Team Essentials – Resources: Catechumenate
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.
A parish begins the RCIA process
After a gap of many years, with a new church building offering space that really cries out 'you are welcome', and a wise pastor, a parish in the Diocese is beginning the RCIA process afresh. They have gathered a group of 6 enthusiasts, men and women, different ages, as the 'parish team'. We opened the formation session for the team with Bernadette Farrell's 'You have called us by our name' and reflected on the words -
you have chosen us to be members of your family, by your love you have created us to live in unity... you will lead us to your light, walk before us through the night, you will guide us on our journey, you will keep our vision bright.... You will hold us when we fall, give new strength to hear your call, you will never be beyond us for your love is all in all... You will nourish, you will lead, giving every gift we need, for your reign will be established from the smallest of all seeds.
The team began nervously, with the usual questions: how will we know what to say? What if we dont know 'the answers'? They found the hymn reassuring - its God's work, trust God! They know that everything they offer is in the context of the parish community of faithful people. They have seven enquirers who will begin with them next week - again, a real mix of people, all ages. There are several parents from the school - their children made their first Holy Communion last term, and they were so touched by the journey they made with their children, that they now want to make that journey for themselves - a non-Catholic parent, an uncatechised baptised Catholic, a person with no faith background at all. The team discussed how they could meet these people where they are - and what times are going to be most suitable for them? Is it a twilight session after school, or a session after Mass on Sunday with another catechist doing a liturgy of the Word/stories/games with the children while the parents meet over coffee? This is going to be a time of listening and telling stories, responding to their initial questions, calming fears, exploring aspects of the faith, offering spiritual support, and introducing them more fully to the life of the community as they gather every Sunday. During this time of evangelisation, the Rite says 'faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ whom he has sent for the salvation of all.' How do we do this? When someone comes to your house to get to know you, what do you do?
ACTION:
Have a formation session to refresh your own parish team and stir up new life and hope.
Put out an invitation for enquirers to 'come and see' and have an open session with a glass of wine to tell people about it. Some will have been coming to Mass with their Catholic spouse for years, and have never been asked. Others are new to the area. Others are parents in the school.
One step at a time - do not worry about how it will go. Pray, Trust and Go for it being as open and welcoming as you possibly can!
Who do you say I am?
This last Sunday the homilist invited us to sit quietly for a moment, knowing that Christ is present, and listening to Him asking each of us that question 'Who do you say I am?' And then, after a few minutes, we were invited to share what we wanted to with the person next door. And then, anyone who wished could share a thought with the whole community. One person who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer said 'Jesus is strength for me'. Another said 'He is the one who challenges me'. Then a young boy asked 'Why did Jesus ask that question?' I'm sure the theologians and biblical scholars would have a lot to say about that. But why would anyone ask a question like that? Was it for affirmation? Encouragement? Reassurance? Was it to get his friends to open their eyes, or to think outside the box?
Action:
In our own lives, can we consider that question? Maybe even ask it of a close friend - Who do you say I am? Perhaps this week we can set a few people free, unbind them from their lack of self-esteem or anxiety by simply recognising one another's need for affirmation and encouragement. Perhaps tune in to other people a little more, especially those with whom you live or work, and take the opportunity to say 'I think you're doing a really great job' or 'thanks for listening to me - I really value your friendship' or 'It's good to have you around - you encourage me'. Can we recognise the goodness of one another? The Holy Spirit is echoing in the hearts and lives of all if we can but see it, and through us is ready to unbind and fill with 'the healing power of love'.
'All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen' (Romans 11:36)
Sunday Parish Mass as ‘catechist’ on the Journey of Faith
I have recently returned from the Society of St Gregory's Summerschool (see www.ssg.org.uk) The society was founded way back in 1929 in order to promote active participation in the liturgy - and the week is spent with 'ministers' of all sorts - singers, instrumentalists, readers, clergy, 'liturgists' and catechists. There is a great sense of community and fun during our time together, as we celebrate and reflect on liturgy and its meaning and purpose for our lives, in a context of warm, genuine hospitality for one another, old hands and newcomers alike.
My post-summerschool reflection is that we cannot separate out the threads of life in liturgy, or liturgy in life. It is all an integrated web of relationships - God and us, and ourselves and one another. We celebrate one in the other, and vice-versa. The encounter with God and one another in the liturgy forms and shapes and feeds us, and like food, becomes part of who we are. It literally gets into every fibre of our being, shaping what we believe and our response to life. Whatever it is that happens in and through the liturgy is what keeps us going - and yes, it is beyond words!
RCIA is often simply referred to as 'Journey in Faith' - and like any journey, it is something we are actively engaged in at every step. It isn't a 'system' or 'education' or 'entertainment'. Nor is it something we do alone - 'me and God'. It's when we can find ourselves most aware of being held in a unity, addressing God together, in, through and with Christ. We need to sing our songs and listen and respond to the Word, make gestures and soak in moments of silence - and this tunes us in afresh to who we are, and gives our lives its gospel shape. On my own, I have limits, needs, longings - and recognise I cant 'do' life or liturgy on my own. The journey of faith, for all of us, needs nourishing through company - and the Liturgy is the visible sign of our deepest reality - being made One in Christ, and receiving the life of Christ not for ourselves but for the world. We had Marty Haughen with us for the week - we laughed a lot, and we sang many of his songs.
'Let us build a house where love can dwell, and all can safely life. A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; Here the love of Christ shall end division: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.'
In these lovely Summer weeks, where we seem to have more space than is usual in our busy, 7-day week lives, perhaps we can be increasingly hospitable in the Sunday Mass, and accompany our catechumens and candidates in a more reflective way of experiencing the Liturgy. The Liturgy can only be the 'catechist' if we let it. We need to encourage reflection - and to be reflective ourselves for a start! In every Mass we are working in 'partnership' with:
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the liturgical and scriptural texts: alive and active words that accomplish the actions they describe!
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the community itself - being together, and open to the power of the texts as the Word of life addressed to us!
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on this particular Sunday - for speech, listening, silence, encounter! to find ourselves surprised, breathless!
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in this space - our building, and the symbols we use - do they bear the weight of the mystery?
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thy mystery that is to be revealed today - full of hope and possibilities, new life.
Perhaps we can help enquirers, catechumens, candidates with a simple 5-minute reflection before Mass:
- How am I as I come to Mass today? Who have been listening to this week? What about the key things going on in the world? What do I expect as I come to Mass today?
And then to tune in to all the different elements of the Mass - alternating between sound and silence, speech and song, movement and stillness, proclamation and reflection, word and action (Environment and Art in Catholic Worship 25) - the way liturgy is celebrated will itself carry the mystery - and this is how we 'pass on faith' to those who come.
- How does it feel to pray at this point in the Mass, how does it shape or influence my understanding and commitment to the Liturgy at this point?
At the end, we are sent out to 'glorify the Lord by your life' (new translation)
- What is your overriding feeling or thought at this point as you leave Mass? What do you expect as you go?
If we can reflect on our experience of the Mass, and allow it to bubble away in us, we will somehow find it speaking into to life during the week - courage, peace, joy, comfort, challenge. In the words of the late Cardinal Joseph Bernadin (Chicago):
The commitment I envision must be in our Catholic bones: the need to assemble each Sunday, to make common prayer, to hear the scriptures and reflect, to gather at the holy table and give God thanks and praise over the bread and wine which are for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and finally to go from that room to our separate worlds - but now carrying the tune we have heard, murmuring the words we have made ours, nourished by the sacred banquet, ready in so many ways to make all God's creation and all the work of human hands into the kingdom we have glimpsed in the Liturgy.'
One step at a time, imperfect, wounded as we are, encouraged by other wounded healers - after all Christ seems to say that we enter into the kingdom now by doing little daily things with love . And I would agree - 'it is not in craving after ready-made, complete and finished things that love finds its meaning - but in the urge to participate in the becoming of such things' (Bauman, Liquid Love: On the Frailty of Human Bonds). These Summer weeks of the community life and our Sunday Liturgy really are a very blessed time in the Journey of Faith.
A parish RCIA group: the story so far
In an excellent book called ‘He loves me!’ by Wayne Jacobsen describes how he once prayed each day that God would bless his plans. The turning point came when he realised that it was a case of waiting and listening until the Lord said to him ‘I’m going to reach out to touch some peoples’ lives today – would you like to come with me?’.
I became involved in RCIA in our parish over 16 years ago by which time it had already become established through the vision and insight of two nuns. When the sisters left the parish our Parish Priest invited me to join the catechetical team of which he was a member himself. My previous experience had been as a catechist and parish co-ordinator of the Confirmation programme. I think it’s a privilege to be a catechist and I enjoy being there as people grow in faith and God does things in their lives. I never know what He will do next!
I am in the third of my three year stint on the RCIA national executive. I hope I have made a useful contribution as an ordinary lay person involved in parish RCIA but I have certainly enjoyed the experience and learnt a great deal.
In our parish we have always sought to follow the spirit of RCIA but I can’t say we have followed all the detail of the Rite as specified in the book. I think that this is true of many parishes. What happens is often a compromise between the ideal and what the people involved are comfortable with. In our parish 2010 to 2011 programme we have tried to move deeper into the RCIA process. In our enquiry phase we continued with our existing practice of looking at topics in order to explore what it is to be a Christian in general, and a Catholic Christian in particular. Part of this involved providing a kind of tool kit for enquirers, helping them to find their way around the Scriptures, sharing experiences of personal faith and starting to explore different forms of prayer.
In Advent 2010 we went lectionary based. We had not done this before but, despite some disruption of our meetings by snow just when we were getting used to the idea, this proved much easier and more successful than we had expected. The exploration of themes in scripture in the Enquiry phase probably did help but enquirers and catechists alike were led, through the lectionary, deeper into the wisdom of the Church’s year. After Christmas it was exciting to hear candidates and catechumens reflecting on how it now had so much more meaning to them than it had had before.
We have continued to use the lectionary-based approach and intend to continue to do so until Easter – what better programme can one have? The choice and combination of scripture readings in the lectionary is amazing, the connection between the Old Testament and the Gospel, and their rather more subtle connection with second reading. We have tried a little of the Lectio divina approach but we keep the period of silence very short at the moment. It will increase with time as people get more familiar with it. Some of our candidates find 'Wednesday Word' a useful preparation for the next RCIA session, based on the following Sunday’s readings. 'Wednesday Word' was the result of the vision of a member of our parish and intended to encourage families to pray and reflect on Scripture during the week to prepare themselves for Sunday Mass. It’s now used in many parishes and Catholic schools in England and Wales. We can always find spare copies for RCIA.
We effectively passed from the Enquiry phase to the Catechumenate at the beginning of Advent when the transition to lectionary-based catechesis represented a step-change in the character of the programme. The disruption of meetings due to snow meant that we weren't sure that the catechumens and candidates were all ready and fully prepared for the Rite of Acceptance. We have this planned for mid February. We shall have two catechumens and two candidates and we shall emphasise the distinction according to the Rite much more clearly than before. As we have a smaller number of candidates than we sometimes have, sponsors this year are all members of the catechetical team whom the candidates have already got to know by now. They seem to be very content with this arrangement.
Our parish priest is very supportive of our RCIA programme although he can’t be with us every week. He will be able to join us during Lent to provide some teaching and pastoral input. Our parish has also just been joined by another experienced priest who has started to come to RCIA. He has enriched our sessions by the spontaneous way he engages with everyone. I am hoping to persuade him to lead the group from time to time, but he seems to be comfortable doing a double act with the catechists.
One aspect of the Rite we haven’t yet implemented is the practice of dismissal of Catechumens (and candidates if appropriate) at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. As a parish and as a catechetical team we didn't to be ready for it this year. We are, I am sure, going to consider this issue thoughtfully with respect to next year’s programme.
We have moved deeper into the Rite this year and it’s been good. The Lord is touching people’s lives and it is a great privilege to be invited to come along with Him.
RCIA: A BALANCING EXERCISE
RCIA A Balancing Exercise
In the 21st 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 32nd 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.
Will he find any faith on earth?
As 'Los 33', the Chilean miners, were winched to the surface one by one in the 'Phoenix' , greeted with such scenes of jubliation in Camp Hope, and around the world, their personal stories began to emerge. One miner said that during those 69 days of incarceration hundreds of meters down in the earth, he had met both God and the devil, and that God had won! Another, on stepping of out the capsule, fell on his knees and prayed his thanksgiving for being brought out of such darkness into light . In the days and weeks ahead we will hear more - life will never be the same again. What caught my imagination was the fact that many people had been praying continually and not losing heart - it echoed with the readings yesterday 29th Sunday Ordinary Time, year C - Moses with his arms raised in prayer for his people, supported on either side by Aaron and Hur; Paul to Timothy saying stick with your faith in Christ and all you have been taught and know to be true, and be guided by it, and Luke, with the parable of the persistent widow.
The real-life drama of the last few weeks in San Jose mine, and the Word of God in sacred scripture intermingled. I wondered what sort of witness to my faith do I both give and receive in the parish community, particularly in our accompaniment of enquirers and catechumens? Is it obvious that we are trying to live what we know to be true, tuning in to the Spirit listening in us, teaching us? Perhaps it is in our darkest times that we recognise our need of rescue - and find that there are life-forces at work unknown to worldly authorities. It could have turned very nasty down there in the dark ruins of the mine - but it seems that other deeper truths were drawn on and sustained them - discipleship seems to function at a level where power does not exist..
This week? Will Christ find evidence of real, living faith in me? Can I open my eyes and ears and heart and notice the sacred encounters the continuing, ongoing, dynamic, saving, healing presence of Christ among us, whether I am in darkness or light, creating that life-giving environment? I think Christ will, Christ does find faith on earth! Do you?
New Beginnings
New Beginnings
September comes with the scent of new books, new supplies, new uniforms and new or familiar routines. The roads fill up with extra cars on the school run and the sound of more children's voices can be heard.
This is also the time when our parish pews fill up again with those who have been away, choirs and liturgical ministers are back on schedule and RCIA groups begin, once again, to offer the invitation to those who might be enquiring about what it means to be a Catholic.
The Gospel heard this weekend, reminding us of the resolute and determined cost of discipleship, also gives us Jesus reflecting on 'being ready'; 'having a plan; and ‘thinking things through’. Jesus is reminding us to have our plan of action in place.
If we are following an academic model of September to June then it raises all the very important questions about how we respond to an enquiry in the other months and what provision we have in place to respond to this situation. Do we have members of the RCIA group ready to meet with our summer enquirers; are we thinking our welcome through?
Along with all those children and young people returning to their studies and activities, RCIA groups could also use this period in early September to re-gather, to share their own summer stories, to reflect on where the group is at the moment. This could be a time of formation by having a Team Development Day, a Retreat Day or a Day of Reflection. It could be open to those who have been involved in the RCIA process in the past, as well as a time to welcome new members to the group. This is an opportunity to refresh the understanding of the 4 stages within the process and to reflect on the individual elements of welcome, space, prayer, liturgies, content, community and group dynamics.
A time like this could also include reflection on passages directly from the Rite, for example to review the period of the Precatechumenate we could use RCIA 37 which reads:
‘From evangelisation, completed with the help of God, come the faith and initial conversion that cause a person to feel called away from sin and drawn into the mystery of God’s love. The whole period of the precatechumenate is set aside for this evangelisation, so that the genuine will to follow Christ and seek baptism may mature.’
Or RCIA 38 which identifies who and why by suggesting: ‘During this period, priests and deacons, catechists and other laypersons are to give the candidates a suitable explanation of the Gospel. The candidates are to receive help and attention so that with a purified and clearer intention they may cooperate with God’s grace. Opportunities should be provided for them to meet families and other groups of Christians.
If these two points were the focus of a team/group reflection and discussion then the value of God’s action in peoples’ lives, patience on our part as people move toward this clearer intention, the importance of relationships developed in the group and in the community and a discerning approach to the Gospel could be explored.
As we prepare for Benedict XVI’s visit ‘Heart Speaks Unto Heart’ we may have more and more people drawn by God to seek out their local Catholic church and ask the questions which may arise from this event. Have we a plan, have we thought things through, have we laid the foundations upon which to witness to and build a lasting relationship with our Lord and with others.
How is God ‘Abba’ to us?
Before all the important moments of his life, Jesus takes time out to be with his father.
Luke gives us a slightly shorter version of Jesus's response to the question 'Teach us to pray', beginning with a simple intimate greeting equivalent to 'Papa' or 'Dad', and continuing as we know 'may your name be held holy, your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us. And do not put us to the test.' Again the simplicity strikes me - 'may your kingdom come' - may we really live out what we believe and share the life you give us with others, bringing your kingdom among us; and may we rely on you each day to nourish us with your life, and forgive us as we forgive each other. For the catechumen, and for each of us in the community, our life in Christ is like a spiral, ever deepening, the more we open to the truth Jesus gives us. And the truth today is staggering - that God is our 'dad'. In the human family, the dad is traditionally the member of the family responsible for providing for the needs of the body - food, shelter and warmth. He gives identity to his children. SO a son becomes a man and knows himself and his abilities from the way his father relates to him and what he says to and about his son. And in the same way, a daughter gains her identity as a woman through the way her father treats her and communicates with her. The father also provides protection and security. (A mother, and siblings/ friends have different roles in the formation of our person too, which you can align with the Holy Spirit and with Jesus, but I wont go into these here).
Towards the end of the catechumenal journey of conversion (either at the end of the catechumenate period, or during Lent), the Lord's Prayer, our prayer of the church, as an integral part of our daily prayer and our liturgy - is ritually 'presented' or proclaimed for and over the catechumens (or elect) - God is drawing them to himself, like a father who lifts up his child and holds them close (Hosea 11). This is a very moving moment - a moment of recognition of the compassion and love of God calling them to the waters of baptism - as the rite suggests: 'Give them new birth in your living waters, so that they may be numbered among your adopted children.' It is a preparation for the moment when they as baptised Christians will for the first time recite this prayer in the liturgical assembly of the faithful. It is a sign of recognition by the community of the progress of the candidates in spiritual maturity - they recognse who they are becoming. It echoes the process of human development in a family too.
In order for the catechumens to be able to publicly receive and pray the 'Our Father', it would be vitally important for the community, as represented in the team members and sponsor, to be aware of the need for ritual prayer throughout the catechumenate to help them towards this point - blessings, annointing and minor exorcism - all of which are there for affirmation and healing. None of our family backgrounds are perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Ask a room full of people to put up their hands if 
they consider they come from a 'dysfunctional family' and 95% will do so! For all sorts of reasons, our family members may not have understood or were unable to f'perfectly' fulfil their roles in our lives - and this can lead to a misunderstanding of the who God is as Loving Father, or who Jesus is, or the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the blessings, annointings and minor exorcisms are to heal the wounds and lies that may have been learned from our experience, enable us to understand and forgive our families/those in close relationship for any inadequacies in their roles, and to open to the truth of the incredible intimacy offered by God, who says call me 'Abba' , offering identity, security and protection, as well as giving a joyful purpose for our lives as Christian family reaching out to love, heal and serve in the world.
The invitation to the elect following the Presentation of the Lord's Prayer has a prophetic ring about it:
'Although you cannot yet participate fully in the Lord's eucharist, stay with us as a sign of our hope that all God's children will eat and drink with the Lord and work with his Spirit to re-create the face of the earth'.
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