How to read the Bible in the RCIA process

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8 thoughts on “How to read the Bible in the RCIA process”

  1. When I have people who have had no religious education, I suggest they get a childrens’ Bible. The childrens’ Bible gives them many of the main stories of Scripture without overwhelming them, then we encourage them to get into Scripture Study after initiation. (Some sign up even before their initiation.

  2. We use the Break Through bible for our children and teens. It is the Good News Translation and the children love it. For our adults, the New Catholic Answer bible is very good.

  3. Leslie Hutchison

    The previous Sunday’s Gospel is read at the beginning of each gathering. A team member offers a reflection. Then team members facilitate a reflection at each table using a focus question. This helps the candidates and catechumens apply the scripture reading to their own lives and prepares them to look more deeply into God’s word. Although we spend only a few minutes, the shared reflections are lively and beneficial to each participant.

  4. We present a Bible to each of our Inquirers at the beginning of their journey of faith. It is the “map” for their journey. They have all the readings for the Sundays of the liturgical year in a notebook we give them. At our sessions we first proclaim the upcoming Gospel, then we have them find it in their Bible and reread it. Then we simply ask them 4 questions: What did you hear? What word or phrase did you connect with? How did you feel when you heard this Gospel? Is there anything in the Gospel that would cause you to see your life differently or make a change in your life?
    This is a simple “methodology” that enables them to connect the Word with their life, and hear how others do it. Many of our RCIA people will tell us how they use this method at home with their families and children so that all are prepared to hear the Word on Sunday together.
    I would not use a Children’s Bible for the RCIA. Hearing the stories of the Bible for those who have had no experience with the Bible is part of a an ongoing PreCatechumenate. That is the time to share those stories together with them. When they are comfortable with the stories of our faith and become more comfortable with the Bible,then they can become Inquirers.

  5. Hi Diane. Thanks for chiming in. I was a little confused by your last sentence. My understanding anyone who has any interest at all is an inquirer. I don’t think there is a requirement that they know the stories of our faith or the Bible. Or did I misunderstand you?

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