(THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED)
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey about the needs of inquirers, catechumens, and candidates in your RCIA processes. Over 200 people completed the survey, and you can see a summary of the results here.
We have prepared a second survey that goes a little deeper into the kind of information your catechumens and candidates might need about sacraments. Based on the responses to the follow-up survey, TeamRCIA will begin to develop resources to assist you in forming their catechumens and candidates in Catholic sacramental life.
Even if you were not able to participate in the first survey, we hope you will fill this one out because your responses will help guide future resources for your team.
I wonder how the results of this survey, indicating as they did that the greatest difficulty was in catechizing about (and for?) the sacrament of reconciliation, break down based on the participation of priests in the process? Or, more pointedly, would this not be the most difficult sacrament to provide catechesis for if priests were the ones doing so?
Hi Andrew. Are you saying that if a priest is teaching the sacrament of reconciliation, that would make things easier? Or more difficult? In either case, wouldn’t that depend upon the teaching talent of the individual priest?
I just spent the time to complete the survey and then was unable to submit it. That was very disappointing, since I am trying to type with one hand in a cast and I thought my responses were well thought out and would have been valuable.
My only comment on trying to teach Reconciliation and why it may be the most difficult to teach is that so many people are teaching a combined group of Catechumens and Candidates. This was the major reason for us not combining the two groups. You teach Catechumens so much differently than Candidates. I have a lot of thoughts around this but cannot type any more at this time
Hi Elaine,
I’m so sorry about all the trouble you went through. I’ve now marked the survey as closed so that doesn’t happen to anyone else. Thanks for your insight about combining catechumens and candidates. I think you are right about the different levels and styles for formation needed for the two groups. Keep you the great work. I hope your hand heals quickly.
Hi, guys! I am excited to see what comes of this subject! As for me, I would like to see an emphasis on the healing aspect of reconciliation. Most of what I hear is “confess your sins” – and most people, catechists included, aren’t even aware that reconciliation in the Catechism is under the heading “healing” – for wellness, for wholeness, for restoration, and I think this makes this sacrament easy to teach! Where do you need healing? Probably in the area you least want to talk about with the priest/Jesus. I love this sacrament – and maybe that’s why I love talking about it! Possibly a benefit of coming to Catholicism later in life? It is an honor to get to go to reconciliation/ confession, whatever you want to call it! Thanks for the discussion!
Hi Lawson. Great insight about healing! Thanks for sharing.