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.