“How do we explain the scrutinies to the catechumens without scaring them?” That was a question we received recently at a Rites of the RCIA institute. The question stumps me a little. As I look at the structure and prayers of the rite, I don’t see anything particularly frightening. I think that if there is […]
How to Celebrate the Scrutinies without Scaring the Catechumens
Our Cathedral in San Jose invites a lay person each year to lead a reflection at the noon hour on Good Friday as a prelude to the Liturgy of the Veneration of the Cross led by the Bishop later in the afternoon. This year, I was invited to do this. We adapted the Office of
In 1952, educator Robert Havighurst wrote: “When the timing is right, the ability to learn a particular task will be possible. This is referred to as a ‘teachable moment.’ It is important to keep in mind that unless the time is right, learning will not occur” (Human Development and Education). So how do you know
The right way and the wrong way to do a “teaching Mass”—according to the pope
Are you providing a complete catechesis for your catechumens and candidates? A key element in their catechesis is being able to worship with a full understanding of the liturgy. And to do that, they have to understand what the symbols mean. Symbols are the language of the liturgy Symbols are a vocabulary and a grammar.
How to provide a complete RCIA catechesis: use liturgical symbols
These approaches to preaching mystagogically are defined by Jan Michael Joncas in Forum Essay, Number 4: Preaching the Rites of Christian Initiation (Chicago, Illinois: Liturgy Training Publications, 1994) 95-117. The five approaches outlined by Joncas are: hallowing cosmic symbols; exploring anthropological patterns; celebrating biblical history; analyzing beliefs and behaviors; and revealing the future present. According
Five Ways to Preach Mystagogically
