Galilean “Rite of Acceptance”
After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’
As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of people.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him. (Mark 1:14-20 - Gospel of the 3rd Sunday Year B)
This moment of “acceptance” takes place on the shore, not in a church. Jesus leads it with his own words that challenge and expand the vision of all four men: use your skills and experience to pull drowning people from the sea of chaos and destruction... Follow me! The word penetrates the mundane reality (sternly overcast by the arrest of John) with a promise of joy and fulfilment – a true presentation of the Good News. And close friends and family are quietly present to witness the life changing commitment of these four men to accept the gospel in the person of Jesus. By doing that, they place themselves under the sign of the cross too.
We know nothing about the brothers’ period of “precatechumenate” from this Gospel. Had they ever encountered Jesus before he called them? The Gospel of John suggests so[1]. Had they listened to his call to repentance and faith? Possibly only to John's. However, their names are now well “registered” (Simon, Andrew, James and John) as part of the Good News – as are the names of catechumens after the rite of acceptance[2]. From now on they are all part of the household of Christ[3]. Now, when they made a public and decisive step of leaving everything and following Jesus, the disciples are embarking on their own period of “catechumenate”. A period of being with and echoing the Word made flesh deep in their being, and of mirroring Jesus’ attitudes and actions as closely as the Spirit makes possible.
How do we know when people are ready to move to the catechumenate? We need to look just as Jesus did. The time is ready when they demonstrate stirrings of faith and repentance, the beginnings of spiritual life based on prayer, and a growing sense of community and the church[4]. We need those “outward indications”[5] of people’s dispositions because they demonstrate a subtle process of change…and no one who has met God face to face remains unchanged! Nor should we...
A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
This period of Christmas time is awash with journeys. We had the Nativity, the feast of the Holy Family and on sunday we celebrated the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God all leading to the Epiphany this coming sunday. In these 12 days of Christmas we hear how the birth of Jesus came about with Mathew's genealogy, we follow the shepherds to Bethlehem and accompany the magi as they give homage to the infant Christ.
All of the above scenes may be very familiar to our candidates and catechumens, but a trip to the crib: perhaps to host a session, singly or in a group, offers an imaginative form of catechesis as an opportunity to open up the Word of God, and could finish with a shortened celebration of the word [RCIA 81-82 ] 
It offers a suitable time to allow the catechumen to share their journey, what messages and insights they have experienced, how straight has their path been, and what form guidance in prayer and community support may perhaps take in future weeks and months.
For the team: catechists and sponsors, it is useful to re-assess how the journey is progressing with an eye to how far the prerequisites for taking the first step of acceptance into the order of catechumens has been accomplished. Perhaps explore RCIA 42 as part of a team meeting, for there is always the need to constantly evaluate and assess the 'candidate's motives and dispositions' [RCIA 43], just as there is the need to discern the state of readiness of the catechumen for the Rite of Election.
Above all, have fun, for this is the season of joy and happiness, and a great time to involve the whole parish community, in supporting the candidates and catechumens.
THE WONDERS OF THE LITURGY: BLESSINGS
I was privileged to attend two ordinations earlier this year, and I recall thinking how well we catholics do a good liturgy.
It is the liturgy that is often the introduction to the catholic faith for non-christians. Do we use the opportunity to its best advantage? How innovative are our liturgies?
I remember one lady in our RCIA team and the skill she had with fabric and simple props, turning a grey walled meeting room into a liturgical wonder where our faith came alive. An RCIA session always had that element of joy and discovery as we uncovered a new layer in our worship. I experienced that on Saturday with the blessing of our Altar Missals and their being sent forth with representatives from each local church in our parish cluster.
The symbols were simple: the Altar Missals impressive in their design, laid out on a low table, against the backdrop of the Altar with its bright candles. The quiet solemnity of the blessing was awesome. How different from the blessing of the Advent wreath and the lighting of the first Advent candle on Sunday. One could sense the air of expectation in the Assembly. It is that time of year again, when we are ready to ‘stay awake’. A lot is going to happen over the next four weeks of Advent.
There is the chance for further blessings and celebrations. In the extended period of the catechumenate why not have a special celebration of the Word of God.
- To give them instruction and experience in the different aspects and ways of prayer;
- To explain to them the signs, celebrations, and seasons of the liturgy;
- To prepare them gradually to enter the worship assembly of the entire community: RCIA 82
The structure of a celebration is suggested in RCIA 86-89, with an opening song, one or more readings, a brief homily and finish with a blessing. This would work well on Gaudete Sunday or during the third week of Advent.
Or how about Advent Stations of the Cross with a Blessing of Oil and anointing [see RCIA 101B – 102].
There is also the opportunity for blessing of the Christmas tree or the manger, or even someone’s home.
Perhaps this week as the English speaking churches turn to the New Translation of the Roman Missal, catechumens could have the chance to see and touch the Altar Missal and gain a sense of just how well we catholics do liturgy, as they develop a love of the liturgy and its symbols.
Christ the Shepherd King
This reflection is mainly for the RCIA leaders. We guide others on their path of formation and transformation, and the first reading from this year’s feast of Christ the King is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our practice. All RCIA leaders need to learn about – as well as from – the supreme Shepherd so as to discern how to guide the “flock” entrusted to them. We will look at the actions and attitudes of the shepherd in Ezekiel 34:11-112, 15-17.
God is deciding to take over from the shepherds of Israel. Stepping in because of their negligence and greed, he is taking over his own flock. He is going to be vigilant, keeping a careful watch. No wonder we celebrate the Easter Vigil, the mother of all vigils, as a blueprint of this heartfelt involvement. To have all sheep in view requires lots of alertness and conscious movement, but most of all, one’s compassionate interest. Here we can stop and ask ourselves: how much am I really interested in the people in my RCIA group beyond the meetings? And how well do I keep all of them in view?
The beautiful image of a shepherd standing in the middle of his flock so as to see all is next. There is a certain weight and gravity about it. This is perhaps something we constantly need to learn to do, as well as to recognise and point out. In other words, we need to be flexible and constantly move with the moving flock so as to keep this “middle ground” of neutrality, good perspective and clear vision. Yet we also need to learn to recognise and bring to people’s consciousness the Good Shepherd who is always standing attentively in our midst, wherever we are on our journey. Whether we know it or not, Christ is always this reference point from our birth to death – and beyond. So the next question can be: where do I stand, and where is the place of Christ in the RCIA process that I lead?
And then comes the rescuing. Of course, God does all of it – but often by using our own lives, gifts and resources. Interestingly, the sheep are scattered only when the conditions spell out poor vision: in the mist and darkness. Baptism is the sacrament of illumination par exellence. Yet even on the way to it, the light of Christ often comes through the fellow pilgrims and dispels the power of darkness. Just like our candles do at Easter Vigil when they are lit - first from the Paschal candle, but also from one another. So how do I encourage, respect and foster everyone’s “glow”?
The provision of rest comes next. Pointing out where to rest is God’s prerogative – it is the Lord who speaks – but we can assist those sacred moments of rejuvenation by taking prayer and liturgy seriously. So seriously that it becomes an occasion of authentic peace, childlike wonder or intimate delight. How can we make prayer become a real stepping stone to a life lived to the full?
And then comes the searching, bringing back, bandaging, strengthening, watching over… Notice that each activity matches the need perfectly: the shepherd does not bandage healthy animals! So what are the needs of each individual in my flock? And do I respond to them appropriately? And finally, do I really watch over the “fat and healthy” stock as well? Or do I assume that there is no risk of injury on the way just because they always seem fine?
Let’s learn all those shepherding skills from the Good Shepherd whose loving gaze has been resting on us, and on the people in our care, all our lives.
‘Times and seasons’ for people returning to the practice of their faith
The words that struck me from the first reading last Sunday, St Paul to the Thessalonians, (33rd in OT, A) were simply 'times and seasons'. I was reflecting on the times and seasons in my life, and those of my family and friends. Times of good news, seasons of bad news - periods that cause me to think again about my faith, and what faith in Christ means to me in the day-to-day responses to what life brings, and I become an 'enquirer' again. My ponderings caused me to conclude that we are all on the journey of initiation, and that every new experience is in itself an initiation. Many of the people we meet and get to know on the doorstep of the community are what we might call 'returners' or 'lapsed' Catholics, coming back to Church because of a particular time or season in their life. A child has been born, and they are considering baptism, or getting married. A loved friend or family member has died, and they have a good experience at a Catholic funeral. Sons, daughters, neices, nephews are making their first Holy Communion, as Sue describes in the Blog a couple of weeks ago. And many other reasons, times, and seasons. So, I wondered - what does the journey in faith offer people who come seeking after many many years of being away - or even having been baptised as infants and never consciously having been in a church setting since.
The RCIA offers a pathway for returners - in steps and stages, gradually introducing people to the person of Christ, through the community life, the Word broken and shared, various forms of liturgy, and the outreach in service to the wider community. (See RCIA Part II, chapters 4 and 5). The important thing is that we are who we say we are, Body of Christ, and that we build relationships and walk with those who come as Christ, through being sensitive, friendly, and welcoming as a parish community - giving the strong Gospel message, Yes, You Can Belong Here ! And also recognising the treasure they bring to us - Christ welcomed in the stranger.
One vital truth to remember in any process - their conversion to Christ is based on their Baptism, already received, the effects of which they must develop. At every step, we make mention of this fact - and any ritual we engage in respects this too. As with other candidates, and catechumens, we listen to their stories, we share ours, and help them to connect with God who is active in their lives. Other rites may also be suited to their needs along the way - a Presentation of the Gospels, and the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation - as signs of God's grace at work in their preparation for Confirmation and Eucharist.
Last word? Don't abandon them at any stage - listen, encourage, and reflect with them. Help them to find themselves at home. If you'd like any help with adapting RCIA for returners, please get in touch with the Network via the website.
Being Ready, Being Wise
Reflection for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel given to us this week presents a contrast between those Bridesmaids that were ready and those that were unprepared, those who were wise and those who were foolish. In this parable Jesus is saying that wisdom is very much tied up with ‘being ready’. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom suggests the same sense of readiness when it counsels ‘watch for [wisdom] early and you will have no trouble, you will find her sitting at your gates.’
The RCIA as we know is a journey of faith that ‘includes not only the periods for making inquiry and for maturing, but also the steps marking the catechumens’ progress, as they pass, so to speak, through another doorway…’ (RCIA 6). As we accompany those who are preparing to cross the threshold of faith and belonging to the community of the Catholic Church it is a great consolation to know that as we do we will find wisdom already there, sitting at our gates, present at the place of encounter and change. Wisdom is already in operation in those who are seeking God. For us too as catechists it is only with wisdom, with that sense of readiness, that we can fruitfully accompany them as they seek to enter the family of faith. As the Gospel puts it: ‘those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall…’
So what resources do we have that can help us to be ready and wise?
We are offered the wisdom of the Rite itself in which is contained and distilled the wisdom of the community which has been initiating members for centuries. As well as the Rite itself we have resources that draw on that wisdom such as those found on the RCIA Network website www.rcia.org.uk , newsletter and the events such as the study days and conferences where collective wisdom and experience can be fruitfully shared. If you haven’t yet come along to an RCIA conference why not make the next in summer 2012 your first? (RCIA Network Conference,3rd-6th July 2012 at High Leigh, Hoddesdon, Herts. Please see website for more details)
Finally this Gospel passage is a reminder that through our own life of prayer we can get in touch with the gift of wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit. This special gift, to the extent that we are open to it, enables us to be ready for each and every situation that we may find ourselves drawn into. Perhaps in our own prayer we can reflect on how ready and wise we are or to what extent we need to grow in wisdom and readiness. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to seek the Lord’s gift of wisdom anew for our lives since, as todays first reading tells us ‘she is found by those who look for her.’
A TIME FOR STORIES
Our church has been blessed by some two dozen children preparing for their First Holy Communion. They file in at the start of mass and fill the front rows. The overflow fills the rows behind. Our multi-cultural church has become even more alive by this witness of our young. They too benefit from seeing the example of the assembly: how we pray in silence, sing in joy and acclamation, and in reverence received the precious body and blood of our saviour. Also they experience the practicalities of finding their way around the hymnal, changing postures and gestures.
The presence of the children has also given the assembly some thought. We take pride in the place these children will take in our community. We acknowledge that somehow their presence has enriched our own experience of participating in the mass. We each learn from each other.
Candidates and catechumens also enrich the community in which they grow and settle. They too can benefit from our example, of being invited along to see the church in which we worship. A meditative walk through the church with someone (sponsor) to answer questions, offers a good introduction. Follow up with attending mass with their sponsor or RCIA catechists or their own family. As soon as they are catechumens, let the rest of the church know that these are your catechumens, so the whole community can be ready to help and support them.
- All Saints day offers a great opportunity for prayer,
- stories and catechesis about the catholic church,
- the Church Fathers, our tradition and our Saints.
Liturgical Catecheis in the Catechumenate Period: Study Day
Following the RCIA Network Conference a couple of years ago, RCIA co-ordinators and adult advisers from the Northern Dioceses of Hexham & Newcastle, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Hallam, Shrewsbury and Liverpool have been meeting regularly and planning and delivering study days - the same day is held in each diocese. The first day, last year, was on the Enquiry and Mystagogy periods. The second day, 2011/2012 is on the Catechumenate period. The day covers:
- the liturgical year - the heart-beat of the catechumenate as the life, death and resurrection of Christ unfolds, and each Sunday, nourishes the journey in faith
- liturgical catechesis - using the lectionary and texts of the liturgy in planning for the themes of the catechetical sessions, beginning with a process of shared lectio divina, followed by reflection on:
- Who is the Jesus we meet in this Gospel?
- What are the themes of the Gospel that emerge (link to first Reading)?
- What is the church teaching linked to the Gospel/other readings?
- What questions might you use with the catechumens and candidates?
- What are the implications for living this out in our daily lives?
- What form of prayer/song will we use to conclude our session with the catechetical group?
- roles in the catechumenate - the whole community, Sponsor, Godparent, bishop, priest, deacon, catechist - and a variety of other supplementary roles (faith friends, welcomers/hospitality, Readers)
- liturgies of the catechumenate period - Celebrations of the Word, Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass, Blessings, Anointings, Minor Exorcisms.
On Saturday last it was the turn of Hexham & Newcastle Diocese to host their Study Day. A number of priests and catechists from across the Diocese took part. Some were new to RCIA. Table groups engaged in a process of liturgical catechesis, which was very profound and moving, and uncovered a rich seam of Catholic doctrine to explore with catechumens. The themes varied according to the make-up of the group and the parish context - centred round 'Jesus had a busy day' - moving from the synagogyue and community prayer and community life, to the home life, the response to suffering, healing, personal prayer, the demons in our lives, our context in the modern world and our response as Catholic Christians. Most groups planned to use one of the liturgies of the catechumenate period to close their catechetcial sessions.
At this point, we explored what the liturgies of this period are, including 'minor exorcisms' - how did people feel about these? Did they use them? Most were put off by the title 'exorcism' - but after reflection on the goal of catechesis 'to put people not only in touch but in intimacy and communion with Christ' and a look at the prayers offered in the Rite (RCIA90-93 A-M) which are about clearing away what stops us coming close to Christ, people felt more confident, and were able to plan how they would introduce these.
Generally, when used in the context of parish catechesis for Christian initiation, the word 'exorcism' is not in the sense of 'psychic' or 'occult' (although there may be people coming to the Church via RCIA who have dabbled in such things, who will specifically benefit from the one prayer than mentions these by name - choice RCIA 94 B). It is more in the sense of awareness of the inner self, and the struggles we have with our own selfishness, and other 'debris' that gets in the way, impedes our journey and disables us from making good choices. Have a look, and you will find these prayers are about healing, protection, building hope, allaying fears and hesitancy, recognising the need for God's help with self-denial and re-orientation to Christ and His kingdom of freedom, justice, love and peace.
What is the purpose of the Rites in this period? Why bother?
It's pretty clear in the text: In participating in the liturgies (not 'talking about' or 'telling about - like a commentator at the Royal Wedding) and experiencing the liturgy with all our senses, this helps us to enter into the mystery of God-with-us, an encounter, where God is inviting us to be 'family' and share in the divine life of Christ - and this changes us! Participating in the liturgy seeks to ... 'implant the teachings they are receiving, to give instruction/experience in different ways of prayer, to immerse them in the signs and celebrations and seasons of the liturgy, which prepares them gradually to enter the worship assembly of the entire community'. (RCIA 82)
All agreed - our journey of conversion with the catechumens (adapted for candidates) is centred on a vital and convincing encounter with Christ - it happened on this day - through the gathering together, the Liturgies, the Gospel broken and shared, the blessings (RCIA 95-97) & anointing (RCIA 98-102).
What is your experience?
- Which of the Rites of the catechumenate period do you celebrate in your situation?
- What stops you celebrating them?
- What are the strengths of the experience of celebrating these rites?
Action
If you would like to have a study event similar to the one described above, please get in touch with the Convenor - slides/process can be made available for diocesan, deanery or parish use.
RCIA and THE ROSARY
I read recently of how every time we say the words ‘Hail Mary’ Our Lady’s heart leaps in joy. It is a lovely image and one that I like to conjure up during my day. The Hail Mary is such a simple prayer, and one that can lighten up one’s day, wherever you are. It is a great prayer for those involved in RCIA.
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 1st 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?
Welcoming the Newcomer
A Reflection on the Gospel for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
A few years ago while on a family holiday abroad my wife and I sought out a Catholic Church on Sunday morning. We eventually found the local parish Church and entered, we had arrived fairly early and so were prayerfully waiting for the next Mass to begin. A few minutes later a woman arrived looking rather disgruntled. Though there were only a handful of us in this rather large Church she made her way over to the exact pew in which we were sitting and headed straight for us. We didn’t speak the language but by her body language she made it very clear that my wife was sitting in her seat and so she squeezed herself as near to her normal seat as she could, squashing my wife and half sitting on her leg during the service. Needless to say, later in the Mass at the sign of peace, this lady was distinctly frosty!
As well as this personal experience some time ago I heard of a Church that was so effective at evangelisation and welcome that it was attracting significant numbers of new people to its congregation. As a result of this some of the more longstanding members of the congregation were beginning to feel left out and neglected claiming that the newcomers were getting all the attention at their expense- and they made this known in no uncertain terms to their priest!
In the Gospel passage given to us this Sunday Jesus addresses those who grumble against God’s welcome and generosity head on through the parable of the workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). He makes it clear that there is no preferential treatment for faithful service, no long service award. Rather he tells us quite explicitly that ‘the last will be first, and the first, last.’ This can challenge us and be a stark reminder that God’s way of thinking is so unlike ours, as the Word of God says through the prophet Isaiah ‘Yes, the heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts.’(Isaiah 55:9)
Fundamental to the RCIA process, to the life of the Kingdom and to our calling as Church is to be a people of welcome. The reality of this is costly. In our parish communities and on a personal level are we willing to embrace the cost of being a people of welcome? Are we willing, really willing, to be ‘last’ so that newcomers may be ‘first’?
Jesus tells us that at the last judgement he will welcome those who made him welcome in the stranger. The stranger can, among others, be the newcomer in our parish or in our RCIA group. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if their experience was one of unconditional welcome and support? Would each of them say of us and our parish communities:
‘I was a newcomer and you made me welcome’?
Action
- Reflect on the ministry of welcome in your parish.
- Reflect on how you offer welcome in and through your RCIA process. Consider asking people who have experienced RCIA with you if they felt welcomed and what helped them feel part of the community. Was there any part of their experience that made them feel alienated or unwelcome? What can you learn from their perspective and experience?
- Scripture instructs us to make hospitality our special care (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2). What are the practical aspects of hospitality you could develop further in your parish or RCIA group?