Ignatius Press is selling a new adult education curriculum, which they're recommending for RCIA among other uses. I'll hunt for a link.
This site has some info:
http://catholicism.about.com/cs/education/a/RCIA03.htm
If you find something, let me know. I just completed RCIA (confirmed this Easter), and the RCIA process I went through was HORRIBLE. No real concrete teaching other than some cursory study of Scripture (mostly duplicating the parallel "Break Open the Word" on Sundays). Lots of touchy-feely/listen to music/"FEEELLLLL the Good vibes" stuff. Virtually no mention of the Catechism.
If mine was any example, it's a wonder that the Church makes any converts at all.
Scott Hahn of EWTN and a professor at a conservative college has tapes for sale on the following:
http://www.getfed.com/display_results.cfm?category=285&AID=185&new=yes&keyword="catholic+rcia"
Try Resources for Catholic Educators:
http://www.silk.net/RelEd/
Pinging a former RCIA instructor.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574557203/qid=1149087308/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-8372619-1985516?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
It is divided up into topics based on the Creed, the Commandments, the Sacraments and the Our Father, each section just a few pages long and written in concise, clear and direct language with copious refrences to the appropriate Scripture passages.
It's not expensive and would be easy to base lesson plans around. Best of all, it comes completely pre-approved by the Holy See, so no liberal troublemaker has any persuasive grounds to challenge your choice of material.
You might want to purchase Fr. Corapi's CDs on The Teachings of Christ based on the CCC.
http://www.osv.com/periodicals/show-article.asp?pid=776
The first half of this 2003 article was sort of interesting, going into the pros and cons of the two main approaches, the lectionary based and the curriculum based.
It mentions Bishop Wuerl going to the curriculum based method in his diocese. If that appeals to you, maybe contact them. What about your own diocese? I think mine, Sacramento, is fairly involved with the direction taken at the parish level. I would think your diocese would be able to offer you some assistance and resources.
I was looking for the manual our RCIA team uses but couldn't find it easily on the net. They take a lectionary based approach but relate the readings to specific doctrinal and discipline items and refer to the Catechism.
I've been a sponsor for several years now and I would prefer that they emphasize the doctrinal and discipline more than they do. Might as well give the catechumens and candidates everything up front before they commit themselves. They're adults, they can handle it. I think the precepts of the Church and things like penitential observance on Fridays bear mentioning more than once.
Leave room in every session for their questions even if they are completely off the topic. It's all for their benefit so their questions are really important.
And if anyone uses the phrase 'the spirit of Vatican II' I believe, as RCIA director, you are authorized to thrash them soundly about the head and shoulders.
Another vote for The Compendium.
I am a Catholic deacon and led the RCIA program at our Church for years and this is what I would highly recommend:
1. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
2. Supplement the above with any number of the on-line courses in scripture that can be downloaded for free from Scott Hahn's website.
3. Make sure that your place proper emphasis on preparing them for Evangelization (a faith you're not prepared to give away will be a faith that will begin to unravel).
Other hints: You can download Hahn's Scripture Courses, keep them as files on your computer and then on a weekly basis, e-mail the Scripture reading assignment to each member of the class for upcoming discussion. The other thing I would highly recommend is that at least monthly you plan for a community meal where each RCIA person brings a dish they have prepared. Many in RCIA come from Protestant churches where sharing a meal is the way they "do church." This also helps build community and a sense of belonging. Don't underestimate the power of a shared meal (remember the Eucharist was instituted at the Passover meal).
I and my pastor are very orthodox, and I have had a difficult time finding a good book to go with the class. After trial and error (and my money!), I highly suggest the following book:
Essentials of the Faith: A Guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Alfred McBride
Of course, the Catechism itself is a good book, and the Bible is ESSENTIAL. But the above book does a great job in explaining the faith in short 3 page chapters. I used the break down as the basis for my classes.
A word of advice - Don't make the class lecture only! You HAVE to incorporate Scriptures and discussion, even if it entails reviewing last week's lesson, but preferably, the current lesson.
If you would like, FR mail me and I can send you more information, perhaps even some of my outlines (30 subjects) and such, as they are Word Processor files on my computer. They might be of help in developing your own structure. It is a pain to start from scratch, so anything is helpful.
As to rituals and dismissals and so forth, again, FR mail me.
Brother in Christ,
Joe
Note the About Us section to see who the board of advisors are. It is a veritable "Who's Who" of orthodoxy including Fr. Trigilio, Fr. Levis, Pinto, etc. I'd also look into the Baltimore Catechism for the kids under 14. I just read an article in the Wanderer about a speech at a Legatus Convention in which Roeser (the writer) got a huge reaction to the wonders of the old Baltimore Catechism. I like the concept in the Catechism Class model, however. The Pastor can see who is screwing around in "class."
I suggest you use the new Comprendium of the Catechism. To go deeper you can go to the Catechism itself.