The Year of Saint Paul If you are celebrating Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul today, the second reading is the same as for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary time. Reading II 1 Cor 7:29-31 I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out…. For the world in its present form is […]
Catechesis for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, B
It might seem daunting to discern a person’s readiness for the next step in the RCIA process. But the Rite, itself, gives us some clear guidelines on who does the discerning and what they’re looking for in the daily actions and demeanor of a person seeking to deepen their relationship with God. Note that the
Discernment: What does the Rite say?
Discernment isn’t just for catechumens. It’s for all the faithful to do each day. And it’s not about what we know in our head. It’s about what we know in our heart. This is because discernment isn’t really about having proof, but having faith that God is with us. This is what we learn from
Discernment: Looking backward to move forward
Reading II 1 Jn 5:1-9 Beloved: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him…. The way of faith By love, God has revealed himself and given himself to us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 68) Baptism imprints on
Catechesis for Baptism of the Lord
This editor’s note appeared in the January 2009 issue of Religion Teacher’s Journal. I recently met a couple who have been married 51 years. As I was expressing my admiration at the duration of their marriage, the husband smiled and said, “We’re still hoping it’s going to work out.” He was joking, but, if you’re
Do sacraments make a difference?
Last week, I was rushing to get out the door for Midnight Mass (which for some inexplicable reason was being celebrated at 9:00 p.m.). As I looking for my car keys, I heard an NPR reporter reading a snippet of Pope Benedict’s homily from the Midnight Mass at the Vatican. Later, I wished I’d chosen
A homily catechumens should hear
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation…. The way of faith God has revealed God’s self fully by sending his own
Becky added a comment to a previous post I wrote on the various types of baptized candidates we might encounter in an RCIA process. She suggested we might also encounter folks who were unbaptized and yet catechized. That got me thinking about what we mean by “catechized.” Obviously, most of our unbaptized catechumens will reach
Can you be be unbaptized and catechized in the RCIA?
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another…. The way of faith Baptism is the first and chief
Catechesis for Feast of the Holy Family
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II 1 Thes 5:16-24 Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus…. The way of faith The church invites the faithful to regular prayer: daily prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours, Sunday
Catechesis for Third Sunday of Advent, B
