Archive for 2007

Paragraph 75 of the RCIA identifies the four pillars of catechetical formation: word, worship, community, and service. During their formation process, the catechumens will want to learn the prayers that every Catholic knows by heart so they may fully participate in the worship life of the church. Here is a list of prayers they should [...]

Here are some of the folks that should be on your team. And the strengths they need to have. white font white font RCIA Team Leader Characteristics of a good team leader: Enthusiastic. There are a lot of ups and downs in developing an initiation process. A good leader has to see the upside a [...]

Preparation Prayerfully read the scriptures for Sunday Read a commentary on the scriptures Identify at least three church teachings that flow from the readings (you won’t use all three, but it helps to be prepared) Look up related topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church to refresh your understanding of these teachings For each [...]

Imagine this announcement in your parish. “Next Sunday we are going to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance with several catechumens.” Now in your mind’s eye, look out at the assembly. Is there a collective eye-roll? Or are they whipping out their Blackberries to cancel golf games and trips to see Grandma so they can be [...]

Many of us think of mystagogy as the final period of the catechumenal process, occurring in the 50 days after the Easter Triduum. It is, however, a much broader reality. We need to shift our thinking a bit. Mystagogy is not only for the 50 days, but for all our days. From the very beginning, [...]

To be a sponsor is to make a big commitment. Believe it or not, there are many people in your parish who are looking to make a big commitment. Sometimes we undersell the commitment people have to make. All that does is say to the volunteer, “I’m not really going to ask very much of [...]

The basics of leading a dismissal session are not too difficult. There are three things to pay attention to: 1. The room 2. The flow of the faith sharing 3. The “so what” The room When you leave, you need to go somewhere. Make sure the room is prepared ahead of time. The faith sharing [...]

The first step in building a team is to realize the team already exists. You are not creating anything new. You are enhancing and building on what already exists. Get your RCIA book and turn to paragraph 9 (page 4 in my version). Underline this phrase, about four lines down: —¦the initiation of adults is [...]

In the Rite of Acceptance, one of the first things that happens is the “Candidates’ First Acceptance of the Gospel” (see paragraph 50 and following in the RCIA). When they accept the gospel, they are not accepting a book. They are accepting a way of life. If you have adapted the dialogue questions to fit [...]

In the Rite of Acceptance, a major element of the rite is the Candidates’ First Acceptance of the Gospel (“candidates” as used here means candidates for the Rite of Acceptance, not baptized candidates; see paragraph 52, which is on page 22 in my edition of the RCIA). Sometimes folks who are new to planning this [...]