Alpha / RCIA

[JM]

I signed up for RCIA...it includes the Alpha Course.

Why would the Catholic Church want someone to learn about Christianity from a Protestant program?

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[Michie]

I just looked it up. It is presented in a Catholic context.

Catholic — Got Questions - Try Alpha

There is more info on it if you Google it.

 

[ripple the car]

Praised be Jesus and Mary, JM! I don't know much about the Alpha course. I hope your RCIA goes well!

There's a channel here which is helping me a lot; perhaps it will help you, too. These guys are really great! Very wise and practical.

franciscanfriars

 

[JM]

I don't want anyone to get too excited. I'm there to learn.

 

[ripple the car]

I don't want anyone to get too excited. I'm there to learn.

Ah, ok, friend. I hope it goes well for you.

 

[LordDuncanBurneWilke]

Sorry to hear about the Alpha course.

 

[JIMINZ]

Why would the Catholic Church want someone to learn about Christianity from a Protestant program?

That is a question, isn't it?
Do you have a good answer for it?

 

[JM]

That is a question, isn't it?
Do you have a good answer for it?

I believe they add Catholic flav during the discussion period but I was told to lead the discussion at my table so...not sure.

My soteriology is Calvinistic.

This should be interesting.

 

[Michie]

Learn?
RCIA

Please everyone. Do NOT get your hopes up as JM said.

I don't want anyone to get too excited. I'm there to learn.

 

[Gnarwhal]

I signed up for RCIA...it includes the Alpha Course.

Why would the Catholic Church want someone to learn about Christianity from a Protestant program?

Yours in the Lord,

jm

I don't know but I'm vehemently against this. I checked out Alpha way back when I was an evangelical (circa 2006) because I wanted to see if it was something I'd ever recommend to someone who was exploring Christianity. Even then I didn't think it was something I'd advise a newcomer to see.

It's theologically specious and has no place in the Catholic Church. If the Church wants to create something comparable in it's delivery but filled with Catholic content, I'd be all for it. I'd even volunteer to help create it, but the Alpha course will do nothing but undermine the Church.

My priest mentioned in announcements a few weeks ago that the parish was considering the Alpha course, I have a long e-mail I wrote to him expressing my opposition to that but it's saved in my drafts folder because I'm not sure how comfortable I am sending it to him. A) I've only been a convert for two years, and B) I get a weird vibe from this priest, like I'm in disfavor with him despite not knowing him.

 

[Rhamiel]

Lots of Catholics want to water down the Faith as a way to appeal to more people

 

[Bob Crowley]

I believe they add Catholic polish during the discussion period but I was told to lead the discussion at my table so...not sure.

My soteriology is Calvinistic.

This should be interesting.

When I did RCIA, Alpha wasn't even considered as an option, although it was well known in Protestant circles. That was about 22 or 23 years ago. Our parish is running Alpha now, and there is a bit of a Catholic polish to it, with Pope Francis appearing in at least one episode.

However I quote the lady of the home where I did the RCIA course that "We didn't think you'd go through with it (conversion to the Catholic Church, from a 'Presbyterian' background), as you asked so many questions! But you're the one who has stuck around, and done things."

 

[JM]

Tonight is the first DVD/meal in a 12 week program.

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

I don't want anyone to get too excited. I'm there to learn.

Relax and enjoy learning more about the church. Even if you choose not to become catholic you'll have better understanding and a more developed reason why you dont.
I try to encourage people to go though RCIA whenever I have the chance to do so. Its highly interesting regardless of what one chooses in the end.
Much of the anti catholicism that exist would cease to exist if people know more about us.

I wish you a blessed RCIA experience

 

[The Faceless]

Learn?
RCIA

Please everyone. Do NOT get your hopes up as JM said.

Wow. Very shameful.

 

[pdudgeon]

If you want good Catholic information, look for an RCIA group that uses the Symbolon program, from Augustine Institute.

(and yes, you can buy it on Amazon.
and no, this is not an ad for Amazon)

 

[ripple the car]

A homily for you, brother @JM;

 

[JM]

A homily for you, brother @JM;

Thank you, I'll have a listen tonight.

 

[zippy2006]

Tonight is the first DVD/meal in a 12 week program.

How is it going so far?

 

[JM]

How is it going so far?

Good, good, thanks for asking. The priest and I sit together and have had some really deep convo's. I'm the first (what most would call) hyper Calvinist he has ever talked to so it's been interesting. The Father is from Nigeria and very educated, he's an excellent conversationalist and adds the Catholic perspective to dreadful material we are working through. Last night he explained the Catholic doctrine of "no salvation outside the Church," in a way that I had never heard before. He didn't change my mind but did gain my respect for having a well thought out position.

Yours in the Lord,

jm