Why is RCIA Only Offered Once/Year?

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Why are RCIA classes only offered once a year? It seems to me, many people looking to learn and/or convert quite possibly fall by the wayside during this waiting time. Many things comes up in daily lives, new people can lose that zeal quickly without a support group, others can talk and influence them otherwise. A person’s life can change dramatically in four or five months.

Someone recently asked me about RCIA and was considering Catholicism. This person is a Christian, but I was floored they would even consider. It was one of the last people I would have ever anticipated asking about not only Catholicsm, but specifically RCIA enrollment.
 
Twice a year. During Lent for Easter and a second time in preparation for Chrstimas to take off the excess from the Lent rush.
 
Hi,
Well, of course the RCIA takes up quite a bit of the year, usually from September to April or May, up to nine months! I have seen many people come in as late as December and still be accepted. This may not be the case everywhere, but we are flexible.:angel1:

In our area, there are lots of Military people and some transfer* to *our class, and some begin in our class and leave to complete RCIA in another town or state. We make allowances because they have no choice in being transferred between bases, and we want them to continue and complete RCIA and become members of The Church on Holy Saturday, the Great Easter Vigil.

Perhaps you are thinking that it would be nice if one class began in September, and then, a few months later, a second class could begin for new people. I think that would only be possible with a larger number of committed volunteer and parish staff, who would have to co-ordinate things. Still, if someone does not begin, for example, until February, he or she would not have enough time to study and reflect upon things in time to enter the Church by the nearest upcoming Easter time. They could, in theory, if there are enough teachers, keep several classes going and just require the usual 9 months to complete the program. I’d be interested to know if any parishes are doing this.

So, in other words, all good things take time, and it’s good that the preparation time does take awhile, allowing for some to enter who were not able to begin in September to still participate. I hope this helps!
Kathryn Ann:heaven::harp::heaven:
 
Couponfit~ Here, it begins in September. They will accept later than that, but rarely after January.

Are you saying they complete the required learning process during the time from fall to Christmas and then offer a second time beginning at Lent? ( without these people playing catch up to the earlier group)
 
I’m not sure what you mean.

They are only offered once a year, starting in September and ending at Easter. So unless someone is looking to join in June, July or August, I don’t see the problem. 🤷
 
Kathryn_Ann said:
Hi,
Well, of course the RCIA takes up quite a bit of the year, usually from September to April or May, up to nine months! I have seen many people come in as late as December and still be accepted. This may not be the case everywhere, but we are flexible.:angel1:

In our area, there are lots of Military people and some transfer* to *our class, and some begin in our class and leave to complete RCIA in another town or state. We make allowances because they have no choice in being transferred between bases, and we want them to continue and complete RCIA and become members of The Church on Holy Saturday, the Great Easter Vigil.

Perhaps you are thinking that it would be nice if one class began in September, and then, a few months later, a second class could begin for new people. I think that would only be possible with a larger number of committed volunteer and parish staff, who would have to co-ordinate things. Still, if someone does not begin, for example, until February, he or she would not have enough time to study and reflect upon things in time to enter the Church by the nearest upcoming Easter time. They could, in theory, if there are enough teachers, keep several classes going and just require the usual 9 months to complete the program. I’d be interested to know if any parishes are doing this.

So, in other words, all good things take time, and it’s good that the preparation time does take awhile, allowing for some to enter who were not able to begin in September to still participate. I hope this helps!
Kathryn Ann:heaven::harp::heaven:
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It boggles my mind that there is not one available beginning directly after Easter. So, many people are interested at that time and reflecting. If it is a person who does not normally attend church, this is a huge roadblock as they are wanting and ready to learn and become involved. A few weeks pass and with no support classes, etc. It’s easy to see how they would end up with another denomination during a five month waiting period. Many people having busy work schedules, health issues, etc do not have the time or resources on their own. 😦
 
maryjk said:
I’m not sure what you mean.

They are only offered once a year, starting in September and ending at Easter. So unless someone is looking to join in June, July or August, I don’t see the problem. 🤷
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If someone is interested at Easter - in March or April- the classes don’t begin until September. 4-5 months.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear.
 
Bix said:
If someone is interested at Easter - in March or April- the classes don’t begin until September. 4-5 months.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear.
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That’s what happened to me and it was hard. I was interested right before Easter vigil. So I was attending mass about 3-5x a week at that point and I so needed guidance. But RCIA did not start till September.

Fortunately, God brought me to the FSSP so I was able to start instruction in July.

I agree that instruction should not be just once a year and that a lot of people can grow discouraged with no support system in place.
 
Ideally RCIA is a year round process. Baptism is only on Easter but if a person is a baptized Christian they can come into the Church at any time of the year. We sometimes have people come in several times a year. We have one coming in at the end of May and I just interviewed a new inquirer who will probably be brought in at the end of the summer or early fall depending on how he does with the sessions.
 
my family is making the trek back home to the catholic church and where we are located rcia is only offered in the fall…we feel kind of homeless having to wait 6 months until rcia even begins but are making the most of our wait by attending mass several times a week and reading everything we can get our hands on…(lots of good book suggestions have been received here on catholic answers 👍)

we have met with our priests and they are quite supportive and have been told the parish would like to move to a year round rcia schedule but hasn’t quite gotten there yet…

i pray that everyone heeds the Holy Spirit’s call to church even if they must wait for initiation to begin 🙂
 
I needed every bit of that 8-9 months to read, research, learn, etc. However, it would be nice if something was offered for the people who are interested but have to wait until the fall (ie social activities, book clubs, videos, etc).
 
SeekNFind said:
I needed every bit of that 8-9 months to read, research, learn, etc. However, it would be nice if something was offered for the people who are interested but have to wait until the fall (ie social activities, book clubs, videos, etc).
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Definitely! I think we probably lose many people. 😦
 
Bix said:
Why are RCIA classes only offered once a year?
It seems to me, many people looking to learn and/or convert quite possibly fall by the wayside during this waiting time. Many things comes up in daily lives, new people can lose that zeal quickly without a support group, others can talk and influence them otherwise. A person’s life can change dramatically in four or five months.
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As I read this I could only think of the parable of the sower and the seed in Mt 13: 1-23. The problems you describe above would afflict the seed that fell on rocky ground or thorny ground, but not on good soil. Trust that God will keep them if indeed they are to be kept.
Someone recently asked me about RCIA and was considering Catholicism. This person is a Christian, but I was floored they would even consider. It was one of the last people I would have ever anticipated asking about not only Catholicsm, but specifically RCIA enrollment.
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Well - I wouldn’t wait. I’d suggest that you begin meeting with him yourself and begin discussing these things. It might be a great opportunity for you to learn more as well…

Peace
James
 
Good question. In fact, my wife and I first inquired around Easter time and were told to sit tight (and continue attending Mass) until RCIA classes began in September. We were already pretty much decided on becoming Catholic, but I can totally understand how somebody less dedicated and/or just undecided might be put-off by the delay.

Well, now I’m the RCIA coordinator in my Parish…so now I have the perspective from the opposite side. I don’t think I’d be able to handle a year-round program! The summer break allows me time to relax a bit, take stock of what I did well and what needs improvement, and plan for next year’s program. I should also point out that we don’t stop after the Easter Vigil; we have a number of follow-on Mystagogia classes for the folks who were just received into the Church.

Also, the Church discourages having Adult Baptisms outside of the Easter Vigil, and it makes simple logistical sense to teach Catechumens and Candidates together. So you combine all this together and you end up with the usual RCIA program, running from the fall to the Vigil (and then some for the Mystagogia).

If we had enough volunteers (and students, for that matter) to allow for two overlapping classes, we could do it, although some of the students would probably end up having to wait some time after the RCIA classes until the Vigil…so there would still be some unfortunate waiting for some people.

Outside of the formal RCIA process, I always encourage prospective RCIA students to begin reading and studying and asking questions before (and obviously during) the formal classes. I try to make myself as available as possible to provide support, but we don’t have a formal program of study outside of the real classes.

God bless!
 
Ideally, RCIA takes nine months. At my parish, classes are offered all year. An “inquiry” class begins in January, as a prelude to RCIA in August, ending at Easter the following year. Another inquiry class begins in January each year, overlapping the RCIA class already in progress. The lay teachers are exceptional – well trained and knowledgeable. The priests and deacons teach some of the classes so people get to know them.

In at least two parishes in my diocese, RCIA lasts two years. That’s ideal IMO, giving people a better education in Catholic doctrine and an introduction to Catholic culture. Two years provides a better integration into the life of the parish. Catholicism is a way of life.

The 9-month RCIA is a survey course in Catholicism – one needs to supplement it by reading good books – the six volume History of Christendom by Dr. Warren H. Carroll, for example. And the writings of the Early Church Fathers in the first Christian centuries. A substitute is convert Rob Bennett’s Four Witnesses, The Early Church in Her Own Words. One should spend all available time waiting for RCIA to begin educating onself about the Faith. There’s a lot one should know before making the decision to become Catholic.
 
i also think that there should be programs that start multiple times throughout the year!
 
achmafooma said:
Good question. In fact, my wife and I first inquired around Easter time and were told to sit tight (and continue attending Mass) until RCIA classes began in September. We were already pretty much decided on becoming Catholic, but I can totally understand how somebody less dedicated and/or just undecided might be put-off by the delay.

Well, now I’m the RCIA coordinator in my Parish…so now I have the perspective from the opposite side. I don’t think I’d be able to handle a year-round program! The summer break allows me time to relax a bit, take stock of what I did well and what needs improvement, and plan for next year’s program. I should also point out that we don’t stop after the Easter Vigil; we have a number of follow-on Mystagogia classes for the folks who were just received into the Church.

Also, the Church discourages having Adult Baptisms outside of the Easter Vigil, and it makes simple logistical sense to teach Catechumens and Candidates together. So you combine all this together and you end up with the usual RCIA program, running from the fall to the Vigil (and then some for the Mystagogia).

If we had enough volunteers (and students, for that matter) to allow for two overlapping classes, we could do it, although some of the students would probably end up having to wait some time after the RCIA classes until the Vigil…so there would still be some unfortunate waiting for some people.

Outside of the formal RCIA process, I always encourage prospective RCIA students to begin reading and studying and asking questions before (and obviously during) the formal classes. I try to make myself as available as possible to provide support, but we don’t have a formal program of study outside of the real classes.

God bless!
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Is there not a shorter series that could be done for those who are already baptized and well versed in the Bible or a group or anything to help out? What do you suggest they read? Do you give the RCIA books out early? Or, how about a short intro class a few times before summer break and give them the books to be reading and assign them a summer sponsor? A prayer booklet and inexpensive rosary, just something.

Anything to make them feel as if they are more “officially” welcomed into the Churh and their journey. It might surprise you, but do a test and call parishes asking about joining the church/ RCIA for their response. I’m not saying they’re negative, but there is nothing tangent for them to have with them during this time and no one follows up. I understand that is the way it works and to a degree understand why… However, it saddens me and maybe that’s just because of my Protestant backgound, but there are many small things that could be done that would make a difference.
 
It hurt my feelings very badly when I was told to wait. I came to the Bascilica in February so I was going to have a long wait. I tried for a while but no confession, no communion, no time with the Priest, I felt like a total outsider. I ended up going back where I felt welcome. My home denomination. At least there they welcome new people and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone before they let you sit down to the table at the Lord;s Supper. Jesus said Knock and the door eill be opened unto you. I think the Catholics have it a little wrong on this one. RCIA is good but if you are baptized and can pass some testing, you should be welcome and come in for your classes as a new Catholic just my opinion. It totally turned me off and I felt like I was not worth their time or something until Fall came. Just my experience.
 
rturner76 said:
It hurt my feelings very badly when I was told to wait. I came to the Bascilica in February so I was going to have a long wait. I tried for a while but no confession, no communion, no time with the Priest, I felt like a total outsider. I ended up going back where I felt welcome. My home denomination. At least there they welcome new people and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone before they let you sit down to the table at the Lord;s Supper. Jesus said Knock and the door eill be opened unto you. I think the Catholics have it a little wrong on this one. RCIA is good but if you are baptized and can pass some testing, you should be welcome and come in for your classes as a new Catholic just my opinion. It totally turned me off and I felt like I was not worth their time or something until Fall came. Just my experience.
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I’m so sorry you were hurt and went though this experience. I understand having to wait for communion and confession(I didn’t like waiting either), but why were you unable to speak with a priest? Usually, if you call ahead they will meet with you. I’m sorry. Wish I had more wisdom to offer, but I am truly sorry you felt this way. Once, one is finally in the Church, nothing comes close to the experience of the closeness God. I could write pages. It is home, it is love, it’s that little something I always felt like I was missing no matter how close I was. I may post this tomorrow when I’m not quite as sleepy and make sure it makes sense. I’m a bit under the weather, so forgive my ramblings and typos tonight.🙂

What was it that initially drew you to the Catholic church rather than your home denomination? I hope you don’t my being nosy… I always enjoy hearing all the different answers. 🙂

God Bless~
 
Bix said:
It boggles my mind that there is not one available beginning directly after Easter. So, many people are interested at that time and reflecting. If it is a person who does not normally attend church, this is a huge roadblock as they are wanting and ready to learn and become involved. A few weeks pass and with no support classes, etc. It’s easy to see how they would end up with another denomination during a five month waiting period. Many people having busy work schedules, health issues, etc do not have the time or resources on their own. 😦
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Bix, just a gentle note: The Catholic Church is not a denomination, and not merely one of thousands of places where a person rushes to replace it out of frustration and expects to be equally instructed or fulfilled elsewhere. ** The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a sacred tradition requiring reverence and much hard work by the parish, the Priest, the D.R.E. and the many RCIA sponsors who hold their responsibilities to be sacred.** :highprayer:

*** You mention time constraints of these hurried people demanding year round classes. We should remember that the staff, volunteers, sponsors and instructors who run the RCIA for nine months also have families, time constraints and other responsibilities of their own, and some may well have their own private health issues.***

I, for example, sponsored a dear friend all year in RCIA from September through Easter, hardly ever missing a week night meeting. This February I was diagnosed with cancer, had surgery, and had to miss being there on some regular weekly meetings in March. It seemed a miracle that I only missed those few meetings, but each meeting is very important to everyone attending.

I would certainly not want health issues:crutches: to keep anyone from entering the Church, and I do understand people’s time restraints, including those of the parish staff and instructors.**

** I imagine the DRE of each parish would have much to say about all the work that is involved in setting up and running the RCIA.** Sponsors, for example, have a sacred role in being there for “their” candidate, catechumen, etc.

Visiting scholars and others who speak on the different subjects must be lined up ahead of time. The parish Priest must oversee everything, along with the D.R.E. and her assistants.

Summertime, remember, is a time when many parishioners go on vacation. Some of these parishioners work all year long and are not always available to run summer programs. ***Would that we had more people to help. Truly, I will pray for that! ***

If there are ways for individuals who cannot, for health or other pressing issues, attend the traditional autumn- through- spring time frame, I’m sure that others on this forum will inform us all. :highprayer::signofcross: In the meantime, those approaching The One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church may learn the reverence and humility Her Founder so graciously showed us by His example. There is no real substitute, however rushed the seeker may feel.

Peace,
Kathryn Ann:heaven:
 
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