Your experiences in facilitating RCIA

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I have wanted to get involved in RCIA for some time and a few days ago finally made a step in that direction and contacted the parish about it. Tomorrow after mass the RCIA team is meeting to discuss the new RCIA ‘year’ that starts end of this month. I am very excited.

My parish is quite big and every year it attracts a good number of converts. Most of them come from Hinduism and Buddhism. My knowledge of these religions is basic and I wonder if I will be able to relate to the particular challenges and questions these catechumens will face. (My experience with converts is Protestantism and non religious backgrounds.)

I would love to hear about your experiences about being involved in RCIA and would very much appreciate your prayers.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I love being involved in RCIA! It’s a huge benefit to me and to my faith while – I hope – serving others.

There are so many aspects to RCIA that it’s hard to know where to start.

One thing that I think is vital is to have a copy of the Rite itself and become familiar with it. You should have a good sense of what the Church’s vision of RCIA is (even if it’s not especially well implemented in your parish). The love and care the Church has for catechumens is amazing and that’s what we need to bring to them.

I’m not sure what to say in terms of working with people from unfamiliar backgrounds. On the one hand it’s not a problem in the sense that our journeys are all individual and your experiences will not be identical to someone else. You can be honest and open about your relationship with God, experiences in prayer, etc. no matter how different the backgrounds are.

At the same time, knowing more about their backgrounds may make it easier to draw parallels or explain differences. In my case I can tell you about difficulties that Protestants sometimes face in terms of Catholicism (including things like the role of Mary, the Pope, authority of the Church) that need to be addressed. I’m not sure what typical difficulties a Buddhist or Hindu would have with Catholicism. You’ll certainly learn as you go but it might be helpful to read or take a class to gain some perspective.

I look forward to more conversation on this topic.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Thank you for your reply Suscipe.

Glad to hear that being involved in RCIA helped you in your faith life.

I have received so many graces from God in the last few years and feel that it is time to give something back, and feel called to engage with those who are at the beginning of this journey. I am so happy that the parish needs people to get involved.

I suspect that I will learn a lot from the core team who are experienced and know what to expect from people coming from different religious backgrounds.

I went through RCIA 22 years ago when I was a high school student and remember it fondly. I think it will be very exciting for me to go back to that but in a different capacity and in a different culture.

 

[CalCatholic]

I love being involved in RCIA! It’s a huge benefit to me and to my faith while – I hope – serving others.

I agree, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Lord in this ministry! I tell our catechumens and candidates, that I get as much out of our sessions together as they do, and I really mean that!

 

[tawny]

I have wanted to get involved in RCIA for some time and a few days ago finally made a step in that direction and contacted the parish about it. Tomorrow after mass the RCIA team is meeting to discuss the new RCIA ‘year’ that starts end of this month. I am very excited.

My parish is quite big and every year it attracts a good number of converts. Most of them come from Hinduism and Buddhism. My knowledge of these religions is basic and I wonder if I will be able to relate to the particular challenges and questions these catechumens will face. (My experience with converts is Protestantism and non religious backgrounds.)
I would love to hear about your experiences about being involved in RCIA and would very much appreciate your prayers.

You will find it to be one of the most religiously rewarding & fullfilling experiences of your life. It will assist you in your own spirirtual growth development. When you see that look of acknowledgement on your students face when you realize “they got it”; you’ll know the Holy Spirit is at work. And the joy you & your students experience at the Easter Vigil when they come into full communion with the Church is so spiritually fullfilling. God bless you in your journey. We are all call to be Catechists.

 

[aicirt]

Do you have EWTN there? THE JOURNEY HOME is wonderful. It is a discussion between the host and various people who have converted from various faiths to Catholicism. You can google Marcus Grodi and read some of the stories of Muslim and Buddhist converts among many others.

Our priest recommends CATHOLICISM FOR DUMMIES for those considering converting. It is written by two priests.

Also need the cathechism book.

 

[Memaw]

I have wanted to get involved in RCIA for some time and a few days ago finally made a step in that direction and contacted the parish about it. Tomorrow after mass the RCIA team is meeting to discuss the new RCIA ‘year’ that starts end of this month. I am very excited.

My parish is quite big and every year it attracts a good number of converts. Most of them come from Hinduism and Buddhism. My knowledge of these religions is basic and I wonder if I will be able to relate to the particular challenges and questions these catechumens will face. (My experience with converts is Protestantism and non religious backgrounds.)

I would love to hear about your experiences about being involved in RCIA and would very much appreciate your prayers.

Go to catholic.com and they can give you much information on Hinduism and Buddhism as well as other things of interest. They have a priceless amount of information there. God Bless, Memaw

 

[MacQ]

I have wanted to get involved in RCIA for some time and a few days ago finally made a step in that direction and contacted the parish about it. Tomorrow after mass the RCIA team is meeting to discuss the new RCIA ‘year’ that starts end of this month. I am very excited.

My parish is quite big and every year it attracts a good number of converts. Most of them come from Hinduism and Buddhism. My knowledge of these religions is basic and I wonder if I will be able to relate to the particular challenges and questions these catechumens will face. (My experience with converts is Protestantism and non religious backgrounds.)

I would love to hear about your experiences about being involved in RCIA and would very much appreciate your prayers.

This may sound counter-intuitive, but my experience is that folks coming from non-Christian backgrounds (Buddhist, Muslim) often have a shorter leap and fewer hangups than those coming from protestant traditions.

My advice:

• You don’t have to have all the answers. Don’t fake it if you don’t know.
• Keep it simple–No need to get over-technical or become a theologian.
• The most important thing RCIA Team does is make enquirers feel WELCOME.

And finally,

• Don’t EVER tell someone that it’s not necessary for them to accept a particular teaching…we don’t need cafeteria catholics. Instead, encourage them to keep asking and digging until they are satisfied. (Almost always, when they do, they reach a deep understanding and a full embrace).
• Don’t EVER put down other religions. That is a huge turnoff. Speak of other traditions with respect.

Godspeed. Enjoy the journey.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Thank you everyone for your replies, advice and suggestions for reading material.

I have just come back from the meeting. It was great. There are 10 of us: 3 are experienced catechists who have been doing this for years, others have been involved for a couple of years or so, and 2 of us are brand new. There will be no training for us but we are to observe and learn as we go along, and of course we can consult the core team whenever we need to.

They use the Catechism as the main source but we are free to include other sources as long as they are orthodox. My job will be to just be there, make friends, answer questions, help in group discussion, and to present one topic in December, when I’m more used to it all. The classes begin next week. So far they have 10 people interested, and more are expected to join during the summer and early autumn.

I am super happy. My husband - a non believer - is very supportive of this, although it means I will spend my Sunday morning and afternoons in church.

All of you reading this thread, please pray for the people who will come for catechesis, as well as for us instructing them, that the Holy Spirit leads us on this journey.

 

[anon53744415]

I’m still going through RCIA. I am a UMC to RC convert. At first I found RCIA a frustratingly slow process but as I’ve gone through it and gained some perspective it is making a lot of sense. It is no longer a frustrating exercise due in large part to the RCIA program being so good at my Parish. Luckily I am in a very good RCIA program. It is orthodox from top to bottom. I feel so bad when I read the many posts about bad RCIA classes.

At this time my main goal is to continue on the path I’m on in order to be confirmed and to receive the Eucharist. My other goal is to join the RCIA team at my Parish as soon as I can to help facilitate and teach the classes with them.

FYI, first post on this forum. Been lurking here for some time.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Welcome, standay.

 

[PJM]

=Contra Mundum;12084867]I have wanted to get involved in RCIA for some time and a few days ago finally made a step in that direction and contacted the parish about it. Tomorrow after mass the RCIA team is meeting to discuss the new RCIA ‘year’ that starts end of this month. I am very excited.

My parish is quite big and every year it attracts a good number of converts. Most of them come from Hinduism and Buddhism. My knowledge of these religions is basic and I wonder if I will be able to relate to the particular challenges and questions these catechumens will face. (My experience with converts is Protestantism and non religious backgrounds.)

I would love to hear about your experiences about being involved in RCIA and would very much appreciate your prayers.

I think you’ll find as I did that EACH Class is different.

Rather than being concerned about their beliefs [not a bad thing] it is FAR more important that you know OUR Catholic Faith well enough not just to share it; BUT TO PROVE and give evidence of our beliefs.

God Bless and good luck. PRAY MUCH!

Patricl

 

[PJM]

=standay;12121496]I’m still going through RCIA. I am a UMC to RC convert. At first I found RCIA a frustratingly slow process but as I’ve gone through it and gained some perspective it is making a lot of sense. It is no longer a frustrating exercise due in large part to the RCIA program being so good at my Parish. Luckily I am in a very good RCIA program. It is orthodox from top to bottom. I feel so bad when I read the many posts about bad RCIA classes.

At this time my main goal is to continue on the path I’m on in order to be confirmed and to receive the Eucharist. My other goal is to join the RCIA team at my Parish as soon as I can to help facilitate and teach the classes with them.

FYI, first post on this forum. Been lurking here for some time.

You are indeed fortunate to be in a good RCIA program. Perhaps the knowledge that in the Early Church that program was most often two entire years of at least weekly meetings. And NOW we have 2,000 years of Tradition, Teachings and Experience to fit onto 16-20 ohe hour or so weekly meetings to teach the Faith of Christ and to Counter false beliefs and wrong understandings. Quite a task.

So what your getting is just the high points, the Cream so to speak. There’s LOTS of “milk” beneath the surface to learn.

God Bless you and welcome HOME:thumbsup:
Patrick **

 

[anon53744415]

You are indeed fortunate to be in a good RCIA program. Perhaps the knowledge that in the Early Church that program was most often two entire years of at least weekly meetings. And NOW we have 2,000 years of Tradition, Teachings and Experience to fit onto 16-20 ohe hour or so weekly meetings to teach the Faith of Christ and to Counter false beliefs and wrong understandings. Quite a task.

So what your getting is just the high points, the Cream so to speak. There’s LOTS of “milk” beneath the surface to learn.

God Bless you and welcome HOME:thumbsup:
Patrick **

Thanks Patrick. I’m not concerned about the timeline anymore. I had some confusion early on about how the RCIA timeline worked but with prayer (and additional research online!) I understand what’s going on much better now. There’s a lot to all that but I won’t go into it in this thread.

At any rate, yes, I am *very *thankful to be in such a good program. Believe me, after the things I’ve read I do not take it for granted. A good RCIA program is not a given.

When I’m confirmed (should be this coming Easter) I’ll have been in RCIA close to 2 years. But I realized several years ago when I first started researching Catholicism that the Catholic Church “runs deep.” Very deep. I know I’ll only scratch the surface in that time which is one of the big reasons I want to stay in RCIA with the team. I love learning about the Catholic Church and I figure, what better way than to continue with RCIA by being on the team?!

 

[CalCatholic]

Thanks Patrick. I’m not concerned about the timeline anymore. I had some confusion early on about how the RCIA timeline worked but with prayer (and additional research online!) I understand what’s going on much better now. There’s a lot to all that but I won’t go into it in this thread.

At any rate, yes, I am *very *thankful to be in such a good program. Believe me, after the things I’ve read I do not take it for granted. A good RCIA program is not a given.

When I’m confirmed (should be this coming Easter) I’ll have been in RCIA close to 2 years. But I realized several years ago when I first started researching Catholicism that the Catholic Church “runs deep.” Very deep. I know I’ll only scratch the surface in that time which is one of the big reasons I want to stay in RCIA with the team. I love learning about the Catholic Church and I figure, what better way than to continue with RCIA by being on the team?!

I went through RCIA and was confirmed, and a year later I was asked to join the team. That was eight years ago and I still love being a part of RCIA!

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

FYI, first post on this forum. Been lurking here for some time.

Welcome!

Thanks everybody for responding. I see from the last few responses how important it is to be in a good RCIA programme. Our team teaches from the Catechism so I have no concerns about quality and orthodoxy.

We have had 2 meetings with candidates so far. Some are already knowledgeable, while others are not. It will be an adjustment to me to talk about the faith in this way - aimed to people who come from completely different backgrounds. I have to learn when to correct them on pretty big misapprehensions, and when to let it go. It is wonderful and exciting and I feel blessed to be able to accompany them on their journey. Both times new converts came - baptised this Easter - to share about their experiences. So much joy. One man was all smiles and full of excitement, truly in love with the faith. That is wonderful to experience.

 

[fide]

I have wanted to get involved in RCIA for some time and a few days ago finally made a step in that direction and contacted the parish about it. Tomorrow after mass the RCIA team is meeting to discuss the new RCIA ‘year’ that starts end of this month. I am very excited.

My parish is quite big and every year it attracts a good number of converts. Most of them come from Hinduism and Buddhism. My knowledge of these religions is basic and I wonder if I will be able to relate to the particular challenges and questions these catechumens will face. (My experience with converts is Protestantism and non religious backgrounds.)

I would love to hear about your experiences about being involved in RCIA and would very much appreciate your prayers.

I have not been involved in RCIA for 5 years or so, but when I was (as director), I was greatly helped by the Association for Catechumenal Ministry. In several dioceses, btw, I also ran into some RCIA programs, directors and catechists who operated with disturbingly unorthodox attitudes about RCIA, the Catholic Faith, and the Church itself. This, of course, without any correction from the Chancery. Very troubling.

But anyway, I’d recommend you get some materials from ACM and study, and use and/or adapt them to your own program.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

But anyway, I’d recommend you get some materials from ACM and study, and use and/or adapt them to your own program.

Thank you for the recommendation, I will definitely look into this material.

 

[Mike_Dye]

First of all thanks for being willing to share our faith. I have been involved with RCIA for over 30 years. For the past 10-20 years I have been the director and chief catechist in our parish program. As others have said each class is different and will have a different dynamic.
I insist on completely orthodox teaching in our program. I use four main sources when developing a lesson plan…Holy Scripture…The Catechism…The teaching of the early Church Fathers (to show a continuity of belief from the very beginning)…and finally my personal experience as living as a Catholic for the past 65 years. Trust me when I say that people are hungry for the truth…don’t water down our beliefs. I spend a lot of time with topics that protestants have a hard time accepting…The Papacy…The Real Presence…Saints…Sola Scriptura…and especially devotion to Mary. Take your time , learn your material and explain it well and you should do just fine.
God Bless you in your efforts.

 

[fide]

First of all thanks for being willing to share our faith. I have been involved with RCIA for over 30 years. For the past 10-20 years I have been the director and chief catechist in our parish program. As others have said each class is different and will have a different dynamic.
I insist on completely orthodox teaching in our program. I use four main sources when developing a lesson plan…Holy Scripture…The Catechism…The teaching of the early Church Fathers (to show a continuity of belief from the very beginning)…and finally my personal experience as living as a Catholic for the past 65 years. Trust me when I say that people are hungry for the truth…don’t water down our beliefs. I spend a lot of time with topics that protestants have a hard time accepting…The Papacy…The Real Presence…Saints…Sola Scriptura…and especially devotion to Mary. Take your time , learn your material and explain it well and you should do just fine.
God Bless you in your efforts.

Yours sounds like a good program, Mike! Blessings and grace to you.