ABOUT THE MARATHON
You’ve often heard us say that the classroom alone will not adequately form your seekers into disciples. But what’s the alternative?
Well, there are several, right in front of you and your seekers at every Sunday at Mass. The liturgical symbols of your worship space are privileged places of encounter with Jesus Christ.
In this video marathon, we explore how these often-overlooked symbols become some of the most powerful formation opportunities available.
Starting Monday, August 31, Team Initiation invites you to Uncommon Sources of Catechesis, a free six-day video marathon. Each day, we will release one brief, inspiring video showing how a single symbol in your worship space becomes an opportunity for encounter:
- Day 1: The Altar
- Day 2: The Font
- Day 3: The Ambo
- Day 4: The Door
- Day 5: The Cross
- Day 6: The Oils
Whether you are a longtime veteran needing fresh ideas and inspiration or a young leader seeking effective, practical tools, this series will expand your imagination and lighten your ministerial load.
Do not miss this chance to refresh your initiation team’s vision before the summer ends. Mark your calendar and invite your team!
Uncommon Sources of Catechesis runs from Monday, August 31 through Saturday, September 5, 2026. A new video will be released each day.
This entire marathon is absolutely FREE, but ONLY during these six days!
Don’t miss out on this invaluable, timely training that will provide you with the insights to re-examine assumptions, embrace challenges, and make impactful changes in your ministry.
Mark your calendars now! Once the marathon concludes on September 5, 2026, access to these recordings will only be available for purchase.
Are you a Team Initiation Member? Great news! You get FREE access to the recordings even after the marathon concludes, as part of your membership benefits!
WHAT’S IN THE MARATHON?
DAY 1
The Altar
DAY 2
The Font
DAY 3
The Ambo
DAY 4
The Door
DAY 5
The Cross
DAY 6
The Oils
Check back on Monday, August 31, for the first video!
(move button below down to after the countdown when setting up the 2027 marathon)
The marathon is bite-sized, easily understandable. You can watch the video at your own pace, stop the video to make notes, and think or reflect, rewind, resume and fast forward. It is so much easier to retain.
Desi Ortiz, St. Bernard Church-Bellflower CA
It was a good review, brought new insights for me to think about in my ministry as a catechist
Elaine M Liming, Sacred Heart Palm Desert CA
ABOUT US
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Nick Wagner is the cofounder and codirector of Team Initiation. He has a gift for translating theological principles into simple and clear language that inspires joy, commitment, and passion for faith. With more than 40 years of experience, he has become a leading voice and trainer in Catholic liturgical and catechetical ministries. He has worked in campus, parish, and diocesan positions, as well as in religious publishing, and he holds a master’s degree from Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. Nick is the author of many publications including Field Hospital Catechesis: The Core Content for RCIA Formation; Seek the Living God: Five RCIA Inquiry Questions for Making Disciples; and The Way of Faith: A Field Guide for the RCIA Process.
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Diana Macalintal is the cofounder and codirector of Team Initiation. Diana also is an author and speaker on Catholic liturgy, music, the catechumenate, and intercultural ministry. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and has served in campus, parish, and diocesan ministries for 30 years, including 15 years as the Director of Worship for the Diocese of San Jose. Her books include a resource for RCIA teams titled Your Parish Is the Curriculum: RCIA in the Midst of the Community, a parish resource for marriage preparation called Joined by the Church, Sealed by a Blessing: Couples and Communities Called to Conversion Together, which she wrote with her husband, Nick Wagner, and a collection of prayers titled The Work of Your Hands.
