tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post7722799092278982769..comments2024-03-22T18:43:00.710-04:00Comments on Unam Sanctam Catholicam: How to run a successful RCIA program.Bonifacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-80149904048056651372015-02-28T14:55:37.204-05:002015-02-28T14:55:37.204-05:00Hi Kerry
Please visit the link below. You can vie...Hi Kerry<br /><br />Please visit the link below. You can view all 33 RCIA lessons and even download them. We ask for a donation but it's not mandatory. <br /><br />http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.com/home/parish-resources/83-parish-resources/120-rcia-classes.html<br />Bonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-70643688894029315972015-02-28T13:42:51.550-05:002015-02-28T13:42:51.550-05:00Dear Bonafice,
I tried clicking on the link to l...Dear Bonafice, <br /><br />I tried clicking on the link to look at an outline of the class and was unable to. I would love to get some of your materials! <br /><br />Kerryjune plumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01489199803781989878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-75771184875854672772013-09-20T22:50:11.475-04:002013-09-20T22:50:11.475-04:00Thank you for letting me copy these. You can find ...Thank you for letting me copy these. You can find them here:<br /><br />http://rugwig.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-run-successful-rcia-program.html<br /><br />http://rugwig.blogspot.com/2013/09/rcia-horror-stories.html<br /><br />Yes, thank you for the link to the free resources. I've included it.<br /><br />God bless you!Frankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096337840671446735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-42557257541760318522013-09-20T15:32:20.029-04:002013-09-20T15:32:20.029-04:00Richard,
Absolutely you can! Please send me a lin...Richard,<br /><br />Absolutely you can! Please send me a link when you are done.<br /><br />And you do know about this on my other site, right?<br /><br />http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.com/home/parish-resources/83-parish-resources/120-rcia-classes.htmlBonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-31200670937905282862013-09-20T01:36:14.290-04:002013-09-20T01:36:14.290-04:00Thank you so much for the resources you provide he...Thank you so much for the resources you provide here. Could I copy this post as well as your post "RCIA Horror Stories" on my blog and link/reference back to your blog here? What I'm doing with my blog is collecting together reading that I find helpful for future reference. You can find it here: http://rugwig.blogspot.com<br /><br />God bless!Frankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096337840671446735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-67915935157363493062013-06-26T07:10:51.752-04:002013-06-26T07:10:51.752-04:00You know, I am not familiar with that. But anytime...You know, I am not familiar with that. But anytime the center of the program is people sharing experiences, it is not going to be good. Sharing experiences should be something that comes organically out of engaging discussion, not something that is moved to front and center. It also unfairly puts people on the spot who are not as talkative or open as others. I would stick to something more traditional, more like a "class" (which is what people are expecting anyway) and try to elicit some conversation in the context of that class structure without deviating from it.<br /><br /><br />I have all my notes and outlines available for free online here: unamsanctamcatholicam.com/home/parish-resources/83-parish-resources/120-rcia-classes.html<br /><br />Also, regarding the question from March on who can or should teach RCIA, see here: http://unamsanctamcatholicam.com/home/parish-resources/83-parish-resources/302-who-can-teach-rcia.htmlBonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-88282139670829870402013-06-24T17:56:52.894-04:002013-06-24T17:56:52.894-04:00I f you have time, I would truly like to know if y...I f you have time, I would truly like to know if you are familiar with and have an opinion on the Association for Catechumenal Ministry RCIA program, facilitated through Stuebenville University.<br /><br />I read your "How to Run a Successful RCIA Program" and loved it. It's the way we have been doing it for many years. Now our director is turning to the ACA program because it's "more organic and relational," which says to me "touchy-feely" but it seems to have very good reviews. It does not sound like your program at all (at least as it was explained by our Dirctor). As it was presented to me, it's more conversational (relational), with people talking about their "experiences." Not the way I think it should be done and your blog confirms that in my mind. Would appreciate your opinion. Thanks much.Suzie Qnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-71495041910664888122013-03-07T11:56:10.704-05:002013-03-07T11:56:10.704-05:00Good question! Give a me a few days to answer and ...Good question! Give a me a few days to answer and I will post my response here.Bonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-82315207879868889152013-03-06T16:26:35.565-05:002013-03-06T16:26:35.565-05:00I have a question about who can teach RCIA. Is it...I have a question about who can teach RCIA. Is it assumed that a teacher in the program is a practicing Catholic in communion with the Church? When would a divorced person who is not in communion with the Church, and is not receiving Communion themselves be qualified to teach? I see this as very counterproductive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-82680144722352960942012-10-04T13:49:08.450-04:002012-10-04T13:49:08.450-04:00looks good. I would suggest you follow the liturgi...looks good. I would suggest you follow the liturgical calender though -- for example, we teach about Saint right before All Saints and Mary right after -- It works because the Immaculate Conception is right then -- Baptism right at the baptism of the Lord, etc. Make the discussion on symbolism easierFranknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-76411117207661876262012-05-11T20:49:59.140-04:002012-05-11T20:49:59.140-04:00I just wanted to thank you for posting blogs conce...I just wanted to thank you for posting blogs concerning the restructure of the RCIA classes. I was converted from a protestant church this year and went through a bad course. This was mainly because the courses were somewhat disorganized and because this one lady who has been going to the RCIA classes for 3 years straight have chased most of the people away. As a result I was only 1 of 2 who was confirmed & because this one lady basically drove the others away from the class.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-33075041385600665232012-04-02T18:09:10.982-04:002012-04-02T18:09:10.982-04:00At present, I am Anglican who has been more frustr...At present, I am Anglican who has been more frustrated than I can say by attending sharing experience type courses rather than well structured, logical and truly instructional ones. This has saddened and distressed me and made me feel quite desperate, not knowing where to turn for proper guidance, but having the misery compounded by feeling unable to voice my unhappiness. Everything you have said about RCIA resonates with me, and gives me hope that I should keep seeking. It is also comforting to me to feel that my concerns have not been ill founded. I feel immensely relieved!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-64947315531319782552012-04-02T18:07:21.024-04:002012-04-02T18:07:21.024-04:00At present, I am Anglican who has been more frustr...At present, I am Anglican who has been more frustrated than I can say by attending sharing experience type courses rather than well structured, logical and truly instructional ones. This has saddened and distressed me and made me feel quite desperate, not knowing where to turn for proper guidance, but having the misery compounded by feeling unable to voice my unhappiness. Everything you have said about RCIA resonates with me, and gives me hope that I should keep seeking. It is also comforting to me to feel that my concerns have not been ill founded. I feel immensely relieved!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-6054700638049900702011-12-18T18:29:37.087-05:002011-12-18T18:29:37.087-05:00This project for an RCIA class is one I share the ...This project for an RCIA class is one I share the hunger and thirst for, as a convert to Catholicism and a theologian. Especially as one who would like to help with RCIA in the future, and who would enjoy implementing something like this, I will be sure to refer back to the outline (all while taking the liberty of changing some things)in the future. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-76994856033327882192011-05-18T14:16:16.409-04:002011-05-18T14:16:16.409-04:00@Boniface:
Thanks for the feedback. I have though...@Boniface:<br /><br />Thanks for the feedback. I have thought about using the Mass as the basis for catechetical sessions, but given that almost every parish here uses a type of national "catechism program guide" I find that I have no place where I can implement such a model.Marco da Vinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06092410765851812842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-84495396492408581412011-05-18T08:30:00.639-04:002011-05-18T08:30:00.639-04:00Mark-
I would never plan RCIA around the Mass or ...Mark-<br /><br />I would never plan RCIA around the Mass or the lectionary because the Mass and the lectionary have their own inner order which is different from the organic order necessary for presenting the truths of the Faith in their most understandable and cohesive way. But, if you are referring to something other than comprehensive doctrinal instruction, perhaps a Sunday school class where presenting the whole Faith in one year is not a goal, then I don't see a problem with it.Bonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-60036246915372678902011-05-18T05:28:02.971-04:002011-05-18T05:28:02.971-04:00What do you think about planning RCIA (or "Su...What do you think about planning RCIA (or "Sunday school") around Holy Mass? Explaining what goes on in each part of the Mass (as well as the other sacraments) as well as the beliefs that are behind them?Marco da Vinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06092410765851812842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-9951907506259027622011-05-14T18:49:34.131-04:002011-05-14T18:49:34.131-04:00Anonymous-
Absolutely...that's why this post ...Anonymous-<br /><br />Absolutely...that's why this post is up. Post again with your email and I'll contact you (and won't publish your comment).Bonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-8683824284325626842011-05-14T17:36:13.592-04:002011-05-14T17:36:13.592-04:00I went through RCIA 13 years ago, after reading my...I went through RCIA 13 years ago, after reading my way into the Church and almost left because it was horrible! I knew way more than the teachers. When I was invited to teach, I was upset with the materials used. They have become somewhat better in the last few years and I have been asked again to teach as part of a team. Is there any way I could have a look at more of your materials and show them and this post to the DRE and pastor?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-80327646745208451782010-11-11T21:00:00.369-05:002010-11-11T21:00:00.369-05:00I really appreciated this.
Thank you!I really appreciated this.<br />Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-67321541871905082562010-08-17T13:56:25.819-04:002010-08-17T13:56:25.819-04:00I am new to this blog, and look forward to followi...I am new to this blog, and look forward to following over the coming year. I am the product of an RCIA program, and have also been involved over the last seven years in my churches RCIA program. My observations have been that what worked for larger groups in the past has not worked for more recent groups. In my opinion the program has perhaps become a bit stagnant and dominated by “Old School” “Cradle Catholics” who don’t appear to be concerned that they are perhaps talking over the heads of the candidates and beating them over the head with various rituals and doctrines without really delving into the spiritual aspects of what they are talking about. I am also interested in how you gather potential candidates and sell them on taking up the program. Do you incorporate any type of retreat (such as Christ Renews His Parish) into your program? <br />Keep up the good work!<br />Your Brother in Christ<br />Ron McCalipBig_Aengushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214053927897685936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-79522831043209599072010-07-20T19:16:45.174-04:002010-07-20T19:16:45.174-04:00Nick-
Christ's Divinity is presented in class...Nick-<br /><br />Christ's Divinity is presented in class 2 in an apologetic manner. The reason for this twofold - (1) everything they are experiencing in the Catholic Church, from why we genuflect to why the sacraments are efficacious, makes sense only if Christ is divine. If people don't understand this, then nothing else in the hierarchy of truths is intelligible. Second, from prior experience, if the divinity of Christ is not dealt with up front, people can have lingering doubts that they nevertheless do not express. So you are going on, teaching on the sacraments, commandments, etc. only to find someone raise an objection about Christ's divinity when the class is 75% over and you think, "Man, how did I miss that?" And, if they have had a lingering doubt all this time, how much of the truth did they really accept? For this reason, Christ's divinity is dealt with up front.<br /><br />Re: the First Commandment, there is a lot to unpack there. Why does God command we worship Him alone? How does worshiping false gods debase the human person? How is God's emphatic statements in Deuteronomy that He is "one" square with the Trinity? What are the sins against the first commandment? Why are things like agnosticism and atheism sins? What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary doubt? Why are graven images prohibited in the Old Testament but allowed in the New? You can see how this can go on...<br /><br />I book classes for two hours. I try to get done in under an hour and a half, but if they plan for two it gives room for questions and discussion - also, if the topic is good, I usually need the entire two hours.Bonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-53213670340177907322010-07-20T16:25:33.544-04:002010-07-20T16:25:33.544-04:00I've had this kept bookmarked for a while now ...I've had this kept bookmarked for a while now and want to save it for future reference. <br /><br />Here are some questions/comments I have: <br /><br />(1) What is your plan and approach to speaking on Christ's Divinity in only the second class? I can understand proving God's existence, but Christ's Divinity specifically seems too early, or at least if presented in an Apologetics fashion rather than a historical narrative. <br /><br />(2) I don't see how you can fill up a whole class period discussing One of the Ten Commandments. I could see 30min talking about a Commandment, but the whole class time is a bit long.<br /><br />(3) How long should a class be? 1 hour seems too short, 2 sounds good to me.Nickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01453168437883536663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-41994536048002372582010-06-23T19:48:13.319-04:002010-06-23T19:48:13.319-04:00Very, very helpful post. (I'm the "Anony...Very, very helpful post. (I'm the "Anonymous"who asked about the pre-catechumenate.) I totally agree that it needs to be instructional. Also, I particularly like the idea of a pre-interview. I think that's something we've been missing and could serve us extremely well. Thanks for the ideas!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6086833995941525990.post-39354622324464184372010-06-23T08:33:19.785-04:002010-06-23T08:33:19.785-04:00Tony-
I'm ahead of you already...LOL. I just ...Tony-<br /><br />I'm ahead of you already...LOL. I just need some more free time. I always have about 100 projects going on in my head at once.Bonifacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672810254075072214noreply@blogger.com