What is your RCIA discernment plan this week?

2 thoughts on “What is your RCIA discernment plan this week?”

  1. I know this was posted a while ago (and I’m a little surprised there are no comments), so let me have a go at these questions.

    1. Our formal discernment for the Rite of Election starts in January. I like to get past Advent and Christmas because there is so much else that draws away our attention (both in and out of RCIA). This calm of Ordinary Time gives us a chance to process past Advent (when we often have a Rite of Acceptance) and start planning the next leg of our journey.

    2. I use a three step process. Step 1) a take-home worksheet that both explains discernment and asks them to respond to certain key questions. I find it gives the catechumen and opportunity to focus on their journey before we sit together for an interview. Step 2) a face to face interview with the catechumen, their sponsor, and the team leader (or other experienced team member). Step 3, a face to face interview that the catechumen and their sponsor schedule with the Pastor.

    3. Directly involved would be the catechumen, their sponsor, the RCIA leader and team, the Pastor. Indirectly involved would be the catechumen’s family and friends (especially a spouse and children, if applicable), as well as other parish members who have a relationship with the catechumen.

    4. Yes. I’ve experienced this a few times as a team member, and a couple times as team leader.

    5. If I have a candidate who I feel is not ready, I first query others involved with the catechumen. Primarily their sponsor, but also the Pastor, a friend, their spouse, not only to get their take on the catechumen’s readiness, but to gauge their likely reaction for when we discuss this. As the team leader, I then have a meeting with the catechumen and their sponsor to discuss my feelings on the issue in the hopes of reaching a consensus. I find the role of the sponsor is critical, both for helping in the discernment, but also in caring for and guiding the catechumen through this moment. With regard to the two cases I had to handle as team leader, those catechumens, after their initiation, told me they were glad they waited.

    1. Thanks for your terrific comments John! It’s obvious you have a profound sense of care for the catechumens in your community. Blessings on your ministry.

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