P
Peeps
Guest
We had a wonderful RCIA program, and most of the class is still involved with our parish.
It was taught by converts (who appeared on The Journey Home!), and they were college professors/psychologists who knew how to teach.
Each week, the sessions lasted three hours–yes, three hours of teaching, with a short break for a snack/coffee.
We covered the Catechism–it was assigned for us to read (sections of it), and I read the entire Catechism outside of RCIA classes.
The teachers not only taught, but had guest teachers–many priests, sisters, and diocescan employees. I still remember the priest who lectured us on “Last Things”–it was so excellent.
I remember sitting in each class totally immersed in what was being said–the three hours just flew by.
We visited the parish 24/7 Adoration Chapel and learned about making a Holy Hour.
We talked about current events and the stand of the Catholic Church on various social issues.
During the Easter Triduum, our RCIA class sat together for the various Masses, Good Friday, etc. and afterwards we would discuss what had happened. And on Easter, when we were all confirmed into the Church, we were given a big reception with cake, etc.
And most importantly, for one year after the RCIA, we were involved in the “Mystagogy” (probably spelling that wrong)–we met to discuss issues and other questions, and did some fellowships (dinners) together.
Like I said, many of those people in our class are still very strong Catholics in the parish.
We even have a stone on our pavement outside of the church building “RCIA Class of 2004!”
Sadly, our teachers have retired and moved to a warmer climate. I believe our RCIA is taught exclusively by our priests now, but they are all really good teachers.
I think that often, people tend to fall away gradually from the Church. They start by skipping a Mass, and then it becomes easier to skip Masses, and it all snowballs from there.
I think that this pandemic and the closing down of parishes is going to be test for the Church–my husband and I have been to 2 Masses since March. We simply don’t want to expose ourselves to a different crowd. We stick to our work circle, our family, and two grocery stores–we have elderly parents and don’t want to be the cause of their demise.
But we are still Catholic to the core, for the long-haul. No plans to depart.
It was taught by converts (who appeared on The Journey Home!), and they were college professors/psychologists who knew how to teach.
Each week, the sessions lasted three hours–yes, three hours of teaching, with a short break for a snack/coffee.
We covered the Catechism–it was assigned for us to read (sections of it), and I read the entire Catechism outside of RCIA classes.
The teachers not only taught, but had guest teachers–many priests, sisters, and diocescan employees. I still remember the priest who lectured us on “Last Things”–it was so excellent.
I remember sitting in each class totally immersed in what was being said–the three hours just flew by.
We visited the parish 24/7 Adoration Chapel and learned about making a Holy Hour.
We talked about current events and the stand of the Catholic Church on various social issues.
During the Easter Triduum, our RCIA class sat together for the various Masses, Good Friday, etc. and afterwards we would discuss what had happened. And on Easter, when we were all confirmed into the Church, we were given a big reception with cake, etc.
And most importantly, for one year after the RCIA, we were involved in the “Mystagogy” (probably spelling that wrong)–we met to discuss issues and other questions, and did some fellowships (dinners) together.
Like I said, many of those people in our class are still very strong Catholics in the parish.
We even have a stone on our pavement outside of the church building “RCIA Class of 2004!”
Sadly, our teachers have retired and moved to a warmer climate. I believe our RCIA is taught exclusively by our priests now, but they are all really good teachers.
I think that often, people tend to fall away gradually from the Church. They start by skipping a Mass, and then it becomes easier to skip Masses, and it all snowballs from there.
I think that this pandemic and the closing down of parishes is going to be test for the Church–my husband and I have been to 2 Masses since March. We simply don’t want to expose ourselves to a different crowd. We stick to our work circle, our family, and two grocery stores–we have elderly parents and don’t want to be the cause of their demise.
But we are still Catholic to the core, for the long-haul. No plans to depart.