Paragraph 75 of the RCIA lists the four pillars of catechesis that we are expected to provide for the catechumens. The RCIA says they are to have a “mature” ability in each of these four areas. “Mature” means mature for a beginner in the faith. We don’t except the catechumens to have the same level […]
How do RCIA catechists model "service"?
Yesterday, as I celebrated Eucharist with the members of my religious community as well as friends and neighbors who regularly join us, I noticed a beautiful new family of five in the assembly. They were, I learned later, relatives of one of our sisters. The two “big sisters” were about five and eight years old
Reading II 2 Pt 3:8-14 But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. The way of faith By death the soul is separated from the body, but in the resurrection God will give incorruptible life to our body, transformed by reunion with our soul. Just as
Catechesis for Second Sunday of Advent, B
I recently had the pleasure of offering a workshop for participants in the permanent deaconate program in the Archdiocese of New York. We had a great couple of hours working on Scrutinies, and I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that many went home fired up to do more with these rites in the
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II 1 Cor 1:3-9 He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. The way of faith What Christ entrusted to the apostles, they in turn handed on by their preaching and writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to
Catechesis for First Sunday of Advent
The news outlets are filled with speculation and commentary about Barack Obama’s transition team and his choice of cabinet members and White House staff. Yesterday the stock market rose 500 points simply because Obama announced who his Secretary of the Treasury would be. There are a lot of reasons that knowing who Obama plans to
An RCIA lesson from Barack Obama—community
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28 Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. The way of faith The title “Son of God” signifies the unique and eternal relationship of Jesus Christ to God his Father: he is the only Son of the
Catechesis for Solemnity of Christ the King
We’re probably all going to see a lot of seekers in our churches over the next several weeks. First of all, we’re moving into the holiday season, and more people tend to think about faith and spirituality at this time of year. Some of them wind up in church—your church—hoping to find an answer to
Put your parish bulletin on your RCIA team
Imagine a parish where every so often the pastor introduces an inquirer to the worshiping assembly saying, “This is Jose; this is Barbara. They have a desire to become part of our church.” Then the Pastor simply leaves the rest to the people in the pews. We could make a case that this is the
5 questions for every RCIA team
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, which is the premier Vatican II liturgical document, says that the “aim to be considered before all else” is the full, conscious, and active participation of all the faithful in the liturgy because that is the way they will learn the true Christian spirit (14). On Sundays in our parishes,
Evaluating your hospitality at Mass
