Reimagining catechesis for RCIA

7 thoughts on “Reimagining catechesis for RCIA”

  1. 2 hour catechumenate session:

    15 min: Celebration of the Word (according to RCIA 85-89, choosing readings according to the doctrinal topic at hand) with blessings/anointings

    15 min: Social time with food

    35 min: Instruction, building upon what was proclaimed in the readings, which were a part of the Celebration of the Word

    25 min: Small group discussion/fellowship

    15 min: Social time with food

    15 min: Closing prayer that ties together with the theme of the doctrinal topic.

  2. I’m afraid what you share is almost the norm. Each year around this time someone tries to get us back on the right path…..Sept. to Easter , one size fits all. We are year-round and so never really know how many will be where more than 2 or 3 weeks down the road. We have made recognizing and encouraging the total community to see themselves as primary ministers. We are supported by the four pillars of the process (prayer/liturgy, study, “apostolic action” with the wider parish community and social/community moments. I’ve been thinking this week that I would like to write something about RCIA as the RIGHT of Christian initiation for adults—-their right to apprentice (thank you Jerry Gallipeau) and our responsibility to companion them

  3. Thank you, Marge, for your contribution. Your two “social time with food” segments make this most attractive! Seriously, you have presented a fine schema that draws in many of the aspects called for in RCIA #75, and I hope that will inspire others to take a look at their own formal catechesis time.
    For all of us, we might also look at how we define “the time we have for catechesis” and wonder if it is contained in defined hours or if it is moving toward a model where we consider the life of the community (word, worship, community and service) to be effective “times of catechesis”. If so, how are we facilitating that catechesis?

  4. Bonnie,please write! It will encourage anyone who knows that cycle of people trying to “go back” to the academic year model. I think we too often equate adult initiation with adult faith formation programs. Clearly, they are different even as they share some of the same formational principles. And, as you so eloquently say, the catechumens have a right to the Rite.

  5. Dear Miriam,
    I too have encountered some parish level pushback for an RCIA-Adaptable Childrens model. I was asked by the DRE to work with the “RCIA Team” to develop an adaptable model for older children for my parish. I went so far as to working with the the Diocesan Director of Worship and Catechesis to assure that it met the guidelines established by the Diocese. After month of preparation, I was told by a member in the team that the timing was not right! (They are stuck on the academic year model, and i presented my model in September.)Needless to say I was quite disappointed but continued to show it to other parishes. Thanks God, three parishes liked to adaptable model enough to have me present it to them.Their teams realize that inquiry does not always happen at the appropriate academic time!) As my spiritual director reminded me, “Sometime a prophet is not accepted in his own town.” My advice is someone, somewhere can alsways use a good idea. This website proves it!

  6. I just want to thank God for this ministry and the clarion call to journey with people toward discipleship. It is SO frustrating to me when RCIA turns into a classroom with a book, raise your hand, right answers, please, have you filled in the blank AND the only people you know are the ones in your little classroom. WHY do we keep doing this?? I loved your analogy on walking, and I hope you heal soon, all the way. I totally identified because I broke my shoulder in three places almost two years ago, and if I had been forced to do what I wasn’t capable of, it would have been awful. I’m discouraged, too, by your recent experiences. Keep on calling! Some will respond!

  7. At St Michael in Canton, OH our director has shaken up the schedule a bit (Yay!) The first two weekly mtgs of the month are media on concepts Catholics believe with small table discussion, reading relevant documents, socializing, snacking,and questions. The third week everyone attends the monthly Social Justice meeting with speakers from groups who help the hungry and homeless, questions answered, and instruction on signing up for the many social volunteering ops. The fourth week is a prayer experience for all in the parish. We are also using mentors for ea. inquirer to help them with the Social justice activities and to introduce them to parish members whose faces they see regularly at masses.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping
0