TeamRCIA’s most recent institute was held at the Vallombrosa Retreat Center in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. We started on Friday night with a focus on the six principles of the RCIA (click here to learn more about the six principles). The participants created posters representing each principle and then spent some time reflecting on what they wanted to learn about those principles. They posted those learning needs on the posters, and we were off and running.
What we learned about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process
We spent all day Saturday discussing the steps and periods of the RCIA process. Our overarching question was, what do parish RCIA teams need to know in order to effectively move the catechumens through each phase of the faith journey? We talked about:
- how to create a customized faith formation plan for each inquirer
- how to catechize in the four areas the RCIA asks us to
- how to determine the appropriate level of catechesis
- and how to discern the readiness of the catechumens to move on to the next stage of the process
One participant told us, “This institute gave tangible, practical steps and advice for effectively reaching seekers on their journey.”
The folks in the archdiocesan offices were terrific hosts. Our primary contact had been Sr. Celeste Arbuckle, Director of the Office of Religious Education. However, about a month before the event, she became seriously ill. Her colleague, Laura Bertone, Director of the Office of Worship, stepped up and kept all the planning seamlessly on track. Laura’s administrative assistant, Enedina Saucedo also put in a great many hours making sure everyone was well taken care. We are all very grateful to the three of them for their hospitality and their dedication to catechumenate ministry.
Don’t miss out!
We only have two RCIA institutes left in 2014. Click here to find out more about them.
The San Francisco event sold out, so if you are thinking of attending one of the next two, sign up soon. Also, we will have a full calendar up soon for 2015. Our first event in the new year will be on our home turf here in San José. We are really looking forward to welcoming you to our “world headquarters.”
How was your institute?
If you have participated in one of the institutes this year, please share a note below about how the experience was for you.
