The initiation rites of the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent don’t have the most comforting of names. On these days we engage the elect in rites and prayers called scrutinies and exorcisms. The first connotes probing and critical examination of one’s life, and the second—well, let’s just say many of us have had […]
History of the scrutinies: 3 things your RCIA team needs to know
Many have interpreted the signing of the Book of the Elect to be a sign of commitment and discipleship. This is certainly true, and when seen in this light, it would seem appropriate for both catechumens (the unbaptized) and candidates (the already-baptized) to sign the Book of the Elect. However, the commitment and discipleship that
Who signs the Book of the Elect?
I’m off to help distribute ashes at Mass later today. I’ve done this a few times in my life, and it’s always a humbling experience. Yes, the ashes remind us of our mortality and dependence on God, but that’s not mostly why I feel humbled. It’s humbling for me because I get to see so
In the June 2009 issue of This Sunday’s Scripture, Paul Bernier, SSS, writes in his commentary for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ that the body is the “what” and the blood is the “how”: It might be pointed out that the now common practice of offering the chalice to the faithful
Communion—is the cup necessary?
These are some of the workshops I’m interested in at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress this weekend. If you plan to be there, look me up. When I’m not in a workshop, I’ll be at the Bayard / Twenty-Third Publications booth. Forming Adults in the Faith—Bishop Gerald Kincanas The Emerging Church—Richard Rohr Celebrating the
Will you be at the LA Congress?
Seventeen years ago, I left the professional ministry field and started a career in publishing. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by the intersection between business values and spiritual values. There can be a tendency among ministry folks to stereotype business people as being completely focused on money. Recent stories about unscrupulous bankers and greedy
Do you run your RCIA like a business? Maybe you should
Here is a list of previous posts having to do with RCIA and Lent. Also, be sure to click on the “Lent” link in the keywords box, below left. Choreographing the Scrutinies Don’t catechize in Lent What are the proper prayers for the scrutinies? 9 Ways to Treat the Elect Like Royalty Reckless Love: A
RCIA in Lent: 6 must-read posts
On Monday of this week (February 9, 2009) the New York Times published an article saying the Catholic Church is bringing back indulgences. The article has caused a storm of comments on the Internet, and most of the comments are of the dumbfounded, mouth-dropping type, wondering why the Catholic Church would return to the practice
Selling indulgences? What RCIA leaders need to know
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 Brothers and sisters, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God…. The way of faith To proclaim the faith and to plant his reign, Christ sends his apostles and their successors. He gives them a share in
Catechesis for 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B
St. Julie Billiart Parish in San José, California, is holding a novena, devoted to St. Joseph the Worker, as a prayer for all those who are unemployed or have lost their homes. The novena is being held in the homes of parishioners, who will lead those who assemble in praying the Rosary. What a trifecta
Parish life as catechesis—a great example
