Once I had written everything I could think of that would be helpful to catechumenate teams, I sent the book out to colleagues in RCIA ministry to see what they thought about it. Here are some of their responses:
This book could really be titled The Catechumenate for Dummies! It is a great resource that describes the process in detail, gives practical applications, and explores pastoral situations. Whether you have been in the ministry for years or are just starting out, you will want to add this book to your library!
Tish Scargill
Director of Catechetical Ministries, Diocese of Monterey, California
For 20 years I have been searching for a resource that was concise, logical, and informative regarding the entire RCIA process. The Way of Faith is that resource. By using the Rite, other church documents, his own personal experience, and a bit of humor, Nick Wagner has developed a step-by-step guide that will help those who are new to this ministry as well as 20-year veterans. Don’t know how to move to a year-round RCIA? It’s in this guide. Not sure how do build an RCIA team? It’s in this guide. Don’t know how to plan a dismissal or catechetical session? It’s in the guide along with so much more!
Douglas J. Reatini
Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of Saint Petersburg
The Way of Faith is a terrific book—insightful, practical, and focused on the things that matter. (It’s funny, too.) The chapter on how to do parish liturgy well is alone worth the price, but the thoughtful and hands-on guidance for RCIA teams and parish leaders makes this truly extraordinary. All the members of my parish staff (and lots of ministry leaders) will be getting a copy.
(Msgr.) Vincent Rush
Pastor, O. L. of Grace Church, West Babylon, NY
Nick Wagner has provided an easy to use guide for parish RCIA teams. No matter how well established a parish’s initiation ministry may be there’s always a need to review what we are doing and there’s always new parish ministers who would find this book a helpful tool to get started.
Rev. Ron Lewinski
Pastor, St. Mary of the Annunciation, Mundelein, IL
Imagine a single sourcebook that combines good theory and tested pastoral strategies in an engaging and readable format… Now buy it! Nick Wagner’s Field Guide is a “must have” and a “must use” for parishes that take the ministry of Christian initiation seriously.
Rev. Robert Duggan
Presbyter of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC
Like Nick Wagner, I have a “disreputable past” when it comes to implementing the RCIA back in the day. If only I had a copy of The Way of Faith, I could have avoided a lot of mistakes and had a lot of my own murky ideas about the RCIA clarified and corrected. This book provides newcomers to the RCIA ministry with the valuable guidance they will need to understand the Rite and to implement it most effectively.
Joe Paprocki
Associate Director of Catechetical Services, Loyola Press
The Way of Faith: A Field Guide for the RCIA Process is a gold mine for parish leaders and all involved in this most important ministry. Nick Wagner has compiled an excellent resource filled with practical ideas, tools, and wisdom that are sure to enrich and transform the initiation process.
Edith Prendergast, RSC
Director Religious Education, Archdiocese Los Angeles
The Way of Faith: A Field Guide for the RCIA Process, which I find to be clear, readable, and comprehensive, will be a very valuable resource for anyone working in catechumenate ministry. I plan to recommend it to persons working with the RCIA process in the parishes of my diocese.
Digna Vela, IWBS
Director of the Office of Catechetical Ministry, Diocese of Victoria in Texas
As I read The Way of Faith,, I tried to put myself back in the shoes of a new RCIA team member, wondering if this book would have helped me. And it would have! This book is a valuable resource for both the RCIA rookie and for the seasoned minister. Nick Wagner’s marvelous images make the book approachable and readable. (I now consider myself a “Turnip-Head!”) I particularly like the insets and sidebars, which make for visual interest. Tying the book to the TeamRCIA Web site makes it especially valuable, as the site provides ongoing insights and ideas.
Margie Sullivan
Team member with the N.A. Forum on the Catechumenate, author, and consultant
The Way of Faith will become a must-have for every new team member in our parish. The lighthearted, yet sound writing style is true to the Rite and provides a way for team members, pastors, and the uncatechized community to understand this process of discipleship that we’re called to in our baptism. The book is comprehensive, engaging, encouraging, and challenging. It should be side by side with the Rite.
Pam Anderson
Director of Christian Initiation, St. Patrick Parish, Grass Valley, CA
Nick Wagner’s passion for the RCIA and his years of practical, pastoral experience have converged in this superb resource for anyone involved in this ministry. This work gives new meaning to the phrase “user friendly” with its excellent and eye-catching formatting and easy, conversational tone. It is true that when you finish reading this book you will have many new tools, and your questions about implementing the Rite in all kinds of situations will be answered. More importantly, you will have gained a friend and partner in ministry – Nick – and you will have the confidence and resources you need to follow your own insights and respond to the needs of your local situation creatively and effectively.
Miriam Malone, SNJM
Cofounder of SNJM Fire for Ministry, contributing team member of TeamRCIA.com
Nick Wagner’s book The Way of Faith: A Field Guide for the RCIA Process is the guide I wish I had had in my hands 30 years ago when I stumbled into directing the catechumenate in my parish! Written in easy to understand language that a beginner can understand, it is full of insights even the experienced catechumenal minister can benefit from. It is an invaluable resource that should be in the hands of all RCIA teams! I especially like the humor, practical ideas, and the sidebars which add to the richness of the text!
Mickey Main
Consultant to the Seattle Archdiocesan Christian Initiation Committee and team member with the North American Forum on the Catechumenate
Here is the book I wish I could have read when I was first learning about the RCIA. Nick Wagner has written both an easy-to-navigate guide for those working with the catechumenate for the first time as well as an in-depth study for those well-versed in its principals and process. In short, the book will serve any and all members of RCIA teams and those who train them.
Kathy Hendricks
Author, speaker, catechetical leader
The Way of Faith is beautifully clear and approachable and yet does not water down the demands of initiation ministry. At the same time it captures the real joy of the ministry. It is a much-needed addition to the initiation world at this moment in time! So thank you, and thank you for the support that TeamRCIA.com provides also. The two resources offer hope with skin on!
Deborah Stollery
Leadership consultant, writer, speaker, and storyteller
I am very impressed with The Way of Faith. Tt is a wonderful book full of very practical information. Congratulations. This should be very useful to a lot of people.
Thomas Richstatter, OFM
Professor of liturgy and sacramental theology, author, speaker
The Way of Faith is practical, easy to follow, and attractive. The strong content, layout, headings, and suggestions show countless years of practical experience and countless parish and diocesan workshops. The book covers everything. I will certainly recommend it, especially to music ministers. Thanks so much for making this contribution to the the field.
Rufino Zaragoza, OFM
Composer, liturgical music consultant
The Way of Faith is the best, most practical piece of writing I’ve ever seen on matters RCIA. This resource is just what the doctor ordered. Bravo! We’ve needed this resource for years.
Bernadette Gasslein
Editor of Celebrate!
Next stop on the Way of Faith:
But wait! That’s not all!
