Brother Adam Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 (edited) You're something else culturewarrior. (I mean this in a good way) I don't think I will ever lose my enthusiasm. It's been burning strong for 6 years and only getting stronger. I realize I face increadible challenges that would personally squash me like a bug. But it is the Lord working through us that counts for everything. If I can conform my will so I desire that my will is that the Lord's will be done, I know it will only bring good in the end. There is no reason why things cannot change in the Church today. Some real house cleaning needs to be done. And perhaps there will always be areas that need improvement. Especially things that are stupidly simple. It is not my desire to see the Church end up how I want it (In my image as you say), but my specific area of focus is on the collapsed bridge between protestantism and catholicism. Obviously RCIA is a huge part of this. And it brings me to one of my major goals: to develop and reform current educational material in the Church and to bring unity throughout RCIA programs in all American diocese. Edited July 24, 2004 by Brother Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. Bro. Adam Posted July 24, 2004 Author Share Posted July 24, 2004 ^ l That's my hubby! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmonk Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 [quote name='Mrs. Bro. Adam' date='Jul 23 2004, 04:46 PM'] Let me poise this question: For those of you who vote yes: Why should I remain in RCIA when I am not allowed to answer only from the text in front of me, and that text is of a lower level than where I am at? If I cannot help others during RCIA, and the material is not contributing to my growth as a Catholic, why should I remain in the program? [/quote] Because you might learn something you didn't know, and RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.... even if you know more, think of it as a refresher course.... maybe you'll learn something that you missed in your own study... if not, you get the chance to bond and help new Catholics. Because the Church wants new Christians to go through it. The more you hear the basics, the better you will remember them. God Bless, ironmonk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theculturewarrior Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 In my parish, the priest catechizes adults...and he's holy and orthodox. Too bad you don't live in the Valley, TX. (Then again, you would have to find something else to reform! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. Bro. Adam Posted July 24, 2004 Author Share Posted July 24, 2004 Rite of Christian Inniation... I'm already a Christian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 (edited) Correct. You are also considered a Canidate (not a catechumen). My suggestion is to stop going to the class (as you know you cannot help anyone or gain a sense of community as they will not let you, at least through this class and that you no longer want to go to the class). Continue to study with the help of your sponsor, phatmass, and your friends, and attend mass, get involved with other activities. When you are ready (which is something no one can push you towards or force you into), make your act of faith and confession. Keep Father Don updated on what is going on. And remember you are not yet bound by Catholic law. While you shoud not delibritely disobey, if you would prefer to prepare yourself by worshipping before the blessed sacrament than attend a class by unknowledgable laymen during mass, do so. Edited July 24, 2004 by Brother Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dUSt Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 I think you should follow whatever advise the priests tells you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 (edited) I also realize that the intentions of everyone here is good. Not attending RCIA will not interfere with someone who is reconciling to the Church to take the sacraments when they are ready. It may very well be a private reception instead of a public one, but sometimes decisions like that need to be made. Father Don is interested in you attending two more classes. I would ask him why. Maybe it would be a good thing to deal with two more classes (if nothing else perhaps you'll gain more patience) Maybe something is going to happen that you dont' know about yet (perhaps he will chastise them for intimidating some of the students?). I don't know. I do know how frustrating this all is. It should be black and white. Tradition should provide the answers, but human tendancy can cause havoc even within the Church walls, as you are experiencing first hand. Edited July 24, 2004 by Brother Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 Can anyone say [b][color=blue][font="Courier"]CULTURE SHOCK[/color][/font][/b] lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 [quote name='Brother Adam' date='Jul 24 2004, 12:12 PM'] Can anyone say [b][color=blue][font="Courier"]CULTURE SHOCK[/color][/font][/b] lol [/quote] Um. yeah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socalscout Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 (edited) Sorry but RCIA is not a theology class nor is it all encompassing to make you Church Militant the moment you get out. It is structured for Catholics and Non Catholics for a better understading and initiation into the Faith. Since the audience is broad, deeper topics cannot be explored so it must be strutctured to the text for the time alotted. It is a shame that it cannot be broken up based on level of knowledge but there just are not the resources in most parishes for that. It is our duty to seek deeper knowledge beyond this class which really is one reason we are here at Phatmass. I assume you will be received on Easter Vigil but before that time you should also go through the Rite of Intiation with the Bishop, the Scrutinies, the Mass of Chrism and many other experiences that you should not miss. I attend RCIA even though I am a cradle Catholic that went to a Catholic Highschool. This year I might even have to lecture with some help from my fellow phatmassers. I don't know about yours but we had some great experiences including having DR. D'Ambrosio www.crossroadsinitiative.com speak at our Church during class and some cool retreats. I'll bet $10 that you will learn at least one thing that you did not know or get something from it. If by Easter you have learned nothing I will mail you $10 if not then you owe me nothing but to say that you learned something new or you had a good time. Also maybe, just maybe, the Holy Spirit has a hand in all of this so it might be prudent to ride it out. Edited July 24, 2004 by socalscout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted July 24, 2004 Share Posted July 24, 2004 [quote name='Mrs. Bro. Adam' date='Jul 24 2004, 11:26 AM'] Rite of Christian Inniation... I'm already a Christian. [/quote] You are not a Christian in full communion with the church at this time. Hence, you are going through the normative steps to be initiated into the church. I am really having a difficult time understanding why you feel justified in disobeying your priest. From the way I read things, he has listened to your points, and asked you to continue for two more sessions, and given you reasons for this. Yeah, it's frustrating to sit through a class where you're covering ground you've already covered, but as I've said and socalscout said, RCIA is not only about educating you in doctrine -- it's supposed to teach you how to live as a Catholic. You've already talked about how you're going through culture shock, so what's the big deal about taking some time to adjust? You're not being taught heresy, are you? And your priest has asked you to keep going. In my mind, that should answer your question right there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted July 25, 2004 Share Posted July 25, 2004 Woah. Yeah, you have to realize Teresa isn't fully Catholic yet. So tone down the attitude. You wanna rip on me for anything, I can take it. Teresa can just as easily now change her mind about her decision to become Catholic as she can to become Catholic. Folks, you seem to think that this parish has an outstanding RCIA program. It doesn't. It has 5 teachers 4 intimidated students, and kindagarten school programming. Teresa has already read the material for the year. She's read the material for 2 years of study as they switched the program mid-year. And right, it's not all about the teaching right? Well you haven't sat in this class, so you just don't know. Actually, I'm going to invite a phatmasser to sit in a class with her who lives near by. It doesn't draw a sense of community or stronger understanding of what the Catholic faith is like. And that is what we both would like- but I think the best way to gain that is by experience. If she wants to help prepare herself by worshipping before the Blessed Sacrament in mass, I'm sorry, I have to go with her on it. But it again leaves the point, this is not a good place to discuss this. You can't fully know what is going on. Some of you seem to think this is about disobeying our parish priest or being rebellious but its not. Remember the whole marriage issue? Our parish priest was about to remarry us. We "protested" as you like to put it or "inquired" as we like to put it, and sat down and talked to Father Don about it more, when he realized he did not have all the facts and declared that we did have a valid marriage. There is so much here that you're missing because there isnt' room or time to explain it all. You'll have to trust that we know what we are doing, and we have two phatmassers in town right by our side who are also faithful dedicated Catholics helping us, along with Teresa's sponsor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted July 25, 2004 Share Posted July 25, 2004 [quote name='socalscout' date='Jul 24 2004, 02:10 PM'] I attend RCIA even though I am a cradle Catholic that went to a Catholic Highschool. This year I might even have to lecture with some help from my fellow phatmassers. I don't know about yours but we had some great experiences including having DR. D'Ambrosio www.crossroadsinitiative.com speak at our Church during class and some cool retreats. [/quote] Consider yourself blessed that you had an RCIA class with guest speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted July 25, 2004 Share Posted July 25, 2004 This isn't a critique of Teresa, cuz you know I :wub: her... but maybe she shouldn't make polls that are so difficult for us to answer "right"... (I mean, she obviously had a right answer in mind). It's not really fair to put up a "yes" or "no" poll and ask people's opinions and get upset when they give them. I understand the complexity of what you're trying to describe... that's why a poll probably wasn't a great idea. A discussion of the topic would have been better without the poll... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now