“When do your classes start?” If you’re an RCIA coordinator you probably hear this question on a regular basis. Most times you hear it from seekers, but I’ve also heard it from our own parish staff. I have two problems with this question. First is the use of the word “classes.” Second is with the […]
Is your RCIA open all year-round? Watch your language
This is the time of year when we make resolutions for the future. The problem is, we are often full of good intentions and low on resolve. Lots of people say that the way to make sure we stick to our resolutions is to keep them small and simple. I’m not so sure about that.
New Year’s resolutions for RCIA teams
The RCIA teams of Western Michigan gathered recently to discuss how to get our parish communities more involved in the initiation process. Together, we created several scenarios for a seeker we might actually encounter. We looked at how we could immerse the seeker in a training process using the activities already taking place in the
What tulips and clogs teach us about faith formation
In his book, 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator, Jared Dees asks catechists to define their calling. In Catholic-speak, “calling” is a big word. When I think of “calling,” I think of Noah or Jonah or Peter. I think about those big, important Bible heroes who actually heard God’s voice. In current times,
Are you called to RCIA ministry? How do you know?
“Life-changing.” That’s how almost everyone describes their favorite Southern dish in Atlanta. Sometimes we had multiple life changing experiences in one day. It started the night we landed in Atlanta for our most recent Making Disciples RCIA Institute. Our friend, Kathy Kuczka, waited patiently for our hour-late flight, and then rushed us to Muss and
Atlanta RCIA institute discovers life-changing aspects of the RCIA
Diana and I just returned from the Diocese of Erie where we had an amazing institute with 100 RCIA leaders from a half-dozen dioceses. Our host, Sr. Nancy Fischer who has been serving the diocese for 29 years(!), told us she was planning for 80 participants and praying for 100. Sr. Nancy is a passionate
Eastern and Midwest RCIA leaders learn how to involve the whole parish
Ninety enthusiastic RCIA leaders gathered recently in Edmonton, Alberta, to explore the deep structure of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and how we can use that to make disciples. We began on Friday evening and discussed the underlying principles of the RCIA. These six principles can be used to guide any formation process,
RCIA is flourishing in Western Canada
1. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Why is this book important? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the authoritative teaching of the church on the purpose and process of initiation. It is the Vatican II vision of the initiation process that answers the mandate of Jesus Christ to go and baptize. What
Top five RCIA resource materials for your team
Diana Macalintal and I spent two days in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan recently, where the temperature dipped to minus-20 degrees Farenheit! But while the temperature was frigid outside, the hospitality and enthusiasm were warm inside. We were there to meet with faith formation leaders from across the diocese to discuss ways to inspire active, committed, lifelong faith
