We are looking at Enquiry and evangelisation through the lens of the parish team.  So what does it mean to have a period of 'no fixed duration' - that sounds a bit scary for a start.  No structure either?  Help!  Well, if that is what the Rite says (which it does!), then how do we  as a parish community, and specifically, the RCIA team, approach this period, further described as 'an opportunity for the beginnings of faith' and 'introduction to gospel values'.    What are the principles? 

• How do we respond to the different needs of the variety of people who cross the threshold - and it isnt 'show them the DVD' or tell them 'come back in September'!?  
• How can we have an 'open door' whatever time of year they come?  
• How do we listen to, affirm and encourage  the enquirers as they tentatively share their amazing stories of faith in embryo?
• The 'door' of faith for them might have been opened by an encounter at the school gate, the hospital, the workplace, the friend's house - and vitally, how do we allow these stories  to add fuel to the fire of our own faith journey? 

Truly, we become who we say we are when we are evangelising, through the witness both of our community and individuals lives.   This July conference is a real opportunity to come and reflect on what we mean by the doors of faith being always open (Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei), and share together how the grace of the Holy Spirit is powerfully at work through the catechumenal journey.

To further entice, we have workshops from:

•  the Liverpool Archdiocese on their new resource for Baptism, based on the RCIA journey
• a Director of  Pastoral Formation considers how to work an effective RCIA in a group of parishes
• a London-based priest speaks of his experience with 1st Holy Communion parents and Enquiry
• the Spirituality Advisor from Hexham & Newcastle shares wisdom on prayer in the period of Enquiry
• and the Home Mission Desk come to talk about 'Porta Fidei' and evangelisation.

HURRY!

Places limited, but we do want you to come!  See website front page for booking form.

Well it is so much easier for our neophytes and new catholics. After the joy of easter comes mystagogy. Here are some tips for busy catechists.

• Tip     Think short and long-term. You’ve got two distinct periods

The initial period of mystagogy until Pentecost, and

the longer period marked by the anniversary of their baptism.

• Tip     Read  RCIA 234-240, make a list of what goes into the  2 periods.

What do you want to concentrate on in the short-term.

The good news is that even if you have found that mystagogy has suddenly caught up with you and you feel totally unprepared, don’t worry  because you still have time  until Pentecost.

Your new catholics are still in the spring of their awakening.

• Tip   Use the resources you already have- involve the whole community.

The community joins with the neophyte in this period – recalling the importance of their own baptism. How do they recognise the new catholics.

Refer to them in the newsletter. Have photos of them. Let the rest of the community know something about them.

Perhaps have the new catholics sit together in Mass, or in a special row with their catechists and Godparents. If they were given a baptismal shawl, have them wear it.

Ask your clergy to remember the neophytes in his homily, when he opens up the easter scriptures.

Ask the community to pray for your new catholics; within the bidding prayers, in prayer groups and by individuals and families.

• Tip  Be flexible and discerning as you help the neophyte make the paschal mystery a part of their daily life.

Like the newly baptised eunuch the neophytes need time to explore and reflect on what they have experienced in the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation.

Ensure they are invited to any parish talks, mini retreats, small groups, discussion groups, prayer groups. Give them an invitation to join in charitable and social action groups. But don’t overwhelm them with tasks. Include some structured quiet time, in a chapel, before the Blessed Sacrament.

• Tip The new catholics may well have their own idea of what they can bring to the community.

Have a listening ear and be supportive and take lots of photos to recall this time.

Happy Easter

.

I am always interested how liturgical texts come off the page and draw meaning from the celebration of the liturgy. This year I was struck by the psalm responses. I imagined them as a dialogue between the person preparing for baptism and the gathered Church.

• Send forth your spirit, O Lord,
  and renew the face of the earth.
• The Lord fills the earth with his love.
• Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
• I will sing to the Lord, glorious his triumph!
• I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.
• With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
• You have the message of eternal life, O Lord
• Like the deer that yearns for running streams,
  so my soul is yearning for you, my God.
• A pure heart create for me, O God.
• Alleluia!

When you meet with your neophytes to reflect on the experience and meaning of the Vigil and their baptism - to do mystagogy - one way might be to have these responses on separate pieces of paper and invite people to choose first  one which expresses how they felt before baptism and then how they felt afterwards.

George was therefore, accepted into the Order of Catechumens and sent forth to meet the Bishop for the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. Circumstances did not permit the longer period for Dismissal, (also a feature of our parish - but not done routinely in every parish) to break open the Word of God and the homily; had he become a catechumen in Advent. Nevertheless, George welcomed the experience and the opportunity to discuss the scriptures with other catechists over the four weeks of Lent and the Scrutiny on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent.

The parish then had an unexpected request to manage. Our parish priest had a request from a work place Chaplain to receive someone at Easter, whom, he had been preparing but lived in the parish. The priest vouched for the lady’s readiness to be received into the Church and so, Janet was included in the third scrutiny and together with George, was presented with the Creed. At the Communion Rite, they were invited to join the parish priest at the altar, were presented with the Our Father and joined the community in saying the prayer Jesus himself taught us. Having stayed for the whole Mass, they came up for a blessing in the Communion procession.

The RCIA liturgies are a great witness to the parish community, albeit at one Mass only, that in our secular world people are still coming forward to join the Catholic Church. In our Diocese alone, 350 people will become new Catholics this Easter.

Later this year we will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Vatican II and the restoration of this 4^th century treasurer, by the Council Fathers. We go to lengths to advertise the RCIA Journey in Faith in our parish, but yet Janet could have missed weekly mentions in the newsletter. I am sad however, to have to conclude that priests still prepare people using the pre-Vatican II model, and not refer them to their parishes.

This situation highlights the need for catechists to be flexible and prepared to deal with all eventualities.

I am proud of our Easter Vigil which will be prayerful and awe-inspiring, but most of all, memorable for both George and Janet; not forgetting the whole parish family. We will rejoice with two new members of the Body of Christ; washed in the Easter waters, sealed by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Body and Blood of the Risen Lord, ready for the “Unfolding of the Mysteries” for the rest of their lives.

Details about this year's Conference can be found under Events - where you will also be able to download a Booking Form.

We try for every Conference to offer an attractive 'early bird' discount as it is both helpful to parish teams and also means we have a better idea of numbers for the Conference. If you haven't checked the difference in price is £40.

If you want to take advantage of the offer I need to receive your booking form by the end of this week but to encourage you to book:

• any forms received by Monday will be included.
• if you know you are coming but are not yet able to send in the form - send me an email (Martin dot Foster at cbcew.org.uk) and I will reserve your place at the early-bird price.

 There they are tucked away in the Period of  Purification And Enlightenment - quite a big section, but somehow they still manage to catch us out. This is where RCIA catechists need  a good rapport with Father:

• Dust off his edition of the Rite, tag the pages and talk it through;
• which Sunday mass will it be? Which texts will be used. It is easy in Year A, but are you going to repeat all the Year A readings in Year B, or just the Gospel?
• Is Father going to rely on his homily and introduction to catechise the Assembly about the rite, or is there support and back up in the newsletter, notice board, photos of the elect, an outline of the RCIA process?

Catechists will already have discussed with the elect and candidates the different rites they will be experiencing during this period: necessary if you combine the already baptised and the not yet baptised in RCIA sessions, but the distinction isn't always apparent to the community. If you have prepared your community and candidates  then why not for this period have assigned seats for the two groups, where they can sit distinct yet apart. If you start a little way back, you can move them to the front at the Vigil and then for the Easter season.

• This is probably the one rite where having  just one elect, works well.There can be a tendency when there is a group to want to continue with 'catechesis', whereas this is the time for                                                                                                                                                         ' more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more in interior reflection than in                                                           catechetical instruction...'RCIA 126.

Having the scrutinies for 3 sunday masses means you can  read the rite in between, reflect and re-evaluate and if necessary amend your practice. It is so new to the assembly that they won't notice, but when the scrutinies work well it is an opportunity to explain more about RCIA and to interest potential new helpers.

How to evaluate? Well what seemed difficult and a bit alien to the 21st century culture, will over the 3 weeks take seed in the heart of the elect as they look anew at their lives, uncovering what is weak, defective or sinful and become strong in their desire to follow Christ in the way he taught.

• The journey is one of progression through the Scrutinies.
• Choose carefully whether to use A or B [RCIA154-155]. This is when catechists need to pray for discernment, to know which is more appropriate for Father to pray over this particular elect.
• Consider  implementing the full rite with Dismissal [RCIA 156], or perhaps for the 3 rd Scrutiny and then until the Easter Vigil.

The weeks fly past and before you know it, you will be approaching Holy Week, with all the promise of Easter.

 On Saturday, February 25, 2012 Amigo Hall andSt George’sCathedral were alive with activity.  On that day people who are journeying through the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) gathered for a unique liturgy: the Rite of Election.

Presided by Archbishop Peter Smith, assisted by the Auxiliary Bishops, +John Hine, Kent Area and +Paul Hendricks, South West Area and Mgr Matthew Dickens, VG, the Archbishop welcomed and acknowledged those in attendance, recognising their commitment and desire to be in full communion with the Catholic Church.

The Rite of Election is not aMass.It is an opportunity for Archbishop Peter, on behalf of the whole church, to summon and therefore elect, those who are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which they will receive at Easter.  It is also a time when the Archbishop recognises the desire of those already baptised, to come into full communion within the Catholic Church.  Over the years we have seen the numbers at the Rite of Election fluctuate and grow.

These catechumens and candidates come to the Rite of Election through the parish process of RCIA, sometimes also known as Journey of Faith.  In these parishes people are welcomed to the RCIA where they will encounter communities of faith, acknowledge God’s action in their lives, respond to the rich values in the Gospels and prepare themselves to come to the sacraments at Easter.

The Book of the Elect is symbolically located in the Baptistery and those preparing for baptism, the catechumens, are invited to sign it.

For many of us Catholics who joined the Church carried in our mothers’ arms, how people become Catholics as adults can be a bit of a mystery.

Over 500 Candidates and Catechumens attended and we spoke to a few and asked them about their journey of faith.

Most of those spoken to had family members in the Church and had been attending Mass for quite some time. One of these was Lesley from St Cecilia’s,North Cheam. She has been coming to Mass for about 8 years as she is married to a Catholic who, because of shift work, relies on her to bring their daughter to church, but she said she ‘felt like a bit of an outsider’.  As her daughter was now preparing for her First Holy Communion, this caused her to discuss with some of her Catholic friends areas which she was interested in and this eventually led her to join the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in her parish. Lesley said her daughter feels really proud of her, and tells all her friends who think it’s really quite funny.

Tracey, who like Lesley, has a Catholic husband, spoke of how lovely it is to come to Mass as a family and how her joining the RCIA group has helped them discuss faith as a family.

Dwayne, whose wife is a Catholic, said how helpful and friendly the RCIA group had been and how it had helped him answer questions which he and some friends had about the Catholic faith. His wife added that she was also learning new things through their discussions.

Michael came with a group from Christ the King inWimbledon, including his fiancée who is a Catholic. He has been a Christian all his life but not a regular church-goer, maybe twice a year, but for the last three years had been attending the Catholic Church regularly. He always felt he would join the Church at some time, but shared that he was a bit concerned that a religious group like the RCIA would be ‘formal and maybe a bit stuffy’, but had found the discussions interesting and stimulating. Michael felt that his faith had deepened and that he could always pray for guidance. Michael was looking forward to the marriage preparation course and marrying in the Church as he and his fiancée both wanted to acknowledge God’s presence in their relationship.

Everyone we spoke to after the Rite of Election felt really uplifted and encouraged in the knowledge of being part of the wider diocesan group. Gwen spoke for many when she said, ‘it felt like coming home’.

The RCIA Co-ordinator of St Mary’s, Clapham sent comments from her group which included the following:

• They appreciated the amazing organisation and how smoothly it all went;
• It was really reassuring to see so may others on the same journey;
• Extraordinary;
• I've never seen such a huge church gathering;
• Wonderful music;
• Being called by name made me feel part of it, not a passive observer;
• It made me realise how near I am to the next stage of the journey.

We would like to thank all those who shared their story with us, only some of which are written about here. We wish them every blessing.

The Centre for Catholic Formation (formerly the Christian Education Centre) coordinates this Diocesan event in conjunction with the Chancery, Cathedral staff, the Diocesan Music Committee, the Deaf Chaplaincy and many volunteers.

Marie Mann,

Adult Formation Adviser, Centre for Catholic Formation, Tooting Bec.

Molly Styant,

Adult Formation Adviser, Centre for Catholic Formation, Tooting Bec

5 things we need to do as a parish team:

1. stay close to the elect in our care - listen to them, help them with 'interior reflection' (RCIA 126)and respond to their concerns/needs
2. prepare the liturgies carefully, including the scrutinies  and presentations- watch out for later blogs!
3. remain aware - in the liturgical catechesis, we are preparing the elect for Baptism
4. look at the  theme of repentance on the path of conversion to Christ - using those wonderful Gospels of Year A
5. Consider the vital importance  of the entire community sharing in the 'midwife' role, and find ways to enable full participation in the liturgies  -  we all deepen our encounter with Christ the Saviour (RCIA 126)

By the way... the baby was a boy, born that Sunday morning! 

For ourselves and those with whom we travel, blessings on the way!

On a little known but highly populated island the catholic church is steadily growing. It has a large laity and clergy collaboration. During the liturgical year, following the exuberance of Eastertime and in the quiet of Ordinary Time, the bishop and liturgy advisors, adult formation advisors and some key catechists gather to review the RCIA process and to plan ahead for the next year.

Following prayer  they open their English edition of the rite and one of them reads RCIA # 4 and 5.

After a period of quiet reflection they look at the Second step of the RCIA process and listen to # 105 -115. Following a period of reflection they discuss the extent to which they had adapted the process, whether the adaptations are still necessary and whether further adaptations are needed. Before making any decisions, they look at the rite itself and the roles and assertions by the different participants. A further period of quiet reflection follows.

They all agree it is a wonderful rite.

Then as part of their review, they look at their own carefully adapted rites. They relook at the combined rite in Appendix 1 of the USA edition of the Rite of Christian Initiation for the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates  # 547ff. This calls them to return to the English edition of the RCIA. After reading Appendix 1 #418-421, they are directed to #387, where they read through the Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, after which there is very lengthy silence.

The group agrees, though not unanimously, that they will reconsider the RCIA process throughout their diocese and particularly the implications and practicalities of separating catechumens from the already baptized seeking full communion with the catholic church.

I have a dream!

We often tend to separate out our struggle to be good and loving people in life , and anything to do with  'God' and 'faith' , perhaps seeing the latter in some far-removed, inaccessible realm, closed to us in our less-than-perfect lives.  But as you make this journey - in fact, as we all make this journey with one another - we come to realise and know from our experience that God is very intimately involved with every moment of our lives, present in love in action.  We as members of the Church are by no means perfect - but as members of the Church family, children of God,we know what it is to belong together and be loved, and we want to listen to you, and to walk with you on this journey and help you to come to know your own 'belonging' .  The Church offers a welcome and a pathway - we often call it 'the journey in faith'.  It takes place within the parish community.  But first things first - what can you do?   Here are some ideas:

• Talk to a Catholic friend or work colleague - ask them why they are a Catholic.   Perhaps, if you like, after these initial conversations, you may like to go to Church with them - and see what its like.
• Drop in to a church - either at a quiet moment, and just wander round, and sit peacefully.    Or, come to Mass - make yourself known to someone - and ask them to introduce you to the Parish Priest.
• Ring the Parish Priest and ask to come and see him for a chat.

What can you expect?

A warm welcome, and freedom to enquire!  A gradual process , in steps and stages- meeting you exactly where you are, listening to you and your questions, and sharing the Christian Gospel or 'good news' of Jesus Christ, and our particular way of following Him in the Catholic tradition - all taking place within the heart of the parish community.  The parish priest is the pastor and leader of the parish community, and he will be there to watch over and guide your journey.  A smaller group of parishioners, skilled in this role, will accompany you.   This process is called 'RCIA' or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and has its roots in the ancient practice of the early Church.  Dont be put off by the title.  It is a wonderful journey, full of humanity and compassion, going deeper into relationship with God and one another.

If you are not sure where to go, feel free to get in touch with the Network and we will help you with a local contact.