In the past few weeks I have had two very discouraging experiences. First, I learned that a diocesan catechetical director refused to include in an adult formation program a guided tour of the cathedral, led by a liturgist. The reason? It would take away from the time allotted for catechesis. Second, I learned that a […]
Reimagining catechesis for RCIA
Someday I’ll learn to stop saying, “Now I’ve heard everything” when it comes to the RCIA. Because there’s always something new. You all probably know all about this, but I can be a little slow sometimes. A reader e-mailed me a couple of weeks ago to ask about several baptized Catholic children in her parish
“RCIC” as a sacramental catch up program
What would be the requirements for one of our inquirers to become a Catholic? Would she have to go through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)? She was baptized, received first Communion, and was confirmed as a Lutheran. She is married to a Catholic, and she was married by a Catholic priest. She
What are the requirements in the RCIA for a Lutheran becoming Catholic?
This weekend, I’ll be leading an institute in the Los Angeles archdiocese that focuses on the cathechumenate period (sponsored by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate). One of my presentations is on the minor rites that might be celebrated during that time. Lately, I’ve been using an online service, Prezi.com, to create my presentations.
120 members of RCIA teams from northern California have just wrapped up a two-day institute (sponsored by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate and the dioceses of San Jose and Monterey). The institute focused on how to adapt the RCIA for children. Talking with some of the participants reminded me of something I wrote
RCIA for children is a family affair
Most initiation ministers don’t think of the greeters for Sunday liturgy as being on the RCIA team. Perhaps we should. Let me tell you about my experience as an inquirer this summer. Because of my travel schedule, I was in a different parish almost every Sunday in July and August. No one said hello to
End of summer greet-off challenge
In the past month, the Office of Communications of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) published a document on social media guidelines. The publication of the guidelines coincided with a recent conversation among the team members of TeamRCIA—Diana, Nick, Rita, Miriam, and Rita—during which we discussed our desire to grow our Web site
(THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED) Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey about the needs of inquirers, catechumens, and candidates in your RCIA processes. Over 200 people completed the survey, and you can see a summary of the results here. We have prepared a second survey that goes a little deeper into the kind
How do you catechize about sacraments?
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey about the needs of inquirers, catechumens, and candidates in your RCIA processes. Over 200 people completed the survey, and you can see a summary of the results here. Sacraments The highest need, by far, is a need for more information about sacraments. 129 of you gave that
RCIA formation—survey results
The June 2010 issue of Inc. has a story about how Van Meter Industrial makes new employees feel welcome. They do four simple things to integrate the newbies into the company. How did they come up with the four steps? They asked a group of new hires! It occurred to me that would be a
