Schedule and session outline

Day one:
8:30 Opening Prayer
8:45 Opening comments and introduction
8:55 Overview of Six Principles of the RCIA
9:45 Creating a Conversion Centered Liturgical Experience
10:25 Break
10:40 What makes an effective catechist?
11:20 Evangelizing as Jesus Did
12:00 Review of resources
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Creating Questions for Evangelizing
1:20 Group Process–Sharing The Questions
1:40 Period of Evangelization
2:10 Break
2:35 Art of Storytelling
3:20 Workshop—Using the Principles
4:20 Sharing a Bible Story
5:00 Check-in and questions
5:30 Closing Prayer
Day two:
8:30 Rite of Anointing of Catechumens
9:15 Mystagogical Reflection
9:45 How to Do Mystagogical Catechesis
10:00 Break
10:15 Announcements
10:20 Overview of the Period of the Catechumenate
11:00 Catechumenate as an Apprenticeship Process
11:20 Breaking Open the Word
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Analysis of Breaking Open the Word
1:25 Doctrinal Session Flowing from Liturgical Year
2:25 Analysis of Extended Catechetical Session
2:35 Break
2:50 Check-in and Questions
3:00 Multiple Intelligence Exercise
3:15 Reflection on the Multiple Intelligences Exercise

Mary Birmingham (MA Liturgy and Theology, St. John’s University Collegeville, MN) is the director of liturgy, music and Christian initiation at Ascension Catholic Community in Melbourne, Florida. Mary has been involved in national RCIA ministry since 1992. Mary provides workshops in scriptural and doctrinal catechesis, liturgical and sacramental catechesis, and all components of the RCIA. Mary is a former team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate and the author of Word and Worship Workbook (Years ABC), Year Round Catechumenate, Faith, Life and Creed: A Complete Catechesis for Christian Living, Formed in Faith: Sessions for Inquiry, Catechumenate, and Ongoing Faith Formation, Confirming Adult Catholics, Purified and Enlightened: RCIA Sessions for Lent.
Nick Wagner is the director and founder of TeamRCIA.com. He has more than 25 years experience as a leader and trainer in liturgical and catechetical ministries. He has a gift for translating theological principles into simple and clear language that inspires joy, commitment and passion for faith. He is the author of numerous articles and several books and on parish ministry including Whole Community Liturgy and The Way of Faith: A Field Guide for the RCIA Process (Twenty-Third Publications). He was an active team member with the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. He has worked in campus, parish and diocesan positions, and he holds a master’s degree from Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.
For Spanish-speaking catechists, our presenter will be Isabel Fernández, PhD. Isabel is the Director of Mission Effectiveness, San Pedro Center Diocese of Orlando. She is an engaging presenter with years of experience in catechetical ministry.