THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
Monika’s blog (Jan 18th ) was good at putting the faith journey into perspective. Yet how quickly do our own enquirers or catechumens move on from feelings of joy and wonder of the initial stirrings of faith, to feelings of the mundane.
This Sunday’s Gospel (3rd 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.
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 Last Week of Advent .. Christmas draws near!
In this last full week of Advent, we ask God to fill our hearts with love and lead us through these final days of reflection and preparation. 'Waiting in watchful hope' is a great image for all of us - catechumens, candidates, sponsors - the whole community, journeying together. Our liturgical prayers are full of cries that we may hear the advent voices and open our minds to the Spirit who prepares us for Christ's coming. The voices speak - both the book of Samuel and the Gospel for the 4th Sunday assure us 'the Lord is with you'... with us on all our 'expeditions'. St Paul prays 'Glory to him who is able to give you the strength to live according to the Good News.. Jesus Christ... the mystery now so clear that it must be broadcast everywhere'.. WIth Mary, we are both awestruck and encouraged. 'Nothing is impossible for God'... 'Let what you have said be done in me'. With open minds, open to the Spirit, each of these phrases can resonate with our own lives. The Liturgy of Advent, the Liturgy of Christmas has the power to gather us, pointing backwards and forwards, celebrating the mystery of God with us, drawing us into that mystery, shaping our belief and our response to life. As we meet up and share our lives with our families and friends, the effects of the liturgy will spill over and nourishes our relationships in ways we couldn't begin to put into words - way beyond the wonderful Christmas dinners we are going to have. It's all important! Let's look around, be aware, bring in those on the edges, and enjoy it - share it - all!
"Let us pray - as the family of God who share in his life.
Father in heaven, creator of all, you ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowned its goodness by creating the family of man. In history's moment when all was ready, you sent your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world. Teach us the sanctity of human love, shows us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all people, that we may share in your life forever. (ICEL 1998)
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.
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?
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)
Pentecost and beyond: living and sharing our life with God in the everyday!
God with us in every day relationships
How was it for you? Easter? Pentecost? Trinity Sunday?
Walking alongside our elect, we have trod the lenten path in preparation for sacraments of initiation at Easter. We have rejoiced with them in the Easter Vigil, and have lived and shared our faith with our new Catholic members throughout the 50-days of the Resurrection of the Lord. We havecontinued with joy through Pentecost, and yesterday, with the feast of the Most Holy Trinity we again gathered together as a parish community, Body of Christ, to know, celebrate and experience how much God loves us. I was very struck by the Opening Prayer yesterday - in the current 1973 Missal translation: '
Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to worship you, one God in three Persons, by proclaiming and living our faith in you.
The 1998 Icel text, also in our current missals as an alternative opening prayer reads:
God, we praise you. Father all-powerful, Christ Lord and Saviour, Spirit of love. You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and your love. One God, three Persons, be near to the people formed in your image, close to the world your love brings to life.
In the first Reading God proclaims Godself to be 'a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.' In the second reading we are exorted to 'try to grow perfect, help one another, be united, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.' In the Gospel 'God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.'
If we are praying these texts, opening our hearts and lives, they will have an impact - they will renew us and shape us, and be the lens through which we see the world and respond to people and events in the ordinary every-day of life. Every moment, bidden or unbidden, God is with us, revealing Godself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in the Divine Life and Love. Wow! It's all a mind-blowing mystery. We are made new! We dont have to react in the same old way when the wrong buttons are pushed. We can see things differently, we can take the long view. Summer is a great time to allow this renewal to get into our bones - like vitamin D from sunshine, we need it. In quietly reflecting on our experience of the liturgy - what did I hear? What did I see? What did I sense? What did I touch? - we will find ourselves living it! Yes, the Lord is with you! The words and actions of the liturgy reflecting our relationship and sharing in the life of God, are echoed in the actions and words of daily events, daily encounters with others. As St Benedict use to say when he encoutered an old friend 'It is Easter indeed!'
Action?
Tune in and be consciously aware more often during the day - to the Word and the Spirit at work in YOU, achieving so much more than you can ask or imagine!
Look out and see just how close God is to the world his love brings to life.
In your journeys to and fro, God direct you. In your happiness and pleasure, God bless you. In care, anxiety, or trouble, God sustain you. In peril and in danger, God protect you. (Archbishop Timothy Olufsen, 1918-1992, Nigeria)