Leader s Guide. Expanded Edition A REDEMPTORIST PASTORAL PUBLICATION

Transcription

1 Leader s Guide Expanded Edition A REDEMPTORIST PASTORAL PUBLICATION

2 Imprimi Potest: Thomas F. Picton, C.Ss.R. Provincial, Denver Province The Redemptorists Imprimatur: Most Reverend Robert J. Hermann Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of St. Louis Copyright 2005, 2006 Liguori Publications ISBN Printed in the United States of America / All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted without the written permission of Liguori Publications. Compliant with the Roman Missal, Third Edition. Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Excerpts from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America, copyright 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. Liguori Publications, a nonprofit corporation, is an apostolate of the Redemptorists. To learn more about the Redemptorists, visit Redemptorists.com. The session outlines in this volume were written by Debbie Repp. To order, call or visit

3 CONTENTS FOR YOU, THE CATECHIST Welcome to Journey of Faith...5 AN OVERVIEW OF THE RCIA The Historical Development...7 The Process...8 Inquiry or Precatechumenate...8 Catechumenate...8 Purification and Enlightenment...8 Mystagogy...9 The RCIA Process and the Community...9 The Rites Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens...9 Rituals of the Catechumenate Rite of Election Rites of the Scrutinies Rites of Preparation Rites of Initiation HOW TO USE JOURNEY OF FAITH Scholastic or Ongoing Catechumenal Model Adaptation and Method Practical Suggestions Before the Session Beginning and Conducting the Session INQUIRY Q1. Your Journey of Faith Q2. What Do Catholics Believe? Q3. What Is the Meaning of the Mass? Q4. The Bible...20 Q5. How Do Catholics Interpret the Bible? Q6. The Saints...22 Q7. Mary Q8. Places in the Catholic Church Q9. Who s Who in the Church Q10. Catholics and Prayer...26 Q11. Catholic Practices Q12. Catholics and Church...28 CATECHUMENATE C1. The Sacraments C2. The Sacrament of Baptism...30 C3. The Sacrament of Confirmation C4. The Sacrament of the Eucharist C5. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation C6. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick...34 C7. The Sacrament of Marriage C8. The Sacrament of Holy Orders...36 C9. The People of God C10. Who Is Jesus Christ? C11. The Early Church C12. History of the Church...40 C13. Christian Moral Living C14. Social Justice...42 C15. The Consistent Life Ethic...43 C16. The Dignity of Life

4 LENT L1. What Is Lent?...45 L2. Saying Yes to Jesus...46 L3. Take a Look L4. The Nicene Creed...48 L5. The Way of the Cross...49 L6. The Lord s Prayer...50 L7. The Meaning of Holy Week L8. Catechumenate Retreat Day MYSTAGOGY M1. Conversion: A Lifelong Process M2. The Laity: Called to Build God s Kingdom...54 M3. Your Special Gifts M4. Family Life...56 M5. Your Prayer Life M6. Discernment M7. Holiness M8. Evangelization

5 FOR YOU, THE CATECHIST Welcome to Journey of Faith Liguori Publications is pleased to present a wholly revised edition of Journey of Faith. Since it first appeared in 1993, Journey of Faith has established itself as a trusted, best-selling RCIA resource. Now, as the Catholic Church in the U.S. has taken on the challenges and graces of the twenty-first century, Journey of Faith has been redesigned to help you meet the needs of present-day adults who are inquiring and seeking initiation into the Catholic Church, ever ancient, ever new. By adding this Leader s Guide, Journey of Faith has become even more user-friendly for catechists and team leaders. The Word into Life volumes have been reorganized to focus more cohesively on the Lectionary-based Sunday sessions, and the forty-four catechetical handouts have all been updated in text and design. All the materials are referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and have been granted an imprimatur from the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Unbaptized children over the age of seven are to be considered catechumens. For them, and for baptized children and/or adolescents, Liguori offers Journey of Faith for Children and Journey of Faith for Teens. With the exception of the three The Word into Life volumes, all levels of Journey of Faith are available in Spanish as well. We hope you will find using the revised Journey of Faith as enjoyable and engaging as it has been for us to make it available to you. The editors 5

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7 AN OVERVIEW OF THE RCIA The Historical Development The decision to become a member of the early Christian community was laden with serious implications. Becoming Christian meant a break with one s background and often required fracturing relationships with the non-christian members of one s family. In many cases this decision meant a willingness to suffer persecution even unto death as seen in the example of the martyrs Perpetua and Felicity. Perpetua, who was a noblewoman of Carthage and mother of an infant son, and Felicity, who was a pregnant slave woman, both refused to denounce Christianity and were subsequently beheaded during the public games in the amphitheater around A.D As the decision to become a Christian was not lightly made, neither was the formation process quick and easy. Catechumens unbaptized persons in the process of preparing for baptism were invited into a step-by-step journey of three or more years with the community before full membership was achieved. During this process they were expected not only to begin to accept Christian beliefs but also to begin to live the Christian life. The community shared their faith with the catechumens and celebrated each step along the journey with them. One period of this preparation has remained with the Church throughout the centuries, and that is the season of Lent. Originally this time was one of immediate preparation for the catechumens baptism, which was celebrated at the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday. During Lent, the entire Christian community, most especially the catechumens, devoted themselves to prayer, fasting, and self-scrutiny. For those already baptized, it was a time to remember and renew their original baptismal commitment. Following the Lenten preparation, the Church celebrated the solemn Easter Vigil, during which the catechumens now called elect received the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist) and were welcomed into the community. As a rule, this initiation was celebrated at the Easter Vigil only. Formation of the newly baptized Christians did not end with the rites of Holy Saturday night, however, but continued with further instruction and the daily living out of Christian values. This ancient process began to change in the fourth century when periodic persecution of Christians was replaced by tolerance. Because of the favor shown to it by many of the emperors, Christianity actually became fashionable, and many people began entering the catechumenate for social and political reasons. As a result, the pattern and standards for formation were gradually weakened to the point where, by the fifth century, the sacraments of initiation were separated into the three specific rites we know as baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. Infant baptism soon became the norm, and the catechumenate vanished. The Church published the first Roman Catechism in 1566, following the Council of Trent. This book of teachings was presented in question-and-answer form and was used for instruction of the faithful. Such catechisms later became the foundation for what came to be called convert classes. Using a teacher-student model, the priest would meet with interested parties in order that they might memorize certain prayers and learn the material contained in the catechism. The duration of the process, the material to be covered, and the format were left to the priest or parish custom, with few outside directives given. Successful completion of these convert classes meant either baptism or formal reception into the Catholic Church. This event was usually celebrated in a private ceremony, with only close family in attendance. Those newly received into the Church would be confirmed by the bishop at the cathedral or they would receive the sacrament in their local parish whenever the bishop came to confirm the school children. Followup for the new Catholics, if any, might consist of being sent to a formal course in liturgy, Scripture, dogma, or morality. Following World War II, a call for a change in the formation of new Catholics came from the Church in Africa. They began to make use of the ancient form of 7

8 the catechumenate to modern situations in order to provide stability in formation and a period of time for faith to mature. The Second Vatican Council called for a thorough revision of all the rites (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 4), and a committee was formed that engaged in a formal study and revision of the methods leading to baptism or reception into the Catholic Church. This study resulted in promulgation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in Thus, the catechumenate was restored: a process of formation, sanctified by various liturgical rites that mark progress in the journey of faith and culminate in full membership in the Catholic Christian community. An integral part of the revision is that the whole process and its rites are to be celebrated with and in the context of the local parish community and diocese. The Process The catechumenate is rightly called a process, rather than a program, because it is a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to time, place, and individual needs of each catechumen or candidate. The process primarily focuses on faith development (rather than on a mastery of Church doctrine) and on maturing in one s relationship with God. In addition, the process nourishes the building of relationships, not only among catechumens, candidates, and catechists but the larger Christian community of the parish as well. Inquiry or Precatechumenate The first phase in the faith journey and thus in the rite is called inquiry or the precatechumenate. During this period inquirers have the opportunity to form relationships with one another and with their catechists. The sessions are informal and often center upon the life stories that have brought each member to this time and place. Questions such as What is faith? Who is God? Why does God care about me? are considered. There is also the opportunity to ask questions related to things Catholic : Why are there statues in Catholic churches? What is the role of Mary in the Church? How much power does the pope have in the Church? and so on. This is a time in which each inquirer can take a long and hard look at the Catholic Church and the ways in which its members worship together and live the Christian faith. First impressions of the parish community, and of all involved with the catechumenate process, are very important in this phrase. Its culmination is the inquirer s decision to enter the catechumenate, the period of formal preparation for entrance into full membership in the Catholic Church. Catechumenate The Rite of Becoming a Catechumen marks the end of the precatechumenate and the beginning of the catechumenate. At this point, the inquirers become catechumens (those preparing for baptism) or candidates (those already baptized but preparing for full membership in the Catholic Church). They publicly state their wish to continue the process of formation, and the community commits its prayerful support to this second step in the faith journey. Selected members of the parish community join the process to serve as sponsors. They act as companions and models of faith and lend personal support to the catechumens and candidates. During this phase of the process, catechesis usually takes place during the Sunday liturgy. The catechumens and candidates may be prayerfully sent away after the Prayers of the Faithful; the catechists, and sometimes the sponsors, join them in reflecting upon the readings for the day and in connecting the Scriptures to the faith life of the Church. The length of this part of formation is determined by the needs of the catechumen/candidate and of the community; it can last anywhere from several months to a couple of years. During this time, the catechumens and candidates not only learn Catholic beliefs, but they are exposed to various forms of prayer; they join the community in worship; they participate in the apostolic life of the Church; and they join in community actions. Purification and Enlightenment When the catechumens and candidates discern they are ready to make a formal request for the sacraments of initiation, and when the catechists and sponsors are ready to recommend them to the bishop and to the par- 8

9 ish community for full membership, the Rite of Election is celebrated. This celebration is held at the diocesan cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent. The Rite of Election marks the closure of the catechumenate and the beginning of the Period of Enlightenment, the time of immediate preparation for reception of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. The beginning of Lent signals a forty-day retreat in which the parish community joins the elect in preparation for the mysteries celebrated at the Easter Vigil. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, the Rites of the Scrutinies are celebrated during the liturgy. These rites are prayers of healing in which the elect, as well as the faithful, are reminded that everyone of us is in need of continued healing, conversion, and reconciliation. The sessions are marked by increased emphasis on prayer and the interior life rather than on accumulation of knowledge. Many parishes allow time during Lent for a day of prayer especially designed for the elect and their sponsors. Mystagogy The rites celebrated at the Easter Vigil do not mark the end of the RCIA process but the beginning of a commitment to a lifelong discovery and living out of the Christian message as lived in the Catholic Tradition. The fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are called the period of mystagogy, a Greek word meaning entering into the mysteries. In the early Church, the community used this time to explain the mysteries of the sacraments the catechumens had partaken in. This post-easter period serves as a time for today s neophytes (newly converted) to come to a deeper experiential understanding of God s word and the sacraments and to form a closer relationship with one another. The neophytes continue to gather to pray, and the sessions may center more on the apostolic or social justice aspects of Catholic Christianity. This might be a time to more fully introduce various service organizations of the parish, the parish council, the school board, the education commissions, and so forth. The newly received Catholics are invited to wholly participate in the life of the parish so that their faith may continue to be nourished by the modeling of other parishioners. The RCIA Process and the Community The RCIA process can provide a means of renewal for the entire parish community. It is a constant reminder of our roots, our heritage, and our traditions. Each beginning offers an opportunity for all to revisit their own journey of faith, an opportunity to share the life story of how God is with us, an opportunity to grow into a more mature relationship with God and with one another as community. When expressed through the life of the parish at large, the RCIA can facilitate a continuing conversion process in the life of the whole community, so that together the members may reflect more clearly the image of the reign of God in our midst. The Rites Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens This rite marks the first transition in one s journey of faith the move from being an interested inquirer to becoming a catechumen. (For candidates, see below.) The importance of this step in one s life is rightly recognized by the Church. Sponsors should have been chosen for all catechumens prior to this initial rite. If the catechumen does not have a particular person in mind to be sponsor, an appropriate person needs be selected from among a parish pool of volunteers. Symbolizing movement into the community, those asking to be received as catechumens, along with their sponsors, usually begin the journey at the doors of the church (see Rite 48). The celebrant introduces them to the worshiping community, who asks, What do you ask of the Church? They state their desire for initiation, implying their intent to live, learn, and love with the community. The sign of the cross is then marked on each forehead, symbolizing the love and strength of Christ that accompanies each person (see Rite 54-55). This sign of faith may also be marked on their ears, that they may hear the voice of the Lord; on their eyes, that they may see God s glory; on their lips, that they may respond to God s Word; on their heart, that Christ may 9

10 dwell there by faith; on their shoulders, that they may bear the gentle yoke of Christ; on their hands, that their work may witness Christ; and on their feet, that they may walk in Christ s way (see Rite 56). At the conclusion of the signing, catechumens and sponsors are formally invited to enter the church and to join in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word (see Rite 60). Following the readings and homily, it is recommended that the catechumens be called forward and presented with either a book of the gospels or a cross (see Rite 64). They then are specially included in the community s intercessory prayers before being formally dismissed from the assembly in order to pray and reflect upon the Scriptures (see Rite 65-67). If some of those seeking full communion in the Church are already baptized, they are to be called candidates and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church is to be used. (See Rite 507 and following, Appendix I, for integrating both candidates and catechumens into the introductory celebration rite.) Rituals of the Catechumenate Other liturgical rites should take place during the period of the catechumenate: celebrations of the word of God (see Rite 81-89); minor exorcisms (see Rite 90-93); blessings (see Rite 95-96); anointing (see Rite ); sending (see Rite ). These rites, although optional, are significant to the continuing faith development of both the catechumens/candidates and the parish community. Rite of Election The importance of this rite is accented by the fact that it is celebrated by the bishop (or bishop s representative), generally on the first Sunday of Lent. This rite marks another transition one duly noted by a change of title from catechumen to elect. The transition is also noted insofar as godparents have been chosen and approved beforehand. After all those requesting election have been presented to the bishop (see Rite 130) and approved by the entire people of God there present (see Rite 131), their names are inscribed in the Book of Enrollment (see Rite 132). Intercessory prayers and a special blessing for all the elect follow this sacred moment. Rites of the Scrutinies The First Scrutiny takes place on the third Sunday of Lent. Its focus is the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. After special intercessory prayers, the celebrant prays that the elect may be exorcized from the powers of sin (see Rite ). During the week that follows, the Presentation of the Creed should be formally made to the elect, preferably after the homily within Mass (see Rite ). The Second Scrutiny takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Its focus is the story of the man born blind. Again, after special intercessory prayers, the celebrant prays that the elect may be exorcized from the powers of sin (see Rite ). The fifth Sunday of Lent brings the Third Scrutiny. This Sunday focuses on the raising of Lazarus. Intercessory prayers from all the community and prayers of exorcism from the celebrant again follow (see Rite ). During the week after this rite, the Presentation of the Lord s Prayer should be formally made to the elect, preferably after the reading of the gospel of the Lord s Prayer according to Matthew. Following the homily, which centers on the meaning and importance of the Lord s Prayer, the celebrant calls on the worshiping community to silently pray for all the elect. Before their dismissal, the celebrant bestows a special blessing upon the elect (see Rite ). Rites of Preparation When it is possible to bring the elect together on Holy Saturday for reflection and prayer, these are rites that may be considered for use in immediate preparation for the reception of the sacraments (see Rite 185 and following). If either the Presentation of the Creed or the Presentation of the Lord s Prayer has not been celebrated already, they could be celebrated now. An Ephphetha Rite (a rite of opening the ears and mouth, symbolizing the hearing and proclaiming of the word) is a very fitting preparation rite, as is the rite of Choosing a Baptismal 10

11 Name. Any or all of these preparatory rites serve to set the stage for the highlight of the catechumenate experience the reception of the sacraments of initiation. Rites of Initiation Months of sharing the journeys of faith of the elect, their sponsors, and their catechists culminate in this very special parish celebration. Holy Saturday is the night to celebrate, and the Church celebrates in style. In the early Church the Easter Vigil lasted until dawn; today s vigil lasts but a few hours (depending on the parish, generally between two and four). It is the most glorious celebration of the entire liturgical year. This night begins in total darkness. The parish community may assemble outside for the blessing of the fire. Then, as the celebrant processes into the church, proclaiming the Light of Christ, each person lights a taper from the new Easter candle that has been blessed and ignited with the new fire. Soon the Church is aglow with tongues of new fire. The Liturgy of the Word begins with only the light of the candles. There are seven readings from the Hebrew Scriptures provided for the occasion, although it is not necessary to proclaim all seven. Psalms are interspersed between each reading. When the intoning of the Gloria rings out, the altar candles and electric lights are lit and the Church bells are joyously rung. With the New Testament epistle, the glorious Alleluia, the gospel, and the homily, the stage is set for the rites of initiation! The liturgy of baptism begins with the calling forth of those to be baptized. A litany of the saints follows, and then the celebrant blesses the baptismal water by plunging the Easter candle into the pool. Baptism follows, and each of the newly baptized is clothed with a white garment. Then the whole assembly renews their baptismal vows, and the celebrant ritually sprinkles all with the newly blessed waters of baptism. Once the baptismal rite is concluded, the candidates are called forward to profess their belief in the holy Catholic Church. They join the newly baptized, and the rite of confirmation is celebrated with laying on of hands and anointing with chrism. As the initiation rites conclude and the eucharistic prayer for Holy Saturday begins, new Catholics (neophytes) take the place of the catechumens and candidates who worked and prayed so hard in preparation for this night. They, along with their sponsors and godparents and family members, lead the congregation, the people of God, to the festive eucharistic banquet. The goal of initiation is this Eucharist sharing at the table and being sent forth! Alleluia! Amen! 11

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13 HOW TO USE JOURNEY OF FAITH Journey of Faith consists of a Leader s Guide The Word into Life, Year A The Word into Life, Year B The Word into Life, Year C Forty-four catechetical handouts divided into the four phases of Christian initiation: - Inquiry or Precatechumenate, consisting of twelve four-page handouts - Catechumenate, consisting of sixteen four-page handouts - Purification and Enlightenment (Lent), consisting of eight four-page handouts - Mystagogy, consisting of eight four-page handouts Three volumes of The Word into Life: A Guide for Group Reflection on Sunday Scripture are available for the three liturgical years: A, B, and C. Each contains all the readings for every Sunday of each year as well as commentaries, themes, and prayers meant to prepare RCIA team leaders to lead inquirers, catechumens, candidates, and neophytes. Use The Word into Life to structure a Lectionary-based program for the church year. After the Scripture, commentary, and reflection questions for each Sunday is an index that relates the themes of the current Sunday s Scripture readings to the catechetical handouts. Journey of Faith presents the bulk of its catechetical material in forty-four personal, interesting, and manageable lessons so that uncatechized or nominally catechized adults can hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. In each lesson handout you will find: Explanation of a faith topic Brief reflection questions with space for short answers Scripture references related to each faith topic Cross-references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church on each faith topic Engaging and integrated art and design For those who are not yet baptized Catholics, initiation into the Catholic Church begins with the inquiry phase in which, through one of several means, people ask questions about things Catholic and form relationships with one another and their catechists. A set of twelve Inquiry handouts in Journey of Faith assist the questioners through this undetermined period. They broadly cover basic questions in such specific areas as: what do Catholics believe, the meaning of the Mass, the Bible, the saints, prayer, and practices, etc. This phase is followed by the rite of acceptance, in which catechumens and candidates enter the Catechumenate, a period of study and reflection on the faith. A set of sixteen Journey of Faith catechumenate handouts aid the learning process during this period. They address more catechetical aspects of our faith: the Church, the sacraments, the moral life, and so forth. At the rite of election, catechumens and candidates enter the period of purification and enlightenment in which they participate in the scrutinies and prepare themselves for initiation at Easter Vigil. Aiding you in this part of the process is a series of eight Journey of Faith Lent handouts. The focus of these is on preparation for reception of the sacraments of initiation and the events of the Easter Vigil. After initiation, the neophytes enter a period of mystagogy, in which they claim a new role of service in the community. A set of eight Journey of Faith Mystagogy handouts assist in redirecting the focus of new Catholics from learning to living. Scholastic or Ongoing Catechumenal Model Flexibility is one of the greatest assets of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Within certain parameters given in the rite itself, the local pastor is given the freedom to accommodate the rites according to his pastoral judgment in order to fit the needs of the parish community, the catechumens, and the candidates. You, as catechists and team leaders, are encouraged to use your judgment in developing a process of faith formation suited to the needs of both catechumens and candidates. The RCIA schedule of most US parishes follows 13

14 a school year calendar, beginning in September and graduating in May. This approach can tend to create a focus on the content of the faith and make it feel like a course of study short-changing thereby the requirement for an extended time to have the experience of a deepening conversion and growing commitment on the part of the individual inquirer. For this and other reasons (for example, risking that the Catechism becomes the main course text rather than the Lectionary because cognitive learning is seen as most important; the rhythm of readiness is more or less predicated in advance to be completed in about six to eight months, etc.), many pastoral ministers prefer an ongoing model for the process where each phase is available all year around, using separate but simultaneous tracks for precatechumenate and catechumenate, and a third track for Lent and Easter. In this way, the process is open and flexible enough to support and honor the needs and pace of conversion in each catechumen and/or candidate that is at the heart of the Rite. Journey of Faith can be applied equally well to both of these models in that it adheres to the expectation of the rite itself (Rite 72, 76) by providing a built-in flexibility that supports both formats: The Lectionary for Sunday Mass is fundamental to the whole RCIA process, and the three volumes of The Word into Life allow you to structure the process in and around each liturgical year throughout the three-year liturgical cycle in a way that emphasizes the natural rhythm of the call to (ongoing) conversion of heart while also allowing you the flexibility needed for local change of schedule and sequence The forty-four catechetical handouts are cross - referenced to each theme suggested in the more than two hundred Sundays covered by The Word into Life to provide the basic catechetical components necessary for further discussion and sharing. Adaptation and Method Though you do not have to be a professor of theology or an experienced teacher to be a successful catechist, there are certain techniques and practical suggestions that can make the experience easier and more enjoyable. While a faith-filled experience is the work of God, it takes planning on the part of any RCIA team to ensure that the process goes smoothly. If you are only now starting an RCIA process using Journey of Faith, it is necessary for the team to meet several weeks prior to the beginning of the process to review the materials and plan where and when to meet. Take care, however, to resist the temptation to create a precise schedule; we must remain open to the workings of the Spirit in those who present themselves as inquirers, catechumens, or candidates. Your team should continue to meet regularly throughout the process. It is helpful if each team member is aware of the topics discussed, materials covered, and questions raised in each session so that there will be continuity between sessions and among presenters. It is also advisable that catechists contact the following week s presenters in order to brief them on any issues that have surfaced and may need to be addressed the following week. No one can predict the makeup of any particular group. As catechists know, there is a huge variety of ages, backgrounds, and catechetical needs within each group. Personal commitments to the process may also vary widely. While most adults come with a strong internal desire to learn about the Catholic faith, occasionally some may participate because of insistence from spouses or other outside sources. It is possible to have those who have never had any contact with institutionalized religion, those who have been baptized and active in another Christian denomination, and those who were baptized Catholic but not raised in the Church. Persons never baptized are referred to as catechumens, while candidates describe people baptized in another Christian denomination. This being so, be careful not to generate a catechumenate process where one size fits all : While both catechumens and candidates can often participate in the same sessions, the reality of baptism makes for 14

15 very different perspectives on the hunger for baptism versus appreciation of the grace stemming from it. This difference must also be evidenced in the celebration of the various rites, where the two may need to be separated in prayer and sometimes in physical arrangement of a ritual. In working with adults it is vital that what is presented and discussed be linked with their life experience, especially in the process of faith formation. As catechists and team members, we are co-learners, catalysts, and partners rather than directors. When we openly share the stories of our own faith journey, the catechumens and candidates experience a sense of trust that makes them comfortable in accepting and sharing who they are and where they are in their own journeys. Again, flexibility is key to working with the RCIA. Each session should begin with the opportunity for unfinished business to be addressed from the previous week. Often questions come up between sessions that were not obvious to the participants at the moment the topic was presented. Communication is vital in establishing a sense of trust among participants, and active listening is one of your greatest tools in establishing this trust. Catechumens and candidates need to be accepted and affirmed for who they are, and this requires a nonjudgmental attitude on the part of all, especially the team members. It is important to be aware of your inner reactions to the speaker and to listen with the eyes and the heart. Active listening requires empathy an acceptance of the uniqueness of each individual, and a willingness to feel with them. It requires sensitivity the ability to pick up the feeling level behind the spoken word. This is a feeling for the other in which personal prejudices and emotions are controlled. It requires attentiveness the ability to look at the person and give undivided attention; and receptiveness the desire to genuinely want to hear and the ability to be open to what is said. Practical Suggestions In preparation for each session, the team would do well to read and reflect on the Scripture commentaries for that Sunday given in The Word into Life as well as the appropriate catechetical handout(s). Throughout the week the catechist should reflect upon the Sunday readings. What are the connections, if any, between the readings? Paying special attention to the gospel reading, who are the characters? What are the sights, sounds, smells, feelings that emerge? Attempt to become a part of the text. What stories of your own faith journey come to the forefront? What is the connection between the readings and the faith-life of today s Church? Are there any questions that are raised in your mind? In between prayer and reflection, the commentary can be consulted. How does the author s reflection resonate with your own prayer and reflection upon the texts? Reread the texts and adapt the discussion questions for your catechumens and candidates. After you have prayerfully prepared for the session, relax and enjoy the opportunity to share your faith with those who are eager to be touched by God s Spirit. To further help the catechetical team prepare and present each catechetical topic, this Leader s Guide provides a suggested outline for each of those sessions: Context is immediately set by a quote from the Cathechism of the Catholic Church Leader meditation /resources needed for the session Opening reading from Scripture Discussion questions Suggested closing prayer Make sure to have on hand a complete set of handouts for each participant and sponsor, as well as for yourself. It may be helpful to have name tags for each person in attendance the first two or three sessions. A sign-in sheet will help team members monitor attendance at each meeting. How the handouts are used and the format your parish wishes to use is up to you. They could be distributed and discussed at the same session; they could be distributed at the end of the session and discussed at the next session; they could be distributed for home study and only discussed to the extent that they may raise questions. Because the themes listed under your weekly commentary refer you back to specific handouts, the handouts are ongoing tools throughout the process. 15

16 Before the Session Review the handout and the accompanying lesson plan in this book. Preparation materials and suggestions are presented here for every handout. It is recommended that only one catechetical handout is discussed at each session. You can use the handouts in the order in which they come to you, or you can follow the themes of the Lectionary readings and use these handouts to support those Lectionary themes. If you wish to broaden your thematic approach, use the alphabetical Index of topics at the back of this Leader s Guide. If, for example, you are using the Inquiry handout Q6 and you want to provide more information on the subject of holiness, look up that topic in the Index and see which other handouts treat that subject. They are referred to in the Index and on the handouts themselves by letter (Q for Inquiry, C for Catechumenate, L for Lent, M for Mystagogy) and number. Make sure that you have a Bible (the NRSV is the translation used in the handouts) and a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each participant also needs a Bible. Ideally everyone should have the same version. Prepare a sacred space for Scripture sharing and discussion. This is extremely important as it sets the tone for the entire session. Make sure the room has a pleasant atmosphere and that each participant has a comfortable chair. If possible, position the chairs around a larger table or have them face a smaller table. Place a simple white candle in a secure holder on the table. Reverently lay the Bible next to the candle. During each of the sacred seasons, appropriately colored fabric may be placed under the candle and Bible green during Ordinary Time, violet during Advent, white during Christmas, purple during Lent, and white during Easter. Keep a candle-lighter and extra pens/pencils in a convenient place for when they are needed. Beginning and Conducting the Session 1. Warmly welcome the participants and their sponsors. Encourage the attendance of sponsors at all subsequent sessions. 2. At the initial session, introduce each participant and his/her sponsor. Ask each person to briefly explain what led him/her to inquire about the Catholic faith. Encourage each participant to also share information about his/her family and faith background. 3. Encourage them to bring a Bible, pen, and notebook to each session, or keep these supplies in the room between sessions. 4. Always ask for a volunteer to read aloud from the Scriptures. Anyone uncomfortable with oral reading should not feel obligated to do so. Each lesson plan in this Leader s Guide suggests a Scripture reading that promotes the theme of the lesson. Make sure the reader understands which passage to read, and encourage the reader to take a moment to become familiar with it. 5. Ask one of the participants to light the candle. During the first few sessions, explain that the lighted candle symbolizes Christ s presence in sacred Scripture and in this gathering of believers and seekers. 6. Invite the reader to prayerfully read the passage from Scripture aloud. 7. Consult the lesson plan for suggestions for reading and discussing the handout. 8. Because participants come from many faith backgrounds, questions may be posed that you do not feel qualified to adequately answer. Do not attempt to answer questions that are beyond your knowledge or expertise. Let the participant know that you need some time to consult with your director of religious education, pastor, or diocesan official and then make sure to follow through. 9. Encourage participants to use their notebooks for both note-taking and responding to questions in the handouts. Participants may wish to write down questions they have about what is read or discussed. They may also benefit from keeping weekly journals in which thoughts, ideas, and feelings are recorded during their faith journeys. 10. End the formal session with a brief closing prayer. (See suggestions in the lesson plan.) Follow the prayer with companionship time and simple refreshments. 16

17 INQUIRY Q1: Your Journey of Faith Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by [God]. Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 153 A READING FROM JOHN 14:1-4 After meditating on the Scripture passage, read The Characteristics of Faith in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ; 302; 854. This may help you to answer questions posed by those inquiring about the Catholic faith, especially as faith relates to science and human reason. Finally, think about the strength of your own faith. When you pray, do you believe your prayers are being heard? Do you trust that God is intimately involved in your life, even with all its difficulties and imperfections? Most important, do you see the face of God in the questioning? See the Introduction, Practical Suggestions, pages Bible open to John 14:1-4 Q1 handouts OPENING READING FROM SCRIPTURE Ask the prepared participant to light the candle and read the passage from John 14:1-4. Following the reading, allow a moment of silence, and then welcome any comments or reactions to the words. Finally, encourage the mentioning of any special intentions. If any participant is unfamiliar with the Bible, briefly review its organization before beginning the first lesson. Clarify the differences between the Old and New Testaments but emphasize the importance of each. The Old Testament, or Hebrew Scriptures, is the story of the Hebrews (or Israelites ) relationship to God. The New Testament is the record of Jesus life and teachings. Read the lesson together, allow willing participants to alternate reading sections or columns of the handout. Include yourself in the reading rotation. Pause for a few minutes, and allow adequate time for writing when written responses are required. On page 1 of the handout where Scripture passages are related to faith, participants may each be assigned a passage to find and share with the group. After the handout has been read, additional discussion topics might include: Discuss how faith development is a journey that continues throughout one s entire lifetime. We never reach a point where our own faith is perfect or unchanging. Emphasize that there will be times when our journeys take us into the desert, and our faith seems to stagnate. Faith development is a lifelong process. If time permits, read sections of the Catechism with the group. For those raised in a faith tradition that is based in a more literal interpretation of the Bible, much of this information may be very new. Close with a recitation of the Lord s Prayer and the Doxology. Most everyone should be familiar with the Lord s Prayer, but you may have to teach the Doxology. The Lord s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Doxology: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. 17

18 INQUIRY Q2: What Do Catholics Believe? To say the Credo with faith is to enter into communion with God and also with the whole Church which transmits the faith to us and in whose midst we believe. (CCC, 197) A READING FROM LUKE 9:18-20 After meditating on Peter s first profession of faith, read the Catechism and , which gives excellent background information on our creeds. See the Introduction, Practical Suggestions, pages Bible opened to Luke 9:18-20 Q2 handouts OPENING READING FROM SCRIPTURE Ask a prepared volunteer to light the candle and read Luke 9: Suggest that the participants imagine how they would respond if Jesus asked them the question, Who do you say that I am? After a few minutes of reflection and sharing, ask if there are any special intentions. End with a short prayer of thanksgiving. Discuss how difficult it is to describe God in terms of human experience and knowledge. Even the ancient authors of Scripture used analogies, poetry, and stories to describe what is essentially mystery. Because our creed is centuries old, the language is not inclusive. Reinforce that the word men refers to all human beings, male and female. When reading the line, I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, explain that because the Church recognizes baptism into other Christian faiths as valid, new members of the Catholic faith will not be baptized if they have been previously baptized. Use the Catechism to help compare the Nicene and Apostles Creeds. Just before 185, the creeds are printed side by side for easy comparison. Paragraphs 189, 190, 194, and 195 also contain particularly pertinent and helpful information. Close with a short, spontaneous prayer of praise and thanksgiving. End with the Doxology, a beautiful creed in its own right, followed by the Sign of the Cross, the simplest Catholic creed. (Teach the Sign of the Cross if participants do not know it.) This handout involves a careful study of the Nicene Creed that states the beliefs of the universal Church. Read the handout aloud, alternating readers with each part of the Creed. The discussion questions help participants relate the truths expressed in the Creed to their own lives. It may be helpful to assign the various Scripture passages (on page 2 of the handout) to different participants and then discuss them as a group. Frequently ask if there are questions, or if any statements need additional explanation. If time allows, here are additional discussion topics: 18

19 INQUIRY Q3: What Is the Meaning of the Mass? It was above all on the first day of the week, Sunday, the day of Jesus resurrection, that the Christians met to break bread. Today we encounter [the celebration of the Eucharist] everywhere in the Church with the same fundamental structure. It remains the center of the Church s life. (CCC, 1343) A READING FROM LUKE 22:14-20 After reading the Scripture passage, reflect on the meaning the Mass has for you. This week, realize that we must bring something to the celebration if we hope to take something away with us. Make a renewed effort to really remain tuned in during Mass next Sunday. The information contained in sections of the Catechism should be reviewed prior to teaching this lesson. It will help with answering specific questions raised by the participants. See the Introduction, Practical Suggestions, pages Bible opened to Luke 22:14-20 Q3 handouts Use the handout to describe and discuss the principle parts of the Mass. Make sure the participants understand the purpose and meaning of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Discuss why the Mass is so important to Catholics. Relate the eucharistic celebration to family gatherings in the participants own families. What would happen to families if they seldom or never gathered for meals and celebrations? As Catholics mature spiritually, the Mass evolves from an obligation to a celebration. Ask the participants to describe how we approach a celebration as opposed to a mere obligation. (As page 4 of the handout suggests, discuss how we evolve from takers to givers. ) Discuss how the eucharistic celebration builds relationships between God and the people of God as well as relationships among the people of God. Close with a recitation of the Lord s Prayer, which we pray as a community of faith every Sunday at Mass. OPENING READING FROM SCRIPTURE Ask for a prepared volunteer to come to the table, light the candle, and read Luke 22: Suggest that the participants imagine they are gathered around a table with Jesus and they are actually hearing the words from him. Ask them to picture Jesus sharing the bread and the wine with them as they dine together and celebrate their love and friendship. 19

20 INQUIRY Q4: The Bible Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. (CCC, 81) PRAYER BEFORE READING THE BIBLE O God, may your words remain with me, in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart. Dancing before my sorrow or joy, may their message of love not depart. For every joy has been written, and every sorrow has been consoled by your holy Word, forever preserved, as each chapter and verse unfold. After reading this prayer slowly and thoughtfully, refer to a passage from Scripture that holds particular meaning for you. Sit comfortably and read that passage, more than once if possible. Let the images and inspirations that come from the text sink into your heart. After a few moments of silence, reread the prayer above. Read sections of the Catechism. Q4 handouts A Bible concordance, if one is available, to help locate specific passages OPENING READING(S) FROM SCRIPTURE Ask the participants to recall a favorite Bible story or passage. If they are able, ask that they each find the passage in their Bible. Give assistance to those who may need help locating a passage. A Bible concordance will be helpful for this, if you can get one. You may also find indexes at the back of the Bible that list famous passages, parables, and topics. Ask for a volunteer to come to the table, light the candle, and read his or her passage aloud to the group. If time permits, more than one participant may read. Encourage the readers to explain why the verses they selected are especially meaningful to them. Use the handout to review the basic organization of the Bible. As you read through the Q4 handout, emphasize that the Bible is a collection of writings written at different times by many different authors. Many of the books of the Bible underwent generations of oral tradition before becoming written records. Stress the difference between writings that are inspired and writings that are dictated. Discuss the fact that the Bible was not intended to be a science or history text. (Be sensitive to the fact that some of the participants may come from faith traditions that adhere to a more literal interpretation of the Bible.) The sacred authors intended to tell us the story of our relationship with the one, true God. While not everything in the Bible is historical or scientific fact, every book contains truth. Give examples of the differences between fact and truth. Discuss the importance of knowing the biblical authors backgrounds and points of view. We interpret the meaning of an editorial differently than the meaning of a front-page news story. Stress that the Bible contains many different kinds of literature. Close by reading the Prayer Before Reading the Bible aloud to the group (see Leader Meditation). 20