By Kathy Kelly-Huey
An image often used to describe the perfect sponsor is that of a character large of ears and huge of heart. The image includes long arms for support, strong feet for the journey and a small mouth to converse but not dominate.
The Process of Discernment
*This article is a summary of the Discernment Process PowerPoint presentation created by Sister Gael Gensler, OSF. Sr. Gael is a pastoral associate for the St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park, IL. She has been involved with adult initiation for thirty years and has served on the NA Forum staff as the Director of Institutes. She is co-author of a web resource, Apprentices in Faith, an author of the Foundations in Faith series (RCL), and writes on initiation topics.
The Christian Initiation process fosters faith formation resulting in transformation. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the process leads one to conversion of heart and to a response to Christ’s invitation to live an active, Christian life. “Falling in love” with our Lord is the ultimate goal. Every transition in the process is enhanced through prayer and discernment.
Adults Needing Confirmation
While Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal, co-founders of Team RCIA were here to present at the 2019 Atlanta Catechist Conference, in August. Kathy Kuczka, member of the Archdiocesan Forum for the RCIA, interviewed them about adults needing confirmation.
RCIA Candidates and Confirmation names
Fr. Paul Turner answers your questions about RCIA candidates and Confirmation names here: https://paulturner.org/confirmation-names/
Discernment
At the May Open Forum, Lorraine Miller from St. Philip Benizi gave a short presentation followed by discussion about “Discernment.” Christian discernment in the RCIA is an awareness of the movement of the Holy Spirit and the signs of the Spirit in a person’s life. It involves recognizing exterior habits …
The Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Welcome: The Cross
By: Kathy Kuczka
The Cross is one of the most ancient symbols of Christianity. Crosses can be seen wherever we look. Crosses hang from rear-view mirrors, in bedrooms, and stand on faraway hills. They are made out of wood, gold and even palm branches. They adorn necks, ear lobes, fingers and wrists. Jewelers prize them and tourist vendors take stock in them. Because the cross has become so commonplace, the central meaning of the Cross can become obscured or taken for granted.
Reflections of a “Newbie” RCIA Director: Catechesis as a Shared Journey of Faith
by Carl McColman, St. Thomas More, Decatur
This year my wife Fran and I begin our third year as RCIA directors at our parish. It still feels “new” to us and we continue to be humbled by how enormous a responsibility this is. We find we must continually rely on God’s grace and guidance, which, in balance, seems to be a good thing!
Adult Confirmation: A Joy and a Journey
Every year adults who want to be confirmed come to RCIA. For these Catholics, it is important to honor their Catholic Baptism and pastorally consider their faith formation needs. The result for these people may be a time of preparation that is significantly shorter than for the unbaptized or those coming from another Christian tradition. Roger Desjardins from St. Philip Benizi shared his story on how they minister to Adults seeking Confirmation.
RCIA For Those With Special Needs
What do you do when you have a person who is unbaptized, over the age of 7, able to make decisions for himself /herself but has special needs? The RCIA model is wholistic-addresses the whole person-and allows for numerous adaptations while focusing on formation and conversion within community. Here is a great article about a young man with autism and how the parish adapted the RCIA to meet his needs.
Information about the Scrutinies
The Scrutinies are celebrated with catechumens on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. Here are links to some common questions and good articles that may help you as you plan. Do we use Cycle A readings for all Masses even those where we don’t celebrate a scrutiny? Answer: …