Diocesan RCIA Network

Transcription

1 SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Diocesan RCIA Network The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a journey that the catechumen undertakes at his/her own pace, not a program to be followed at a set rate. V O L U M E 1, I S S U E 4 RCIA Process Not Program M A R C H RCIA Program? No Way! How many mee ngs will we need to get through the book? When do we need to finish the book so our catechumen will be ready to be received into the Church next Easter? Have you and your team asked these ques ons? I m sure we all have at some me, especially if we are new to the R.C.I.A. But is this what is intended? If we read the introduc on to At Home with God s People (p.4) it tells us that this book is a helpful guide and tool.like all tools it is important to use this resource in an appropriate manner for the task at hand. It tells the catechumen that this is only one resource not the program to become a Catholic! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: RCIA Process Not Program Preparatory Rites of Holy Saturday Diagrams for RCIA and Sacramental Programs Correlation Between RCIA and Sacraments of Initiation for Children Conference RCIA 2013 RCIA Retreats The Challenge of Conversion: Transformed in Christ NOT the program to become a Catholic. The Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults tells us that the ini a on of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. (p.4) The rite of ini a on is suited to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the many forms of God s grace, the free coopera on of the individuals, the ac on of the Church, and the circumstances of me and place. (p.4) It doesn t say that the catechumens have to start at a certain me of the Church s year, and be ready within a few months to be received into the Church the following Easter. At the Australian Catechumenate Network na onal conference last year, Fr Tom Elich stressed that it is called RITE of Chris an Ini a on. Fr Elich spoke of the RCIA as being a rite which has no defined beginning (who can pinpoint when our catechumens start thinking about the Catholic Church?) and no end. It is an ongoing rite, with rituals along the way to mark the important steps of the journey the rite of acceptance into the Order of Catechumens; the Rite of Elec on; the celebra on of Sacraments of Ini a on being the rites marking the three major steps of progress. He referred to it as a Ritual Process. Sue Thomas, at the same conference, spoke of an on going catechumenate in which the word program is not part of the vocabulary. In describing what happens in her parish, Sue talked of the ways in which catechumens and candidates were accepted into the community, even par cipa ng in different groups in the Church, prior to ini a on/recep on into the Church. If we think of the four Pillars of the Catechumenate Word, Worship, Community, and Mission our catechumens should really be experiencing all aspects before they commit themselves to full communion with the Church. The Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults is a journey that the catechumen undertakes at his/ her own pace, not a program to be followed at a set rate. Michelle Griffin

2 PAGE 2 The choice and arrangement of these rites should be guided by what best suits the particular circumstances of the Elect. ( RCIA #173) Preparatory Rites of Holy Saturday Many parishes overlook these Preparatory Rites and instead schedule a rehearsal of the Easter Vigil rites of initiation. However, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults calls for the Elect to gather together on Holy Saturday in proximate preparation for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Elect are encouraged to refrain from their usual activities, spend their time in prayer and reflection, and, as far as they can, observe a fast. (RCIA #172) Certain rites of preparation are prescribed, and the choice and arrangement of these rites should be guided by what best suits the particular circumstances of the Elect. ( RCIA #173) The rites are exclusively for those who are preparing for baptism. If the group includes Candidates completing initiation at the Easter Vigil, their preparation may be enhanced by participation in the scripture reflection, sharing and common prayer that are part of the retreat experience. Godparents, sponsors, parishioners and Candidates may be invited to be present in support of the Elect who will be participating in the Preparation Rites. The Preparatory Rites may occur during the context of Morning Prayer or retreat and could include the Ephphetha rite, the recitation of the Creed, and an adaptation of the rite of choosing a baptismal name. The liturgy or retreat may be adapted according to the need in places where the presentation of the creed has not yet taken place, where the presentation of the Lord s Prayer has not taken place, or where the choosing of a baptismal name is an appropriate addition. See RCIA #173 for possible inclusions in the celebration. The Preparatory Rites are best celebrated in a suitable worship space other than the church, which is no doubt being prepared for the Vigil celebrations at the same time. The priest may preside but he is possibly involved in other tasks on Holy Saturday. In that instance a deacon or catechumenate leader could preside. DIOCESAN RCIA

3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE4 PAGE 3 Preparatory Rites of Holy Saturday (cont) Model for a Celebration of the Preparation Rites (R.C.I.A. # ) SONG: When the elect have gathered, the celebration begins with a suitable song. GREETING: After the singing, the celebrant greets the elect and any of the faithful who are present, using one of the greetings for Mass or other suitable words. READING OF THE WORD OF GOD: Where indicated in the particular rites, the reading of the word of God follows; the readings may be chosen from those suggested for each rite. If more than one reading is used, a suitable psalm or hymn may be sung between the readings. HOMILY: Where indicated in the particular rites, a brief homily or an explanation of the text follows the reading of the word of God. CELEBRATION OF THE RITES CHOSEN: See numbers CONCLUDING RITES: The celebration may be concluded with the prayer of blessing and dismissal given in numbers A Preparation Rites Retreat for the Elect on Holy Saturday written by Miriam Malone, SNJM, is available to download free from the TeamRCIA website: When, then, are the candidates for initiation prepared for the rites of the Easter Vigil? The simple answer is: they aren t. As Miriam Malone reminds us we are celebrating sacrament, a living encounter with the Risen One in liturgical form. That moment cannot and should not be rehearsed but fully experienced with all its sights, sounds, smells, touches, and tastes. We invite the candidates to trust the liturgy and enter into it fully, with the gentle assurance that the ministers, especially the godparents, and the community will be there to guide them. Anne Sheehan

4 PAGE 4 Diagrams for RCIA and Sacramental Programs

5 VOLUME 1, ISSUE4 PAGE 5

6 Correla on between RCIA and the Patricia Brady Model of Chris an Ini a on of School Aged Children Chris an Ini a on draws us into the Paschal Mystery, gives us inalienable kinship with Christ and the community that is Christ s Body. It also gives us a share in Christ s mission which is to make God s dream a reality. Life, death and resurrec on of Jesus Christ BAPTISM makes us Chris an. Ascension in glory to God and fulfilment of promise to send the Spirit (Pentecost) CONFIRMATION strengthens us with the gi of the Holy Spirit. Passover to the Eternal banquet feast of the Kingdom Reign of God EUCHARIST makes us Church and draws us deeper and deeper into the mystery AND mission of Christ. The Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults (RCIA) Part 2.1 informs all that we do in the ini a on of children. Liturgical Year RCIA Rite of Chris an Ini a on for Adults The Rite has four periods or stages of no fixed length and the movement from one stage to another is marked by a series of rites. Chris an Ini a on of School Aged Children Bap sed and non bap sed While we do not name these stage and rites when preparing bap sed children the process has much to offer our prac ce of ini a ng bap sed children and can be adapted to create meaningful experiences for children and families preparing for the comple on of ini a on through Confirma on and First Communion. RCIA Part 2.1 is intended for children not bap sed as infants, who have a ained the age of reason and are of cateche cal age. #242 Period of Evangelisa on and Pre Catechumenate The process begins ideally soon a er Pentecost in Ordinary Time. This is a me, of no fixed dura on or structure, for inquiry and introduc on to gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith. informa on session interviews Ritual of Remembering Bap sm marks the beginning of the journey of prepara on and is celebrated as soon as possible a er the informa on session and interview have been completed Children who have not been bap sed as infants would not par cipate in this ritual but could be presented as inquirers if they and their families so choose. parent sessions A & B family sessions A & B interac ve par cipa on in parish community life Liturgy of the Word with children home ac vi es

7 Correla on between RCIA and the Patricia Brady Model of Chris an Ini a on of School Aged Children (cont) First Step: Rite of Acceptance into the order of Catechumens Period of the Catechumenate Liturgical Year Mid Ordinary Time Advent RCIA Rite of Chris an Ini a on for Adults This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual date or dates, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their inten on to respond to God s call to follow the way of Christ. Advent to Lent This is the me, in dura on corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens faith and conversion to God; celebra ons of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process. Chris an Ini a on of School Aged Children Bap sed and non bap sed M A R C H Ritual of Belonging celebrated at the beginning of Advent and focuses on the community and the support it promises Children who have not been bap sed would celebrate the Rite of Acceptance at this me RCIA# Life in the Spirit workshop par cipa on in parish community life Liturgy of the Word on going throughout the cycle home ac vi es Second Step: Elec on or Enrolment of Names Lent This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent, by which the church formally ra fies the catechumens readiness for the sacraments of ini a on and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments. ritual of choosing celebrated at the beginning of Lent marks the decision by child and family to enter into final stage of prepara on towards celebra ng the sacraments of confirma on/eucharist during the Easter season parent session C family session C celebrate reconcilia on children who have not been bap sed would celebrate the Peniten al Rites (Scru nies) at this me (RCIA ### ) The Peniten al Rites could also be the se ng for the First Reconcilia on celebra on for bap sed children (RCIA #279) In this case Peniten al rites would not be celebrated with the Mass.

8 Correla on between RCIA and the Patricia Brady Model of Chris an Ini a on of School Aged Children (cont) Liturgical Year RCIA Rite of Chris an Ini a on for Adults Chris an Ini a on of School Aged Children Bap sed and non bap sed Period of Purifica on and Enlightenment Lent This is the me immediately preceding the elects ini a on, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebra on of this ini a on at the Easter vigil; it is a me of reflec on, intensely centred on conversion, marked by celebra on of the scru nies and presenta ons and of the prepara ons rites on Holy Saturday. home ac vi es Third Step: Celebra on of The Sacraments of Ini a on Easter Vigil Easter Season This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter vigil, by which the elect are ini ated through bap sm, confirma on, and the Eucharist. family retreat children comple ng their ini a on celebrate confirma on and Eucharist during the Easter season The sacraments of ini a on for non bap sed children are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Period of Postbap smal Catechesis or Mystagogy Easter Season This is the me, usually the Easter season, following the celebra on of ini a on, during which the newly ini ated experience being fully a part of the Chris an community by means of both per nent catechesis and par cularly by par cipa on with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharis c celebra on. Ritual of Commissioning celebrated at Pentecost reminds children, their families, the neophytes and en re community that bap sm (full ini a on) calls each of us to go out and proclaim the Gospel by the way they live their lives in the world. This ritual calls for ongoing commitment to the Word celebrated each Sunday. Note: Parishes may adapt the model to suit the needs of their community. More informa on on the ini a on of children may be found in Appendix 10: Rites for Par cular Circumstances of our diocesan resource Drawn Into the Mystery of God s Love.

9 Conference RCIA 2013 RCIA CONFERENCE AUGUST 2013 TOPIC - EMBRACING THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION PRESENTER SUE THOMAS PASTORAL ASSOCIATE SURFERS PARADISE On August 2013 the Diocese of Rockhampton will offer a conference for RCIA team members and Sacraments Teams who are embarking on a new journey. The Conference is titled Embracing the Sacraments of Initiation The guest presenter Sue Thomas Pastoral Associate Surfers Paradise will engage in a conversation about the ongoing Catechumenate. She will explore issues including 1. Why an ongoing, year round catechumenate is important in your parish 2. What we mean when we say year round 3. What does this look like a year round process? 4. What the long-term implications are if parishes take up the challenge! 5. How pastoral formation and guidance, training in the Christian life in four ways: (i) Catechesis (Word and Tradition) (ii) Formation in and By the Community (iii) Liturgical Formation (iv) Formation in the Apostolic Life (Mission) 6. Other points of interest: there is no beginning and no ending Benefits of an Ongoing Process More effective evangelization to those who are seeking Jesus Full exposure to the catechetical power of the liturgical year More opportunities for discernment Greater involvement of the community

10 PAGE 10 Diocesan Co-ordinator: Marg Hallinan Phone: Mobile: Diocesan RCIA Policy Statement The Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.) is the norm by which unbaptised persons are initiated and welcomed into the Catholic Church. RCIA Retreats The Challenge of Conversion: Transformed in Christ Par cipa ng in a retreat takes us away from the distrac ons of everyday living and gives us an opportunity to listen to God speaking to us in the silence. Some mes, we can feel uncomfortable in the silence and so we need to prepare our catechumens and candidates so that they find this quiet me a welcome experience. Every single person in any given Catechumenate is different and a retreat allows me to explore the Catholic faith and be open to God s grace at this me. The truth is, that God has so much he wants to give to an individual that me alone allows the goodness of God to be embedded within the fabric of their lives. Choosing the environment preferably somewhere quiet with lots of space make it safe a comfortable place where par cipants will feel at home. Choosing the topic Is there a subject you haven t covered in your mee ngs? Is someone preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconcilia on? Will a priest be available that day? Does a par cipant have a special need that should be discussed? Will we use reflec on? Reflec on is an everyday process. There are various styles of reflec on. Candidates and catechumenate are all different and to take me out from the ordinary allows the individual to face God and themselves. Ques ons that may be useful. I.How did it go? How do I feel about it? II.What went well? Why? III.What was not so good? Why? IV.What do I need to reflect more about on my journey? Retreats or reflec on days allow individuals to get me away, in order to focus. Jesus himself retreated: got away to focus, to refresh, to hear God speak, to rest. Christ called his disciples away with him to teach them, to encourage them and to comission them. Therefore going apart to spend me to rest for a while can lead to many rich experiences with the Lord as candidates as Catechumenates con nue their journey. (Also see Appendix 8 Diocesan RCIA document Drawn into the mystery of God s Love) Margaret Hallinan