things but I don’t have to “get it” all right off the bat.

 

[JReducation]

Someone will corect me if I’m wrong but a person does not need to know or fully understand everything about the Church to be (validly) confirmed. They need to assent to what the Church teaches (summed up in the Creed). For example, I might not totally get why the church is against contraception; I just need to say that I’m going to go with the Church on that and the rest of her teachings. I behooves me to learn why the Church teaches certain things but I don’t have to “get it” all right off the bat.

You are correct. You do not need to get it all at once. Christ revealed the fullness of revelation. However, the Apostles understood what he revealed to them through time. Some things were comprehended after the apostles were dead. We’re not sure if they ever discussed some things that were later discussed and debated by the Fathers and the early councils.

God in his great mercy asks us to trust him and the Church. We proclaim our faith in what the Church teaches, even when we are not sure we understand and we commit to on-going formation in our faith.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[JReducation]

I read somewhere on these fora that RCIA stood for Repelling Converts In-Advertantly. Indeed.

I was a facilitator type person for RCIA a few years back. If I had been a candidate I would have learned that women would be allowed to be priests someday, when you pray you shouldn’t ask for things over and over (vain repetition?) and Catholics don’t pray the rosary anymore. One confirmand said he didn’t think the Catholic church was different than any other and the only reason he was being confirmed was to make his grandma happy. In spite of this he was confirmed. I know a past co-worker converted but they use contraception.

Oh, and the part where Fr. Ward say that priest need to stop watching so much TV? Yeah, they need to get off the internet too. :coolinoff: Ooookay, I’m done.

Bold is mine.

What if that’s his ministry?

I understand about the TV and I agree. But what we have to make sure that all of us understand is that not every priest who is assigned to a parish works for the parish.

In our parish we have 7 friars. Three are priests. Only one of them is assigned to work in the parish. The Superior of the house is a Brother, the pastor is a priest, and the two pastoral associates are Brothers (both have degrees and experience in ministry). The other priest is a high school principal and the third priest is a hospital chaplain. The Superior runs everyone’s life and teaches theology at the local diocesan seminary and runs the RCIA.

The Superior does the assigning according to education, experience and the needs of the religious order.

In a diocesan parish, there is no superior, because the priest is a secular man. However, then we have the case, that they are seculars. They do not have the same rules that religious priests have. Many get paid very little and work at two jobs. People may think that they are not present because they are lazy when such is not the case. I know a diocesan priest who runs a parish during the day and teaches at the university at night, because he can’t retire if he does not do this. His salary is so low that his Social Security benefits are going to be insufficient to keep him alive. Diocese do not financially support retired priests. That’s up to them to figure out how to live.

Religious priests are taken care of by their brothers, but not diocesan priests. So every diocesan priest who is not around may be out working and making ends meet. Let’s be careful not to over generalize.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[basenji]

The intent of RCIA is wonderful and I’m happy to hear that it has been successfully and reverently put into practice at parishes around the country, if not the world.

That said, my experiences and perceptions of RCIA at my parish seem to match that of the OP and Fr. Ward. I went through the process myself and later returned to be a sponsor. Each time I have had to sit through the same old malarkey: Women should be priests, Gays should be able to get married, Priests should not have to be celibate, the only vocation ever mentioned is to that of “the single life” and on and on and on. I’m sure we’ve all heard the rest.

Our pastor is very progressive and hand picks his people to match his views, naturally. It’s very tough going for some of us faithful but we remain as best we can. Remaining solid in our faith and in our love for our fellow parishioners, no matter how misguided they may be. And, of course, we run interference as best we can — trying to make sure that people are taught when they should be learning and doing our best to deflect teachings away from identity politics and heterodox viewpoints.

I never thought spiritual warfare, as it were, would have to be conducted amidst my friends and pewmates.

Peace and Prayers

 

[JReducation]

The intent of RCIA is wonderful and I’m happy to hear that it has been successfully and reverently put into practice at parishes around the country, if not the world.

That said, my experiences and perceptions of RCIA at my parish seem to match that of the OP and Fr. Ward. I went through the process myself and later returned to be a sponsor. Each time I have had to sit through the same old malarkey: Women should be priests, Gays should be able to get married, Priests should not have to be celibate, the only vocation ever mentioned is to that of “the single life” and on and on and on. I’m sure we’ve all heard the rest.

Our pastor is very progressive and hand picks his people to match his views, naturally. It’s very tough going for some of us faithful but we remain as best we can. Remaining solid in our faith and in our love for our fellow parishioners, no matter how misguided they may be. And, of course, we run interference as best we can — trying to make sure that people are taught when they should be learning and doing our best to deflect teachings away from identity politics and heterodox viewpoints.

I never thought spiritual warfare, as it were, would have to be conducted amidst my friends and pewmates.

Peace and Prayers

The bold is mine. If the pastor knows that this is the content of teaching and does nothing to correct it, this is not progressive. It is a false sense of progress.

Progressive is to find new and appropriate ways to teach truth. The methods may change. The tools may change. But the truth of our faith is constant.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[KarenElissa]

Seeing as there are so many negative experiences, I’ll add in a positive one.

I went through half of RCIA (already baptized Christians had the option of half a year or a full year) and it was a good class. It was fairly basic, but that was where most of the group was at, but very faithful to Catholic teachings. I knew a lot coming in, and I don’t ever remember being taught anything that wasn’t true to the teachings of the Church.

I also think it was a good mix of teaching time and experiencing Catholic practices. For example, the night we talked about the Communion of Saints, we prayed a litany of the Saints together. The night we talked about the Eucharist, we went to Adoration and Benediction together. For me, those experiences actually were the most helpful. Knowledge I can get out of books (and did!), but those experiences within a community were something that you can only get by experiencing them.

I think our program as a whole is well run. They try to be faithful to the directives of the Church within the resources we have as a parish. It is organized by a lay-women, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. Our priests came in a couple of nights just to say hi and a couple of times led the class, specifically for the ones on the Eucharist, Confession, the priesthood, and Church history. And like I said, the lady in charge was totally faithful to the teachings of the Church.

So I think the problem here is not RCIA, it is people. I would imagine that the RCIAs with problems are at the same parishes where the priests are changing things in the Mass, telling people they don’t need to go to confession, and all the various other problems that we hear about.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

One of the problems with talking about RCIA is that most people have a sample of one and assume that RCIA everywhere is the same as their experience.

Catechesis varies. Part of the problem is that there’s no certification required (at least in my archdiocese) before someone can become a catechist. So you end up with some people who are very knowledgeable and others who are not, but they’re all willing to volunteer to help new people come into the Church. And it’s wonderful that they care so much! But if they don’t know what the Church teaches, it’s going to be awfully hard to pass the information on to someone else.

And, of course, RCIA is not just about catechesis. It’s nice if someone can recite the Ten Commandments or the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but that’s not all they need to become good Catholics. If their relationship with God and their relationship with the parish aren’t also being nurtured, then their RCIA experience is lacking.

 

[Answersplease]

I went through RCIA a few years ago in Idaho, and I experienced everything that this priest mentions.

fatherpaul.org/didaskalos/editorials_answers/vocation/RCIA_and_priests.html

My RCIA class was taught by a woman with a Masters of Divinity, but she was as liberal as they come (she would’ve made a nice Episcopalian). Every lecture sounded like a manifesto on social justice, but completely devoid of spiritual content. Our pastor only showed up for one of our classes the entire year. I sometimes wondered, was he really too busy to visit a classroom of 25 prospective converts?

Anyways, the priest-author of this article made me chuckle, too. He really nailed it, even the detail about "In the center of the room is a table, and on the table there is a doily, upon which one may find a bible open to some random page, and a candle burning. Of course, these are mere props, sacred things brought forth to ‘create an atmosphere.’ "

Our classroom had the same props, of course.

If you went through RCIA, was this your experience?

That is the reason why people should financially support EWTN and your local Catholic radio station.

You can divide up the money you would normally donate to your local church, especially if it is a liberal church.
You can substitute your time and volunteer in your local church, to make up for the money that you are diverting away from your local church.
You can use the time and volunteering to witness for Jesus The Christ and gently correct any heresey you see and present the true teachings of The Catholic Church.

You can divide the money any way you wish between: your local church, EWTN, your local Catholic radio station, and your favorite Catholic radio show (some radio shows need money).

Also I think the Catholic Church believes in physical support as well as spiritual support.
The physical support is with donating time, money, etc., to Catholic charities that help the poor,
and the spiritual support is with donating time, money, etc., to Catholic teaching and evangelism ministries like EWTN.

If you do already support many Catholic ministries, I did not mean to say that you did not.

If any of the above is wrong or against the teachings of The Catholic Church, I apologize.