The pandemic and three unspoken RCIA assumptions

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3 thoughts on “The pandemic and three unspoken RCIA assumptions”

  1. A very good and thoughtful article. I have a few questions. I thought the dismissal of the catechumens was done before the Creed since they could not say “I believe” during a period when they are questioning and learning. It would be unfair to ask them to recite a creed to which they do not yet fully believe.
    In terms of Joy versus instruction I feel that is like faith and good works – two sides of the same coin. As it says in Acts 30:31 “So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ 31 He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.” Most of the readings provide more joy once understood which, to me can only be accomplished by some instruction. It can’t be all instruction, the readings should elicit joy but I don’t think it can be entirely joy without some instruction.

  2. This is a very insightful and useful article, Nick. Thank you for posting it. Indeed, we have seemingly already arrived at a certain “comfort level” (or should I say “familiarity level” or “degree of inertia”?) with our pandemic accommodations, and an article like yours is the exact reminder that we need of the fact that we are still — even after nine months — not doing things “normally.”

    As a high school theology teacher, one of the things I rail against often with my students is their lack of participation in the Mass. I tell them often that Mass is not a “spectator sport.” The last thing we need is for the adults to fall into the same trap because of how we have adjusted to the pandemic.

  3. DENNIS M CALLIES

    A few years have gone by since I was active in the RCIA program. Looking back I confess I saw my role to be an instructor. However any teacher takes delight in students who demonstrably are engaged in the material. That is participation. That is a sign of joy. As Justin Simonds says: two sides of the same coin.

    Broadcasting or streaming the Liturgy is a no-win proposition.It reinforces the attitude of spectatorship. The Church already struggles to instill full, conscious, and active participation in the Liturgy. It will
    be hard to overcome that model of worship.

    The editors of America in publishing articles seek to get people to think, not necessarily to endorse some one’s particular thoughts. Nick Wagner responded thoughtfully.

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