Sessions aid catechists and RCIA coordinators

Over 60 catechetical leaders and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) attended a training hosted by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis on Jan. 21 at the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. The training was specifically designed to give a concise and clear summary and overview of the RCIA process. 

Presentations given by Gary and Patty Norris treated both the theoretical and practical aspects of making RCIA work in a parish setting and the essential roles of the clergy and laity. The presenters have been members of the Association of Catechumenal Ministry (ACM) since it was founded in 1998 in response to several bishops, priests, and laity who expressed a need for resources to help parishes implement the RCIA process fully and faithfully. 

Gary and Patty direct the RCIA track of the St. John Bosco Conference at Franciscan University and are workshop presenters and mentors for the Franciscan University Catechetical Institute.

Participants learned about the various stages of the RCIA process and the rituals associated with each step. They discovered that the RCIA process is a process in which catechists lead participants to an encounter with Jesus Christ that calls for repentance and conversion. The RCIA journey is one of accompaniment.

Participants were also shown how to interview inquirers as well as how to lead RCIA catechetical sessions. The sessions provided an overview of the modern catechumenate as a process that is liturgical, catechetical and pastoral. Leaders and coordinators participated in a discussion on the different approaches to the process.

This training was part of a diocesan wide training initiative. The first phase was the initial training of clergy in November. This was the second phase geared towards RCIA coordinators and parish catechetical leaders. The third phase will be presented in the summer of 2023. It will be geared toward parishes and how they can develop comprehensive RCIA teams.