I'm sorry, some of these conversations have been running but I haven't had much of a chance to view all.
To be up front I've never been involved with a Protestant church that provide "catechism" to my knowledge. Nor do I fully understand what precisely Protestant catechism is unless it means the leader reading a particular part of scripture and the congregation responding. I do know that it exists but I'm not sure what it is.
Perhaps, as our friend jokus pointed out it is instruction in the faith. There are some churches, such as the Baptists, that requires you to go through some classes prior to baptism to learn the fundamentals of the Baptists. The Baptists take baptism very seriously and if you are baptized by them you become a Baptist (while we support the church my wife and I have never joined). My son had to go through one of these classes, meet with the pastor, etc. They're certainly not to the extend of a 9-12 month course. I can understand why the Catholics would have a party when it was over.
It's that and more. We live in a culture that is indifferent to many Christian ideals, such as giving of one's self, REAL love, and sacrifice. Many experience something within, a desire for something more from life, a hope for the future. Our technological world doesn't do it for them. Modern conveniences can only go so far in self-actualization. And when we get older and wiser, we come to realize that no matter what plans we lay, we do not have control of our fate. People then begin to take God more seriously.
Catechism, the knowledge of the faith, helps to put objective truths onto those experiences of God that the above people are having. There is a sense of searching for sprituality. People experience this spirituality, but it is subjective. Without the Church, who would know that this is the Triune God prompting conversion within one's heart? Without the Apostolic Tradition, who would know that God became man and died on the cross for the redemption of every man? Without the Scriptures given to the Church, who would have more than a limited idea of what God expects of us? Thus, to "know" God is to know Him in a personal way. Not only spending time with Him in prayer and worship, but having intellectual knowledge of His salvation plan and His work in bringing man to Him as detailed in Sacred Scriptures and in the Sacred Liturgy. Catechesis is akin to learning your girlfriend's favorite color or favorite food.
They're certainly not to the extend of a 9-12 month course. I can understand why the Catholics would have a party when it was over.
I think I understand what you are implying - and this is a possible reaction to such a "course". If you take the view that it is a class and you graduate upon receiving the sacraments, you certainly WILL be happy its over!! However, if you approach this teaching to catechumens as learning how to experience the Risen Christ through the teachings of the Church, through Scripture, through the Liturgy, through the sacaments, and through one's own private daily lives, these "classes" are the first steps for new Christians in learning how to contact He who saves. Most of the people I know desire to continue learning about Christ, albeit at a slower pace. Many desire to continue meeting as a group after their initiation.
It is a journey of faith, with RCIA being the first step in an ongoing deepening committment to Christ. We have found this approach to teaching the faith much more effective then memorizing questions and answers.
Regards