My letter to my modernist RCIA class

[pdudgeon]

Perhaps it's not a job for newly converted parishioner.
If this are to be a case in the parish I find it wiser to get a person who's been Catholic for longer involved and make him or her the person to advertise the issue.

Again neophytes teaching cradles are very annoying...
Step carefully is my advice, holding a degree in theology doesn't make any real difference either in my experience...

there are 4 reasons why this does not apply:

1.Cradle Catholics are taught differently than RCIA grads are. Fact of life. Also evidenced in multiple examples of actual RCIA lessons reported in this forum during the past 2 years as evidenced across multiple parishes.
2.Cradle Catholics are totally unaware that there is a difference in the teaching.
3. Since they are unaware of the differences, they cannot address the problem--never mind fixing it.
4. Our grad sees this not only as a problem for the RCIA but also as a reflection of the attitude of the whole parish.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

I'd go about it in this way

Father , I'm a bit puzzled about ......... I had always understood it as ........ but during the classes I got the impression that we were being told ...... Could you help me sort that out - am I misunderstanding what I was told ?

Always talk about yourself and your understanding, rather than say that what the instructor/s were telling you was wrong. Also do NOT quote paragraph numbers from the CCC - that indicates you have been going through things with a fine toothcomb as if looking for faults - not a good idea to appear as a know-it-all

Okay, I'll do this. But, and I'm giving my parish priest every benefit of a doubt, what happens if this goes too far? What should I do if the priest says, "contraception is ok?" Again I'm not saying the priest will do this, I'm giving him every benefit of a doubt. But I'm wondering if it's right to act as though I'm not sure about specific doctrine of the Church.

I will do what you advised though.

 

[pdudgeon]

Okay, I'll do this. But, and I'm giving my parish priest every benefit of a doubt, what happens if this goes too far? What should I do if the priest says, "contraception is ok?" Again I'm not saying the priest will do this, I'm giving him every benefit of a doubt. But I'm wondering if it's right to act as though I'm not sure about specific doctrine of the Church.

I will do what you advised though.

If he says "contraception is ok" double check by asking: "Are you inferring that natural family planning is the same as contraception?"
The Church allows for Natural Family Planning, but restricts contraception to be permissible only in cases where general lawlessness prevails, and that only in order to protect the women who would be the victims of enemies of the Church otherwise.

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

there are 4 reasons why this does not apply:

1.Cradle Catholics are taught differently than RCIA grads are. Fact of life. Also evidenced in multiple examples of actual RCIA lessons reported in this forum during the past 2 years as evidenced across multiple parishes.
2.Cradle Catholics are totally unaware that there is a difference in the teaching.
3. Since they are unaware of the differences, they cannot address the problem--never mind fixing it.
4. Our grad sees this not only as a problem for the RCIA but also as a reflection of the attitude of the whole parish.

2. That's about perception and having the right one. There are plenty of Catholic theologians who think there's no difference.
Development indeed, difference as in change...
Not as common.

3. A whole lot of assumption and generalization imo.

4. That may be the case, but we don't know how the parish is on a more descriptive level.
To subjective for me to pass on judgement on the basis of this one testimony.

 

[pdudgeon]

2. That's about perception and having the right one. There are plenty of Catholic theologians who think there's no difference.
Development indeed, difference as in change...
Not as common.

which infers that the right perception is the one taught in Catechesis to cradle Catholics. and thus ignores evidence presented to the contrary.

[quote:]3. A whole lot of assumption and generalization imo.

4. That may be the case, but we don't know how the parish is on a more descriptive level.
To subjective for me to pass on judgement on the basis of this one testimony.[/QUOTE]

 

[Anhelyna]

I doubt very very much if he'll say that contraception os OK - he's more likely to say that you know what the Church's teaching is.

What hopefully , he will do is to listen , take notes and ask you to leave it with him. You cannot expect him to tell you what he's going to say to the people giving the RCIA instruction. At this point the ball is in his court and you have to hope and pray that he takes action. You have said your piece and you need to leave it there and look after your own spiritual care.

Find a good priest as your confessor and ask for advice about finding a Spiritual Director/Father. Your Parish Priest is not always the ideal one.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

I've written the following letter to my classmate, in an effort to correct the damage I have done:

"Peace [Real Name Here], how are you?

I wanted to discuss with you something that’s very important to the our Faith, Truth. I talked in RCIA about how God is Truth Himself, truth is that which is, and God is HE WHO IS! I’m so glad that I know Truth Himself! I’ve never been happier in my life! I don’t have to hide from reality anymore! I can live with it now! Truth really does set you free! I’m so happy! By the way, do you have a Catechism of the Catholic Church? I know, you’ve been studying a lot, the Catechism has some interesting stuff to say on God being Truth Himself, and other doctrines as well. I actually plan on meditating on the passages of the Catechism over the summer, I hope to not only learn more about the faith, but internalize it.

Also, I’ve found this interesting online program, called FORMED (https://formed.org/) It’s very enlightening, I highly recommended for you, consider it like, your next step into the Catholic Faith.

Glory to God
and
Hail Mary!

[Real Name Here]"

Please make any corrections and suggestions for my letter here, and please answer quickly! I have some errands to do this day, and I plan spending the vast majority of today praying and meditating. I'm reaching end of my 33 Day Marian Consecration and it's getting really hard, I need to really focus on Mary and her God.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Okay, I think about it, and see if he is available. But still want everyone to read this, and make comments and suggestions, I'm really disturbed and upset by what was said there! It's been haunting me for a long time!

Don't do it while you are upset. Only if you can be collected and calmer about it. You may need to say it, but not in your present mood. Also, brevity and clarity and charity.

 

[Anhelyna]

JLOL

Do NOT send that to your classmates - I really really mean that.

They have come to appreciate the teaching that the RCIA team gave them - you are , putting it bluntly , destroying their new faith - a very very unwise move.

You should not be suggesting another programme for them - that is undermining what they have been given so far and giving the impression , whether you mean it or not , that you know far more than they do.

All of you who were Received this year need time to settle down and become comfortable - this is a slow process and you do not want them to burn out and crash because of pressure.

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

JLOL

Do NOT send that to your classmates - I really really mean that.

They have come to appreciate the teaching that the RCIA team gave them - you are , putting it bluntly , destroying their new faith - a very very unwise move.

You should not be suggesting another programme for them - that is undermining what they have been given so far and giving the impression , whether you mean it or not , that you know far more than they do.

All of you who were Received this year need time to settle down and become comfortable - this is a slow process and you do not want them to burn out and crash because of pressure.

Not to mention the Catholic mantra of walking the faith not running.

Two months of Catholicism is NOT enough to teach a entire parish including your own priest about the faith.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

JLOL

Do NOT send that to your classmates - I really really mean that.

They have come to appreciate the teaching that the RCIA team gave them - you are , putting it bluntly , destroying their new faith - a very very unwise move.

You should not be suggesting another programme for them - that is undermining what they have been given so far and giving the impression , whether you mean it or not , that you know far more than they do.

All of you who were Received this year need time to settle down and become comfortable - this is a slow process and you do not want them to burn out and crash because of pressure.

Wait a minute! That doesn't make sense! All I said in that letter was, I love the Church's teaching on absolutism, I recommend that she read the Catechism, and I advise that she check out FORMED. (I could remove that, if that is the problem)

Now I said earlier, our RCIA class flip-flopped on Absolutism, if she took away from the class, that Catholics believe in absolute truth, than this should strengthen her faith. If she took away from the class, that Catholics believe in relativism, well there is a problem with her faith, to say the least.

And, how do you know how she will react, All I said was "I love the Church's teaching on absolute truth, have read the Catechism" she might not think much about it all, or she might reply to me and be like "wait what are you talking about "truth" I though [RCIA Instructor's name here] told us we don't know for sure what the truth is." I wasn't any way suggesting anything in that letter except the truth of the Catholic faith. We don't know how she will react, but I am 99.999% sure it won't cause a total collapse of her faith.

Besides, you've all been saying, you don't know my parish, so you can't judge for sure what's going on there. Well the same can be said for my classmate, you don't know my classmate that well, so you can't judge how well she react to my letter. Come to think of it, I think leaving her to herself will be much more dangerous to her faith because, I won't go into details, but I think this actually the best thing for her.

Please reply quickly! I'll be withdrawing for prayer soon!

 

[Anhelyna]

You should not be attempting to teach - and this is what you are trying to do.

Have you been trained as a teacher of Religious subjects ? Are you a catechist ?

Teaching a neophyte is the responsibility of the priest.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

Okay, I'm withdrawing for my prayers and meditations. Don't I won't send that letter until after I return and see your replies. But I really think I should send it!

 

[Anhelyna]

Do as you wish

 

[jerrygab2]

I say this with no malice and come in peace. I have been following the thread and
Anhelyna has given some great advice and you should not so easily disregard it. Writing the last letter is the worst thing you could do as it could stir up mighty anger and hatred toward you for acting all "hi and mighty" toward the person something you do not want to do.

Always look inward at yourself before look outward to find faults, because many times ours ae always bigger.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

How about this, will you do this: The Rosary Novena to Our Lady for my classmate?

If I'm going to hell, if I am going to be crushed under the Blessed Mother's foot. I really hope it's not for the cowardice I showed at RCIA!

 

[chevyontheriver]

How about this, will you do this: The Rosary Novena to Our Lady for my classmate?

If I'm going to hell, if I am going to be crushed under the Blessed Mother's foot. I really hope it's not for the cowardice I showed at RCIA!

I don't think you have any problem with cowardice. You do, just maybe, have an issue with prudence. How about this? 1.) Inform your RCIA peers about FORMED. That way they will have some really good material to help them on their way. 2.) Have a small informal party for your RCIA peers and maybe find out their reactions to date about the RCIA program. Find out what they're thinking. They may agree with you or may have an alternate but valuable perspective. 3.) Have a meeting with your pastor after that.

On a different front, find and stick with a good confessor, find a spiritual director, be calm. You need to play your faith life out for the long haul. Less drama. The Catholic Church does have problems. We need solid help. Be that.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

I don't think you have any problem with cowardice. You do, just maybe, have an issue with prudence. How about this? 1.) Inform your RCIA peers about FORMED. That way they will have some really good material to help them on their way. 2.) Have a small informal party for your RCIA peers and maybe find out their reactions to date about the RCIA program. Find out what they're thinking. They may agree with you or may have an alternate but valuable perspective. 3.) Have a meeting with your pastor after that.

On a different front, find and stick with a good confessor, find a spiritual director, be calm. You need to play your faith life out for the long haul. Less drama. The Catholic Church does have problems. We need solid help. Be that.

Oh yes I do, which is why I can't do number 2.) I'm worried I might freeze up if things go bad!

In regards to 1.) I'll wait see what everyone else has to say, before I make my final decision.

I am still waiting for response from the parish priest, I really hope, he sees my email and responds!

I still beg and plead everyone here does this:

How about this, will you do this: The Rosary Novena to Our Lady for my classmate?

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

Do as you wish

You better not be giving up. SPEAK THE TRUTH!

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

Here's my plan for now, I send FORMED to my RCIA instructor and ask her about it. If FORMED flies under her radar, I'll send it to my classmate and pray, that it corrects her faith. If my RCIA instructor shoots it down, I'll inform you and ask you all what I should do next.

In the meantime, please pray that my parish priest sees, my email responds to it, sets up a meeting, and, after we speak, corrects the errors in RCIA, so that future converts, don't get brainwashed.
Also, again:

How about this, will you do this: The Rosary Novena to Our Lady for my classmate?

Please tell me what you think of my plan, I'll wait until tomorrow before making my final move.