When a person asks about becoming Catholic, our reflex kicks in to refer them to the RCIA process in a parish. What happens when an inquirer happens to be incarcerated? It is likely that the typical response has been to use the rite of baptism intended for infants. The thinking is probably that RCIA is […]
RCIA with incarcerated seekers
Easter Vigil is no doubt the high point for everyone going through the initiation process. As catechumenate leaders and team members we feel honored and privileged to have played a part in their faith journey. But with this great and holy night behind us, now what? According to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults,
Is your catechumenate open all year-round? The period of mystagogy
Especially in this most unusual time, when many of our church buildings have remained closed, we at TeamRCIA are so grateful that the church’s mission continues through you. In these last few weeks, as many of you learned new ways of connecting, praying, and supporting our catechumens and candidates, we have been overwhelmed by your
Q: There is some discussion in our group around a new idea one of the team members has. Some are of the opinion that the candidates, those already baptized, should wear a white sort of cape which they would put on before the Vigil and wear throughout the whole of the Sacraments of Initiation, as
Q&A: Appropriate Attire for the Easter Vigil
(This article was also pubished here in Spanish. Este artículo también fue publicado aquí en español.) Congratulations! You and your RCIA team have worked so hard to prepare your catechumens and candidates to get them ready for this life-changing moment. Consider this a virtual hug and pat on the back for all your dedication, effort,
What to look for at the Easter Vigil
Dear (Arch)Bishop, We know that these days have been hard for all of us in the Church and that you have many urgent tasks before you. We also know that you care deeply about the ongoing mission of Christ that all the baptized share, and we have seen many of you and your brother bishops
With everything else going on during the Triduum, the preparation rites on Holy Saturday can get a little lost. If you are feeling overwhelmed, the first thing to know is that only one thing is required. The elect are to be advised that on Holy Saturday they should refrain from their usual activities, spend their
A brief primer on the Holy Saturday RCIA Preparation Rites
The other day I took my car into the dealer’s service shop for some regular maintenance and they provided me with a loaner car for the day. This loaner was their top-of-the-line mid-sized sedan with all the new technology. The rearview mirror had a digital compass built into the corner, and the sideview mirrors had
Is your RCIA open all year-round? Maintaining Focus
1. Don’t hand the elect a written text In the celebration of the presentations, what is being handed on is the teaching of the church (Creed) and the method of approaching the Father in prayer (Lord’s Prayer). St. Augustine called these the treasures of the church. They are handed over heart to heart. The elect
Avoid these blunders when celebrating the presentations
There is no explicit “scrutiny” in the scrutinies In the early church, the bishop would publicly inquire of the godparents if their elect had been living a Christian life. That doesn’t happen in the current rite. Instead, the elect are “scrutinized” by hearing the proclamation of God’s word. There is an exorcism, but it’s not
A few things you probably didn’t know about the scrutinies
