Catholic Diocese of Richmond / Office of Christian Formation / RCIA Newsletter August 2020
RCIA Training Comes to You!
For the past several years, about 80 of us have gathered at Roslyn for an RCIA retreat or training the first weekend of August. As with many other events in 2020, this was cancelled. But the need to offer training for both our English speaking and Spanish speaking RCIA Teams this year is still present. Thankfully, our event leaders from Liturgical Training Publications have years of experience providing virtual formation as well as in-person; so the training will continue!

While we mourn the loss of gathering and praying and being in fellowship together, this year the training is accessible to all and is much more affordable, by nature of it being virtual and subsidies from our Annual Diocesan Appeal. Plus, there are a variety of options to fit your formation needs.

So ... take the time to look below and select the one that is best for you. I know it means more time behind a computer screen, but it will ultimately make you more effective in your ministry; gathered face-to-face or virtually.

Blessings and health to you and your loved ones,
Sheri
Training Options
These two options from LTP are for new or "never-really-been-trained" RCIA Leaders and Team Members. Both the English and the Spanish options are multiple sessions that walk you through the whole RCIA process and explore the four periods to make you more informed about your ministry. These courses are being subsidized and cost $35 (instead of $150).
The Essentials of Christian Initiation
Tuesdays, Sept. 22 - Oct. 27
7:00 - 8:30 PM, online

If you do RCIA ministry and have never taken an overview course of the whole process, now is your chance!!
This six-week, online course provides an introduction to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and serves as a foundation to implementing the vision of Christian initiation ministry.

Click here for the flyer for more information. Cost $35.
Registration closes Sept. 18.
The Vision of the RCIA and the Role of the Family
Wednesdays, Sept. 23 - Oct. 7
7:00 - 8:30 PM, online

For all serving in RCIA and Sacramental Prep Ministries in parishes with Spanish-speaking families.

This training will be presented in three, virtual workshops, and provides an overview of the RCIA process and its four periods. The two presenters will include an emphasis on the unique needs of Spanish-speaking families.

Workshop will be taught in Spanish.

Email Daniel Villar in OEM for more information. Cost is $35.
Registration closes Sept. 18.

Not new to RCIA Ministry but are looking for a refresher or the opportunity to hone your skills? Take a look at these affordable options, all in English:
Skills Training for Initiation Catechists

Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Oct. 14
7:30 - 8:30PM

These four virtual workshops provide insight into the need for a fourfold approach to catechumenal formation and offer practical ways to include LTP resources: whether your RCIA gatherings are conducted in-person or virtually. Cost $30 total.

Special Diocesan Offer
Sign up for the workshop series, and order the Initiation Catechist Toolkit at the same time, and we will reimburse each parish for ONE toolkit. That is a $100 savings! We want you to have the resources available to assist you in ministry. Just forward Sheri Kemp your "proof of purchases" and we will send your parish a refund.

Upcoming LTP Conversations

Click HERE for full listing and register directly with LTP. Most are FREE.

Using Technology in Catechumenal Ministry - 8/26

The Period of the Precatchumenate during These Uncertain Times - 9/9

Assessing Our Parish Sacramental Celebrations - 9/30

Re-envisioning the Role of the RCIA Team - 10/8

The RCIA Adapted for Children - 10/13

Also, weekly sessions on breaking open the Sunday Gospel.

Team Leaders - Do you want to do a six-week course on Recruiting, Training, and Ministry of your RCIA Team in mid-October? Contact Sheri Kemp for options. Learn more HERE.

Other Resources
Good article on successes and surprises of doing virtual formation.

As always, TeamRCIA continues to offer relevant training through their website. Make sure you subscribe to their newsletter and check out the Video Marathon starting on August 24:

In this free video training series, you’ll learn five steps to move your parish to an ongoing initiation process. Register HERE.
Step 1: Identify the Urgent Need for Year-Round RCIA
Step 2: Create Your Dream Team to Implement Year-Round RCIA
Step 3: Develop a Strategy for Year-Round RCIA
Step 4: Communicate Your Vision for Year-Round RCIA
Step 5: Smash the Barriers to Your Year-Round RCIA
RCIA Questions?
RCIA Process, Formation, Preparation, Children's Initiation, and more - Contact Sheri Kemp, 804-622-5113, rcia@richmonddiocese.org

Liturgical Questions? Contact the Office of Worship at 804-622-5235, worship@richmonddiocese.org

Marriage or Annulment Questions? Contact the Office of the Tribunal at 804-355-9155