Stages of the RCIA | Initiation Ministry Partners

Where Are They Going and Where Have They Been?

March 10, 2016

by Rev. Paul Turner

Mystagogy is the period after the rites of initiation into the Catholic Church. It’s a time for settling in.

It’s Lent! Sessions for the Period of Purification and Enlightenment

April 27, 2016February 15, 2016

Archbishop Wilton D, Gregory, second from left, returns the Book of the Elect to Ray Hines, the RCIA coordinator at Mary Our Queen Church, Norcross, during the Feb. 22 Rite of Election at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Photo By Michael Alexander

by: Tina Harding

“The goal and focus of the catechesis during the period of purification and enlightenment is different from that during the period of the catechumenate. During the period of the catechumenate, the focus of catechesis was immersion into the fullness of the Christian community as expressed in the Catholic Tradition – scripture, doctrine, worship, community and service. The period of purification and enlightenment presumes such immersion and the readiness to make the commitment of baptism.

NOW THE FOCUS IS AKIN TO A RETREAT!

The Lenten Rites – Involving the Community

April 27, 2016February 10, 2016

During the Feb. 21 Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion at the Atlanta Civic Center, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory acknowledges the names in the Book of the Elect with a prayerful kiss of peace.

by Kathy Kuczka

Lent is laden with rites for the Catechumens and Candidates. But, the rites aren’t only for the benefit of those in the process of initiation. The Rite of Christian Initiation tells us that rites should be executed so that the “entire community benefits.” Here are some ways to involve the initiating community.