Initiation Ministry Partners

History of the Archdiocesan Forum for the RCIA

December 16, 2019

By Terry Zobel, St. Thomas Aquinas The timeline below tells the story of both the Archdiocesan Forum for the RCIA in Atlanta and the development of the RCIA at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Alpharetta, GA. Together these parallel events shed light on how the RCIA process often evolves in …

Discernment – The Role of the Sponsor

December 9, 2019

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

December 2, 2019

*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.