Discernment – Page 2 – Team Initiation

Are we supposed to judge the seekers’ intentions in the catechumenate process?

The new translation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (which is not yet published), will make an interesting change to the ritual text in English. The current translation says that before inquirers can celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, “sponsors, catechists, and deacons, parish priests (pastors) have the responsibility […]

Are we supposed to judge the seekers’ intentions in the catechumenate process?

Why discernment—from the very beginning—is so important in catechumenate ministry

Discernment / Nick Wagner

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. (Mt 19:21-22) The gospel story about the

Why discernment—from the very beginning—is so important in catechumenate ministry

One Latin phrase that was not translated in the initiation rites

Catechesis, Discernment / Nick Wagner

In both the current translation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and in the proposed new translation, the phrase “a priori” is left in its original Latin state. Nothing, therefore, can be settled a priori. (RCIA 76)So nothing can be laid down a priori. (OCIA 76) I suspect it was not translated because

One Latin phrase that was not translated in the initiation rites

What the church teaches about making other Christians Catholic

Candidates, Discernment, Reception / Nick Wagner

One thing a lot of people may not know about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is that it includes a rite that is not a rite of initiation. There were two important reform movements that let up to the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. One was the liturgical movement. The restoration of

What the church teaches about making other Christians Catholic

Q&A: What do we do if the pastor won’t celebrate the scrutinies?

Catechumens, Discernment, Lent, Q&A, Sponsors / Nick Wagner

Q. Hello! I am the director of our initiation ministry in my parish. We do not have a deacon, and my pastor does not get involved, so it’s just me and my team. My pastor does not like to do the scrutinies at this time of year. He usually encourages me to do a simplified

Q&A: What do we do if the pastor won’t celebrate the scrutinies?

Q&A: Proxies for the scrutinies

Catechumens, Discernment, Q&A, Sponsors / Diana Macalintal

Q. One of our catechumens informed us that her godparent will not be able to be present for the three lenten scrutinies, and now she needs to look for a “proxy.” I have three questions: Who selects the proxy? Does the proxy need to fulfill all of the canonical qualifications of a godparent? Does the

Q&A: Proxies for the scrutinies

How do we avoid “judgement” when looking for conversion in the seekers?

Discernment / Nick Wagner

The way the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults talks about discerning conversion in the seekers can seem like we are being asked to be Judge Judy, sitting behind a high bench, dressed in a black robe, listening to the evidence and bringing down the gavel on any who are not worthy. Specifically, the rite

How do we avoid “judgement” when looking for conversion in the seekers?

How to fit in square pegs when our formation process is a round hole

Catechesis, Children, Discernment / Nick Wagner

We all know the saying about not being able to fit square pegs into round holes. When we accompany others on the journey of faith, we are almost always in the business of getting squares to fit into rounds. In some sense, that is what we mean be conversion. People are living “square” lives and

How to fit in square pegs when our formation process is a round hole

Q&A: What do we do about RCIA seekers who don’t go to Mass?

Discernment, Q&A / John Michael Reyes

Q. We have eight seekers in our RCIA process. Only three or four are participating in Sunday Mass. I have stressed the importance of Sunday Eucharist, and I’m baffled about how to deal with this challenge. Do you have any suggestions? A. Thanks for your question. I hear you and know how you feel! When

Q&A: What do we do about RCIA seekers who don’t go to Mass?

Dreaming together about the church of the future

Discernment, Leadership / Nick Wagner

Pope Francis wants to know what your dreams are for the church of the future. Seriously. He wants to know what you, personally, have to say. He has put into motion all the energy of the Vatican and called upon the worldwide bishops to set up listening sessions to hear from the People of God.

Dreaming together about the church of the future

Are we supposed to judge the seekers’ intentions in the catechumenate process?

Why discernment—from the very beginning—is so important in catechumenate ministry

One Latin phrase that was not translated in the initiation rites

What the church teaches about making other Christians Catholic

Q&A: What do we do if the pastor won’t celebrate the scrutinies?

Q&A: Proxies for the scrutinies

How do we avoid “judgement” when looking for conversion in the seekers?

How to fit in square pegs when our formation process is a round hole

Q&A: What do we do about RCIA seekers who don’t go to Mass?

Dreaming together about the church of the future

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