This Sunday’s Gospel (3^rd Ordinary Time) offers a reminder of the importance of prayer and its prominence in our sessions: individual or group. It illustrates how the disciples just don’t get it. They are no different from us. They want to get on with the important stuff, the healing, the miracles, the freeing from devils. Everyone wants a piece of Jesus, and what does Jesus do, but go off somewhere quiet to pray.

There is a lot to draw out of those few words of Jesus going off to a lonely place to pray: how prayer is our first thought in the early morning; that you don’t need a prayerbook or to go into a church; that you do it after you have done something momentous, as well as praying for guidance before you continue your journey.

As for the distractions, well they come in all shapes and forms: even in the guise of your companions, who have pledged themselves in service to follow Christ. How often are we cut short in our prayers by the very people we are praying for.

There are prayerbooks for catechumens, but the prayers that stay with us, are often the ones we learn from others. I can recall the joy of recognition when hearing enquirers or catechumens recalling how a parent, a relative or someone close to them said a prayer with them when they were younger. Connecting with the catechumen’s past is a vital link to their seeing a route to where they’ve now got to. They learn that all of life’s experience is important. It makes them who they are.

• If you have people from different countries why not invite them to each share a prayer from their culture.
• Encourage those in your group to make up a short Trinitarian prayer.
• Explore the scriptures for prayers.
• Start and end every encounter within RCIA with a prayer.

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.

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.

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.

This week offers an easy introduction into lectionary based catechesis. On Friday we have the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.  October traditionally is a month when we dedicate our prayers to the Blessed Virgin and whether we have an initial enquirer or are in the midst of the catechumenate period, this month offers  an opportune way to  introduce and consider a variety of facets of the catholic faith.

The ‘Hail Mary’  offers a wonderful example of a prayer of faith. It speaks of Our Lady’s faith, of her cousin Elizabeth’s faith: of enlightenment, and of our faith.

• During the 1^st period of evangelisation and precatechumenate, the community ‘welcomes them into their homes, into personal conversation, and into the community gatherings’ Rite of Christian Initiation of  Adults ‘RCIA’ 9.1.

If inviting an enquirer into your home, why not let them see  how a statue of Our Lady or  picture or icon is central to the home.  Show them  the rosary beads, tell them about the Marian shrines. Share with them the stories of Lourdes, Fatima and Walsingham.

As the catechumen become  ‘familiar with the Christian way of life and are helped by the example and support of sponsors, godparents, and the entire Christian community, the catechumens learn to turn more readily to God in prayer ...’ RCIA 75.2

• If you have a multi-cultural community ask parishioners to share stories of Marian devotion in their country.  It makes for a fascinating and lively discussion if you have someone who has a video of  fiestas and processions. We do good ones  here as well!
• Explore  icons, statues, books  for different aspects of the life of Our Lady.
• Explore the different types of prayer, of meditation, contemplation.
• Have another look at the prayers of Mass when we ask Our Lady to pray for us like the ‘I confess’.
• Use the episode when Mary is confronted by the angel Gabriel,  to  discuss  the challenges  faced on a journey of faith.

Share the experience of praying the rosary together, and let the community benefit  ‘by joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery’. RCIA 4

So what are you doing in your parish this month?

In her blog ( 5 September 2011 A Parish begins the RCIA process) Caroline writes of the enthusiasts who are forming a parish RCIA team and the formation session offered to the team.
Resources are essential to anyone involved in RCIA, and although it may seem a bit daunting, the Rite itself is a resource that needs to be looked at time and time again. I suggest one way.

• Get a photocopy of the Introduction and have a reading group over coffee and cakes [cakes essential!].
• Have coloured marker pens, and colour code the different periods; the different roles: the community, the catechumen; the mention of liturgical actions, and the mention of catechesis.
• Look ahead to the first rite. Make a bullet point list of what has to be affirmed at that rite, for that is the way your path is directed.
• Be flexible, be imaginative.

Journals provide another valuable resource, with contributors often concentrating on a specific period or role in the RCIA

An article in the latest edition of Catechumenate* by Christine Mader offers an interesting approach to the Rite of Reception of Baptised Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
The author writes of how baptised Christians are included in the RCIA process alongside those unbaptised people seeking the full sacraments of initiation. This may mean a year long process that takes no account of the circumstances of the individual. So, fine, if the person is uncatechised, but what of the person who has been attending mass each Sunday with their spouse; who has fully involved themselves in parish life, praying with the community, sharing tasks of charity. Or what of the Christian who was active in their own denomination, perhaps practising a ministry.
Christine Mader considers the matter by asking 3 questions. I pick out just a few points
1. ‘Whom should we see?’

• We should see that the baptised is Christian, and so has already achieved the purpose that the RCIA process intends.
• That the baptised Christian is already in communion with the Catholic Church, although as of yet an imperfect communion.
• They may already have been fully initiated in their own church, and regularly receiving Holy Communion.

2. Why should we act?

• The author considers ‘Our experience teaches us that the status quo is inadequate’
• That both, those being received into the Catholic Church, and RCIA teams, acknowledge unease when ‘practising Christians are forced to go through a full RCIA process’ when their Christian experience doesn’t require it.

In answering the first 2 questions the author moves to 3. Who should we be? That there are new informed ways of being.

• Understand the rites. The Rite of Reception is separate from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is in Part 2, 5. Rites for Particular Circumstances.
• ‘Be ecumenically informed and sensitive’. Consider what is the validity of their own sacramental journey. Help them to discern why they feel drawn to the Catholic Church.
• Don’t plan to provide them with them more doctrinal or spiritual preparation than the average Catholic in the community already has. They shouldn’t be subjected to a heavier burden because they have made a choice to become Catholic.
• Be prepared to complete the process in less time than that of catechumens.
• ‘Be communal.’ By using what is already happening in your parish community, a varied catechesis can be given which utilises existing resources: giving a mix of groups, talks, involvement in parish activities as well as individual meetings

The author also suggests the team have a session reading the rite, exploring what it means and what is required.

• Don’t forget to look out the Resources page on this website.
• If you come across an interesting resource, do please share it via the blog.

*Mader Christine, ‘Separating the Rite of Reception from RCIA’, Catechumenate, vol 33 no 5.(2011) 20-30. Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago.

• How are we ever going to achieve the all year round catechumenate?

I’d like to suggest two routes. One is the widespread acceptance that RCIA is not the responsibility of the RCIA ‘team’, but is the task of all of the local community. Imagine having the whole parish supporting RCIA. Well, isn’t that what is intended by RCIA 4 & 9:

• ‘The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful.’  RCIA 4
• ‘... the local Church, should understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptised’ RCIA 9

It needs some thought about seeing where and in what diverse ways the RCIA process is mirrored in church activities as well as Mass and liturgical celebrations.

• Does your parish council include members with specific experience of  RCIA?
• Is RCIA well publicised throughout your parish?

A parish which grows around the RCIA process is a parish whose parishioners will take responsibility for sharing in the support and formation of aspiring new catholics. Then, just as any business does, there will be the manpower to have rotas and temps  and a plan for year round cover for vital roles. After all how would you feel if you went to your favourite bakery or newsagents, and a notice said ‘closed for the school holidays’? A week, you may accept, but 6 weeks:  No.

CLOSED for the School Holidays

A second route is to promote the post easter ‘mystagogy’ period, as this will also lead to a greater awareness by the parish of the catechumenate, as well as providing much needed ongoing formation for our new catholics.

In this Sunday’s gospel (18^th Ordinary Time Mathew 14:13-21) Jesus also tried to get away, in order to grieve on the death of John the Baptist. But when he saw the crowd that followed him, he was able to take pity on those who needed him and give of his healing power.

So how do we ‘take pity’ and apply all year round catechumenate.

• If  your parish is working towards this or has achieved it , do share your experience.

I would like to suggest that sharing this period of Purification and Enlightenment with the whole parish could be a spiritual experience that the whole community share. Of course this is not a new idea for :

In the liturgy and liturgical catechesis of Lent the reminder of baptism already received or the preparation for its reception, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery..... For both the elect and the local community, therefore the Lenten season is a time for spiritual recollection in preparation for the celebration of the paschal mystery. RCIA 125.

The period consists ‘ more in interior reflection than in catechetical instruction, and is intended to purify the minds and hearts of the elect as they search their own consciences and do penance’ RCIA 126

Perhaps some questions to ask include:

• Is the whole community aware of the names of the candidates, and are they supporting their journey?
• What opportunities are being offered to allow the elect to experience a deeper knowledge of Christ?
• Is this an opportunity for some catechesis of the parish about the RCIA process?
• Is this an evangelising opportunity for those who may be wavering on the threshold?

Prayer is a vital part of any spiritual preparation. There will be many forms of prayer: praying the rosary, the stations of the cross, reflecting in depth on the Opening Prayer. This could be a time to share the many different forms of prayer not only among the candidates, but throughout the community.

• TIP Invite people to bring a prayer that is special to them and  pin them on a board at the back of the church                                               or somewhere that is visible to the whole community. Watch it grow in size and variety.

A handy resource is Alison Berger’s A Prayerbook for Catechumens Twenty-third Publications

This photo is of the Memorial Window in Stevington Baptist Church. It remembers those from the two world wars who were called, who did their duty and who died. Perhaps it is the ‘call’ that we hold on to as we start a new year. In so many ways we have a new start. The incarnation, a new year, probably even  a new session of RCIA meetings, and what a fitting way to begin, to remember our own baptism and what it feels like to be called to a ministry of evangelising, catechesis, welcoming and accompanying.

There is something about a New Year that lends itself to evaluating and making new plans. As RCIA catechists we have a double task, to look at our own ministry and that of our catechumens. Perhaps some questions will assist.

• How have I answered the call of my baptism in this past year?
• Were there times when I resisted or questioned what the Spirit directed?
• On what occasions did I use my gifts and skills to their best?
• Did I always listen, to myself and to others?
• How have I developed my faith?

From an individual evaluation we might in our first team meeting review how RCIA has progressed in the past year. What worked, what challenges did we have, how do we feel we responded to them? Is there a more public face of RCIA in the parish?  Are more of the community involved, has the initiation of new catholics been adopted as the task of the whole community?

There were lots of challenges in 2010, and no doubt they will continue in 2011 but an evaluation, recorded, discussed and  one that initiates change for the better, will give the whole parish a burst of new energy to continue its task of evangelising and  retaining new members in its community. Perhaps 2011 will be the year when Dismissal during the Lent Sunday masses is introduced, or opportunities given to the catechumens and enquirers to continue to meet during the school holiday breaks: for a cup of tea and discussion, a quiet time in the church, to reflect on the Sunday Word.

• What specific decisions were made in 2010, and how well was the objective achieved?
• What will we do the same?
• What will we change?
• What will we introduce?

Sue P

In the 21^st century we have to become very adept at balancing: juggling our home life with our work commitments, ensuring a good balance of ‘busyness’ and ‘me-time’.  It is the same with RCIA: using the resources at hand (and here it is helpful to keep reminding ourselves ‘that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptised’  RCIA 9),  as a variety of enquirers, catechumens and candidates have to be assisted and supported along their journey of faith.

Fortunately as well as human helpers we are blessed by our scriptural and liturgical resources. There is the ease and importance of using lectionary based catechesis. ‘Ease’ because it follows the liturgical year and the scripture text comes around every three years, so it is experienced by every one of the faithful; and ‘important’ because it is the Word of God on which we all feed for the truth of what it means to be a catholic christian.

On the 32^nd Sunday in ordinary time as we near the end of this liturgical year it is easy to follow on from All Saints and All Souls and discuss the promise of resurrection in our sessions or meetings.  In balancing the needs of the unbaptised: whether initial enquirer or catechumen, and those perhaps of the already baptised: whether uncatechised catholic or those pursuing reception into full communion with the catholic church, the lectio divina process could be employed.

• Depending on when they became involved in the RCIA process, enquirers* should be open to learning about this ancient form of prayer. I find that it helps the focus, to use the shortened version of this text (Luke 20:27, 34-38).
• By explaining the whole exercise in advance, the enquirer knows how the time is going to be spent.
• Before it is first proclaimed, ask them to listen to it and to see if a word, phrase or image strikes them. (I find it breaks concentration if you say this after it has been read)
• If this is their first experience of lectio divina you may find it helpful to read it a second time before you invite them to share their phrase.
• Invite them to listen to what strikes them when they hear it proclaimed again.
• Then for the next reading invite them to listen to how the Word of God is meeting them at this stage of their life.
• In the final proclamation ask them to dig deep into their heart and ask what God is calling them to do.
• After each reading give at least a couple of minutes for reflection.
• After sharing give further time for meditation on what has been said.

The challenge of this type of prayer is that you don’t always know where it is going to lead, but it can offer a real insight into where your enquirer or catechumen are in their journey.

* For those making initial enquiry I would use part of the gospel, read once and invite them  to spend a couple of minutes in quiet reflection on what it is saying to them,

You might also find it useful to look at the Rite of Acceptance with the enquirer. In the first acceptance of the gospel all the proposed addresses stress that faith leads to ‘eternal life’ #52.

What does eternal life mean to those approaching the catholic church? How does the promise of eternal life impinge on their present way of living? Does it involve change and if so what support will they need from the community?

This also offers consideration for the discernment process. The uncatechised baptised may benefit from celebrating a Rite of Welcome #381. This needs to be discerned.

Discernment is also needed when considering the committed non catholic churchgoer. Perhaps in their previous church they were involved in church ministries and so may need very little ‘doctrinal and spiritual preparation’ #391. Their individual journey will help channel their journey, having regard that the Rite of Reception ‘is so arranged that no greater burden than necessary is required...’#387.

Whatever the individual journey lectionary based catechesis is an essential tool.