In the previous posts  in this series, we have been exploring how to make the catechumenate — and specifically the rites of the catechumenate — more effective. In this post, I want to focus on a specific element of effective ritual that Fr. Clarence Rivers called “catharsis.” Catharsis is an emotional release or purification that […]

In previous articles, we have discussed “effective ritual.” First, Diana explored how effective liturgy enables seekers to follow “inspiration from above.” I then took a brief look at some of the foundations of effective ritual as taught by Fr. Clarence Rivers, who is often called the Father of Black Catholic Liturgy. While his principles arose

In a previous post, Diana explored how effectively celebrating rituals in the catechumenate process can help catechumens follow “inspiration from above.” In this article, I want to build on that foundation by examining how the insights of Fr. Clarence Rivers, often called the father of Black Catholic worship, can help parish teams create a more