RCIA - Day for Catechists and Teams
This Day for RCIA Teams and Catechists on Saturday 8th October was very much appreciated by the RCIA Catechists who came. As one participant said: "This day has renewed my enthusiasm for RCIA."
A particular feature of the day was an exploration of lectionary based catechesis, and how it can be use to plan sessions. "I really liked the group work looking at Liturgies of the Word from the Sunday Mass, and the discussion around designing an RCIA session based on these readings," said one catechist.
Another participant added: "Relating the Sunday Readings to RCIA Meetings is something I have heard today that I will try to put into practice in our group."
Linda helps the participants explore ways of using the weekly readings
Focal prayer point - the sower
Linda holds the RCIA Handbook
Caroline talks about liturgies during the catechumenate
The day was organised jointly by our diocese and the RCIA Northern Network. The Northern Network is offering similar days in all the Northern dioceses. Linda Pennington, from Leeds Diocese, and Caroline Dollard, from Middlesbrough Diocese, were our keynote speakers, and members of our own diocesan RCIA Team also gave some input and helped structure the day.
The focus of the day was the Catechumenate. In addition to exploring ways of introducing lectionary based catechesis, there were sessions on roles and ministries in the Catechumenate, and liturgies in the catechumenate. This included looking at the prayers available in the RCIA handbook Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - in particular the blessings, and also what are referred to as "Minor Exorcisms" for this stage of the RCIA. These gentle prayers are easy to use and very meaningful and the group looked at the wide variety of prayers available in the handbook. Commented one participant: "The Minor Exorcism prayers were very interesting and something I'll now offer to our group".
The day closed with a liturgy taken from the Rite, including anointing with blessed oil and prayers.
See list of Resources mentioned during day
Some other comments from the day:
- I found the day very useful and informative.
- Very Good. I have gained new insights.
- Really encouraging and enlightening.
- Talking with other people and planning together was very enjoyable.
- The chance to network with other groups was helpful.
- Some of the group sessions were challenging - but well worth it!
- I don't think I have ever witnessed any of the rites being celebrated in my parish but would now like to put them into practice.
- I discovered today that RCIA is not only about instructions and rules - but also opening the scriptures to the catechumens and encouraging a relationship with Jesus.
- As a newcomer to the role of catechist I learnt a lot and took away lots of ideas.
- Excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the varied day.