Nick Wagner is the cofounder and codirector of Team Initiation.
In this series of posts, I have been exploring why it is important to involve the whole parish in the initiation process and some ways we might make that happen. We explore the same questions on our TeamRCIA Making Disciples Institutes, and we conclude by asking the participants: What would happen if we actually engaged […]
Four roadblocks to involving the parish in RCIA
“Your ideas sound great for big city parishes, but I come from a small rural parish. Our parish doesn’t have any activities.” Jane was responding to a point I made last year at one of TeamRCIA’s Making Disciples institutes. I was pointing out what the U.S. Bishops said about catechesis: In addition, learning by Christian
Is your parish too small for RCIA?
In a previous post, I asked why it was important to involve the whole parish in the RCIA. If we are clear on the why, the what becomes more clear. What are we asking the parish to do, exactly, when we ask them to be more involved in the initiation process? The purpose of the
What should RCIA teams ask of parishioners?
Almost every catechumenate team I talk with wants the parish to be more involved with the RCIA process. When I ask them why, however, their answers get a little fuzzy. What is the number one purpose of the RCIA? Sometimes their answers focus on the practical. They need more sponsors, more catechists, more help on
Why is it important to involve the whole parish in the RCIA?
We all know that initiation into Christ is a gradual process. But while we know that in our heads, we don’t always know it in our hearts. I think some of the reason for that is modern storytelling. If you think of stories from 19th century literature such as Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, the
In RCIA, stories unfold gradually
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to lose five pounds. I am not that hopeful. I’ve been trying to lose five pounds for about ten years now. I have an ideal weight in mind. I know I’d feel better and look better if I was at that weight. What is stopping me? Well, I
Do you have competing values in your RCIA process?
Follow this daily visual guide for an Advent examination of conscience.
Advent examination of conscience for catechumenate groups
As an RCIA team member, you probably realize that you are a model for the catechumens. What you may not realize is that you are also a model for the rest of the catechists in the parish. The General Directory for Catechesis says that the baptismal catechumenate is the model for all catechesis (see #59).
Is your RCIA team a good model for the rest of the parish catechists?
Imagine this. Someone who is lonely or anxious or victimized or broken has come to the end of her rope. She is exhausted and disheartened. She has no idea what to do next. She doesn’t like going out at this time of year, because everyone is full of “holiday spirit.” The stores are filled with
Is your catechumenate team ready for seekers this Christmas?
Years ago, I read an article by a chef and food writer for the New York Times. His article was about how shocked people are when they see his kitchen. He lives in a tiny New York apartment, and the kitchen is barely big enough for one person to work in. People always assume he
The recipe for becoming a great RCIA catechist
