This weekend, I’ll be leading an institute in the Los Angeles archdiocese that focuses on the cathechumenate period (sponsored by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate). One of my presentations is on the minor rites that might be celebrated during that time. Lately, I’ve been using an online service, Prezi.com, to create my presentations. […]
In our Diocese of San Jose, we have dancing books for the Rite of Election. Now hold on before you start groaning as you imagine young waifs in tights and leotards flitting about the altar. Our Scriptural tradition has many stories of dancing—but the kind of dancing that comes out of ordinary, everyday people. David
Have you ever seen dancing books at the Rite of Election?
Keep your eyes open when you attend the Rite of Election. Notice what happens. Here are ten questions (in no particular order) to help you sharpen your observations. 1. Did each catechumen have a godparent? They should. The godparents have an important role in this rite. No group godparents, please. Each catchumen should have somebody
Ten Questions about the RCIA Election Rite
This is the All Saints altar at the parish I was in on All Souls Day. The marigolds are supposed to provide an attractive scent so loved ones who have passed away will want to come and visit the altar. The altar is filled with favorite foods and drinks of the loved ones. There are
I know. There are supposed to be seven deadly sins. I did think of seven, but one of them isn’t deadly. So this will be the six deadly and one not-so-deadly sins committed during the Rite of Acceptance. These are not based on the standard seven that you’ll find in the Catechism. Rather, these come
The six deadly sins committed during the Rite of Acceptance
If you are planning a Rite of Acceptance for the fall, consider scheduling it on September 16, 2012. That’s the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), and the readings are especially appropriate. The first reading is Isaiah 50:5-9, which begins: “The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear.” The early church referred to
When to schedule the Rite of Acceptance
Free download: Why Baptized Candidates Should Not be Received at the Easter Vigil Your turn What are the best practices you’ve learned in your parish? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Free download: Why Baptized Candidates Should Not be Received at the Easter Vigil
32 best RCIA practices for Easter Vigil
In the June 2009 issue of This Sunday’s Scripture, Paul Bernier, SSS, writes in his commentary for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ that the body is the “what” and the blood is the “how”: It might be pointed out that the now common practice of offering the chalice to the faithful
Communion—is the cup necessary?
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
The central liturgy for catechumens is the first half of the Sunday Eucharist called the Liturgy of the Word. When catechumens are dismissed, they reflect on what they experienced in the Liturgy of the Word and share how their experience connects to their daily life. One of the United States bishops’ documents on liturgical music
Evaluating your Liturgy of the Word
