RCIA and the Catechumenate: The Bishops were right!

Today was another day of personal growth for me. I had spent this weekend writing about the RCIA and its roots back to the early church. I thought it was interesting that the United Council of Bishops reviewed the RCIA changes implemented in 1988 and left them in place despite the fact that it appeared that they weren't being followed in all parishes. As i read it i was wondering why they were being so strong willed and not just return to the method that worked from the 16th century til 1988.

Well today we went on retreat and what was amazing is the real life application of what the Bishops were saying. The candidates and the elect were speaking about what participating in the group meant to them. What was really interesting was they said when they were just new and starting out they didn't understand why the Catholic Church had such a long process. They each said that after going though the process they now understood and may expressed that maybe they still weren't ready to do this. The said they appreciated the process and fully agree with it.

I was completely amazed because despite the resistance from the parishes the Bishop stuck by their guns and out of the mouths of the candidates did it show why they made the 100 percent right decision. As a team member and sponsor. I'm very proud to participate in such a wonderful process that has come to mean so much to these people that are participating.