Nick Wagner is the cofounder and codirector of Team Initiation.
I recently saw someone ask on social media what resource they should use for catechizing their seekers. Within minutes, there were many replies listing catechisms, textbooks, handouts, and video series. But no one mentioned the single most powerful formation tool we have — celebrating the liturgical year. Celebrating the liturgical year with your seekers is, […]
Use the power of the liturgical year to form your seekers
In a previous article, we explored why taking things step by step is important in helping people on their faith journey. But how does this work in the real world? How can catechumenate teams put the idea of gradual initiation into practice? I am not going to pretend it’s easy to do. A classroom structure
Nurturing gradual conversion: Tools for catechumenate teams
I celebrated my first Communion when I was in first grade, as did my entire class. And I celebrated confirmation in third grade, as did all the children in my school. That’s because that was the year the bishop came to our parish to administer the sacrament. Our sacraments were scheduled on the school calendar
The slow work of God: Why initiation is a gradual process
In a previous article, we explored the importance of contemplative prayer for personal spiritual growth and how to introduce it to seekers and catechumens. In this article, we will explore how to involve the entire parish in the practice of contemplative prayer as a means of seeking and discerning God’s will for the catechumens and
Discerning God’s will through contemplative prayer within the parish community
As catechumenate ministers, our role is not only to guide others on their faith journey but also to nurture our own spiritual growth. In the midst of this busy ministry, finding moments of stillness, silence, and deep connection with God through contemplative prayer can be a transformative practice. In this article, I’m going to describe
Nurturing contemplative prayer: A guide for catechumenate ministers
Every week at the bottom of the TeamRCIA newsletter, there is a question for you to answer. One of our readers, Joana, recently replied to this prompt: “Describe a specific encounter or conversation where you felt called to share your faith. How did you respond?” One of our priests had referred a young man to
Why catechumenate ministers must always share their faith
I have never met a catechumenate minister or team member who is not busy. Many of us are involved in more than just catechumenate ministry at the parish. Many of us are volunteers and have actual jobs out in the real world. And then there are other obligations like family, social life, and sometimes school.
Enhance your ministry by using meditative prayer practices
A significant part of our job as catechumenate ministers is to accompany catechumens on their journey towards full initiation into the church. Their initiation will include joining us for the first time at the Table of the Lord. While catechumens are not yet able to approach the eucharistic table, their participation in the Liturgy of
Nurturing catechumens’ prayer life through active participation in the liturgy
On the journey of faith for the catechumens, the role of scripture in discernment holds tremendous significance. As catechumenate team members, it is our responsibility to model the importance of engaging with scripture as a source of guidance and inspiration. By incorporating scripture into our daily lives and discernment practices, we not only deepen our
The role of scripture in discernment
In a previous article, I wrote about using prayer to discern God’s will. In this article, I want to look at morning prayer as a powerful way to pray. In an ideal world, every Christian would begin the day with prayer. Of course, that doesn’t always happen. Nevertheless, as catechumenate leaders, we have a particular
Embrace the power of morning prayer—for the sake of your seekers
