Rcia

[isshinwhat]

It's that time of year again.  Please keep everyone involved in RCIA, both sponsors and inquirers, in you prayers over the next few months.

For all of you old time RCIA vets, are there any special things you have done that have been a real hit?  Care to share?

God Bless,

Neal

 

[pax]

Also, let's not forget CCD is also starting for many. Your prayers for us would also be greatly appreciated.

/me really hopes that this is the year he finally gets to be confirmed...

 

[Annabel Lee]

My 8 year old will will be starting her second year of RCIA for Children. She will receive her sacraments during the next Easter Vigil Mass.

 

[isshinwhat]

My prayers for both of you and your families, as well as all CCD classes.

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

Pray for me too!

 

[Kotton]

By all means, everyone making the journey is included.

Blessings on all.  Kotton                                                               

 

[nyj]

Originally posted by isshinwhat
It's that time of year again.  Please keep everyone involved in RCIA, both sponsors and inquirers, in you prayers over the next few months.

Our RCIA goes year round, and it's always been unfathomable to me that some RCIA programs will let potential converts sit around for a few months for a set period of time to arrive. The Holy Spirit goes where He will, who are we to say when or where His ministry can be effective? Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine.

Anyways, I don't know if I do anything particularly effective or not. I've had catechumens and candidates tell me that they appreciate the historical aspects I shed on the Gospel situations (of which I can take no credit... the information comes from John J. Pilch and his "Cultural World of Jesus" series). I also open up every session by asking for questions and problems that the cathechumens and candidates may have with some aspect of Catholicism and sometimes we spend a long period of time discussing those things which has seemed to prove effective in the past.

What our parish does though, right from the start, is get the catechumens and candidates involved in certain parish ministries right from the start. They're still an integral part of our community, and we do not wish to keep them segregated from the rest of the parish just because they have not received the sacraments yet.

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

Our RCIA goes year round, and it's always been unfathomable to me that some RCIA programs will let potential converts sit around for a few months for a set period of time to arrive.

Thats why my priest met with me and gave me books to read in the meantime.

 

[Wolseley]

For all of you old time RCIA vets, are there any special things you have done that have been a real hit? Care to share?

Document, document, document. Give your convert as much extra-curricular material as he wants. Old Baltimore Catechisms are usually a tremendous hit, as are the San Juan Catholic Seminar's Beginning Apologetics series, and the Radio Replies series by Frs. Rumble and McCarty. There are at least a dozen good trade paperbacks that explain the Catholic Faith, which run the gamut from relatively basic up to relatively in-depth, and can be tailor-made for the background of your convert, whether he is coming from an atheist background, a Fundamentalist background, a mainline Protestant background, or even if he's a returning Catholic.

Another thing: if your RCIA structure only runs from Advent to Easter (as too many of them lamentably do), then it's essential that you get your convert an excellent sponser immediately, who will be available to help answer questions the convert has. Don't lose your convert because nobody is available for him, or by telling him he'll have to come back in six months. If we don't seem interested in helping him, you can be sure he will go elsewhere.

Lastly, remember that RCIA is a process, not a "program".

 

[VOW]

Wolseley, as usual, has some great advice!

If you cannot supply or lend a bunch of books to the candidates, at least provide them with a LIST of books they may find helpful. I remember back in the covered wagon days when I attended the "Inquiry" class. I was hungry for ANYTHING. A list would have been a huge blessing.

At the TOP of that list, put all of Scott Hahn's books! That man is stupendous for his wealth of knowledge and his excitement over the Catholic Church.


Peace,
~VOW

 

[KC Catholic]

Donuts - gotta have donuts at each meeting.

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

Originally posted by KC Catholic
Donuts - gotta have donuts at each meeting.

Wait, you mean there are donuts?  Dude, I should have converted earlier!

 

[VOW]

I never got donuts!

I attended an "Inquiry" class, but moved before I could take it to fruition. Then, at our new home, I had one-on-one with the pastor.

The pastor was cool. He told me a joke every week, before we studied together.

My favorite:

"How do you make Holy Water?"

"You put it in a pan on the stove and boil the Hell out of it!"



Peace and laughter,
~VOW

 

[KC Catholic]

Yep...we had donuts each meeting.

 

[nyj]

Originally posted by VOW


"How do you make Holy Water?"

"You put it in a pan on the stove and boil the Hell out of it!"

Heh, that's a good one. I think I'm going to put that one on my blog.

I need an entry for this week anyways...

 

[isshinwhat]

Boil the Hell out of it... That was great.

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I'm sure they'll come in handy. I may be back with more tips shortly.

Hmmm... doughnuts... We had oatmeal raisin cookies, chips, and a variety of drinks, but no doughnuts. How can that be?!?! Thanks, KC... I will rectify that situation, pronto!

God Bless,

Neal

 

[Caedmon]

Hey guys, guess what?

I signed up for Inquiry! I talked to a lady at the local parish and she's going to call me when they get started. She gave me a bunch of books, including two small ones, a Missal, and a full Catechism. I was like, "uh, are you sure I get these books for free?" lol... because the Catechism costs, like, $8. Anyways, she also invited me to their Mass on Saturdays and their little fun-time thingy on Wednesdays. Woohoo!

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

Originally posted by humblejoe
Hey guys, guess what?

I signed up for Inquiry! I talked to a lady at the local parish and she's going to call me when they get started. She gave me a bunch of books, including two small ones, a Missal, and a full Catechism. I was like, "uh, are you sure I get these books for free?" lol... because the Catechism costs, like, $8. Anyways, she also invited me to their Mass on Saturdays and their little fun-time thingy on Wednesdays. Woohoo!

WOOHOO!!

I'm so proud and happy for you Joe!! Go Joe!

 

[Wolseley]

Good for you, Joe!

We've had a lot of people come through our RCIA classes, and get really choked up when we give them a Bible.

 

[KC Catholic]

Cool, Joe. May God bless you with guidance from the Holy Spirit on your journey through discovery.

Let us know if we can assist you in any way. We are here for you!

Bless you.