Will want to teach RCIA

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Sometime in the future, I’d like to teach in RCIA, or catechism, or the like. (By ‘in the future’, I mean a few years from now.) What I’m wondering is, what kind of resources or materials can I be looking at and studying to prepare for that time? I’m a cradle Catholic but I haven’t really done much by way of learning more about the faith, so I’m going to have to start slow methinks, and anyway, it will be good for me even if I DON’T end up teaching; at least I’ll be better equipped for my family and myself and all.

Any thoughts or advice is much appreciated!

Thank ee kindly!
-Grey
 
GreyRabbit said:
Sometime in the future, I’d like to teach in RCIA, or catechism, or the like. (By ‘in the future’, I mean a few years from now.) What I’m wondering is, what kind of resources or materials can I be looking at and studying to prepare for that time? I’m a cradle Catholic but I haven’t really done much by way of learning more about the faith, so I’m going to have to start slow methinks, and anyway, it will be good for me even if I DON’T end up teaching; at least I’ll be better equipped for my family and myself and all.

Any thoughts or advice is much appreciated!

Thank ee kindly!
-Grey
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I’d suggest the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That would be one place that can give you an overview of lots of different subjects. Then if any interest you, you can find other books that give a more in depth treatment of that subject.

I wish you well in your quest. A noble enterprise indeed.
 
Some states require an RCIA Instructor to be Certified (my state has no requirements). As a precaution, I went to the website of the nearest state and took the classes required by that state. The classes were however; college courses. Good luck and, God bless you, it is truly a rewarding vocation.
 
fredystairs said:
I’d suggest the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That would be one place that can give you an overview of lots of different subjects. Then if any interest you, you can find other books that give a more in depth treatment of that subject.

I wish you well in your quest. A noble enterprise indeed.
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I agree with this suggestion, sort of. I would recommend the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church instead of the full Catechism. It is much, much easier to read and understand.

I would also recommend that you check with your diocese. Some, like mine, have training for catechists that will help you grow your knowledge. My diocese has a certification for catechists, but it is not required unless you are teaching in a Catholic school. I took a 1 1/2 year formation class that was very good. If your diocese has something like that, it is very well worth it and I would strongly recommend that you avail yourself of such a course.

Peace

Tim
 
Depending on how serious you are about this, a degree in theology is very helpful. Many dioceses offer catechetical certification. Either of these options increases your knowledge and shows you’re serious about this ministry.

In addition, you need to know about the Rite itself. Get the book. Read it and understand it thoroughly so you know what it is the Church wants from RCIA. (Note: the Church isn’t looking for a catechism class!) Classes/certification in Christian Initiation are also helpful, increase your knowledge, and show that you’re serious.
 
Start by going through the RCIA program. Most parishes will let you “audit the course”, so to speak, by attending every week as if you’re preparing for the sacraments. Just by doing that, you’ll expose yourself to enough material to keep you busy for a good five years. The only caveat is you might have to pay for the materials that are provided to the catechumens and candidates for free, but it’s well worth the investment if you are truly interested in deepening your faith and prayer life.
 
My archdiocese offers a one year RCIA certification course at a local Catholic university and a two (audit) or three year certification course on Bible study. These are offered to lay people, religious, deacons, etc. You might check your archdiocese website for the future.
 
You can volunteer to be a catechist’s helper, or a helper in RCIA. Participating in either one would accelerate your progress toward teaching adults in the future.
 
Thanks a lot everyone! I’m really glad for all the advice! Since I’m currently living in S. Korea I’ll probably do some independent bookwork first.

Thanks again!
-Grey
 
kkollwitz said:
You can volunteer to be a catechist’s helper, or a helper in RCIA. Participating in either one would accelerate your progress toward teaching adults in the future.
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This is a great idea. That is how many of my RCIA catechists started. One woman was in charge of hospitality for a few years before becoming a catechist. Sitting in on the session helps you to find out what is going on and to continue to learn. Also get a copy of the Rites Book
 
Actually, I’m wondering, are there online courses that I can take? I mean, I know it’s best to be an assistant and to sit in and stuff like that, but right now I can’t because I’m in S. Korea and there isn’t anything like that here. So I’m wondering if there were online courses I can take to help?
 
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