This editor’s note appeared in the October 2008 issue of Religion Teacher’s Journal. A while ago, I decided I was out of shape. In an ill-considered fit of “healthiness,” I took up jogging. I was probably influenced by some of my friends who go running. If you’re wondering what the difference is, there really is […]
Jogging for Jesus: A reflection on the Rite of Acceptance
If you have inquirers who are ready to become catechumens now, you need to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance with them before Pentecost in order for them to be eligible for initiation at the next Easter Vigil. Flip open your RCIA to the very back. Look for the section that is titled “Appendix III: National
Previously, I looked at some of the pitfalls of trying to celebrate a combined Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcome. (See Part 1.) In most cases, the celebration fails the “mother test.” That is, the the combined rite itself is not clear enough that the average parishioner—for example, my mother—would be able to clearly
Give your rites the mother test (part 2)
Many parishes have recently celebrated the combined Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcome. The full name of this rite tells you right away it is going to be problematic: Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and of the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but previously Uncatechized Adults Who Are Preparing
Give your rites the mother test (part 1)
In the Rite of Acceptance, one of the first things that happens is the “Candidates’ First Acceptance of the Gospel” (see paragraph 50 and following in the RCIA). When they accept the gospel, they are not accepting a book. They are accepting a way of life. If you have adapted the dialogue questions to fit
In the Rite of Acceptance, a major element of the rite is the Candidates’ First Acceptance of the Gospel (“candidates” as used here means candidates for the Rite of Acceptance, not baptized candidates; see paragraph 52, which is on page 22 in my edition of the RCIA). Sometimes folks who are new to planning this
How to tell your catechumens the gospel truth
Thousands of parishes are getting ready to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance over the next several weeks. Catechumenate team leaders will gather with those who are to become catechumens and offer them a ritual catechesis something like this: “And then Father will ask you your name. You tell him your name. And then Father will
Why catechumens shouldn’t ask for faith
How do you know if the inquirers or catechumens “know enough”? When are they ready to move to the next stage? Discerning readiness is often a subjective art. Discernment in terms of faith is not a completely rational process in the way that decision-making is often simply weighing the pros and cons and choosing the
RCIA Discernment: How do you know if they "know enough"?
