We found ourselves in the quiet, dimly lit church, a few evenings after the Easter Vigil. The neophytes, godparents, sponsors, candidates, catechumens, an inquirer, and team members were gathered, surrounded by the scent of incense and the sound of the flowing baptismal font, illuminated by the Paschal Candle. As we paused from our busy lives, […]
In a previous article, we looked at why measuring is key to a successful catechumenate. In this article, I want to dig into what we measure and how to measure. To figure out what to measure, we have to clarify what the catechumenate is for. When we use the catechumenate for things it is not
How to measure success in your catechumenate process
Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by all there is to do in initiation ministry. At times, I’ve been the only person on the catechumenate “team.” Even parishes blessed with larger teams can feel like there is always more to do than people to help. How in the world are we going to manage it all?
What to do if you are a catechumenate “team of one”
Examine the underlying structure of the conversion journey. For the seeker, there are three distinct steps in his or her conversion process that are marked by major rituals. The first step is to begin. That is, the seeker publicly declares his or her intention to become a Christian. That declaration is marked by the Rite
Three steps to conversion that every seeker must take
Required Reading In Module 1, we are providing links to the required reading for you. However, because the material is copyrighted, we are not able to post more than the assignments for Module 1. For Modules 2-9, you will need to have copies of both The Way of Faith and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. If
RCIA Total Training Introduction
Adaptation is an important concept in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Paulist priest and liturgist, Ricky Manalo, says liturgical adaptation is like Thanksgiving dinner. Preparations usually do not begin with decisions about appetizers or salads, but with the main course, turkey. The next decisions probably concern stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, then vegetables
What does the Rite (Order) of Christian Initiation of Adults say about adaptation?
Dates you need to know DATE EVENT November 1, 2024December 1, 2024March 5, 2025 Order of Christian Initiation of Adults may be sold by publishersOrder of Christian Initiation of Adults texts may be usedOrder of Christian Initiation of Adults texts must be used Click here to order your copy of the Order of Christian initiation
1. MOST IMPORTANT 2. SIMPLE RITUALS 3. INVOLVE PEERS 4. RITE OF ACCEPTANCE 5. INVOLVE PARENTS 6. EASTER VIGIL Five ways to involve peer companions Rita Burns Senseman Including same age peer companions is a must in the children’s RCIA process (RCIA, nos. 252, 254). Here are five ways you can connect children in the
3 Five ways to involve peer companions
Q. We have three adults in our formation process. One is from the Baptist tradition and the other two are active Catholic members of our parish who need only confirmation. Because they are all baptized, I understand they do not need the formal catechumenate process nor do they have to wait until the Easter Vigil.
Q&A: How do we help our candidates develop a relationship with Jesus?
Faith, Life & Creed Doctrinal Sessions gives every catechist all the resources needed to prepare a comprehensive, systematic, conversion-oriented catechesis for adults who are preparing to be initiated and for other faith formation gatherings.
40+ Doctrinal Sessions: Faith, Life & Creed (PDF Download)
