Help with RCIA (Vanity)

[Juana la Loca]

I was hoping some of my fellow Catholic Freepers could provide me with some direction. I attend a small parish in NE GA. The RCIA director has announced that he is retiring from his post, and they have asked me to take his place. I have been scouring the Internet for RCIA lesson plans and course outlines, but haven't found anything all that stellar.

Does anyone have any suggestions or resources that they could recommend to help me plan an orthodox Catholic RCIA curriculum?

[Tax-chick]

Ignatius Press is selling a new adult education curriculum, which they're recommending for RCIA among other uses. I'll hunt for a link.

[franky]

This site has some info:

http://catholicism.about.com/cs/education/a/RCIA03.htm

[Wonder Warthog]

"I have been scouring the Internet for RCIA lesson plans and course outlines, but haven't found anything all that stellar."

If you find something, let me know. I just completed RCIA (confirmed this Easter), and the RCIA process I went through was HORRIBLE. No real concrete teaching other than some cursory study of Scripture (mostly duplicating the parallel "Break Open the Word" on Sundays). Lots of touchy-feely/listen to music/"FEEELLLLL the Good vibes" stuff. Virtually no mention of the Catechism.

If mine was any example, it's a wonder that the Church makes any converts at all.

[franky]

Scott Hahn of EWTN and a professor at a conservative college has tapes for sale on the following:

http://www.getfed.com/display_results.cfm?category=285&AID=185&new=yes&keyword="catholic+rcia"

[ConorMacNessa]

Try Resources for Catholic Educators:

http://www.silk.net/RelEd/

[Salvation]

Pinging a former RCIA instructor.

[wideawake]

There is a brand-new 200 page summary of the Catechism published by the Vatican in a traditional question-and-answer format with beautiful illustrations chosen by the Holy Father.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574557203/qid=1149087308/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-8372619-1985516?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

It is divided up into topics based on the Creed, the Commandments, the Sacraments and the Our Father, each section just a few pages long and written in concise, clear and direct language with copious refrences to the appropriate Scripture passages.

It's not expensive and would be easy to base lesson plans around. Best of all, it comes completely pre-approved by the Holy See, so no liberal troublemaker has any persuasive grounds to challenge your choice of material.

[franky]

Conservative books including the then Cardinal Radzinger.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/2C6X1FBHH294Q/002-8099524-7535219?%5Fencoding=UTF8

You might want to search the GIRM. "General Instruction of the Roman Missile". Also the Rubrics of the Catholic Church.

What is not emphasized is the general postures of the laity. When to genuflect, bow. In most Churches you never see anyone bow during the Creed. Also a dose of how to dress for Mass and to keep quiet while at Mass.

[Salvation]

**There is a brand-new 200 page summary of the Catechism published by the Vatican in a traditional question-and-answer format with beautiful illustrations chosen by the Holy Father.**

The new Compendium!

[Salvation]

Here is a story about the Compendium -- released almost a year ago.

http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=38081 Get it at your local Catholic Bookstore; we got them at a reduced price there! -- don't bother with Amazon.

[Carolina]

Here's another vote for The Compendium. The Sections are logically divided. There are citations from the Church Fathers, from liturgy, from Scripture. Together with the CCC and Scriptures which you should cross reference, you'll be good to go.

You might want to purchase Fr. Corapi's CDs on The Teachings of Christ based on the CCC.

[siunevada]

http://www.osv.com/periodicals/show-article.asp?pid=776

The first half of this 2003 article was sort of interesting, going into the pros and cons of the two main approaches, the lectionary based and the curriculum based.

It mentions Bishop Wuerl going to the curriculum based method in his diocese. If that appeals to you, maybe contact them. What about your own diocese? I think mine, Sacramento, is fairly involved with the direction taken at the parish level. I would think your diocese would be able to offer you some assistance and resources.

I was looking for the manual our RCIA team uses but couldn't find it easily on the net. They take a lectionary based approach but relate the readings to specific doctrinal and discipline items and refer to the Catechism.

I've been a sponsor for several years now and I would prefer that they emphasize the doctrinal and discipline more than they do. Might as well give the catechumens and candidates everything up front before they commit themselves. They're adults, they can handle it. I think the precepts of the Church and things like penitential observance on Fridays bear mentioning more than once.

Leave room in every session for their questions even if they are completely off the topic. It's all for their benefit so their questions are really important.

And if anyone uses the phrase 'the spirit of Vatican II' I believe, as RCIA director, you are authorized to thrash them soundly about the head and shoulders.

[Carolina]

And if anyone uses the phrase 'the spirit of Vatican II' I believe, as RCIA director, you are authorized to thrash them soundly about the head and shoulders.

LOL!

Personally, I don't like the lectionary approach which leaves too much room for loosy-goosy stuff. The sessions end up being too much sharing-how-you-feel chatty sessions and left little room for actual doctrinal teaching. That's been my experience anyway.

[fogofbobegabay]

Another vote for The Compendium.

[siunevada]

Personally, I don't like the lectionary approach which leaves too much room for loosy-goosy stuff.

Maybe. I'd say it depends on the personalities of the RCIA team. If they are orthodox they can make anything work.

I had some sobering experiences as an RCIA sponsor. I don't know who that 'spirit of V II' is but I don't think it is the Holy Spirit.

How about this book? Tongue only very slightly in cheek, I suggested we might try this with youth ministry:

Catholicism for Dummies (Paperback) by John Trigilio (Author), Kenneth Brighenti (Author)

CRASH COURSE IN CATHOLICISM is a weekly series soon to be broadcast on EWTN and based on our book Catholicism for Dummies Great resource for High School CCD, Adult RCIA, and used in college courses around the country as well as given as gifts by parents to their adult children who may need to reacquaint themselves to the Catholic faith and religion.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
There are more than one billion Catholics in the world, and each one has a similar set of basic beliefs and practices that he or she follows. Some of the teachings of Catholicism are thousands of years old, while others are more recent. So what is the Catholic culture like and what do they believe? Catholicism For Dummies answers these and many other questions.

Whether you’re a Catholic or not, you may be totally clueless or just unaware of some aspects of Catholic traditions, history, doctrine, worship, devotion, or culture. No sweat. Regardless of whether you’re engaged, married, related to a Catholic, or just curious about what Catholics really do believe, this book is for you.

Catholicism For Dummies is not a catechism or religious textbook, but a casual, down-to-earth introduction for non-Catholics and reintroduction for Catholics. It gives commonsense explanations so that the next time you’re invited to a Catholic wedding, Baptism, funeral, Confirmation, or First Communion, you won’t be totally confused. You’ll also discover other important topics that can help you better understand the Catholic culture—from morality and devotions to worship and liturgy. This book will familiarize you with Catholicism by showing you:

What it means to be a Catholic: traditions, prayers, beliefs, and holidays
Who is who in the Catholic hierarchy
How Catholics worship
What the Seven Sacraments and Ten Commandments are
The book regarded as the most holiest (bad grammar alert!) to Catholics: The Bible
The Church’s stand on some sticky issues

Catholicism For Dummies presents a rich tapestry and history of the Catholic faith—from devotions to doctrines. This intelligent and faithful look at Catholicism will open your eyes to this religion and answer many of the questions you may have about it.

Biography (Fr. Trigilio)
I am a Catholic Priest in Pennsylvania, a pastor of two parishes, president of Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, co-host of a weekly TV series on EWTN (entitled WEB OF FAITH), and co-author of several books. Originally, I had entered high school seminary after 8 years of Catholic grade school and while in college seminary, majored in chemistry & theology with minors in math & philosophy, so I could teach at a Catholic university as a priest-professor. Circumstances changed, and I prepared for the life of a parish priest, but always had a love of teaching. So, when the opportunity came to teach the faith via television and internet (EWTN) and then through writing books and giving lectures, I seized the opportunity. While being a parish priest and pastor is my primary vocation, explaining, teaching and defending the faith is more than just a hobby. My goal is to show how Catholicism is reasonable, understandable and helpful for those on the journey of faith seeking the fullness of truth and grace. Whether at the pulpit in church or in the classroom or on electronic media, I love and enjoy sharing the faith.

[veritas2002]

I am a Catholic deacon and led the RCIA program at our Church for years and this is what I would highly recommend:
1. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
2. Supplement the above with any number of the on-line courses in scripture that can be downloaded for free from Scott Hahn's website.
3. Make sure that your place proper emphasis on preparing them for Evangelization (a faith you're not prepared to give away will be a faith that will begin to unravel).

Other hints: You can download Hahn's Scripture Courses, keep them as files on your computer and then on a weekly basis, e-mail the Scripture reading assignment to each member of the class for upcoming discussion. The other thing I would highly recommend is that at least monthly you plan for a community meal where each RCIA person brings a dish they have prepared. Many in RCIA come from Protestant churches where sharing a meal is the way they "do church." This also helps build community and a sense of belonging. Don't underestimate the power of a shared meal (remember the Eucharist was instituted at the Passover meal).

[jo kus]

I understand completely what you are talking about. I am an RCIA instructor and have had to start from scratch. I have scoured the internet, and there are very few resources. Fortunately, I have had time to sit down with the Catechism and write out lesson plans and handouts that allow the class to fill in the blanks during lectures. Of course, I used the Catechism, but there is another book that was VERY useful for RCIA instructors. I'd have to get back to you on the title.

I and my pastor are very orthodox, and I have had a difficult time finding a good book to go with the class. After trial and error (and my money!), I highly suggest the following book:

Essentials of the Faith: A Guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Alfred McBride

Of course, the Catechism itself is a good book, and the Bible is ESSENTIAL. But the above book does a great job in explaining the faith in short 3 page chapters. I used the break down as the basis for my classes.

A word of advice - Don't make the class lecture only! You HAVE to incorporate Scriptures and discussion, even if it entails reviewing last week's lesson, but preferably, the current lesson.

If you would like, FR mail me and I can send you more information, perhaps even some of my outlines (30 subjects) and such, as they are Word Processor files on my computer. They might be of help in developing your own structure. It is a pain to start from scratch, so anything is helpful.

As to rituals and dismissals and so forth, again, FR mail me.

Brother in Christ,

Joe

[jo kus]

I agree, the lectionary approach is not very good in teaching doctrines of the faith. You end up twisting Scriptures and refering to other Scriptures to explain doctrine. The Lectionary is built around themes of discipleship and such, not around proving the doctrines of faith.

Regards

[jo kus]

Juana, The Deacon is correct, esp. on the following:

3. Make sure that your place proper emphasis on preparing them for Evangelization (a faith you're not prepared to give away will be a faith that will begin to unravel).

It is ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL that people realize, from the very first day, that yours is not a "CLASS" where people graduate upon receiving the sacraments on Easter Vigil. Many RCIA courses stress this, sometimes involuntarily, and it leads to a large drop-out rate after the classes are done. You MUST stress, in EVERY class, the concept that Karl Rahner said (I'll paraphrase) "The Christian of the modern day will either learn to experience Christ, or he will fail by falling into mediocrity or legalism". People MUST see, in every class, that they can experience Christ in their own daily lives, and that the doctrines help to define their experiences to the objective reality of Revelation - since experiences are subjective, we need a firm basis - thus, the doctrines of the Church.

I just finished Mystagogy, where we concentrate on experiencing Christ. However, the whole course must touch on it so that people "are prepared to give away their faith", as the deacon says. During my research, I came across a study that showed that up to 70% of RCIA neophytes fall away from active participation after the first two years...Incredible. The main reason is that people are not experiencing Christ in their lives - especially through some sort of ministry - a use of the gifts God has given them for the sake of the Body, the Church.

Thus, I strongly advice that a person in RCIA learns to begin to experience Christ through sacrament, prayer, the Scriptures, everyday life, and ministry. Making the faith real (rather than a bunch of esoteric philosophical question/answers) is instrumental in making the neophytes (new Catholics) active in their faith. When people experience Christ, they will share their faith.

Regards