Why I want to quit RCIA

[tscott]

From the beginning, the instructors have treated us like childeren. That’s bad enough, but now they have taken that to a new level.

My Sponsor was called out in front of others and admonished for chewing gum.

He’s a 50 year old man, volunteering his time to grow this body, and they treated him with a superior attitude, embarassing him in front of others is going over the line.

Perhaps it was not appropriate to chew gum, but what does Jesus think about treating an adult volunteer like a child.

I’m going to express my anger to a leader, but not sue who that should be - the leader, the Sister or the priest.

 

[1ke]

I would give my feedback to all three. The pastor likely does not know that people are being disrespctful to the volunteers and participants.

Talk to your pastor about implementing a change or options for completing instruction and your sacraments in another way if things do not improve.

 

[LilyM]

Express your displeasure, sure. What happened does not sound appropriate. Do not, however, let a few bad people dissuade you from RCIA altogether. If need be, find another parish or something. As the saying goes ‘do not let Judas drive you away from Peter’.

 

[bzkoss236]

Express your displeasure, sure. What happened does not sound appropriate. Do not, however, let a few bad people dissuade you from RCIA altogether. If need be, find another parish or something. As the saying goes ‘do not let Judas drive you away from Peter’.

Exactly. Look at it this way, just as there may be some bad Christians, doesn’t make Christianity not worth it. In the same way, a few bad leaders doesn’t make RCIA not worth it.

 

[the_phoenix]

I apologize that you’ve had to suffer through RCIA with the type of instructors you describe. Definitely report those instructors to the leader, Sister, and the priest … you’ll be doing others a favor as well as yourself.

I hope you’ll become Catholic despite their inappropriate behavior. Receiving Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is worth it.

 

[KendraDZ1902]

Has other things happened? While I don’t like being treated as a child, I don’t think a few rude people would make me want to quit anything. I would definitely bring up your concerns like others have stated.

 

[triumphguy]

Express your displeasure, sure. What happened does not sound appropriate. Do not, however, let a few bad people dissuade you from RCIA altogether. If need be, find another parish or something. As the saying goes ‘do not let Judas drive you away from Peter’.

Maybe he was chewing in the line-up to communion

Nevertheless calling out people in front of others never works IMO.

However: not exactly on the OP’s point

RCIA is getting to the point in the liturgical year where the rubber hits the road. Marital arrangements are being scrutinized. Previous sacramental history is being examined. “Irregular” relationships are being challenged. Decisions have to be made. Things get tense.

 

[Julian0404]

It is unfortunate that your first formal introduction into the faith is as you have expressed; and it is fortunate as well.

You are being tested, as you will be tested every day of your life as a Catholic. You will encounter many who are “in the faith”, but not living the faith and will impugne you and make you feel “less”.

Meditate on the many injustices done to JESUS. Remember HIS apostles wanted to call down fire upon the Samaritan town that refused JESUS permission to pass through - and HE simply walked around.

I wish you the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in your faith journey.

 

[tscott]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging and thoughtfull responses.

I’ve written a letter to the priest, but will sleep on it before I mail it.

Scott

 

[1ke]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging and thoughtfull responses.

I’ve written a letter to the priest, but will sleep on it before I mail it.

Scott

I woul approach him in a personal manner, rather than through a letter. Just talk to him.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging and thoughtfull responses.

I’ve written a letter to the priest, but will sleep on it before I mail it.

Scott

I think it is a good idea you let him know how instructors behave. Positions of power easily lead to little ego trips.

Many people ‘suffer’ through RCIA. That is really unfortunate, but sometimes it is just the way it is. Keep your eyes on the prize and see this as just a short phase that is the beginning of your life as a Catholic.