News and Resources for RCIA Team Members
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What's in this edition?
The Catechumenate
- what to do with our catechumens?
Liturgical Catechesis
and its use with initiatory catechesis
Liturgical Year Resources to Consider
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The instruction that the catechumens receive during this period should be of a kind that while presenting Catholic teaching in its entirety also enlightens faith, directs the heart toward God, fosters participation in the liturgy, inspires apostolic activity, and nurtures a life completely in accord with the spirit of Christ.
(RCIA, 78)
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The last edition of the RCIA Newsletter focused on the Rite of Acceptance, the liturgical celebration that moves a seeker from "inquirer" to "catechumen." If you missed that edition, you can view it
here
.
Next, the catechumens, both children and adults, enter the catechumenate which is an extended period of "pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian Life." (RCIA, 75)
This involves several components (
emphasis added)
:
- Catechesis that is "gradual and complete ... accommodated to the liturgical year." (RCIA, 75.1)
- Aided by sponsors and the whole community who model a "Christian way of life" including "turning more readily to God in prayer, to bear witness to the faith," learning to discern God's presence in their lives so as to live in the hope of Christ and to "practice love of neighbor....Thus formed, the newly converted set out on a spiritual journey." (RCIA, 75.2)
- This journey is supported by the Church through its liturgical rites: dismissal, minor exorcisms, blessings, celebrations of the liturgy of the Word, and anointing. (RCIA, 75.3 & 79)
- Enter into the apostolic life of the Church and spreading the Gospel. (RCIA, 75.4)
Looking at this list it is clear that a proper catechumenate can not occur only in a classroom environment with a primary emphasis on doctrinal teaching. The faith must be experienced to take root in the lives of the catechumens and this happens mostly in the life of the parish community and through our liturgical celebrations.
Share with us
some of your favorite formative moments with your catechumens!
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The Liturgical Year and the RCIA
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A benefit of studying religious education at CUA in the mid-1990's was the opportunity to work closely with Sr. Kate Dooley, OP, (
1933-2015
). A noted educator and theologian of the post-Vatican II Church, she pioneered the relationship between liturgy and catechesis; showing them integral to all sacramental formation.
In 1994, the Catechism of the Catholic Church writes:
Liturgical catechesis aims to initiate people into the mystery of Christ ... by proceeding from the visible to the invisible, from the sign to the thing signified, from the 'sacraments' to the 'mysteries.'(CCC, 1075)
Liturgical catechesis is a natural part of initiation catechesis. Trusting in the paschal mystery, as it is revealed and experienced throughout the liturgical year, is a great "resource" for RCIA.
Not convinced the liturgical year can provide your catechumens with the catechesis called for in RCIA 75.1 above? Check out this chart created by Sr. Sandra DeMasi showing what can be
learned
while following the liturgical calendar.
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Resources to Support Liturgical Catechesis
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Apprentices in Faith
Lectionary based program for Adults by RCL-Benziger.
Fully digital. Contains dismissal outlines and session content for each liturgical year. Child/Youth version available as well.
Click
to learn more.
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Friends on the Way
Lectionary based, liturgical catechesis for use with Children seeking full initiation. Fully digital. Training video. More information and sample lessons available
here
.
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Faith Life and Creed
Lectionary based program for adults. Fully digital. Contains dismissal and catechetical session plans. Includes training videos on how to use the materials. Click
here
for information and a free sample.
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Companion to the Calendar: A guide to the Saints, Seasons and Holidays of the Year
Multiple Authors
Your guide to the Catholic observances of the liturgical seasons and times, the saints, and popular devotions. Great for catechists working with all age groups. Order from LTP by clicking
here
.
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Your Parish is the Curriculum
Book by Diana Macalintal
Read how to implement a year round initiation process in your parish by taking RCIA out of the classroom and into the life, worship and ministry of the parish. Think differently about the catechumenate.
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Liturgical Year Calendars
Check out this one from Pflaum. It comes in an affordable packaging so that each family can have one at home. Available in Spanish, too. Click
here
.
The Year of Grace
A laminated calendar from Liturgy Training Publications, can be found
here
.
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Have a favorite resource or a new video you love? Share it with others in this newsletter by sending to rcia@richmonddiocese.org.
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Share the Joy of Ministry
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Send me your favorite photos in RCIA ministry: period of pre-evangelization, retreats, prayer, service projects, celebration of the Rite of Acceptance, etc.
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RCIA Process, Formation, Preparation, Children's Initiation, and more - Contact Sheri Kemp, 804-622-5113,
skemp@richmonddiocese.org
Marriage or Annulment Questions? Contact the Office of the Tribunal at 804-355-9155
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