RCIA CATECHISTS' DAY
At the end of February RCIA Catechists from throughout the diocese gathered for a day at St Joseph's, Gateshead.
After introductions and welcome the morning sessions explored in some depth the rites associated with the RCIA programme - including the Rite of Acceptance, Exorcisms, Rite of Election, Prayers for the Candidates, Scrutinies, the giving of the Creed and the Ephphetha Rite.
Input was given by some members of the diocesan RCIA network group and there was opportunity for discussion and feedback. A particular feature of the morning session was a dynamic liturgy based on the Ephphetha Rite - participants remarked afterwards how meaningful they had found this to be, and how it had encouraged them to go ahead and plan on introducing this and the other rites in their own parish RCIA programmes.
Lively discussion and feedback continued during the lunchtime period too, as people enjoyed the opportunity to share information and meet friends from other parts of the diocese.
During the afternoon there was a time to reflect on the summit of the RCIA process - the Easter Vigil - and participants shared their own experience of this.
This was followed by a look at the new translation of the Roman Missal and how the coming introduction of this in September might affect RCIA groups.
Fr Adrian Dixon spoke on this, and then led the participants in some small group work on one of the sessions he has prepared for use in the parishes in the diocese - this particular session explored the Creed with prayer, reflection and discussion. The handouts included a leader's guide, a discussion sheet and further notes. (All these resources can be downloaded from the diocesan website). The sessions focussed on how we can grow in faith and understanding by exploring the background and particular meanings of the words of the Creed, and how this can present an opportunity to renew our own faith as catechists.
The day finished with a look at the way ahead and some suggestions for topics RCIA catechists woud like to see covered on future days.
RCIA Catechist Calendar for 2011:
March 13th 2011 Rite of Election
May 28th 2011 RCIA Day of Reflection (Minsteracres)
June 15th. Diocesan Mass of Welcome for new Catholics in the Cathedral on Wednesday June 15th 7pm
October 8th 2011 RCIA Roadshow 2 (St Joseph's)