Community Based RCIA
The RCIA network conference Bridging the Gap has come and gone and brought with it lots of ideas. Led by Fr Martin Jakubus’, his vision of a sponsoring community was thought provoking, but as often happens it is the odd comment that hits the nail on the head.
One of our clergy participants, made the point, that we still talk about ‘groups’ when it is about ‘community’ and about the oneness of God.
The word ‘group’ gives a vision of people with like-minded ideals gathering together, whether the activity or purpose is secular or religious. But the fact that a group has a title and consists of selected members is already divisive; whereas we are actually this big amorphous body, and as we welcome new members, we –the community, extend a bit, and open up to welcome this new person into our midst, as another joins the Body of Christ.
In Reflections for Corpus Christi the blogger referred to 1 Cor 3:5-7 when Paul asks what is Apollos, what is Paul. Paul in writing to the community about their divisions, reminded them that the individuals and their tasks count for nothing, for it is ‘God, who gives growth’. Paul was clear that having different factions was divisive.
Yet the human in us likes groups: there is something cosy about them, but have you ever been to a group that feels closed, or more intent on pursuing a specific purpose, so that it is bowed down by its process. I guess this is the Martha syndrome: being busy but missing the real point of what or who is important. A routine has to be followed with a ‘programme’ and a timetable, which doesn’t necessarily fit with every enquirer.
At your next team meeting, look at RCIA 4 & 9. You can’t swop the term ‘group’ for ‘community’; it doesn’t have the same effect. Why not, as part of your next evaluation -and summer makes a great time to evaluate, whether your team meets just term-time or all year round – ask how RCIA is growing in your parish.
RCIA 9 tells us ‘the entire community must help the candidate and catechumens throughout the process’.
How many of your parishioners are given the chance to welcome inquirers into their home? #9.1;
Do you publicise and give plenty of notice of celebrations occurring during the catechumenate, so that many of the community can be present? #9.
Perhaps those with welcoming skills are where Inquirers are first directed.
Do you have a pool of sponsors who benefit from the opportunity of ongoing formation ready for when their role is called upon?
Do your catechumens accompany those in specific parish activities, justice & peace and social action?
Do they attend prayer groups, help with fundraising or social events?
Is Your Community aware they are the lynchpin to evangelisation and mission?
Does everyone know that RCIA is carried out in your parish?
Do they know there is a team: who is involved and what specific tasks there are?
If you have RCIA sessions, are they well publicised. If they are closed sessions, have you explained why to the rest of the community
Does the community pray for its catechumens, support them on their journey and welcome them as Neophytes and befriend them for life?
During the summer break, why not get liturgists and catechists together to plan how the Rite of Acceptance or Welcome can occur at Sunday Mass, or how the Scrutinies can be celebrated at Mass next Lent, rather than at an evening group session.
When you think of RCIA as a whole community action, it makes it easier to select people for specific ministries: sponsors, godparents.
None of the above is new and probably many RCIA teams consider they tick all the boxes, but why not take the time to ask a few of your parishioners what they know about RCIA in your parish. Is their perception of RCIA what you expected? People come and go from parishes, and I’ve not been to one yet, where everyone is aware of what RCIA is, that it is being carried out in their church, and that it is the task of 'all the baptised' #9
Finally, please share your good practice of whole community RCIA, as well as the hurdles that had to be overcome. That is what the Network is for: to share ideas and exchange good practice.
SueP
What’s Cooking?
In her blog last week Caroline asked are we ready for the third period the Rite of Election heralds? Before we file this rite away until 2011, I would like to suggest that we ask ourselves, are we ready to think of a time in the not too distant future when we celebrate the Rite of Election as a single rite, and not as a combined rite with the Call to Continuing Conversion.
I know ours is not the only diocese to hold the rite on two separate occasions. We split the parishes: some in the morning and some in the afternoon. This was necessitated by the large numbers forward: 70 catechumens and 110 candidates. The cathedral could have been comfortably filled with just the catechumens, their godparents, family, friends and representatives from the parish communities.
So why would we bother to change?
Well, we’ve already been adapting the rite. In the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as approved for use in the Dioceses of England and Wales, Scotland, there is no provision for a combined rite. Have a look at the introduction #105-115. The combined Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion is borrowed from the USA edition (RCIA #547).
Another way of looking at it is to think of it as preparing a meal. The different dishes will complement each other, each important in their own way. Into one big cooking pot, you put some basic ingredients. You have done your preparation (see #107 and 108 2nd para). The pot is simmering nicely. It just needs the final touch and a bit of time, which comes with Lent.
Into another pot you place some different ingredients: green vegetables. See Part 11 chapter 4: Preparation of Uncatechised Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist. The preparation is similar to that of the catechumens, though not identical, because of the need to remember the candidates ‘already baptised status’. The candidates are not in the same position as the elect. Though some of the rites of the catechumenate can be used to advantage: this does not include the Call to Continuing Conversion (#382). Not the same basic ingredients as our catechumens, and so great care needs to be taken, calling I suggest, for a separate pot. Side by side, they can come to the boil at the same time (#385).
Then we have some more ingredients, root vegetables, all grown from the same prepared plots. They keep their flavour by cooking separately and come to their peak in their own time. These are covered by Part II chapter 5 Reception of Baptised Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. They too receive spiritual and doctrinal preparation, suited to their specific needs, but avoiding anything that would equate them with catechumens (#391). So they definitely go in a separate pot.
As in all meals, each dish complements the other.
As to the advantage of having just the elect: it would allow for one ceremony where the elect could have their day. There would be room enough for more representatives from their parish. Thomas Morris (p.160) in his work on RCIA says how wonderful it would be if the affirmation by godparents could be spontaneous. Instead of the communal ‘They have’ called out, how great to hear a few words of witness about the catechumens progress.
For the candidates and those previously uncatechised catholics, our diocese already celebrates a special mass for new catholics and their families. Held in June it offers an opportunity for all new catholics to enjoy cathedral worship, feel what it is like to be part of the wider church and to meet the Bishop.
I wonder how long it will be before the conversation starts that will lead to just the Rite of Election being held in our different dioceses. I like to think that in years to come it will be necessary for our diocese to hold a morning and afternoon rite, but due to the sheer numbers of elect being prepared.
Sue P
Morris, Thomas. (1997) The RCIA: Transforming The Church. A resource for pastoral implementation.
WHAT TIME IS IT FOR YOU?
Advent is such a short season, yet its impact on the church year is phenomenal. There really is something for everyone whatever stage they are at in the RCIA process. For enquirers it might be their first experience of seeing the church in festive mode with the liturgical violet and the Advent wreath. It offers a great opportunity for those who may not yet be regularly attending mass, to explore the inside of the church and see the signs and symbols that speak of Advent. Or perhaps you have planned a celebration of the word of God [RCIA 81] for your catechumens instead of the usual RCIA session.
The second reading is particularly apt to the period of the catechumenate as Paul writes to the Philippians how confident he is
‘that the one who began a good work in you, will continue to
complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.’
That is being experienced by each one now at this very time.
The season offers a special chance for all to experience parish gatherings, whether it is Advent Stations of the Cross, special seasonal small groups, prayer groups, or the practical side of helping with the Bazaar or Fayre. This is a busy time for the SVP and church charities, and don’t forget local initiatives in the neighbourhood for helping those in need. These also offer a chance to work in co-operation with other faiths and people without belief: allow your catechumens to evangelise by their witness.
Perhaps your candidates have creative talents and will help in decorating the church or arranging the flowers. They may help in the organisation of parish social events, or those involving the elderly and the sick.
In the Gospel we are introduced to John the Baptist, who comes out of the wilderness ‘proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins’. Luke records that John son of Zechariah, came at a very precise time in Caesar’s reign: fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. For our catechumens and candidates it is this precise time that is marking out something great in their life journey: perhaps to be written or drawn in their journal.
This is a time to show how we Catholics look forward to the end of time, and prepare for the coming of Christ, turning what many see as a secular occasion of spending money for one’s immediate friends and family, into a time of celebrating with praise and gladness the joys God has given us.
Here is an idea I heard this week in our small group. Turn the chore of writing Christmas cards into an opportunity to think lovingly of each intended recipient, offering a prayer to them as you sign the card.
Going the Extra Mile
In the forthcoming gospel (28th OT) we hear how a rich man who has kept all the commandments, is made sad because the ultimate task of selling everything he owns to give to the poor is just too challenging. Like the rich man it is going the extra mile that sometimes challenges us. Being a committed RCIA team member is quite demanding. There is a lot of work that goes into preparing the regular sessions that are held for the candidates and catechumens, as well as planning for the liturgical celebrations: why would anyone want to add to the workload?
Well sometimes it doesn't take an awful lot of effort to try something new, and long term it can be easier on the whole team and liturgically fulfilling. This applies to two particular practices: the first avoids having RCIA meetings during school holidays, and the second is celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation as well as the Reception of Baptised Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church at the Easter vigil, in the combined rite found in the Appendix of the Rite ( 418 E&W).
So what links the two? It has to do with the liturgical year. As Catholics, we celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday, following the lectionary as it leads us through the scriptures. There is a gentle progression of themes and issues covered through the different church seasons.
Imagine not going to Mass during any of the school holidays (including half terms) and have a look at the Sunday Missal to see what you would be missing.
Well of course you wouldn't dream of missing mass short of an emergency, but if you follow a lectionary based scripture programme, how do you justify missing out one third of the liturgical year for the catechumens? Doesn't it involve a lot of hard work planning a programme that cover all the 'topics' but in a shorter period of time. What about concerns later on that you didn't cover everything you planned to do.
Similarly, combining those being fully initiated, with those being received into full communion is quite a timely task. There is the job of getting everyone to the right stage at the same time; there are the logistics of combining both in one celebration, and the adaptation necessary to ensure that the sacrament of baptism is properly recognised, and that the already baptised are received appropriately.
Yet the rite offers a choice: of Reception into Full Communion within Mass #475 (389), or outside Mass #476 (390) when what is stressed is the need for it to be ‘a celebration of the Church and have as its high point Eucharistic communion.’
So I return to the comment about going the extra mile. The combined rite was initially used at a time when unbaptised candidates were rare, but that isn't the situation now. When you have unbaptised as well as adults being received into Full Communion, it makes for a very lengthy service, often meaning that the Liturgy of the Word is cut short, or that the balance isn’t quite right in stressing the baptism. Perhaps the renewal of baptismal promises for the faithful are less structured or lose emphasis.
I don't know about others, but I often feel on the night that something didn't quite work: it was just a bit messy. Well, running the catechumenate all year round makes it easier to structure celebrations throughout the year. Yes full initiation will take place at the Easter vigil, as the usual time (#23), but it becomes easier to celebrate the reception into full communion at other times during the liturgical year, at a time that is most appropriate for the individual.
What does it entail?
- Starting now and evaluating the different celebrations and combined rites from the rite of acceptance through to the Easter vigil
- Having early planning meetings for the next year.
- Map out the liturgical year noting possible alternative dates.
- Have the co-operation and agreement of clergy, team sponsors, helpers.
- Inform the whole community of the proposed changes and explain why.
- Use it as an opportunity to engage more of the community into assisting with RCIA
Making Enquiries
At this Sunday’s Mass we had a talk by the St Barnabas Society. It was St Barnabas who introduced Paul to the disciples in Jerusalem, and spoke in his support to those who were wary about his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.
I was struck by the account of welcome and help (emotional and financial) that is given to clergy and religious, from other Christian denominations, that come to full communion with the Catholic Church. There was a particular relevance to our community, as last year we welcomed a former Anglican priest and his family. So at first hand we could empathise with what we were hearing.
Two questions arose for me:
- How does the welcome and support we give our inquirers and catechumens compare with that offered by the St Barnabas Society; and
- is there a patron saint of catechumens?
From my own experience, we still have to work at engaging with the ‘whole parish concept’, rather than having an RCIA team that does it all. Having ordinary parishioners who can be introduced to inquirers was a point discussed at the RCIA Network Study day at Tooting Bec (13.6.09). Catechists have their place but weekly structured meetings don’t necessarily fulfil the Period of Evangelisation and Pre-Catechumenate, which ‘is a time of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginning of faith.’
Potential Inquirers come from diverse backgrounds, at any age, with or without dependants. It must be quite daunting to people to make that first step and knock on the church door. But if they are also being alienated from their family and friends by their decision, that must make it a very difficult step to pursue. There are ways we as a community can make it easier. This is a just a suggestion. You will have others that work, do share them.
- Offer an invitation to them to bring their family and friends to your parish church. This is not about converting them, but saying this is what we do because we are catholics.
- Have a ‘drop in’ hour, say 3.30pm-4.30pm: ideal if your church is on the school route. 5.30pm to 6.30pm is a good time to catch those returning home after work. Have parishioners who can chat about what it means to be a member of your parish church. (This is also an evangelising moment).
The above also apply to catechumens. Another way of offering support is by the optional rites eg Blessings [RCIA 95-97] can be done at any time. Think how you feel when you receive a blessing: they can be a real boost, whether in a small group or within the whole assembly. Do remember to extend the invitation to the catechumens’ family or friends.
As to my second question I did find a saint for catechumens: Saint Robert Bellarmine whose feastday is on September 17.
Untapped talents – You only have to Ask!
I was having a look through some of the previous blogs and wishing that I had taken the time to send in a comment to ‘Open in the Spirit’ (June 1st 2009) and ‘Spreading the Word – Mass in the Park’ (June 27 2009). Both indicated how much we rely on others to help make things happen. Arranging two teams of catechists, one to support enquirers and one to support candidates is quite a challenge, and the logistics of arranging a Mass in the open air in a public park for the parishioners of six parishes is even more testing. That both events continued says much not only for the organisation but also for those who offered their assistance. Yet how many times do we see the ‘usual suspects’ being involved, or rather how often do we forget to look a little deeper to find those with hidden talents.
In this Sunday’s 1st reading ( Ezek 2:2-5) and in the Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) we hear that a prophet is not acknowledged in their own town. While Paul (2 Cor 12:7-10) explains, that by God’s grace, it is Paul’s weaknesses that make him strong. I bet there are lots of people in our parishes who don’t realise they have strengths that could assist the RCIA team: they just need somebody to discern their talents.
Consider the retired, part-time workers, or mothers with school age children: they will have a variety of experience. They may even include teachers, catechists or just parishioners with an interest in scripture or the church: good catholics. At the recent study day at Tooting Bec entitled ‘One of Us’, examples were given of a single parent, and of a carer, who weren’t trained catechists, but who had the skills to be involved with those at the pre-inquiry stage. Identify 3 or 4 like these and you have a pre-enquiry team.
List those who have ministries as readers, welcomers, eucharist ministers: are there some who may with a little support consider assisting in dismissal catechesis?
Pair an experienced catechist with a welcomer for the pre-enquiry stage. Perhaps some of the eucharistic ministers would be willing to explore the liturgical symbols or eucharistic sacramentality as part of a mystagogy team. You only have to ask!
Have a refresh of RCIA 9. It directs that ‘the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptised’, and ‘the entire community must help … throughout the process of initiation’.
So dig deeper and look at the whole community, I bet there are people who can assist, but have never been considered. There is a lot of untapped talent in the community: it just needs some discernment to recognise it.
- Ask each team member to suggest 3 people who are good listeners and willing to talk about what it means to be a catholic.
- Ask leaders from each ministry to suggest people.
- Have an open evening for all involved in parish ministry to discuss involvement in RCIA.
- Make enquiries of parents at the school gate.
- Don’t overburden those who volunteer.
- Allow people to decline.
- If the time is not right, leave the door open to be able to ask again in the future.
Don’t waste the talent in your own community!
If you want to explore the above see www.teamrcia.com Who’s on your team & 100 ways to involve parishioners in the RCIA
LIFT
Well here we are in the middle of the easter season, and although our new catholics remain full of enthusiasm following their easter experience, and want to recount their feelings, they also have questions. They want to ask about the sacraments they have been initiated into, to explore their new status as members of the parish community, and revel in being one of the worldwide Church. Yet I often feel there is that sense of ‘what do we do now’ with our new Catholics?
So we have the final period of initiation: mystogogy ‘devoted to postbaptismal catechesis’ (RCIA 7.4) constantly reminding the whole church that what has just happened at the Easter vigil is an endless mystery that we are always trying to unravel. For those parishes who practice ‘ dismissal’ (RCIA 67), the candidates (and probably also catechumens) have been used to having the scriptures opened up for them when they retire to a place of their own, following the gospel each Sunday mass. The only ‘dismissal’ they encounter as fully initiated Catholics is that at the end of Mass when they are sent forth with the whole assembly to consider the Gospel.
The test is to build on the experience and practice of dismissal, or of the regular sessions arising from lectionary based catechesis, so that when RCIA meetings are no longer ‘a must’, our new catholics will have formed the habit of wanting to hear more of the Word of God: desirous of knowing Jesus more intimately and lovingly through a deepening understanding of the scriptures.
During the first half of the easter season we listen to many of the meal narratives in which Jesus reveals himself and teaches his disciples. On this 4th Sunday we heard how Peter filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to stand up to the Rulers of the synagogue; how John speaks of the love lavished on us as God’s children, and we hear the beloved parable of the Good Shepherd. Our new catholics are also called to go out into the world as disciples, but they like all of us, need continuing support from the community.
Here is an idea that can be used fruitfully during the mystagogy stage, but also answers Caroline’s question (blog 27.4.09) of ‘ How do we begin to integrate candidates and catechumens into the life of the community from the very start?’
Try Living In Faith Together
In small groups, enjoy a fellowship meal at each other’s homes. Not as formal as an RCIA session, nevertheless it involves dialogue, liturgy, and catechesis. Everything about the evening is about sharing – food, home, companionship and our faith, and that’s where the name LIFT comes from. It is important that the host does not provide any food, but that the guests bring it, so there is a real sense of sharing and of bringing the food to the home. It also reduces the pressure of being ‘host’. The evening starts with someone reading the forthcoming Sunday Gospel, followed by 2 minutes silence, then it is proclaimed by a different reader, followed by silence and a sharing of an image or word. Perhaps offer a commentary, or put it into context with the other lectionary texts. You can make it as simple or as detailed as those present require, so it is equally suitable for pre-inquiry and all stages of the catechumenate. A good session may start around the Bible and a candle, lasting half an hour before the group begin the meal and together, sit, eat and talk, starting with the gospel but wherever the discussion takes you.
Suggestions
- A gentle introduction is to say the Opening Prayer for the coming sunday,
- adapt the psalm as a prayer for enquirers,
- read the gospel once followed by silence but without inviting a response,
- A LIFT meal once a month can help extend the mystagogy period through to the anniversary of initiation,
- Have a Justice and Peace Meal,
- Include Ambrose’s sermon on the Baptismal garment (Yarnold, 1994, 2001, The Awe-Inspiring Rites Of Initiation, pp.129-30).
- Mystagogy: do refresh by reading RCIA #7.4 #244-251
A Star to Follow
One thing that I have found irritating this year is when other Christians, once Christmas day has passed, wish me a 'Happy New Year omitting the 'Happy Christmas'. The child in me wants Christmas to last for ever; the christian in me knows it is a season packed with liturgical delight, from the Vigil mass right through to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. That is why the RCIA process is so invigorating, because time and time again we are privileged to witness others experiencing the same liturgical delights.
Christmas Crib
I would like to share some ideas for using the nativity scene.
The story of the wise men is one of gentiles coming to pay homage to the infant king of the Jews; of hope: being driven to make a journey, following a great light in darkness; of trust: in the signs, of following a the night stars; of love: for a tiny baby whom they worshipped as the Christ child.
It is about gifts, eye-opening gifts of great wealth, a time for the catechumens to examine the gifts they are given, the gifts they offer to others, for part of the catechumenate is to 'learn how to work actively with others to spread the Gospel, and build up the Church by the witness of their lives and by professing their faith.'( # 75.4). This is also a time for catechists to reflect on their gifts.
- The Feast of the Holy Family (28th December) reminds us that holiness is found in the ordinariness of our everyday life, at home, in the family, in our parish community. Whether single, widowed, elderly, with or without children, the hope is that all experience the support of others in the community. Have a few of the faithful invite the catechumens with their family or friends, to see the nativity scene and to experience the hospitality from the RCIA group. At a time when people have long Christmas breaks, a late afternoon visit followed by mulled wine and a mince pie go a long way to breaking down barriers and the tensions, that can exist when a family member is taking the step in considering becoming a catholic.
- For the Epiphany, have a procession to add the Magi to the crib. Some (it doesn't have to be three) catechumens could carry a figure through the church to add to the crib. Or stress the manifestation of Our Lord to the whole world by inviting those from other cultures to process a figure.
- Focus on the crib as a catechetical activity. Explain it's origins, how St Francis of Assisi brought the idea of a live Nativity scene to his local church, and how it stresses the poor and lowly beginnings, the humility of Jesus being born as a child.
- Spend some time around the nativity scene and let people share their stories. With the secular world outside the church doors it can be quite soothing to get away from the bustle of planning social gatherings, and to think a little deeper about Christmastime in the catholic church. Reflect on the scene, the stories behind the figures, Joseph the Husband, Mary the mother, the baby Jesus.
- If you practice Dismissal, here is one time when you might like to issue an open invitation to the assembly to join the session at the end of Mass, and perhaps move it to the location of the crib, and give the catechumens opportunity to meet families and other groups of Christians (# 38)
The above can apply to those engaged in any period of the RCIA, from inquirers through to mystagogy. I particularly thought of the following sections: #4, #9. #38, #78, #244-6 (RCIA, 1988, USA study edition)
Saints Alive
Many countries are lavish in their remembrance of their saints’ days, with the whole village enjoying a day of festivity and reverence to a particular saint. The people of Malta take the celebration of the feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck, very seriously. Preparation is year long for this annual feast to their patron saint. It falls on the nearest Sunday to February 10th and there is much anxiety about the weather, for the 17th century wooden statue cannot be carried outside in high winds or heavy rain. I took this photo after the men had spent a couple of hours transferring the statue to its portable beams, had proudly begun the procession, only to be driven back into the safety of the church when the rain fell. It wasn’t only the bearers that shed tears, but many in the crowd acted as if they had suffered a great loss.
This year All Saints Day will be celebrated next Sunday November 2nd (England & Wales only) and I would like to explore how this provides a catechetical opportunity for RCIA catechists and the community.
Saints are so much a part of our life. We read about them, we pray to them in Mass and in a time of need; we feel supported by them and are secure in knowing they are a communion of saints. Our churches are dedicated to them, but so are street names, pubs and businesses. Statues are part of our architectural heritage Even non-christians have heard of St Christopher, and when on holiday how can you ignore the patron saint hanging above the visor of the bus driver in Malta, Crete, Cyprus etc.
From time to time, saints have featured with great predominance in my faith journey. Although, not always obvious at the time, on looking back I have been able to chart a sideways and upwards step, leading me to new exploration and depths as I try to fathom what exactly God has planned for me. While I find it a little puzzling why All Souls is not being commemorated on the 2nd November, I relish the opportunity that this change to the liturgical year offers to RCIA catechists.
- Those involved with the period of inquiry have the chance to share in hearing the richness of saints’ stories when members of the parish participate in group sessions. What an easy way to introduce a relationship with saints when exchanging stories of how St Christopher was invoked on a hazardous journey, or how prayers to St Jude or St Rita helped turn a hopeless situation into a triumph. As for the lost things that St Anthony is asked to find…
- For both inquirers and catechumens, there is the opportunity for exploration and discussion over birth names and what saints they identify with. This may involve hearing about holy people from other cultures, and learning about new saints.
- Hands on experience is possible by bringing statues, icons or pictures to the group. Many art books or museum catalogues will show how saints have been depicted through the ages.
- Use this time of the liturgical year to think ahead to the Easter Vigil to bring alive those named in the Litany of Saints, so that our candidates will be able to sing out ‘pray for us’ with some familiarity of the saints named.
In our parish, everyone has been invited to bring to Sunday Mass a picture or statue, or icon of their favourite saint. I am hoping that those who have adopted England as their second country will bring statues of the saints they have grown up with, and catechumens and all, will see the variety of holy people that have inspired those in our community. It is a time for the neophytes and those who were confirmed to remember their confirmation saint, and together with the parish young confirmed earlier in the year, they could place their saints in a special location in the church.
- For those experiencing mystagogy, here is a chance to explore holiness. Look at popular prayers, or the saints named in the Eucharistic prayers. What is amazing about saints, is that they come from such a diversity of backgrounds and cultures. Anne Gordon in A Book of Saints - True stories of how they touch our lives, offers instances where people today have been influenced by their relationship with a particular saint.
The glory of saints is, that they have lived, and coped with temptation, doubt and what seemed insurmountable obstacles; they have planned their path of faith only to find its progress thwarted, until eventually they have realised God is leading them along another path. But perhaps the most apt is St Martin of Tours, the pagan soldier who tore his cloak in half to give to a freezing beggar, and then in a vision Christ called him to stop being a catechumen, and to be baptised.
Time for a Story
The Summer holidays, or any holiday is a time to catch up on reading . If you have time try Paul Turner's When Other Christians Become Catholic. It is a must when considering how we should be planning our catechumenate.
Turner not only explores the ritual text, but puts the practice of receiving others into full communion with the catholic church into our 21st century context, reminding us that the rite is what it says, about being "received": it is not about being 'forgiven or reconciled'. We have moved on from the early church needing a route, by which those guilty of heresy or apostacy, could renounce their beliefs and return to the fold. The process and rites that applied to such a situation are hardly applicable to those christians who knock on our parish doors today.
While restoring the RCIA, Vatican 2 also looked at providing an appropriate means that would enable other christians to come into full communion with the catholic church, in a way that would not make too burdensome, Turner shows how we have in a way compromised the rite, when we combine the rite of receiving baptised christians into the catholic church with the rite of initiating unbaptised catechumens.
What becomes clear, reading Turner, if you hadn't already felt it so, is that there was no intention to make is so easy for catechists, that those already baptised would be added to the catechumens, so that all progressed the same route, using the same rites.
From such a background there are some surprising but reassuring insights, for Turner says the rite was intended for a single candidate. How many of us worry when we only have person forward? Turner refers to such a situation, which calls for a 'simple ceremony with a profound meaning'. Looking at it from the opposite perspective, what does this say to us, when we have a large number of candidates, generally outnumbering the catechumens in combined rite? Should we immediately be thinking of spreading out our rites of reception throughout the liturgical year, so as to help that meaning come out?
For Turner the Rite of Reception happens within a Sunday mass, at any time of the year, any time that is, but at the easter vigil. Why not read his book and see if you think what he says makes sense . Will it influence your future planning of the RCIA process?
Sue