What are the core principles of the RCIA?

Posted by Nick

DSC01077 by arjunkamloops [via Flickr] I’m leading a roundtable discussion at the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership meeting in Las Vegas next spring. My roundtable topic is:

Move your RCIA process from good to GREAT!

Come discover the core principles of a great RCIA process. Learn how to apply these core principles in ways that will renew your parish.

I thought we could begin the roundtable beforehand. I’d love to get your thoughts. I think identifying the core principle or principles of the catechumenate process is key to understanding how the RCIA can be fully integrated into parish life.

As I listen to catechumenate team members and pastoral leaders, I hear a lot of different opinions of what those core elements are.

What do you think? What do you identify as the core principles of the RCIA?

Thanks for your help with this topic.

Posted on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 11:30 am under RCIA.

No Responses to “What are the core principles of the RCIA?”

Cathy 10. Nov, 2009 at 12:14 pm #

Here are two basics that come to mind for me:

1) Our purpose is to facilitate the formation of disciples of Jesus Christ.

2) We are journeying with fellow adults, so adult learning priciples shape our gatherings.
Kathleen Flood 10. Nov, 2009 at 1:06 pm #

We are in the process of “renewing” our RCIA, and are catechetical plan focuses on these principles: scripture, catechesis, prayer and apostolic witness. BTW, we’ve gotten some good ideas from “The Way of Faith!”

We also need to “renew” our team . . . could use some help here. Don’t want to be pouring new wine into old wineskins.

Kathleen
Chris Buckley 14. Nov, 2009 at 10:11 am #

1) Only God knows his purpose for you in RCIA.Confirmation isn’t success. Choosing not to be confirmed isn’t failure. RCIA “works” when you come away closer to God.

2) RCIA is about listening to honest questions, not just imparting doctrine.

3) All paths lead through RCIA, not just Catholics who weren’t confirmed as kids. Those coming from other faiths, especially other flavors of Christianty, have traditions and faiths as vital to them as yours. Respect them and don’t tear down the beliefs they may in fact be returning to.

4) Pray together.
Bonnie Kirk 18. Nov, 2009 at 7:36 pm #

Hi Nick,

Basic for us , is seeing RCIA as a growing journey of faith (relationship) with Jesus in His Church. Therefore, as we balance the 4 pillars we are careful to do that in the wider context of the parish community and not just a small RCIA team.

The other thought is encouraging as much involvment in parish life ( worship, service, social) as each one’s stage of the journey allows, not waiting unil the process is complete.