Find out how your team can always be undergoing conversion.The number one roadblock for most organizations—including RCIA teams—is complacency. Allowing complacency to grow can be deadly. RCIA teams are supposed to be all about conversion. And complacency kills conversion.Most teams start out with a high level of enthusiasm for the conversion mission. And then one […]

Lead the elect to their initiation in a spirit of prayerful reflection.Review pages 71-72 in The Way of FaithReview paragraphs 185-205 (Canada, 172-197) in the Rite of Christian Initiation of AdultsChoosing a baptismal nameIn the preparation rites for Holy Saturday, there is an optional ritual for “Choosing a Baptismal Name” (RCIA 200; Canada, 187). In

Take a deep look at the fundamental elements of what catechesis is really all about.Every once in a while, I meet an inquirer who is a Type A, goal-driven personality. He or she wants to know how many meetings we will have, how long they will last, and what book he should read.More often, however,

Identify the key factors in discerning the readiness of the catechumens to become elect.How do you know if the catechumens “know enough”? When are they ready to move to the next stage?Discerning readiness for moving to the next stage of the initiation process is often a subjective art. Discernment in terms of faith is not

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 of Acceptance

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

The Sunday liturgy is your most important catechetical source for this crucial period of formation. Learn to to make the most of it.Now that the children have an experience of the sacraments, some say mystagogy is the time to teach the theology of the sacraments. Others say it’s the time to teach the Eucharist and

Discover the true meaning of “mystagogy” and what it will require of you and your neophytes.When asked for her initial response to the Easter Vigil, fifteen-year-old Madison said, “When Fr. Mark put his hands on my head, I felt really warm; like my blankie was covering me and I could just lie down and go

In this session, we will delve into the intimate connection among the three sacraments of initiation.After all of this emphasis on the spiritual preparation, inevitably these are some of the questions the kids seem to ask:Is the water cold? Will Father really put me under all the way? Should I wear my bathing suit? Can I still

The period of purification and enlightenment is not a time for teaching. It is a time for retreat. This lesson will take you through the basics.We are reaching the pinnacle of the journey. We are getting close to the mountaintop, so it’s getting intense. The children sense the intensity: the purple, the quiet, the kneeling,