Last Saturday, Diana and I met with about 100 RCIA leaders from the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia. The topic we were asked to address is how to use the new tools of social media to assist in the catechumenate process. That’s not an easy topic. For those of us who did not grow up with […]
I ran across an article recently titled “Seven Differences Between Spirituality and Religion.” From what I can tell from a Google search, the author is a young man who has survived a difficult life. I don’t want to criticize whatever strategies he’s used to hang onto a healthy, peaceful life. But I do want to
Seven ways to be both spiritual and religious
Do you have a list of texts, catechetical resources, or other material you recommend to teach catechumens in the RCIA?
Q&A: Do you have a list of resources for teaching catechumens?
1. Storytelling Jesus taught through stories, and so should we. Storytelling conveys information on multiple level, and is a powerful tool for influencing behavior. If you want to teach the seekers how to be disciples, teach them using the techniques of the Master. For more guidance on using storytelling in your catechesis, click here. 2.
Six skills every RCIA catechist must have
One article that has received a lot of comments here on TeamRCIA is “Why dismiss the catechumens before Jesus becomes present?” (Scroll down to the end of the article at the link to see all the comments so far!) Dismissal is such an integral part of the formation of catechumens that the rite lists it as one of
Looking again at why the dismissal is important
Q: Should an unbaptized catechumen celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to Easter Vigil? A: An unbaptized person cannot celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation—or any sacrament—until they have been baptized. See the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213: Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit
Q&A: Reconciliation (confession) before Baptism?
What would you say if I told you that none of us are actually catechists or teachers? That’s what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says: In catechesis … “It is Christ alone who teaches — anyone else teaches to the extent that he is Christ’s spokesman, enabling Christ to teach with his lips.” (427)
Ten ways RCIA teams teach like Jesus
Every parish thinks their team is too small. I met some folks from a Texas megaparish that has 35 people on their RCIA team. They think their team is too small. The smallest team I have served with is three — me and two others. Jesus started with one and maxed out at 12. And
Help! My RCIA team is too small
Most RCIA team members know that, for the purposes of the rite, an “adult” is anyone who has reached catechetical age.* That means that if an unbaptized child who has reached catechetical age wishes to be baptized, he or she is also confirmed and receives first communion at the moment of baptism. It also means
Misunderstandings about the age of confirmation
This article is focused on influencing the pastor because that is how the question is most often asked of us here at TeamRCIA. How do I get my pastor to do X? If you are a pastor, I know your concern is the reverse. How do I get my RCIA team to do X? I
