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 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.
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.’
Greetings from Helsinki! Eurocat Bureau Meeting
Martin Foster and I are in Helsinki, attending the Eurocat Bureau meeting - 22 people representing 22 countries, all engaged in Christian Initiation of Adults. The task of the Bureau meeting is to review the last Eurocat Conference (Vienna 2009: 'Integration') and to consult together on the themes emerging for the next Conference (Ghent/Belgium 2011: 'Liturgy & Catechesis in RCIA').
The Bureau is being hosted this time by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
We are staying in a retreat centre in Lohja Vivavum on one of the country's 190,000 lakes (into which some of us have plunged during the Finnish 'saunas' in the evenings - putting a whole new slant on the initiation experience!) We have had a very warm welcome - in writing from the Bishop of the Lutheran Archdiocese of Turku, Kari Makinen, and in person, from Maria and Sennika, and a number of their Lutheran colleagues who planned & prayed liturgy for and with us, sang songs, and BBQ's sides of salmon around a campfire - first sign of Finnish summer is when the BBQ's begin - in 4 degrees celsius, but at least the snow has melted!
Joining us on the first evening was Bishop Teemu Sippo, RC Bishop of Helsinki. Bishop Teemu told us that the Bishops' Conference of the Nordic Countries had recently published a joint pastoral letter on the Adult Catechumenate (and Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church). The letter begins:
'Where is the entrance? If someone needs to ask this question, the architect has probably made a mistake. Entrances need to be recognisable and inviting, unless one wants to keep away uninvited guests......it is not enough that we guide them to priests or others working in pastoral tasks. Parishioners are needed... offering a kind and friendly reception, willing to share their own faith'
Further, the letter speaks of the opportunities that the restoration of the adult catechumenate offers, not only for evangelisation of those who are searching, but for those already in the church, causing them to reflect on their own Baptism, their own faith, their own sense of belonging, rediscovering the rich nourishment in the liturgy, and the very nature of the Church as 'missionary'. United as a body, the Nordic Bishops are strongly encouraging all the faithful, priests, parish councils, pastoral councils, and religious orders to discuss and ponder... and one step at a time, for parishes to engage with the different phases and rights Catechumenate (RCIA), convinced that in so doing
'the consciousness of the mission of the parish and of the whole Church would grow, and the connection between faith and life would become clearer. The parishes would gain an attractive and radiant power... beginning the Catechumenate aids the renewal of the whole parish!'
These hopes will echo with the memories and experience of all of us involved in RCIA, for however many months or years. What was particularly impressive was the Bishops writing together, united in their commitment to RCIA, leading from the front!
The rest of the weekend was engaged in bureau members sharing their experiences of the catechumenate (in Europe RCIA is referred to as 'The Catechumenate'). It was interesting to note the variations in emphases/styles between the different countries, the 'old hands' and the new (including Orthodox engaged in catechumenate in Finland) The consistency emerging, as ever, in shared passion for initiation.
Challenges? For practice of RCIA and for Eurocat
- Our diversity - in culture, experience, in approaches, interpretation of the Rite, theological views
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Increasing size of Eurocat - more member countries: how to develop structures that support/develop/sustain warm friendship as well as share experience and learn from one another - finding the best process/way of facilitating the meetings to be as inclusive as possible
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How to develop/engage with the ecumenical dimension of Eurocat - ecumenical sensitivities
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Initiation as a process of 'being' and 'becoming' - the symbiosis of community/liturgy/initiation
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Context of 'church in crisis' - community initiates, and yet there is a sense/reality that communities are 'disintegrating' rather than growing?
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Seeking and sharing best practice
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Use of Lectionary
It has been a good weekend in Helsinki, connecting with the broader European picture . Perhaps one or two European friends will join us in Manchester for our Conference 'Bridging the Gap'? (30th June - 2nd July: Book on-line at www.rcia.org.uk ) The Nordic Bishops' encouragement for (us) to be missionary and help those seeking to join us on 'the Way' offers inspiration us as we move towards our Conference together, exploring what it is to be missionary, sponsoring communities. Places at Manchester are limited, so please do Book now to avoid disappointment!
Gaps
This year's RCIA Network Conference is called 'Bridging the Gap'. It will be based on the period of the pre-catechumenate. One aspect it will consider is what sort of parish helps the RCIA to happen.
This Sunday's Gospel(s) might offer an aid to reflection.
In year C we heard the parable of prodigal son. In the Sunday's of year C there two interconnecting strands - the covenant that God continues to offer in love and stories of God's mercy in the Gospel. They would make a good series of readings for anyone looking at 'returning Catholics'.
When we consider the story of the Prodigal Son and think about our parishes and communities - who are we most like? The Father - waiting, looking out for and all-forgiving; the elder Son - wondering what all the fuss is about and how this might affect them; or perhaps even the pigs - unaware of the great things happening in their midst?
Or in Year A - the Man born blind. Given the rising number of catechumens who became elect at the Rite of Election one might presume that more and more parishes are celebrating the Scrutinies and using Year A readings...
Once again the gospel story does not paint a great picture of community. Between the authorities and his parents the blind man is buffeted. It is only in Jesus, the true heart of community, that he finds healing and enlightenment.
For Conference booking form please go to: http://www.rcia.org.uk/Events/2010/index.html
A Flavour of a Northern Network Day
Last Saturday saw the first of the R.C.I.A. Northern Network “Journey in Faith” days that I ‘blogged about’ in September. Amongst the fifty five who gathered were ‘new teams, experienced but tired catechists, parishioners who have often wondered just what it’s all about’ and a genuine Enquirer who had telephoned the office some days earlier. He had seen the poster and ‘wondered what it was all about’. We explained the purpose of the day and that although he had not yet officially taken the step of contacting a local parish regarding his growing desire to ‘become a Catholic’ he would be made welcome if he chose to come along: and he did!
He admitted later that when he first entered he had ‘cold feet’ and wanted to run away, but he came and introduced himself instead and I was able to introduce him in turn to someone I knew would be a very good ‘accompanier’ through the morning session. Nikki is in the second year of a Foundation Degree in Pastoral leadership at Hope University and is currently reflecting on the RCIA for her course so this opportunity for ‘hands-on’ experience was valuable for her too. I knew I’d made the right decision when at lunch time he came to me again and asked me how he could go about taking this forward: he had thoroughly enjoyed the morning and knew he wanted to further explore living as a Catholic Christian. I introduced him to the co-ordinator of the parish RCIA team which meets just five minutes away from his home and she accompanied him through the afternoon.
What were the main ingredients of the day that were so much appreciated in the final evaluation forms? Well we shouldn’t be surprised that in fact, they all flowed from the vision of the RCIA itself:
“warmth, we were made welcome, a variety of voices giving input, lovely spiritual atmosphere, good teaching and sharing, enlightening and encouraging, breaking and sharing the Word, friendliness and openness of people sharing, scripture study in a small group, excellent music ….”.[1]
Also greatly appreciated were the two real life story tellers who came to the day. The first told his story of his family’s journey from non-practising Anglicanism to becoming enquirers and spoke movingly of ‘the threshold’ of belonging and the freedom to choose. In the afternoon a Neophyte (he loved his new name!) described how full membership resulted in him knowing that he wanted to ‘give something in return’ and his involvement in the RCIA group in a new way. Both these ‘very brave witnesses who spoke on their journeys’[2] added a deeper dynamic to the experience of the day and kept it ‘real’.
A mixture of experience and freshness, of accompaniers and accompanied permeated the day and the inclusion of parts of the Rites themselves: in the signing of the cross during morning prayer and the dismissal … to lunch (!) brought alive the ability of the Rites to speak to our experience.
There was some serious conversation in plenary about people not wanting to be seen ‘upfront’ and therefore not celebrating Acceptance/Welcome rites except within the RCIA group, but these were countered by others who shared what it meant for them to receive the welcome which followed such a celebration.
Without doubt though what stays with me is the very rich sharing of the Gospel for the 32nd Sunday in ordinary Time Year B. The images, words/ phrases and questions posed by people as it was broken open in the large group stretched and challenged my reception of it and I am left with the images of three faces discerned within the story itself: the smug, the humble and the watching face of Jesus.
Did we achieve what we hoped for? I think we did :
It is an introduction for anyone new to RCIA or for parishes wishing to refresh their team. An opportunity to glimpse a vision of the richness the RCIA journey offers, not only to new comers to the faith, but to the whole parish community. All are Welcome!”
The programme for the day was arrived at through inter-diocesan collaboration and was delivered through local collaboration: Amen to collaboration! May Middlesbrough, Hexham & Newcastle, Leeds and Hallam all experience similarly encouraging days.
[1] From the evaluation forms completed on 7.11.09
[2] Evaluation forms
What were you arguing about on the road?
We have just had Sheila O'Dea (formerly of North American Forum on the Catechumenate) with us in the Diocese for three days reflection on our practice of RCIA. At the centre was the Word of God for last Sunday - and the whole thing of 'what were you arguing about on the road,.. being afraid... not saying anything.' This particularly struck me because it amazed me that the 'arguments' about initiation of adults come about because people dont even have copies of the Rite and are simply doing their own thing - many clergy hadnt opened the Rite since they were given it, let alone have studied and reflected on it together, with people from their parish. So that was the first point of encouragement: everyone who is involved at 'leadership' level in the process should have their own copy of the rite, read, mark up and inwardly digest! The Rite is the skeleton and our task is to put flesh on it, and not to replace it with a programme!! Flowing from this essential of knowing the rite inside out, the second point of encouragement: to get to know the community inside out too! If initiation of adults is the responsibility of the baptised and takes place in the heart of the community, a gradual process accommodated to the liturgical year, then we must know the community, and then we can 'link up' our enquirers with people who can accompany them - a single mum with another mum for example, a 20-yr old university student with a student, a family with a family and so on..
The third point of encouragement: the whole mystery of Christ really does unfold over the course of the liturgical cycle, and if we are reflecting on the Word of God Sunday after Sunday after Sunday, then we can be sure that our catechesis will be suitable and complete. These 'feasting on the Word' for at least one year is what the Church calls 'appropriate' preparation - together with the catechumens we feast and grow into the Body of Christ.
RCIA is about who we are as Church - and the focus is not about 'getting sacraments' but on becoming a member of the Body of Christ and doing the mission of Christ! RCIA is about how we celebrate Liturgy and how this forms us as 'Church'. RCIA is about how we do catechesis - and the goal is communion with Christ. And finally, RCIA is about living and sharing the life we have with others - to be a place, a heart, that offers hope and listening, peace and reconciliation - the mission!
What now? Well if we really believe that RCIA is not about 'them' but about 'us', then can we do a few simple things for ourselves?
Encourage 'feasting on the Word' for all the community - many many Catholics still havent heard that God is really present in the Word... there is a 'famine of hearing the Word' (Amos). Can we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word really well every Sunday, and teach people how to open to the power of God's presence through the Word?
Q: To start with, have all the Ministers of the Word in your parish been offered and taken up formation? Including praying with the Word? And then, what about other opportunities to reflect - in families, neighbours, parish groups of any kind?
What’s happened to RCIA?
Coming back to the desk at the beginning of September is always a mixture of dread and excitement for me: excitement at all the possibilities that beckon and the opportunities for implementing the planning which took up so much time before the break but also dread at the thought of the amount of post and e-mails waiting and that sense of yet another year starting! Last September, following the last RCIA Network Conference, a group of us with a passion for RCIA in dioceses across the North of England, agreed to meet together to see whether we could address a shared feeling of ‘What’s happened to the RCIA?’. There was a general feeling that where good practice had been evident in many areas this was less so now. Fewer people seem to be in touch with the vision and whilst people are still being welcomed into the Church in Easter initiation ceremonies, the journeys they are invited to make towards these are hugely diverse. If we imagine the RCIA as a person and were to ask “Who do you say I am?” would we be prepared for the responses? And so, this group of northern RCIA practitioners decided to pool our resources, work together and have a go at enthusing a new generation with the vision and scope of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
We’ve agreed to offer a day which is visionary and introductory and is for everyone: new teams, experienced but tired catechists, parishioners who have often wondered just what it’s all about. We’re determined to keep it grounded in the ordinariness of human experience – inviting people to tell their stories and witness to “spiritual journeys that vary according to the many forms of God’s grace.” [RCIA 5] We want it to be rooted in experience with a living Word of God that somehow conveys the passion of 1 John 1:
“Something which has existed since the beginning that we have heard, and we have seen with our own eyes; that we have watched and touched with our hands: the Word who is life - this is our subject.”
We asked ourselves questions such as: How do we convey the passion and enthusiasm? How do we do it? How simply can we do this? We identified a large target audience: people with responsibility for RCIA whom we want to be able to see that Yes – we can do this, it is possible; and also those with little or no experience but who’ve heard something! And in working our way through the questions we allowed ourselves the luxury of prayerful, gentle reflection time together during which we broke open the scripture of the day and learned from such figures as Lydia.[Acts 16:11 – 15]
The result is a one-day road show under the banner: R.C.I.A Northern Network called Journey in Faith: Exploring RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The poster states that:
It is an introduction for anyone new to RCIA or for parishes wishing to refresh their team. An opportunity to glimpse a vision of the richness the RCIA journey offers, not only to new comers to the faith, but to the whole parish community. All are Welcome!
We plan four venues between now and May, 2010 with local teams fronting the road show and support from other members of the planning group as required. The first will be in the Archdiocese of Liverpool in November, closely followed by Middlesbrough then Hexham and Newcastle, Hallam and Leeds. It’s an exciting initiative, not least because it is a genuine effort to take seriously the call to work collaboratively across dioceses:
Collaborative ministry begins from a fundamental desire to work together because we are called by the Lord to be a company of disciples, not isolated individuals. [The Sign We Give 1995]
Sheila O’Dea coming to Middlesbrough Diocese
In case anyone is 'oop north, or might like to come up here - Sheila O'Dea
is coming over from Canada to do 3 days for the Diocese of Middlesbrough.
1. Thursday 24th September, 6.30-9.30 at the Endsleigh Centre HULL
2. Friday 25th September - a day for CLERGY (in York, 10.30-3.30)
3. Saturday 26th September, 10.30-3.30, in YORK.
Theme: 'Becoming the Body of Christ' - the initiation of adults is the
responsibility of all the baptised.
If you'd like to come, or need more info, email Caroline on