Four roadblocks to involving the parish in RCIA

"In this together" by Marcie Casas | Flickr

5 thoughts on “Four roadblocks to involving the parish in RCIA”

  1. It seems the focus of the parish is self maintenance, not evangelization nor caring for the needy. Sunday mass is about all most people can manage with their busy lives. There is no venue for parishioners to even get to talk with those in the catechumenate. How can I expect them to care?

  2. I agree with Paula. When the clergy is too busy micro-managing and whose interest or questions are only “How many?” ‘Do they know their prayers?” etc. Decides that we will have first communion on Mothers’ Day, never has time to even meet the catechumens, never even mentions them in the Sunday prayer of the faithful…. the Catechists have responsibilities but no support from the pastor – ONE HAS VERY LITTLE SPACE FOR CREATIVITY –
    If we keep on training a clergy to be pre-Vatican 2, have no sense of community( e.g. Thank you for coming to my Mass!”… Sorry I am venting – but it is how many of the Faithful experience “The Church” – If we complain we are told, “But you are the Church” If we take this seriously and act accordingly, we are reprimanded “I am the priest, here!!”

    I am still not giving up my friends – but I still believe that if so many have become passive is that are clergy are too often dispensers of Sacraments and office clerks!
    The Faithful have not allowed to speak – to dialogue…

    I would really like to see something where we agree that the problem is not only the catechists….

    Margot

  3. Hi All,

    I just want to chime in to say that I’ve worked with lots of priests who are very committed to the RCIA process, the principles of Vatican II, and active lay involvement in the church. I know there are also priests at the other end of the spectrum as well, of course.

    But that’s true of all of us, isn’t it? I’ve worked with liturgists, musicians, catechists, school teachers, and youth ministers who ranged from completely awesome to “why in the world is this person in ministry?”

    That’s why I included the last point from Stephen Covey about our circle of influence. Maybe we can’t influence the priest. But that doesn’t mean we have *no* influence. Sometimes we can use our influence to eventually get past the roadblock. And sometimes a roadblock is a sign from the Holy Spirit to take a different path.

    I don’t mean to sound too pollyannish. I’ve been in incredibly frustrating situations that I could find no solution for. But from the big picture view, I wouldn’t be doing anything else but this.

  4. Hi Nick and all

    I am a convert for 8 years and are involved with RCIA for close to 5. I am involved in faith formations as well beginning last year.

    I guessed most in my seniors in RCIA adopted the format that has been in existence since it was formed. The outcome is the common problem of disappearing or you called it hoop jumpers, ” Sunday’s Catholics.”

    For last 3 years , I pondered, why the RCIA process has not resulted in the way it was intended ? To bring His Chosen one closer to Him?

    My parish priest is bogged down by administrative tasks, 3 priests in my parish celebrated 16 masses between themselves through the week. there are other events, weddings, Rcia classes………….

    I see many ministries in my Church, I am too pondering how many “apostles and disciples are in the ministries ?

    I had a bad year in the RCIA process last year. Most of the inquirers were hoop jumpers. Bad because I couldn’t manage them/process well.

    I am in the circle of concern, am wondering how can I be an influence ? Well I have decided for this year RCIA group I shall be bold and creative using different methods to EVANGELISE the Gospel. I am weary(disapprove by core team or priest) because I will be different with the other 7 groups.

    Hopefully by my different methods in this journeying process, I shall be able to influence the process. I will pray about it. If I failed I will learnt. James 1: 2 to 8.

    Just my sharing .

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping
0