Galilean “Rite of Acceptance”
After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’
As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of people.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him. (Mark 1:14-20 - Gospel of the 3rd Sunday Year B)
This moment of “acceptance” takes place on the shore, not in a church. Jesus leads it with his own words that challenge and expand the vision of all four men: use your skills and experience to pull drowning people from the sea of chaos and destruction... Follow me! The word penetrates the mundane reality (sternly overcast by the arrest of John) with a promise of joy and fulfilment – a true presentation of the Good News. And close friends and family are quietly present to witness the life changing commitment of these four men to accept the gospel in the person of Jesus. By doing that, they place themselves under the sign of the cross too.
We know nothing about the brothers’ period of “precatechumenate” from this Gospel. Had they ever encountered Jesus before he called them? The Gospel of John suggests so[1]. Had they listened to his call to repentance and faith? Possibly only to John's. However, their names are now well “registered” (Simon, Andrew, James and John) as part of the Good News – as are the names of catechumens after the rite of acceptance[2]. From now on they are all part of the household of Christ[3]. Now, when they made a public and decisive step of leaving everything and following Jesus, the disciples are embarking on their own period of “catechumenate”. A period of being with and echoing the Word made flesh deep in their being, and of mirroring Jesus’ attitudes and actions as closely as the Spirit makes possible.
How do we know when people are ready to move to the catechumenate? We need to look just as Jesus did. The time is ready when they demonstrate stirrings of faith and repentance, the beginnings of spiritual life based on prayer, and a growing sense of community and the church[4]. We need those “outward indications”[5] of people’s dispositions because they demonstrate a subtle process of change…and no one who has met God face to face remains unchanged! Nor should we...
A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
This period of Christmas time is awash with journeys. We had the Nativity, the feast of the Holy Family and on sunday we celebrated the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God all leading to the Epiphany this coming sunday. In these 12 days of Christmas we hear how the birth of Jesus came about with Mathew's genealogy, we follow the shepherds to Bethlehem and accompany the magi as they give homage to the infant Christ.
All of the above scenes may be very familiar to our candidates and catechumens, but a trip to the crib: perhaps to host a session, singly or in a group, offers an imaginative form of catechesis as an opportunity to open up the Word of God, and could finish with a shortened celebration of the word [RCIA 81-82 ] 
It offers a suitable time to allow the catechumen to share their journey, what messages and insights they have experienced, how straight has their path been, and what form guidance in prayer and community support may perhaps take in future weeks and months.
For the team: catechists and sponsors, it is useful to re-assess how the journey is progressing with an eye to how far the prerequisites for taking the first step of acceptance into the order of catechumens has been accomplished. Perhaps explore RCIA 42 as part of a team meeting, for there is always the need to constantly evaluate and assess the 'candidate's motives and dispositions' [RCIA 43], just as there is the need to discern the state of readiness of the catechumen for the Rite of Election.
Above all, have fun, for this is the season of joy and happiness, and a great time to involve the whole parish community, in supporting the candidates and catechumens.
The Last Week of Advent .. Christmas draws near!
In this last full week of Advent, we ask God to fill our hearts with love and lead us through these final days of reflection and preparation. 'Waiting in watchful hope' is a great image for all of us - catechumens, candidates, sponsors - the whole community, journeying together. Our liturgical prayers are full of cries that we may hear the advent voices and open our minds to the Spirit who prepares us for Christ's coming. The voices speak - both the book of Samuel and the Gospel for the 4th Sunday assure us 'the Lord is with you'... with us on all our 'expeditions'. St Paul prays 'Glory to him who is able to give you the strength to live according to the Good News.. Jesus Christ... the mystery now so clear that it must be broadcast everywhere'.. WIth Mary, we are both awestruck and encouraged. 'Nothing is impossible for God'... 'Let what you have said be done in me'. With open minds, open to the Spirit, each of these phrases can resonate with our own lives. The Liturgy of Advent, the Liturgy of Christmas has the power to gather us, pointing backwards and forwards, celebrating the mystery of God with us, drawing us into that mystery, shaping our belief and our response to life. As we meet up and share our lives with our families and friends, the effects of the liturgy will spill over and nourishes our relationships in ways we couldn't begin to put into words - way beyond the wonderful Christmas dinners we are going to have. It's all important! Let's look around, be aware, bring in those on the edges, and enjoy it - share it - all!
"Let us pray - as the family of God who share in his life.
Father in heaven, creator of all, you ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowned its goodness by creating the family of man. In history's moment when all was ready, you sent your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world. Teach us the sanctity of human love, shows us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all people, that we may share in your life forever. (ICEL 1998)
Rejoicing in the untidiness of Advent
The season of Advent: a time of preparations, of hurried shopping trips, of gatherings and parties, of school concerts, parish choral services, of visiting and all the events that make this a wonderful period of anticipation and activity.
It is a time of reflecting on the year which as passed and looking forward to the year to come.
We might also reflect on the people we have encountered this year and those we have shared special times with…family, friends, parish communities, colleagues and our RCIA groups.
In all of the events of the past year some may have been well ordered and structured, others may have been the product of chaos! Sometimes feel similar to the chaos of the universe; and in that chaos look at what was created.
Our RCIA groups may occasionally feel a bit chaotic and messy….people come and go…teams prepare and share their faith…during this time of enquiry, or catechumenate, groups are getting to know each other and stories are shared. It is in these stories that we often recognise the messiness or untidiness of people’s faith experience. The process of the RCIA welcomes this wonderful muddle of faith journeys, experiences and responses. It is robust enough to manage in this creative chaos.
All the early prayers in the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumen refer to the God of Creation and Christ as our guide. Advent is that time when we can recall both the gift of Creation and the gift of Christ coming into our world. Christ has always been present in Creation: in the chaos, in the stable, in our untidy humanity and in our future.
The Rite recognises that people have probably had a variety of chaotic and creative moments where God had touched their lives. One of the Intercessions mentions: ‘These catechumens, who are our bothers and sisters, have already travelled a long road. We rejoice with them in the gentle guidance of God who has brought them to this day. Let us pray that they may press onwards, until they come to share fully in our way of life.’ The sentiment in the prayer that they may press onwards seems to indicate that there are times of questioning, possible confusion and discernment along the way.
This Advent let us travel this road together, even when it gets very busy, cluttered and congested. Let us celebrate the moments of chaos which brought creation into being. Let us wonder at this Christ child who was anticipated in the words of prophets and who joins us in the untidiness of our lives. Let us pray that as people press onwards we stand beside them to rejoice in God’s creative activity in their lives.
THE WONDERS OF THE LITURGY: BLESSINGS
I was privileged to attend two ordinations earlier this year, and I recall thinking how well we catholics do a good liturgy.
It is the liturgy that is often the introduction to the catholic faith for non-christians. Do we use the opportunity to its best advantage? How innovative are our liturgies?
I remember one lady in our RCIA team and the skill she had with fabric and simple props, turning a grey walled meeting room into a liturgical wonder where our faith came alive. An RCIA session always had that element of joy and discovery as we uncovered a new layer in our worship. I experienced that on Saturday with the blessing of our Altar Missals and their being sent forth with representatives from each local church in our parish cluster.
The symbols were simple: the Altar Missals impressive in their design, laid out on a low table, against the backdrop of the Altar with its bright candles. The quiet solemnity of the blessing was awesome. How different from the blessing of the Advent wreath and the lighting of the first Advent candle on Sunday. One could sense the air of expectation in the Assembly. It is that time of year again, when we are ready to ‘stay awake’. A lot is going to happen over the next four weeks of Advent.
There is the chance for further blessings and celebrations. In the extended period of the catechumenate why not have a special celebration of the Word of God.
- To give them instruction and experience in the different aspects and ways of prayer;
- To explain to them the signs, celebrations, and seasons of the liturgy;
- To prepare them gradually to enter the worship assembly of the entire community: RCIA 82
The structure of a celebration is suggested in RCIA 86-89, with an opening song, one or more readings, a brief homily and finish with a blessing. This would work well on Gaudete Sunday or during the third week of Advent.
Or how about Advent Stations of the Cross with a Blessing of Oil and anointing [see RCIA 101B – 102].
There is also the opportunity for blessing of the Christmas tree or the manger, or even someone’s home.
Perhaps this week as the English speaking churches turn to the New Translation of the Roman Missal, catechumens could have the chance to see and touch the Altar Missal and gain a sense of just how well we catholics do liturgy, as they develop a love of the liturgy and its symbols.
Christ the Shepherd King
This reflection is mainly for the RCIA leaders. We guide others on their path of formation and transformation, and the first reading from this year’s feast of Christ the King is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our practice. All RCIA leaders need to learn about – as well as from – the supreme Shepherd so as to discern how to guide the “flock” entrusted to them. We will look at the actions and attitudes of the shepherd in Ezekiel 34:11-112, 15-17.
God is deciding to take over from the shepherds of Israel. Stepping in because of their negligence and greed, he is taking over his own flock. He is going to be vigilant, keeping a careful watch. No wonder we celebrate the Easter Vigil, the mother of all vigils, as a blueprint of this heartfelt involvement. To have all sheep in view requires lots of alertness and conscious movement, but most of all, one’s compassionate interest. Here we can stop and ask ourselves: how much am I really interested in the people in my RCIA group beyond the meetings? And how well do I keep all of them in view?
The beautiful image of a shepherd standing in the middle of his flock so as to see all is next. There is a certain weight and gravity about it. This is perhaps something we constantly need to learn to do, as well as to recognise and point out. In other words, we need to be flexible and constantly move with the moving flock so as to keep this “middle ground” of neutrality, good perspective and clear vision. Yet we also need to learn to recognise and bring to people’s consciousness the Good Shepherd who is always standing attentively in our midst, wherever we are on our journey. Whether we know it or not, Christ is always this reference point from our birth to death – and beyond. So the next question can be: where do I stand, and where is the place of Christ in the RCIA process that I lead?
And then comes the rescuing. Of course, God does all of it – but often by using our own lives, gifts and resources. Interestingly, the sheep are scattered only when the conditions spell out poor vision: in the mist and darkness. Baptism is the sacrament of illumination par exellence. Yet even on the way to it, the light of Christ often comes through the fellow pilgrims and dispels the power of darkness. Just like our candles do at Easter Vigil when they are lit - first from the Paschal candle, but also from one another. So how do I encourage, respect and foster everyone’s “glow”?
The provision of rest comes next. Pointing out where to rest is God’s prerogative – it is the Lord who speaks – but we can assist those sacred moments of rejuvenation by taking prayer and liturgy seriously. So seriously that it becomes an occasion of authentic peace, childlike wonder or intimate delight. How can we make prayer become a real stepping stone to a life lived to the full?
And then comes the searching, bringing back, bandaging, strengthening, watching over… Notice that each activity matches the need perfectly: the shepherd does not bandage healthy animals! So what are the needs of each individual in my flock? And do I respond to them appropriately? And finally, do I really watch over the “fat and healthy” stock as well? Or do I assume that there is no risk of injury on the way just because they always seem fine?
Let’s learn all those shepherding skills from the Good Shepherd whose loving gaze has been resting on us, and on the people in our care, all our lives.
‘Times and seasons’ for people returning to the practice of their faith
The words that struck me from the first reading last Sunday, St Paul to the Thessalonians, (33rd in OT, A) were simply 'times and seasons'. I was reflecting on the times and seasons in my life, and those of my family and friends. Times of good news, seasons of bad news - periods that cause me to think again about my faith, and what faith in Christ means to me in the day-to-day responses to what life brings, and I become an 'enquirer' again. My ponderings caused me to conclude that we are all on the journey of initiation, and that every new experience is in itself an initiation. Many of the people we meet and get to know on the doorstep of the community are what we might call 'returners' or 'lapsed' Catholics, coming back to Church because of a particular time or season in their life. A child has been born, and they are considering baptism, or getting married. A loved friend or family member has died, and they have a good experience at a Catholic funeral. Sons, daughters, neices, nephews are making their first Holy Communion, as Sue describes in the Blog a couple of weeks ago. And many other reasons, times, and seasons. So, I wondered - what does the journey in faith offer people who come seeking after many many years of being away - or even having been baptised as infants and never consciously having been in a church setting since.
The RCIA offers a pathway for returners - in steps and stages, gradually introducing people to the person of Christ, through the community life, the Word broken and shared, various forms of liturgy, and the outreach in service to the wider community. (See RCIA Part II, chapters 4 and 5). The important thing is that we are who we say we are, Body of Christ, and that we build relationships and walk with those who come as Christ, through being sensitive, friendly, and welcoming as a parish community - giving the strong Gospel message, Yes, You Can Belong Here ! And also recognising the treasure they bring to us - Christ welcomed in the stranger.
One vital truth to remember in any process - their conversion to Christ is based on their Baptism, already received, the effects of which they must develop. At every step, we make mention of this fact - and any ritual we engage in respects this too. As with other candidates, and catechumens, we listen to their stories, we share ours, and help them to connect with God who is active in their lives. Other rites may also be suited to their needs along the way - a Presentation of the Gospels, and the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation - as signs of God's grace at work in their preparation for Confirmation and Eucharist.
Last word? Don't abandon them at any stage - listen, encourage, and reflect with them. Help them to find themselves at home. If you'd like any help with adapting RCIA for returners, please get in touch with the Network via the website.
Being Ready, Being Wise
Reflection for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel given to us this week presents a contrast between those Bridesmaids that were ready and those that were unprepared, those who were wise and those who were foolish. In this parable Jesus is saying that wisdom is very much tied up with ‘being ready’. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom suggests the same sense of readiness when it counsels ‘watch for [wisdom] early and you will have no trouble, you will find her sitting at your gates.’
The RCIA as we know is a journey of faith that ‘includes not only the periods for making inquiry and for maturing, but also the steps marking the catechumens’ progress, as they pass, so to speak, through another doorway…’ (RCIA 6). As we accompany those who are preparing to cross the threshold of faith and belonging to the community of the Catholic Church it is a great consolation to know that as we do we will find wisdom already there, sitting at our gates, present at the place of encounter and change. Wisdom is already in operation in those who are seeking God. For us too as catechists it is only with wisdom, with that sense of readiness, that we can fruitfully accompany them as they seek to enter the family of faith. As the Gospel puts it: ‘those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall…’
So what resources do we have that can help us to be ready and wise?
We are offered the wisdom of the Rite itself in which is contained and distilled the wisdom of the community which has been initiating members for centuries. As well as the Rite itself we have resources that draw on that wisdom such as those found on the RCIA Network website www.rcia.org.uk , newsletter and the events such as the study days and conferences where collective wisdom and experience can be fruitfully shared. If you haven’t yet come along to an RCIA conference why not make the next in summer 2012 your first? (RCIA Network Conference,3rd-6th July 2012 at High Leigh, Hoddesdon, Herts. Please see website for more details)
Finally this Gospel passage is a reminder that through our own life of prayer we can get in touch with the gift of wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit. This special gift, to the extent that we are open to it, enables us to be ready for each and every situation that we may find ourselves drawn into. Perhaps in our own prayer we can reflect on how ready and wise we are or to what extent we need to grow in wisdom and readiness. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to seek the Lord’s gift of wisdom anew for our lives since, as todays first reading tells us ‘she is found by those who look for her.’
A TIME FOR STORIES
Our church has been blessed by some two dozen children preparing for their First Holy Communion. They file in at the start of mass and fill the front rows. The overflow fills the rows behind. Our multi-cultural church has become even more alive by this witness of our young. They too benefit from seeing the example of the assembly: how we pray in silence, sing in joy and acclamation, and in reverence received the precious body and blood of our saviour. Also they experience the practicalities of finding their way around the hymnal, changing postures and gestures.
The presence of the children has also given the assembly some thought. We take pride in the place these children will take in our community. We acknowledge that somehow their presence has enriched our own experience of participating in the mass. We each learn from each other.
Candidates and catechumens also enrich the community in which they grow and settle. They too can benefit from our example, of being invited along to see the church in which we worship. A meditative walk through the church with someone (sponsor) to answer questions, offers a good introduction. Follow up with attending mass with their sponsor or RCIA catechists or their own family. As soon as they are catechumens, let the rest of the church know that these are your catechumens, so the whole community can be ready to help and support them.
- All Saints day offers a great opportunity for prayer,
- stories and catechesis about the catholic church,
- the Church Fathers, our tradition and our Saints.
WHERE THERE’S COMMUNITY
Starting RCIA again after the summer is something of an adventure. How many people will come? Will they want to continue to come each week? Will they already be practising members of a non-Catholic Christian tradition, will they be baptised but uncatechised, or will they be potential catechumens?
One year we knew of no potential enquirers but just as we were about to go home, one by one, people came in and sat down. It was rather like the arrival of the dwarves in the first chapter of the Hobbit. All those who came in stayed with us. Very quickly they ceased to be strangers and became our friends. They were all different. They all started their faith journeys from slightly different starting points. They all differed in how much they already knew about the Christian faith. They weren’t sure what they thought about Catholicism but they were interested to find out.
One person decided he wasn’t ready to be received in the Church but he enjoyed coming every week nevertheless. He came to the Easter Vigil to support what were now his friends as they were received. One member of the group was a minister in a non-Catholic church. She brought her friend who had been baptised a Catholic but had never been confirmed. She considered that this was the best way to help her friend grow in faith. We enjoyed her contributions to the group and she too came to the Easter Vigil to offer her support. Yet another person came to argue, not realising that the group was for people interested in deepening their faith journey. He was a bit difficult initially but by Ash Wednesday he realised that the Hound of Heaven had been after him for years, held a party to celebrate and went to the Rite of Election.
Once a group has been together for a few weeks it is a privilege to see the Holy Spirit at work and a privilege to see seeds of faith growing.
Of course the intriguing question is what made them come, one by one, through the door in the first place? In each case the Holy Spirit was at work here through chains of apparent coincidences. But why did they come through our door? It is important to have a culture in your church community where people delight in seeing new people growing in faith. The kind of community where the church members tend to notice that one of their neighbours is interested in why they go to church and they not only tell them about RCIA but offer to bring them along.
In a typical UK town there are many churches with dwindling congregations whose average age is rising. But often there is one church in the town which attracts young people and young families, is lively and growing, and where most people interested in the Christian faith wants to be. It is always good to see the Kingdom of Heaven grow, whatever kind of church it is. But the Catholic Church, in the depth of its teaching and its spirituality, has a great deal to offer. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to turn to him to provide the opportunity to deepen our own spirituality, and to provide us with a bigger vision.
And then we shall turn the World upside down.
David S