Team Meeting Minutes from Sept. 11th.

RCIA Team Meeting Minutes
Thursday 9-11-08

In attendance: Dave Campbell, Dave Jordan, Paul Townsend, Diane Chapman, Darleen Coco.

Discussion of scheduling December Team Meeting:
A Wednesday or Thursday in the first few weeks was agreed upon and Dave would check with Marcial for final date.

Review Up Coming Events on Calendar:
There are 2 Activities left for Sept.; Mother Lillie’s Spiritual Dinner at St. Brigid’s in Pacific Beach on the 27th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. and Padre Pio Mass on the 28th at USD at 2:00 p.m. Diane Chapman added a new event for October Activities.We have Life Chain; Pro Life Rosary, American Needs Fatima Prayer Rally, Turkey Dinner, and Life Walk. Dave will add the times and dates to calendar. Darleen Coco will create a sign up sheet for both months.

Dismissal Status :
Nancy McCue wants to do dismissals and may come this Sunday for training. Diane Chapman will be a substitute after we find enough volunteers for Dismissals.

Tuesday Night Status:
Hal Gansert will do “Lord’s Prayer” on Oct. 28th.
Marcial Lopez will teach “Salvation History, Christ” on Nov. 11th; Paul Townsend will teach “The Last Things” on Nov. 18th; Paul may also do “Mass and Liturgy” on Dec. 16th; Diane Chapman will teach a class and let us know what topic; Joan Gansert will teach “Centering Prayer” on Dec. 9th.
Friday sessions with Fr. Andre: Dave Campbell will meet with Father to discuss Catechumenate Part 1. Others are welcome to join them. Catechumenate Part 1 Dave Campbell presented this informative topic and will present Part 2 at the next meeting.

Inquiry Interviews

When some one first starts Inquiry with RCIA, we set up an interview. The point is to get to know the person so we best gauge where they are and what they need from the program. We also fill out some paperwork on their sacramental history for our records. An important part of the interview is to determine if there have been any past marriages, as those are going to require extra attention depending upon the particulars. The interview is also a good time for the person to get to know us and ask any questions they might have.

Here is the Interview form I have used in the past.

Inquiry Interview

Interviewer:_______ Interviewed by Pastor? Yes/No
Date:____________

Name:__________________________________________

Address:________________________________________

Phone: Home:________________________ Cell:_________________________

Work:________________________

Occupation:_______________________________

Birth Date:______________________ Place of Birth:_______________________

Mother’s Maiden Name: __________________________________

Father’s Name: ___________________________________

Family

Spouse:________________________ Occupation:_________________________

Children: ______________________


Catholic Sacramental History

Baptized? Yes/No­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________ If Yes, Please Answer the following:
Year of Baptism:__________ Church Baptized:__________________

Place of Baptism:_________________

Denomination: Catholic/Other If Other Please State: _____________

Received Confirmation? Yes/No Received 1st Communion Yes/No

Other Religious Affiliation

Baptized? Yes/No­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________ Received Confirmation? Yes/No

Current Member of a Church?__________________________

Personal Information

What interests you about the Catholic Church? Why do you want to become Catholic?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you know someone here at Immaculate Heart of Mary? Yes/No
If yes who?_________________

What are your Hobbies and other interests?________________________________________________________________

What are your strengths/weaknesses?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you comfortable in group settings?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What types of prayer do you enjoy?__________________________________________________________________

What types of volunteer work do you like to participate in?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Anything else you want to share?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marriage Info

Marital Status: Married/Single/Engaged

Name of Spouse:___________________ Spouse’s Religion__________________

# of Children________________ Religion of Children:__________________

Present Marriage: Date:___________ Place:________________ Church:______________

Previous Marriage:_____________ If yes, how many times?_____________
Spouse: Previous Marriage:_____________ If yes, how many times?_____________


Previous Marriage Info

If you have been married before please answer the following:

When:_____________________

Was the marriage civil or before a minister or priest?____________________

Were you baptized in a faith before marriage? Yes/No

If so what religion?_________________

What was your spouse’s religion at the time of the marriage?______________

Was your spouse baptized prior to the time of marriage? Yes/No

How long were you married?_____ Children born from the marriage? Yes/No

Has your former spouse remarried?________ Are they still married?__________

Former spouse deceased? Yes/No

How was marriage dissolved?__________________

Annulment Info

Annulment: Yes/No? Year:____ Date:________ Civil or Church:__________

If Civil, recorded: Date:_______ City:_________________ State:___________

If annulled by the Catholic Church: Date:_________
Parish:______________________________________
Parish Address:________________________________
Do you have a copy of the annulment papers? Yes/No

Divorce Info

Date:_______________________
Divorce Recorded: City:_____________________ State:____________________

Do you have the marriage certificate? Yes/No __________________

Do you have the divorce decree? Yes/ No _____________________

Catechumenate Topic: Salvation History - Moses and Israel

Catechumenate Topic: Salvation History – Moses and Israel


Moses Birth
Exodus 1
Exodus 2:1-16

Moses and the Burning Bush
Exodus 3
Exodus 4:1-17

Moses and the Pharaoh and the release of Israel
Exodus 5
Exodus 7
Exodus 8
Exodus 9
Exodus 10
Exodus 11
Exodus 12
Exodus 14
Exodus 15

Manna and Quail
Exodus 16

Meribah and Massah
Exodus 17
Numbers 20:1-13

The Great Theophany
Exodus 19
Exodus 20
Exodus 24
Exodus 32
Exodus 34


The Crossing of the Jordan
Deut 8:1-6
Deut 34

Catechumenate Topic: Salvation History - Patriarchs

Catechumenate Topic: Salvation History – Patriarchs

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Genesis 12:1-8
Genesis 13: 14-18
Genesis 15
Genesis 16
Genesis 17
Genesis 18
Genesis 19
Genesis 22
Genesis 24
Genesis 25: 21:34
Genesis 27
Genesis 29
Genesis 30: 1-24
Genesis 32: 24-32



Tell the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. God is working with a tribe, and builds out of them a people. God makes a covenant with Abraham to make his descendants numerous, to give him a land, to bless the nations through his descendants, and among them shall be royalty.

The son of Isaac is Jacob. Jacob has twelve sons, each fathers a tribe of people and become known as the twelve tribes of Israel. Israel is the name of Jacob, which means one who wrestled with God and lived.

At the end of Genesis Israel is living in prosperity in Egypt.

Catechumenate Topic: Salvation History - Genesis

Catechumenate Topic: Salvation History – Genesis

Genesis 1
Genesis 2
Genesis 3

How does the book of Genesis start? In the beginning…. That is the question the book is trying to answer: Where did we come from? Where did the world come from? What happened in the beginning?

The boom of Genesis is not a scientific account of creation, evolution, or Big Bang theory. The literary style of the book is a ‘myth’. Because the literary style is ‘myth’, there is still divine truth being revealed in the book to answer our questions.

God creates the universe. In a special way he creates man in his image. Man and woman are created in his image, and are partners. There is first sin, and as a result a fall of man and of creation. God’s effort to redeem mankind begins with Adam and Eve, a married couple.

Adam and Eve.

Genesis 3

Cain and Able.
Genesis 4

The Flood
Genesis 6:5-22
Genesis 7
Genesis 8

The next effort to rid the world of sin is by saving Noah from the flood. Now God is working with a family. God makes a covenant with Noah, the rainbow, to never send the flood again.

Catechumenate Topic: Divien Revelation the Word of God

Catechumenate Topic: Divine Revelation

“By natural reason man can know God with certainty, on the basis of his works. But there is another order of knowledge, which man cannot possibly arrive at by his own powers: the order of divine Revelation.1 Through an utterly free decision, God has revealed himself and given himself to man.” -CCC

Have someone read John 1:1-5,10-11,14

“In giving us his Son, his only Word (for he possesses no other), he spoke everything to us at once in this sole Word – and he has no more to say ... because what he spoke before to the prophets in parts, he has now spoken all at once by giving us the All Who is His Son. Any person questioning God or desiring some vision or revelation would be guilty not only of foolish behavior but also of offending him, by not fixing his eyes entirely upon Christ and by living with the desire for some other novelty.” –St. John of the Cross

God has been revealing himself in gradual stages through the centuries to His chosen people Israel. The completion, perfection, and totality of this revelation is the communication of God’s own self in his own son, Jesus Christ, the Word Made Flesh. In Christ all of Divine Revelation is communicated at once. Nothing can ever be added to this revelation, as it is already complete, perfect, and total.

The Apostles are given the task of handing the revelation on to the whole world so that all may come to know God and be His people. Left with this task the Apostles used oral words and written word to pass on the Word.

Along with the Old Testament some of the written words of the apostles were codified into the Canon (List) of scriptures or the Bible toward the end of the fourth century. Pope Damasus called the Synod of Rome to address the Canon in 382, the African Churches took up the topic at their Synods of Hippo and Carthage in 393, 397, and 419. Pope Innocent I in 405 sent the Canon of books to one of his bishops when asked what books should be regarded as scripture. Included in this canon are seven Old Testament books that are now excluded from protestant Bibles; they are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, I and II Maccabees, and portions of Esther and Daniel. In response to the exclusion of these books by some Christian communities, the Church explicitly defined the Canon in 1546 and the Council of Trent.

When reading Scripture we should be aware of four different layers of meanings, or senses of scripture. They are:

Literal – The intended meaning of the author, this is not to be confused with a literalist meaning which does not regard figures of speech.

Allegorical – Deals with archetypes where the events and stories of the Old Testament find their perfection and fulfillment in the New Testament. The crossing of the Red Sea is a sign or type of Baptism.

Anagogical – Teaches about the eternal destiny of God’s people and the world.

Moral – Tells us how we are to behave, and what is right and what is wrong.


The New Testament should be read in the light of the Old Testament, and the Old testament should be read in the light of Christ as shown in the New Testament. “The NT lies hidden in the OT, and the OT is unveiled in the NT.”-St. Augustine

“The Church "forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful . . . to learn ‘the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,' by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. ‘Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.’””-St. Jerome -CCC-

RCIA Team Meeting Agenda

Thursday 9-11-08

Introductions (5 min)

Schedule December Team Meeting

Review Up Coming Events on Calendar (5 min)

Dismissal Status (5 min)

Tuesday Night Status (5 min)

Catechumen and Candidate Status (5 min, Confidential)

Friday sessions with Fr. Andre (5 min)

Stretch

Catechumenate Part 1 (30 min)

Catechists For Adults

Our parish is having a catechist in service, and I am helping with the Adults. Here is some material I am giving to them.


Catechists for Adults
- Catechist after Christ’s own heart.
- The best of the best.
- Love their students so much they refuse to teach them anything but the truth in all its fullness.
- Adapt and overcome.


Tips of the trade

- Talk about Christ.

o Never waste anytime getting to the topic of the Good Lord. 5 Minutes is too long. Use Mary as your example, she always points to her Son.
o No one is interested in the Church, as much as they are interested in God working through the Church.
o Share why you believe with the class early and often.

- Lesson Planning

o Plan Backwards: Start with what you want them to leave your class with.
o Then design everything to build up to it.
o Cut out the fluff.
o KISS – keep it simple stupid.
o Teach systematically. Cover the essentials first. Answer their questions.
o Use the catechism to find out what the essentials are.
o Rarely if ever use the CCC in class.
o CCC online: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/entiretoc1.shtml

- Generate Energy

o No yawning, act excited to be there
o In large groups never sit down. Go into the grab their attention when you need it.
o Look them in the face.
o In small groups, the more conversation the better.
o Ask questions, and then wait for the answer. Then work with what they give you.
o Ask for volunteers, and choose victims.
o Play games once in a while. Jeopardy, Hangman, Pictionary

- Bible

o Use it as much as possible.
o Have them use it.
o Tell them to bring it with them, that they are going to use it.
o Have them find the books, don’t give them page numbers.
o Have them read it, explain it, and teach it to each other
o Explain what happens in the Bible as stories, and the characters are very similar to us in many cases.
o Use a concordance to help with you lesson plan.
- http://www.biblestudytools.net/
- Yes it is protestant, but the tools are still good, and free.
- Use the New Revised Standard, and you can search for words and phrases in parts of the Bible
- The NAB online: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/
o You have to read it to teach it. Here are bible studies on the weekly readings if you need help: http://www.calsnet.net/scb_bible_study

- Most important material in order or precedence:

o Bible
- Especially the Gospels which tell the life of Christ
o Catechism
o The personal witness and holiness of the catechist.
o Other programs, materials, books, and stuff are generally pretty useless, though some can be more helpful if you need ideas to get off of the ground. They are like training wheels, and in time are discarded, or at least rarely used.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What follows can be considered the opinion of Dave Campbell and is only worth as much as that.

What is the role of new media in catechesis and evangelization?

Internet-Should be largely used outside of the classroom. The Internet can be used to organize and socialize and quickly disseminate information. The internet can aid those looking for you, and for what you do. The internet has no role in the class room.

Video-Videos make good supplemental information for outside of the classroom. Videos can be used for make up work. They can be good from recruiting, inspiring, and advertising. Videos are best used outside the classroom. Except to tell a short inspiring story a video has no significant roll in the classroom. Videos are commonly used a crutch for a catechist, who lacks the time or willingness to master the material. Videos of only exceptional quality should ever be shown, and even then they may lack the connection that a live person can make with the class. A video has no faith.

Power Point – Power Point and similar presentations are often used incorrectly. Power point should be used to illustrate points and provide context for what the presenter is doing. Pictures and illustrations that match what the person is talking about. The presenter should never be reading from their power point. In the classroom, this is optional, and a good white board may negate any need for it.

Music- can be used for mediation, socializing, praise, or fellowship. It can be a good aide in the right spots. Music is probably best used when everyone participates. Different people like different music, and different music is more or less appropriate for catechetical and liturgical settings, and so care should be exercised when selecting music to use.

Dismissal Prayer

Here is a prayer that the Priest may use in dismissing the catechumens from Mass for their study of the scriptures. Posted for convenience as it is already found in the dismissal training.

Priest:

Would the Catechumens and Candidates in the RCIA please come forward.My dear friends, this community now sends you forth to reflect more deeply upon the word of God which you have shared with us today. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. We look forward to the day when you will share fully in the Lord’s Table.

Why do we do RCIA that way?

There is a lot of room for variation in how one implements the RCIA in your Parish. So one RCIA program will not look like another. So some RCIA programs can legitimately do things differently, and even some can differ because a program is may have an issue with how it is being implemented.

This all rises to the big question of why do we do RCIA the way we do it at IHM?

In this post and others to follow it from time to time, I seek to answer that question in specific contexts.

How long does it take to go through RCIA?

That depends on you. RCIA is not a degree program. It is a walk in faith with the Lord. Some people walk faster than others, and some need to go farther than others. There are a series of gates in the process, and the criteria for passing through them is that you are ready, not that we reached a date on the calendar and that we have to be moving on. RCIA takes as long as it takes.

Why is our RCIA program year round?

RCIA is year around because because the Holy Spirit draws people to God all year long. If the Holy Spirit provides the inquirers, then our inquiry team goes to work.

RCIA is year around because if some comes to you on Pentecost and says they are interested in becoming Catholic and your answer is too come back in September when we start classes, than your program has a broken foundation.

RCIA catechists are here to serve the truth and those seeking it.

How many people do you have in RCIA?

I refrain from counting them, lest I delude myself into believing that it is I who make converts and not the Lord.

A better question is are we doing a good job of attending the needs of those in RCIA and are we inviting people who might be interested.

Do Baptized Candidates come into the Church on Easter?

Baptized Candidates come into the church when they are ready. Depending on their level of catechesis and faith they may need more or less catechesis and formation. The Rite is very clear that no greater burden than necessary be placed on candidates, after all they are already baptized. If the candidate is ready in the Easter season, we usually have make their profession during the Easter season but not at the Vigil. The Rite has the Easter Vigil really geared for baptism. If for pastoral reasons it we be good to included candidates we do, but it is not our default position. An example of pastoral reason may be a husband and wife where one is baptized at the Vigil and the other makes their profession of faith.

The short answer is we have the candidates make their profession of faith when they are ready and it makes sense. We don't do it on the Vigil unless we have a good reason.

Check back for more, and if there is something you want answered let me know!

Dismissal Training

Dismissal Training for Catechists

1. Opening Prayer


Lord, according to Thy promise that the Gospel should be preached throughout the whole world, raise up men fit for such work. The Apostles were but soft and yielding clay till they were baked hard by the fire of the Holy Ghost. So, good Lord, do now in like manner with Thy Church militant. Change and make the soft and slippery earth into hard stones. Set in Thy Church strong and mighty pillars that may suffer and endure great labors – watching, poverty, thirst, hunger, cold and heat – which also shall not fear the threatenings of princes, persecution, neither death, but always persuade and think with themselves to suffer with a good will, slanders, shame, and all kinds of torments, for the glory and laud of Thy holy Name. By this manner, good Lord, the truth of Thy Gospel shall be preached throughout the world. Therefore, merciful Lord, exercise Thy mercy, show it indeed upon Thy Church.
-St. John Fisher

2. Contact Information


Director of Catechetical Ministries

Marcial Lopez
Office:760-789-6151
Email: mlopez@parishmail.com

RCIA Coordinator

Dave Campbell
Home: 760-788-5887
Cell: 619-838-7318
Work: 858-592-4249
Email: campbells.way@cox.net

Parish Office
760-789-0583

3. Introduction

This training material is intended to give basic instruction on leading an RCIA Sunday Dismissal (also referred to as Breaking Open the Word) at Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which the Catholic Church receives into full membership those people who seek to follow Christ and be Catholic Christians.

The RCIA process is a walk of faith with God. As such it is a natural process and not a regimented program. The RCIA process takes an individual as long as it takes them.

The RCIA Team at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Parish of Ramona is a group of Catholics who minister to those individuals seeking to become Catholic.

The mission of the RCIA Team at IHM is to make disciples of all of Ramona, teaching them and baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The RCIA Team is flexible, adaptable, and humble, recognizing that each person coming through our doors is a unique soul that has never happened before and will never happen again. We are humbled by our responsibility and constantly seek Christ to help us.

The RCIA Team ministers to these individuals as long as there are people interested in discovering the Catholic Faith. The RCIA Team at IHM does not take breaks to accommodate the academic calendar, because Christ does not take such breaks in calling people to His Church. It is the goal of the RCIA team to build up to a Catechumenate which lasts a full year, allowing the Catechumens to experience the full liturgical year before being baptized.

At IHM the RCIA Team is also responsible for the formation of those adult Catholics seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation and to deepen their Faith in God.

Lastly, the RCIA Team recognizes that if we are perfectly prepared, know everything in the Bible, the Catechism, and Church History, have an abundance of expertly trained catechists and sponsors, but do not have Christ, we will fail. Even if we are poorly prepared, overworked, undermanned, under trained, but Christ is with us, He will succeed. Our responsibility is to be well prepared, well organized, well trained, and rooted in prayer; so that we may best cooperate with the Lord in His ministry of RCIA.

4. Dismissal Leader Job Description

The “Guide on the Side”

Time Commitment: 1 hour on a Sunday.

Gifts Needed:

Willingness to share your own Faith story
Listening
Small Group Facilitation
Love of Scripture
Ability to answer some basic questions on the readings:

What did this reading mean to the writer?

What does this reading mean to me when I heard it?

How am I going to apply it to my life tomorrow?

Activity Description: Lead the Catechumens and Candidates from the blessing to the place of the meeting. Open with prayer. Review the readings seeking their input and motivating their conversation. Once the conversation is in full swing, listen and gently guide. After 30 minutes close with a prayer, and return to the Church.

5. Listening

The Art of Listening

Show interest in the person

Focus on what they say, but also on why they say it.

Focus on Emotional Attitudes

Be aware of your own feelings and attitudes

Avoid talking too much about yourself

Avoid judgmental comments

Avoid controlling the conversation

Be sensitive to body language


6. CheckList

Breaking Open the Word and RCIA Mass Dismissal Check List

Get the key for the Ministry Center or other scheduled location ahead of time.

Read the Sunday’s readings ahead of time so you are prepared.

Bring the readings and the Dismissal Prayers with you.
Arrive to Mass 15 min. early.
Make sure the Priest knows there is an RCIA Dismissal after the Homily.
Get a spare copy of Lectionary from the Sacristy.
After the Homily, go to the front of the Church holding up the Lectionary. (Do this before the Priest stands up, it will remind him about the dismissal)

The Priest will call the Catechumens and the Candidates forward and bless them.
After the blessing lead them out of the Church holding up the Lectionary.
Lead them to the session location.
Begin with a Prayer.
Take Attendance and return to the RCIA Coordinator.
Have volunteers read the readings.
Discuss them, give everyone a chance to share, but do not let any one person dominate.
The session should take about 30 minutes.
Close with a prayer.
Close up any doors that were opened.


7. Dismissal Prayer

Most Priests will not ask for the dismissal prayer but some will (Fr. Lou will). If so give them this:

Dismissal Prayer

Priest:
Would the Catechumens and Candidates in the RCIA please come forward.

My dear friends, this community now sends you forth to reflect more deeply upon the word of God which you have shared with us today. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. We look forward to the day when you will share fully in the Lord’s Table

8. Closing Reflection

It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church's mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something,and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.-Archbishop. Oscar Romero

Dismissal Checklist

Breaking Open the Word and RCIA Mass Dismissal Check List

-Get the key for the Ministry Center or other scheduled location ahead of time.


-Read the Sunday’s readings ahead of time so you are prepared.


-Bring the readings and the Dismissal Prayers with you.
-Arrive to Mass 15 min. early.
-Make sure the Priest knows there is an RCIA Dismissal after the Homily.
-Get a spare copy of Lectionary from the Sacristy.
-After the Homily, go to the front of the Church holding up the Lectionary. (Do this before the Priest stands up, it will remind him about the dismissal)

-The Priest will call the Catechumens and the Candidates forward and bless them.

-After the blessing lead them out of the Church holding up the Lectionary.
-Lead them to the session location. This is where the key comes in handy.
-Begin with a Prayer.

-Have volunteers read the readings.
-Discuss them, give everyone a chance to share, but do not let any one person dominate.
-The session should take about 30 minutes.
-Close with a prayer.
-Sign the calendars of the catechumens.
-Close up any doors that were opened.

Catechist Spirituality

We are recruiting catechists in the parish for RCIA, and our other catechetical programs. We are going to be having some in-services, and I will have some time with the RCIA volunteers and so I am putting together some material on what it means to be a catechist.

Catechist Spirituality

- A catechist never wastes any time bringing up the subject of the Good Lord.
- A catechist does not have an agenda, or a program that they are trying to promote. A catechist places themselves totally in the service of the truth. Specifically catechists teach what the Church teaches and nothing more. There is a place for opinion, but that place is not the catechetical setting.
- A catechist has to evangelize constantly, as well as teach doctrine. The heart and the head must move together or one will be left behind and act as an anchor holding the student back. Other principals that must be passed on are prayer, participation in community, and the habit of caring for others.
- A catechist must have a strong faith in Lord, and constantly care for it so that it remains strong.
- The most effective and important material for communicating the faith are in order of precedence:
o The Bible especially the Gospels
o The Catechism of the Catholic Church
o The living witness and example in faith of the catechist
- Catechists do not concern themselves with what they want to teach to their students, but more with what their students need to be taught.
- A catechist needs to listen, and generate conversation. The more conversation generated the more a catechist can evaluate the degree that the students are internalizing the information.
- Listening but do not judge, teach but do not condemn. If there is a mistake correct the mistake, but love the one who made it.
- Never waste any time bringing up the Good Lord. 5 minutes is too long. Connect everything back to Christ. Stop talking about the Church, and start talking about Christ living in the world through His Body the Church.
-An RCIA catechist does not count converts, lest they begin to think that it is they who make the convert and not the Holy Spirit.
-A catechist will say 'I don't know, let me get back to you.' rather than giving a bad answer to a question.

Thank You and Come Join Us!

Darlene Coco has signed on to be our RCIA Deputy Coordinator. She has already started helping out with some of the administrative tasks and doing a wonderful job. Deo Gratias! Thank You Darlene!

I also thought it would be good to mention all of the others who do so much.

Hal Gansert is our inquiry coordinator. When someone new starts Hal leads their inquiry sessions. He is a kind of first responder for the Gospel. I can't think of anyone better for the job. Go Hal!

Diane Chapman is our activities coordinator. When we go places to help those in need or explore different types of prayer, worship, and spiritualities Diane is the lady who makes it all happen. She is keyed into some many different groups and parished throughout the Diocese, that I am in awe. Diane puts the Active in activities coordiantor. Thanks for everything Diane!

To all of our sponsors to work with the candidates, and others who help in so many ways, thank you as well, RCIA would not happen without you.

We have some great people on the RCIA team. If you want to be a part of it let me know. We are looking for people comfortable sharing their faith with others, and working in a team environment. We are always looking for help with dismissals and new sponsors. There are many ways to help, from administrative help, to teaching, praying, or help finding sponsors in the parish. If you are interested please contact myself or Marcial Lopez.

Minutes from the Team Meeting

Team Meeting August 13th Minutes

We first discussed updating the calendar as follows:

Sept. 7th dismissal for 8:30 mass will be Darleen Coco

Sept. 21 Dismissal for 8:30 mass will be Diane Chapman

Next Team meetings will be Sept. 11th, Oct. 9th and Nov. 13th.
We will keep same time of 7:00 p.m. at the Seton Center on all meetings.

Sept. 2 Catechumen Topic “Divine Mercy Chaplet; Darleen may do and will discuss further with Dave Campbell.

Oct. 28th for Catechumen topic “The Lord’s prayer” will be Hal Gansert.

Nov. 11th Catechumen Topic of Salvation History; Christ will be led by Marcial Lopez. (Dave will e-mail info to Marcial)

Dec. 2 Catechumen Topic of “Centering Prayer” will be led by Joan Gansert.

Feb. 22nd will be Rite of Elections for Catechumens and their Sponsors at the Convention Center sometime after the last Mass.

Darleen Coco will contact Diane Chapman to see if she has any set dates for activities.

We will try to schedule an “Anointing of Catechumens” sometime in mid Nov.-mid. Dec. Dave Jordan prefers Nov. 16th. Darleen Coco will contact Linda Lopez to see when Father Andre is available for an 8:30 Mass. This will entail a anointing of oil by the Father to increase the Catechumen’s Faith and give them strength for their journey. Catechumens will attend with their Sponsors.

We will have an announcement at Mass for our need for Catechists. Marcial will have training for Catechists “In-Service” on August 21st and 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the Seaton Center. We are still looking for more volunteers for teaching some of the classes or doing Dismissals. Darleen Coco will follow up with phone calls to Father Lou and Msgr. Anthony. Dave Campbell will talk to Father Andre to see if he is interested in meeting with us or teaching any classes.

Dave Campbell will contact Teresa Ellis and Paul Townsend regarding dismissals.

We discussed the Rite of Acceptance for Art Bale that was held Aug. 10th 8:30 Mass. All concluded that it t went very well. Dave Jordan suggested that the Bible and Crucifix might be held by the Sponsor or Alter Server while waiting for it to be given to Catechumen. Marcial will look for Liturgical Book for the next Rite of Acceptance for Father Andre rather than have it printed out.

Friday, August 15th, Dave Campbell will meet with Father Andre to discuss the fast track for Art Bales Baptism

Dave Campbell asked for any feedback on the Web Page of“rciainramona.blogspot.com.” He added the “Rite of Acceptance” process and has links for other Rites. He is looking for suggestions of anything to add such as links or events. He is in process of adding more of the Catechumen Topics. It now has a link from IHM web page.

This years Lenten Retreat for the Catechumens may need to be piggybacked with another Parishes Retreat. Marcial will ask for dates from Mark Price for Resurrection Retreat. Marcial also suggest having Catechumens getting involved in the community such as Bethlehem Night.

Dave Campbell and Marcial Lopez will conduct interviews for 5 new Inquirers and their families.he prefers Aug. 24th after Mass or the 19th and 26th is also good.

Topics for next meeting:
Activities scheduled dates
Firm up dates for Lenten Retreat
Review of guidelines for early Baptism (as might be applied to Art Bale)

.

Team Meeting August 13th

The next RCIA Team meeting is Wednesday August 13th at 7:00 PM in the Elizabeth Ann Seton Center. This meeting is for teachers and sponsors. Class on Tuesday night remains unchanged.

Here is the agenda for Wednesday's meeting:

Introductions of any attendees(1 min)

Review Upcoming events on the calendar (10 min)

Dismissal Signups (5 min)
-Review Draft Calendar

Schedule meetings for November (5 min)
Anointing of the Catechumens for November and December (5 min)

Catechist Training in August (5 min)

Stretch (2 Min)

Webpage (5 min)
-Any feedback, things that should be put up there.

Tuesday Night Topics Sign Up (5 min)
-Need help
-lesson plans are already prepared, choose a topic you are comfortable with

Activities (15 min)
-What is coming up and should be put on the calendar
-Lent Retreat?

Rite of Acceptance was held for Art Bale (5 min)
-How did it go.

Review Status of Catechumens and Confirmandi (This is a confidential and respectful topic) (10 min)

Meeting with Fr. Andre for the coming Friday (5 min)
-Any suggested topics

RCIA and the our new Pastor (5 min)
-Do we need to meet with him?

New Business for next meeting (5 min)

Rite of Acceptance: What is it?

When an unbaptized person first becomes interested in the Catholic Faith we call them an inquirer. When the start RCIA an inquirer goes through a period of evangelization and exploration. when an inquirer has shown the beginnings of a first conversion, and the spirutla life and Christian teachings are beginning to take hold.

At the Rite of Acceptance inquirers or candidates as the may be called are inducted into the Order of Catechumens, in that Church recognizes them as her own. The Canidate states publicly theeir intention to become Catholic, and the Church accepts the responsibility for forming the candidate in the faith.

After the Rite of Acceptance, a catechumen though still unbaptized can legitmately call themselves Catholic.

The Rite can happen at any time in the year, and we general schedule it when have a group of inquirers who are ready to become catechumens. We will have a Rite of Acceptance if there is even a single inquirer who is ready, but if there are multiple inquirers who may be ready soon we may delay a little. It is better to have a big Rite of Acceptance once in a awhile, than to have lots of little Rites of Acceptances every week or so.

The big hallmark of the Rite of Acceptance, is where the priset and the sponsors sign the senses of the catechumens, as well as the presentations of the Bible and the Cross.

Responses for the Rite of Acceptance

Here are the candidates/catechumens responses for the Rite of Acceptance (take from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults paragraphs 48 through 68):

Opening Dialogue

Priest: What is you Name?

Candidate: [Name]

Priest: What do you aks of God's Church?

Candidate: Faith.

Priest: What does Faith offer you?

Candidate: Eternal Life.


Candiates First Acceptance of the Gospel

Priest: {Gives and instrucion according to Form A, B, or C, after which he asks a the Candidate a question.} Are you prepare to begin this journey today under the guidance of Christ?

Candidate: I am.


Dismissal of Catechumens

Priest: Catechumens, Go in peace, and may the Lord remain with you always.

Catechumens: Thanks be to God.

Rite of Acceptance

Here is the summary Judi Putnam our Liturgical Coordinator provided for us this past Rite of Acceptance.

RITE OF ACCEPTANCE

PROCESSION

INTODUCTORY RITES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GREETING

The presider invites the participants and their sponsors to come forward.

Presider: Dear friends:

The Church joyfully welcomes today [NAME] who will be received into the order of catechumens.

In the months to come he will prepare for his initiation
into the Christian faith by baptism, confirmation and eucharist.

For him we give thanks and praise to the God who has led him to oneness in faith.

My dear candidate, you are welcomed in the name of faith.

QUESTIONS TO THE CATECHUMEN

Addressed to each individually.

Presider: What do you ask of God's Church?

Response: Faith.

Presider: What does faith offer you?

Response: Eternal life.


CANDIDATE’S FIRST ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOSPEL

Presider: This is eternal life: to know the one true God and Jesus Christ, who he has sent. Christ has been raised from the dead and appointed by God as the Lord of life and ruler of all things, seen and unseen.

If, then, you wish to become his disciple and members of his Church, you must be guided to the fullness of the truth that he has revealed to us. You must learn to make the mind of Christ Jesus your own. You must strive to pattern your life on the teachings of the Gospel and so to love the Lord your God and your neighbor. For this was Christ’s command and he was its perfect example.

Are you ready to accept these teachings of the Gospel?

Response: I am.

AFFIRMATION BY THE SPONSORS

Presider: Sponsor, you now present this candidate to us.
Are you ready to help this candidate find and follow Christ?

Sponsors: I am.

AFFIRMATION BY THE ASSEMBLY

Presider: We now ask you, the parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary and all who are gathered here with us.

Are you ready to help these candidates find and follow Christ?

All: We are.

SIGNING OF THE CATECHUMENS WITH THE CROSS

The presider moves to the catechumens with his/her sponsor.

Presider: Are you ready to take up the cross and follow Jesus Christ?

Response: I am.

The presider traces a cross on the forehead of the candidate and says:

Presider: [N.], receive the cross + on your forehead.
It is Christ himself who now strengthens you
with this sign of his love.
Learn to know him and to follow him.

SIGNING OF SENSES BY THE SPONSOR

The sponsor signs as the presider says:

Presider: Receive the sign of the cross on your ears,
that you may hear the voice of the Lord.

Receive the sign of the cross on your eyes,
that you may see the glory of God.

Receive the sign of the cross on your lips,
that you may respond to the word of God.

Receive the sign of the cross over your heart,
that Christ may dwell there by faith.

Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders,
that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ.

Receive the sign of the cross on your hands,
that Christ may be known in the work you do.

Receive the sign of the cross on your feet,
that you may walk in the way of Christ.

SIGNING BY THE PRESIDER

The presider makes the sign of the cross over all the candidates at once:

Presider: I sign you with the sign of eternal life
in the name of the Father +, and the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Presider: Let us pray:
Almighty God, by the cross and resurrection of your Son you have given life to your people.

Your servant has received the sign of the cross. Make him living proof of it's saving power, and help him to persevere in the footsteps of Christ.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

INVITATION TO THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORD

Presider: [Names], share with us at the table of God’s word.


Following the Homily

PRESENTATION OF A BIBLE AND CRUCIFIX

Presider: [Name], receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

You have been marked with the cross of Christ. Receive now the sign of his love.

INTERCESSIONS FOR THE CATECHUMENS

Presider: This catechumen, who is our brother, has already traveled a long road. We rejoice with him in the gentle guidance of God who has brought him to this day. Let us pray that he may press onwards, until he comes to share fully in our way of life.

RCIA catechist reads intercessions:

That God our Father may reveal his Christ to them more and more with every passing day, let us pray to the Lord.

That they may undertake with generous hearts and souls whatever God may ask of them, let us pray to the Lord.

That they may have our sincere and unfailing support every step of the way, let us pray to the Lord.

That they may find in our community compelling signs of unity and generous love, let us pray to the Lord.

That their hearts and ours may become more responsive to the needs of others, let us pray to the Lord.

That in due time they may be found worthy to receive the baptism of new birth and renewal in the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Presider: God of all creation, we ask you to look favorably on your servants [NAMES]; make them fervent in spirit, joyful in hope, and always ready to serve your name.
Lead them, Lord, to the baptism of new birth, so that, living a fruitful life in the company of your faithful, they may receive the eternal reward that you promise.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Catechumens, go in peace and may the Lord remain with you always.

Catechumens are lead out of the Church by the RCIA Catechist carrying a lecionary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LITURGY of the EUCHARIST

Mass resumes with the Litrugy of the Eucharist. The General Intercessions and Creed may be omitted. If the General intercessions are omitted, then the intentions for the world and the church should be added into the intercessions for the Catechumens.

Minutes from the Team Meeting

Here are the minutes from the team meeting on July 23rd.

Attendance: Marcial Lopez, Diane Chapman, Darlene Coco, Judy Harrington, Hal Gansert, Dave Jordan, Dave Campbell

We scheduled the next three team meetings for:
August 13th
September 11th
October 9th

The time will be at 7:00 PM, in the Elizabeth Ann seton Center

There was a general agreement that the webpage is a good idea, and a good way to post material, calendars, and etc.

Dave Jordan requested the website material be printed out as he is no one internet. Dave Campbell or more likely Darlene Coco will take care of it.

Dave Campbell is going to contact Fr. Andre about what are the possibilities of baptizing Art Bale early, due to declining health, and also to let him know about our team meetings, and to let him know we are available if he wants to meet with him.

Darlene Coco was willing to sign up to help with dismissals for either the 8:30, or 10:15 Masses. Diane Chapman was willing to sign up for the 8:30. Hal can do it in an emergency, but not as a regular because he is going to join the Choir. Dave Campbell is going to contact Cheryl Silvaggio and Carol Buechner and see if they are interested in helping with dismissals, and then he will prepare a draft schedule. Darlene mentioned that she can't do it on August 10th. The plan is that if we have about 4 volunteers, then you only have to do a dismissal once a month.

For Tuesdat Nights, Dave Campbell needs help so he doesn't have to teach all of them. Team members were asked to look at the calendar and see what topics and dates they might like to teach. Hal offered to do the Our Father. Darlene was interested in Discipleship. Marcial was interested but wanted to look and see when it would work for him. Dave Campbell is going to send the calendar to Fr. Andre and Fr. Lou and Msgr. anthony and see if they are interested.

Diane gave us a general overview of upcoming activities, and once she has firm dates we will place them on the calendar.

Overall we always need more help, so team members were encouraged to look at the job descriptions on the website and if they know someone who fits or would be good in a role then mention it to them, but also contact Dave Campbell, and he'll get in touch with them. Dave is going to volunteer to coach baseball next year, and so the team needs to grow. Darlene volunteered to be Deputy Coordinator, and it was agreed. The Deputy coordinator will help with copies, phone calls, meeting minutes, scheduling and other administrivia.

Rite of Acceptance for Art Bale is set for August 10th. The bible and crucifix are all set. A catechism was given to Dave Jordan to give to Art Bale. Dave Campbell is to email Fr. Andre to see what if any preparation is needed for the Rite.

The status and progress of the Catechumens was discussed. As always this discussion was respectful, and confidential, and as it relates to the personal growth and faith of individuals it is not appropriate that it be published.

Dave Jordan mentioned that he can take people sailing during the week as an activity, but they need to know how to swim, and sign a release saying they will not sue the Navy or the US.

New Business items proposed for next time are :
Teacher Training and Dismissal Training
Lent Retreat planning
Anointing of the Catechumens scheduling

Commitments

Here are the sheets we ask people becoming Catechumens, Candidates, or those prearing for Confirmation to sign.

Again, we are seeking a balance of avoiding burdening those in the RCIA process and with making sure they are growing in the faith.

Catechumens

RCIA Rite of Acceptance Commitment

I choose to follow Christ. I accept God’s love for me. I believe that it is God’s will for me to go through the Rite of Acceptance. I understand that in doing so I am making a commitment to God. I am making a commitment to frequently pray to Him, to read His Word, and to come to Mass to worship Him and give thanks to Him every Sunday. I am making a commitment to learn about the teachings of Catholic Church. I am making a commitment to change my life for the better, to avoid sin, and to lead a Christian life. I am making a commitment to love and help others, my family, my friends, my neighbors, my enemies, and strangers. I am making a commitment to be a disciple of Christ.

In making this commitment I know that these things are impossible for me to do by myself, and I recognize that they can only be done with God’s love and help. I sincerely ask God to help me make this commitment and to keep it. I pray to God, who can make all things possible, that He accept my commitment to Him and help me walk the path He has chosen for me.

This commitment is primarily a spiritual commitment to God, but I recognize that there are some worldly aspects that go along with it.

As a visible sign of this commitment I agree to:
I will attend Mass in a Catholic Church every Sunday, and Holy Days. I will summarize on a half sheet of paper the homily of that Mass, including the Mass time, the Priest/Deacon giving the Homily, and the name of the Church if not IHM.

I will attend the Sunday Mass Dismissals as scheduled. The Homily Summary is not needed if I attend this Dismissal. If I miss the Dismissal then the Homily Summary is needed for the Mass that I do attend.

I will attend the Tuesday RCIA session starting at 7:00 PM with Mass, and ending at 9:00 PM.

In the event that I am unable to attend a Tuesday session I will read the Scripture Readings on my own, I will read the section of the Catechism pertaining to that session’s topic as given in the syllabus, and write a one page summary of what I have learned.

I will pray for at least 5 minutes everyday. (Mass counts)

I will read a portion of scripture (size does not matter) everyday. (Mass counts)

_____________________ __________________
(Name) (Date)


Candidates

RCIA Rite of Welcoming Commitment

I choose to follow Christ. I accept God’s love for me. I believe that it is God’s will for me to go through the Rite of Welcoming. I understand that in doing so I am making a commitment to God. I am making a commitment to frequently pray to Him, to read His Word, and to come to Mass to worship Him and give thanks to Him every Sunday. I am making a commitment to learn about the teachings of Catholic Church. I am making a commitment to change my life for the better, to avoid sin, and to lead a Christian life. I am making a commitment to love and help others, my family, my friends, my neighbors, my enemies, and strangers. I am making a commitment to be a disciple of Christ.

In making this commitment I know that these things are impossible for me to do by myself, and I recognize that they can only be done with God’s love and help. I sincerely ask God to help me make this commitment and to keep it. I pray to God, who can make all things possible, that He accept my commitment to Him and help me walk the path He has chosen for me.

This commitment is primarily a spiritual commitment to God, but I recognize that there are some worldly aspects that go along with it.

As a visible sign of this commitment I agree to:
I will attend Mass in a Catholic Church every Sunday, and Holy Days. I will summarize on a half sheet of paper the homily of that Mass, including the Mass time, the Priest/Deacon giving the Homily, and the name of the Church if not IHM.

I will attend the Sunday Mass Dismissals as scheduled. The Homily Summary is not needed if I attend this Dismissal. If I miss the Dismissal then the Homily Summary is needed for the Mass that I do attend.

I will attend the Tuesday RCIA session starting at 7:00 PM with Mass, and ending at 9:00 PM.

In the event that I am unable to attend a Tuesday session I will read the Scripture Readings on my own, I will read the section of the Catechism pertaining to that session’s topic as given in the syllabus, and write a one page summary of what I have learned.

I will pray for at least 5 minutes everyday. (Mass counts)

I will read a portion of scripture (size does not matter) everyday. (Mass counts)

_____________________ __________________
(Name) (Date)


Confirmandi

RCIA Adult Confirmandi

I choose to follow Christ. I accept God’s love for me. I believe that it is God’s will for me to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. I understand that in doing so I am making a commitment to God. I am making a commitment to frequently pray to Him, to read His Word, and to come to Mass to worship Him and give thanks to Him every Sunday. I am making a commitment to learn about the teachings of Catholic Church. I am making a commitment to change my life for the better, to avoid sin, and to lead a Christian life. I am making a commitment to love and help others, my family, my friends, my neighbors, my enemies, and strangers. I am making a commitment to be a disciple of Christ.

In making this commitment I know that these things are impossible for me to do by myself, and I recognize that they can only be done with God’s love and help. I sincerely ask God to help me make this commitment and to keep it. I pray to God, who can make all things possible, that He accept my commitment to Him and help me walk the path He has chosen for me.

This commitment is primarily a spiritual commitment to God, but I recognize that there are some worldly aspects that go along with it.

As a visible sign of this commitment I agree to:
I will attend Mass in a Catholic Church every Sunday, and Holy Days. I will summarize on a half sheet of paper the homily of that Mass, including the Mass time, the Priest/Deacon giving the Homily, and the name of the Church if not IHM.

I will attend the Sunday Mass Dismissals as scheduled. The Homily Summary is not needed if I attend this Dismissal. If I miss the Dismissal then the Homily Summary is needed for the Mass that I do attend.

I will attend the Tuesday RCIA session starting at 7:00 PM with Mass, and ending at 9:00 PM.

In the event that I am unable to attend a Tuesday session I will read the Scripture Readings on my own, I will read the section of the Catechism pertaining to that session’s topic as given in the syllabus, and write a one page summary of what I have learned.

I will pray for at least 5 minutes everyday. (Mass counts)

I will read a portion of scripture (size does not matter) everyday. (Mass counts)

_____________________ __________________
(Name) (Date)

Inquirer, Candidate, Catechumen Responsibilities

What do I have to do when I come to RCIA?

That is the question this post will answer. The responsibilities listed below are specifically mean to avoid being burdensome, while promoting a healthy growth in life, and providing the catechists some verifiable means of gauging progress.

Inquirer

When you are first coming to RCIA you are an inquirer. This is non committal period. Nothing wagered, nothing lost but your time.

Come to the Tuesday night meeting as much as you can. If you miss a night, there is no harm. Each session is designed to stand alone. The more sessions you come to the more questions you can ask and here others ask, but if you miss any one session there is no make up work that needs to be done.

Go to Mass on Sunday as often as you can so you can experience what it is like and get to know it. Write down questions you have, and bring them with you to Tuesday night meetings.

If you have a Bible bring it with you on Tuesday nights; we put them to good use.

There is no time limit on inquiry.

Once you are ready to move on to more in depth study and preparation, a greater commitment will be asked of you.

Candidate

Candidates (those adults already Baptized preparing for full communion with Church) are responsible for faithfully attending Sunday Mass and coming to the Tuesday night meetings.

Candidates are given a calendar and a notebook.

Candidates are give a Bible. Bring it to the Tuesday night meetings.

Candidates are given a catechism, read the material for Tuesday night ahead of time and write down any questions you might have.

When you attend a Sunday Mass, write down what time you went, what the homily was about and which priest gave it. If you went to Mass at a different parish write that down too. The next time you see a RCIA Catechist, show them your notebook, and they will initial your calendar for that Sunday.

After attending a Tuesday night meeting, the Catechist will initial the calendars of everyone in attendance. If you miss a Tuesday night meeting, read the make up material assigned for that night from the syllabus. Write a page summary in your notebook. The next time you see an RCIA catechist show them your summary and they will initial your calendar.

Everyday you need to pray quietly for 5 minutes.

Everyday you need to open the Bible and read some scripture. This does not count toward your 5 minutes of prayer, but could certainly be done before or after.

Candidates at their own discretion may attend the Catechumen dismissals on Sunday. If so, get the dismissal lead to sign you calendar in lieu of a homily summary.

Catechumen

Catechumens are unbaptized adults preparing for initiation into the Church.

They have the same responsibilities as Candidates, with addition that Catechumens should attend the scheduled dismissals during Sunday Mass. The dismissal leader will initial all of the catechumens calendars after the session. If a catechumen misses a dismissal they should write a homily summary just as a candidate would do.

The Way

Here is another poem I have used in my lessons. I believe it is by Archbishop Fulton Sheen, but am not totally certain.

The Way
By Fulton Sheen

I slipped His fingers,
I escaped His feet,
I ran and hid, for Him I feared to meet.
One day I passed Him, fettered on a tree,
He turned His head, looked, and beckoned me.
Neither by speed, nor strength could He prevail.
Each hand and foot was pinioned by a nail.
He could not run and clasp me if He tried
But with His eye, he bade me reach His side.
"For pity's sake," thought I, "I'll set you free."
"Nay - hold this cross," He said, "and follow Me.
This yoke is easy, this burden light
Not hard or grievous if you wear it tight."
So did I follow Him who could not move,
An uncaught captive in the hands of love.

The Little Littany

Another poem that I have used in lesson plans is the following, it is based on the Littany of Our Lady:

A Little Litany
By G.K. Chesterton

When God turned back eternity and was young,
Ancient of Days, grown little for your mirth
(As under the low arch the land is bright)
Peered through you, Gate of Heaven--and saw the earth.

Or shutting out his shining skies awhile
Built you about him for a House of Gold
To see in pictured walls his storied world
Return upon him as a tale is told.

Or found his Mirror there;the only glass
That would not break with that unbearable light
Till in a corner of the high dark house
God looked on God, as ghosts meet in the night.

Morning Star; that unfallen star
In that strange starry overturn of space
When earth and sky changed places for an hour
And heaven looked upwards in a human face.

Or young on your strong knees and lifted up
Wisdom cried out, whose voice is in the street,
And more than twilight of twiformed cherubim
Made of his throne indeed a Mercy-Seat.

Or risen from play at your pale raiment's hem
God, grown adventurous from all time's repose,
Up your tall body climbed the Ivory Tower
And kissed upon your mouth the Mystic Rose.

Indifference

I have found that poetry can be a useful tool for lesson plans.

Here is a poem I have used in the past.

Indifference
By GA Studdert Kennedy

When Jesus came to Golgotha
They nailed Him to a tree,
They drove great nails thro' hands and feet,
And made a Calvary -
They crowned Him with a crown of thorns,
Red were His wounds and deep,
For those were crude and cruel days,
And human flesh was cheap.

When Jesus came to Birmingham,
They simply passed Him by -
They never touched a hair on Him,
They only let Him die,
For men had grown more tender,
And they would not give Him pain,
They only just passed down the street,
And left Him in the rain.

Still Jesus cried "Forgive them,
For they know not what they do,"
And still it rained the winter rain,
That soaked Him through and through,
The crowd went home and left the street,
Without a soul to see,
And Jesus crouched against a wall,
And cried for Calvary.

Littany of Our Lady

Here is another prayer worth sharing. This is a littany prayer, a series of chanted invocations with responses, and it goes well with our parish of Immacualte Heart of Mary. I have bolded the responses for clarity. Notice the change in petition when we pray to God, and when we ask Mary to pray for us.

Littany of Our Lady

Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the word, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Savior, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the Covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of angels, pray for us.
Queen of patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of prophets, pray for us.
Queen of apostles, pray for us.
Queen of martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of confessors, pray for us.
Queen of virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without Original Sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Queen of the Church, pray for us.

Prayer by St. John Fisher

Here is a prayer from St. John Fisher that I would like to share.

Lord, according to Thy promise that the Gospel should be preached throughout the whole world, raise up men fit for such work. The Apostles were but soft and yielding clay till they were baked hard by the fire of the Holy Ghost. So, good Lord, do now in like manner with Thy Church militant. Change and make the soft and slippery earth into hard stones. Set in Thy Church strong and mighty pillars that may suffer and endure great labors – watching, poverty, thirst, hunger, cold and heat – which also shall not fear the threatenings of princes, persecution, neither death, but always persuade and think with themselves to suffer with a good will, slanders, shame, and all kinds of torments, for the glory and laud of Thy holy Name. By this manner, good Lord, the truth of Thy Gospel shall be preached throughout the world. Therefore, merciful Lord, exercise Thy mercy, show it indeed upon Thy Church.
-St. John Fisher

RCIA Job Descriptions

RCIA never seems to have enough volunteers to do all that needs to be done. This is sometimes because people think that you have to be an expert on catholic doctrine in order to help with RCIA. In fact nothing is further from the truth. There are many different jobs that most be done in a well functioning RCIA program, many of them have nothing to do with teaching. Here are some RCIA job and the gifts that are needed to do them well adapted from some material I received at our Diocesan RCIA specialization course. When you volunteer for RCIA we try to figure out where you will be a good fit, not where do we need help the most. If you want to help with our RCIA program and have some of these gifts please get in touch with us.

RCIA Job Descriptions

General Team Member Gifts:
· Persons of catholic faith committed to God.
· Willing to share their faith
· Willing to attend to their own spiritual needs through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments.
· Willing to submit to the same transformative process as inquirers, candidate, and catechumens.
· Pastoral sensitivity
· Listening
· Knowledge and experience with the RCIA process, or willing to go through such training.
· Participates in the celebration of the rites.
· Promotes the RCIA process in the parish.
· Ability to make consistent commitment to the ministry.

Inquiry Team Member Gifts:
Welcomes people into the RCIA process and answers initial questions. Shares their faith story with them and listens to theirs. Explores scripture with them.
· Excellent listening skills
· Warm and welcoming.
· Willing to share their faith story.
· Sufficient knowledge of scripture to lead scripture topics.
· Open to training opportunities.
· Willing to help with Inquiry in 3 month shifts.

Catechumenate Catechist Gifts:
Responsible for the formation of catechumens and candidates. Shares their faith story with them and listens to theirs. Explores scripture and Church doctrine with them.
· Exceptional listening and small group facilitation skills.
· Sufficient knowledge of Church teaching to teach Catechetical topics using the Catechism for source material.
· Sufficient knowledge of scripture to lead scripture topics.
· Open to getting a California Catechist Certification.
· Leads the formation in community, service, prayer, and doctrine.
· Willing to share their faith story.
· Willing to make a consistent weekly commitment to the ministry.

Dismissal Facilitator Gifts:
Leads a Sunday Dismissal session for half an hour; helping the catechumens and candidates explore scripture.
· Exceptional listening and small group facilitation skills.
· Sufficient knowledge of scripture to lead scripture topics.
· Willing to lead a Sunday Dismissal session once or twice a month.

Outreach/Mystagogy Coordinator Gifts:
Helps newly initiated integrate into the Parish Community, helps them get involved with ministry and small faith groups. Maintains personal contact with them and their families.
· Active member of the parish with extensive knowledge of individuals, organizations, and lay movements.
· People person, inviting, and hospitable.
· Familiar with Social Doctrine of the Church.
· Familiar with outreach needs of the entire community.
· Willing to commit to assisting in the Easter season and occasionally at other times.

Sponsor Coordinator Gifts:
Knows a lot of people in the parish and helps come up with ideas for you would be a good sponsor, or volunteer. Makes personal invitations.
· Active member of the parish with extensive knowledge of individuals, organizations, and lay movements.
· People person, inviting, and hospitable.
· Occasional effort to come up with potential names for sponsors.

Hospitality Coordinator Gifts:
Coordinates receptions after important RCIA events.
· Warm Welcoming People Person
· Creative Artistic
· Occasionally coordinates and plans social functions and receptions.

Inquiry Topic 7

RCIA Inquiry
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ramona CA

Topic: Holy Spirit
Facilitator’s Guide

Opening Prayer: Use your own opening prayer or the prayer below

Psalm for the coming Sunday.

Introductions

Welcome everyone, if there is some one new have everyone go around and give their name and a brief description of who they are.
Explain the rules of listening, and the format, and what inquiry is if this is someone first session.
Ask if there are any questions or something someone wants to share before you get to the topic of the night.
Explain that they should bring their Bibles if they have one. If not don’t buy one just yet.
Give everyone a chance to share, prevent any one person from dominating especially yourself.

Scripture

The scripture passage is John 14:23-27
Have everyone look it up in their Bible.
Have someone read this passage out loud, then give everyone a few moments reflect on it.
Ask some reflection questions about the reading possibilities are:
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What are some ways we you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your lives?
Name some teachers of truth in your lives that have influenced you? Is the Spirit working through them?
What is the pre-condition for receiving the spirit?
In another scripture verse, Christ says it is better that He go, so that the Father will send the Spirit. What does that mean to you?

Gospel

Give out the Gospel for the coming Sunday. Have everyone look it up.
Have some one read it out load.
Ask some reflection question:
Who do you most identify with in this story?
What does this story mean to you when you heard just know?
What do you feel God wants people listening to this story to do?
Does this story remind you of any event sin your own life?
Share a brief reflection of your own if the conversation needs a kick start.
Ask if there any final questions.

Closing Prayer

We look to God always for strength and love even in our weaknesses and brokenness, trusting in his mercy and compassion.
Pray for some things that are close to your heart
Lord Hear Our Prayer
What else should we pray for?
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Our Father
Hail Mary

Inquiry Topic 6

RCIA Inquiry
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ramona CA

Topic: Prayer
Facilitator’s Guide

Opening Prayer: Use your own opening prayer or the prayer below

Psalm for the coming Sunday.

Introductions

Welcome everyone, if there is some one new have everyone go around and give their name and a brief description of who they are.
Explain the rules of listening, and the format, and what inquiry is if this is someone first session.
Ask if there are any questions or something someone wants to share before you get to the topic of the night.
Explain that they should bring their Bibles if they have one. If not don’t buy one just yet.
Give everyone a chance to share, prevent any one person from dominating especially yourself.

Scripture

The scripture passage is Matthew 26:36-41; 1 Samuel 3: 1-10
Have everyone look it up in their Bible.
Have someone read this passage out loud, then give everyone a few moments reflect on it.
Ask some reflection questions about the reading possibilities are:
Why is prayer hard?
What types of prayer do you enjoy? What are some different types of prayer?
What does prayer do for us?
In Samuel’s prayer with the Lord, who does the speaking and who does the listening? What are the implications of this in our own prayers?
Does Jesus pray a lot in the Gospels? What does that mean for us?

Gospel

Give out the Gospel for the coming Sunday. Have everyone look it up.
Have some one read it out load.
Ask some reflection question:
Who do you most identify with in this story?
What does this story mean to you when you heard just know?
What do you feel God wants people listening to this story to do?
Does this story remind you of any event sin your own life?
Share a brief reflection of your own if the conversation needs a kick start.
Ask if there any final questions.

Closing Prayer

We look to God always for strength and love even in our weaknesses and brokenness, trusting in his mercy and compassion.
Pray for some things that are close to your heart
Lord Hear Our Prayer
What else should we pray for?
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Our Father
Hail Mary

Inquiry Topic 5

RCIA Inquiry
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ramona CA

Topic: Jesus
Facilitator’s Guide

Opening Prayer: Use your own opening prayer or the prayer below

Psalm for the coming Sunday.

Introductions

Welcome everyone, if there is some one new have everyone go around and give their name and a brief description of who they are.
Explain the rules of listening, and the format, and what inquiry is if this is someone first session.
Ask if there are any questions or something someone wants to share before you get to the topic of the night.
Explain that they should bring their Bibles if they have one. If not don’t buy one just yet.
Give everyone a chance to share, prevent any one person from dominating especially yourself.

Scripture

The scripture passage is John 8:1-11; John 8:48-58
Have everyone look it up in their Bible.
Have someone read this passage out loud, then give everyone a few moments reflect on it.
Ask some reflection questions about the reading possibilities are:
What is Jesus’ attitude toward the sinner?
Who does Jesus treat harshly?
How does Christ see himself, how does He see His mission in light of His Father?
What is the mission the Father has given the Son?
What is your relationship with Christ like? How would you describe it?
When you think of Christ, what comes to your mind?

Gospel

Give out the Gospel for the coming Sunday. Have everyone look it up.
Have some one read it out load.
Ask some reflection question:
Who do you most identify with in this story?
What does this story mean to you when you heard just know?
What do you feel God wants people listening to this story to do?
Does this story remind you of any event sin your own life?
Share a brief reflection of your own if the conversation needs a kick start.
Ask if there any final questions.

Closing Prayer

We look to God always for strength and love even in our weaknesses and brokenness, trusting in his mercy and compassion.
Pray for some things that are close to your heart
Lord Hear Our Prayer
What else should we pray for?
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Our Father
Hail Mary