Why do we do RCIA that way?

There is a lot of room for variation in how one implements the RCIA in your Parish. So one RCIA program will not look like another. So some RCIA programs can legitimately do things differently, and even some can differ because a program is may have an issue with how it is being implemented.

This all rises to the big question of why do we do RCIA the way we do it at IHM?

In this post and others to follow it from time to time, I seek to answer that question in specific contexts.

How long does it take to go through RCIA?

That depends on you. RCIA is not a degree program. It is a walk in faith with the Lord. Some people walk faster than others, and some need to go farther than others. There are a series of gates in the process, and the criteria for passing through them is that you are ready, not that we reached a date on the calendar and that we have to be moving on. RCIA takes as long as it takes.

Why is our RCIA program year round?

RCIA is year around because because the Holy Spirit draws people to God all year long. If the Holy Spirit provides the inquirers, then our inquiry team goes to work.

RCIA is year around because if some comes to you on Pentecost and says they are interested in becoming Catholic and your answer is too come back in September when we start classes, than your program has a broken foundation.

RCIA catechists are here to serve the truth and those seeking it.

How many people do you have in RCIA?

I refrain from counting them, lest I delude myself into believing that it is I who make converts and not the Lord.

A better question is are we doing a good job of attending the needs of those in RCIA and are we inviting people who might be interested.

Do Baptized Candidates come into the Church on Easter?

Baptized Candidates come into the church when they are ready. Depending on their level of catechesis and faith they may need more or less catechesis and formation. The Rite is very clear that no greater burden than necessary be placed on candidates, after all they are already baptized. If the candidate is ready in the Easter season, we usually have make their profession during the Easter season but not at the Vigil. The Rite has the Easter Vigil really geared for baptism. If for pastoral reasons it we be good to included candidates we do, but it is not our default position. An example of pastoral reason may be a husband and wife where one is baptized at the Vigil and the other makes their profession of faith.

The short answer is we have the candidates make their profession of faith when they are ready and it makes sense. We don't do it on the Vigil unless we have a good reason.

Check back for more, and if there is something you want answered let me know!