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CATECHUMENATE SCHEDULE (April –Dec 2008) April 27th: 6th Sun of Easter—Tim Theme—The Holy Spirit *************************************************** May 4th: 7th Sun of Easter—Zac Theme—The History of the Church: Pentecost *************************************************** May 18th: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Lee Theme—The Trinity *************************************************** June 1st: 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time—Lee Theme—Justification/Righteousness *************************************************** June 22nd: 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time—Zac Theme—Sin *************************************************** June 29th: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Tim Theme—St’s Peter & Paul *************************************************** July 13th: 15th Week of Ordinary Time - Steve Theme: Parables/Kingdom of Heaven *************************************************** July 27th: 17th Week of Ordinary Time - Lee Theme—Captured by Faith *************************************************** Aug 17th: 20th Week of Ordinary Time -Steve Theme – Mary, Mother of God: Mother of the Church *************************************************** Aug 24th: Rite of Welcome– Tim Theme – Christology *************************************************** Sept 07th: 23rd Week of Ordinary Time – Lee Theme – Repentance: A Call to Conversion *************************************************** Sept 13th: Retreat (9-3) – Understanding the Mass As Liturgy and Prayer *************************************************** Sept 21st: 25th Week of Ordinary Time - Steve Theme – Call vs Response *************************************************** Sept 28th: 26th Week of Ordinary Time – Tim Theme – Attitude of Heart: God’s Will *************************************************** Oct 5th: 27th Week of Ordinary Time – Zac Theme – Tenants of the Vineyard *************************************************** Oct 19th: 29th Week of Ordinary Time – Lee Theme – The Spiritual Life vs Secular Life *************************************************** Oct 26th: 30th Week of Ordinary Time – Steve The Greatest Commandment: Love of God & Neighbor *************************************************** Nov 2nd: 31st Week of Ordinary Time – Tim Theme – All Saints/Departed Souls *************************************************** Nov 16th: 33rd Week of Ordinary Time – Zac Theme – The End Times: Final Judgment *************************************************** Nov 23rd: 34th Week of Ordinary Time – Steve Theme – The Liturgical Calendar *************************************************** Dec 07th: 1st Week of Advent – Zac Theme - Advent
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We invite families into a partnership with the parish by "involving the family in the sacramental preparation of individual family members, by providing in-family preparation resources, by educating family members to their responsibilities, and by developing family-sensitive and family-involving parish preparation programs." (Partnership In Faith, 1992)
Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist (First Communion) are the Sacraments of Initiation into the Christian Community. It is the responsibility of all in the community to prepare our children, youth, young adults and adults for full sacramental life as Catholic Christians. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe supports and assists parents whose children are ready to prepare for these sacraments through adult education, prayer and modeling Christian worship and service.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (18+)
RCIY: Rite of Christian Initiation for Youth (13-17)
RCIC: Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (7-12)
The Rite of Christian Initiation is not a program, but a journey of welcoming new members into the Church. As a journey, the Rite of Christian Initiation “suggests a fluid, gradual process of formation, the heart of which is the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ” (RCIA, 8). Central to the formation process is conversion. Although it is primarily designed for those seeking baptism, it is adapted for baptized Christians of other faith beliefs who seek membership within the Catholic Church. The journey is two-fold: a journey of the entire faith community whereby members of the Church actively welcome the newcomers who are guided by the Gospel, and the good example of the people of God; secondly, it is a personal journey, not only for those seeking entrance into the Church, but also for the members of the community who begin to reexamine their own relationship with God as a result of the joy and enthusiasm they witness in the Catechumen.
The formation process, which flows from the liturgical cycle, encompasses the four major dimensions of the church’s life: word (both scripture and tradition), worship, mission and community (RCIA, 75).
The Cycles of the Journey
1. Period of Evangelization, or Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry)
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The stage where the Inquirer encounters Jesus the length of this period of the pre-catehumenate is not defined, but is respectful of the unique journey of each individual
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The inquirer stays in the pre-catechumenate phase until he/she is evangelized and ready to publicly declare his/her intention to become a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. This declaration is celebrated with a liturgical rite
2. 2. The Period of the Catechumenate
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The period of catechumenate should extend for at least one
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Year of formation, instruction and probation (National Statues, 6)
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This is the period of “making disciples”
3. 3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
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Prepares the elect and the candidates for the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and eucharist at Easter Vigil
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The Lenten time of spiritual preparation of the elect for the celebration of the penitential rites called scrutinizes
4. Mystagogy
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After the sacraments of initiation have been received, the newly baptized and newly received enter into the stage of mystagogy (means to uncover or lead into the mystery)
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This heart of this stage is the Sunday eucharist and the engagement of community
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RCIA/C/Y
Inquiry meetings are
advertised in the parish bulletin.
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The Role of the Sponsor Each catechumen or candidate in the RCIA process is given a sponsor for their faith journey. Sponsors are simply ordinary people, living ordinary lives in the everyday world. They are not experts in theology or master teachers. They are just men and women who are willing to spend some time with others who are on the journey to God. Their role is a privilege and a responsibility in the parish. We ask sponsors to participate regularly in the RCIA sessions, liturgies and other parish events. We ask them to please stay in contact with their candidate. We ask sponsors to be hospitable and attentive to their candidate's questions. If you have ever been anyone's friend, then you already possess the most important qualification for being an RCIA sponsor…the willingness to share your life with another person. Remember, experience is not necessary. We provide on-the-job training and once a month formation and fellowship to answer any questions that you may have. Benefits of this ministry are immeasurable; just ask any person who has ever sponsored. Some terms used in the RCIA/C/Y: CATECHUMEN non-baptized person who seeks entrance into the Catholic Church. CANDIDATE a person baptized in another Christian faith tradition who seeks membership in the Catholic Church. If you would like to become a team member or a sponsor, or want additional information, please contact: Danna Peaks at (210) 695-8791 Extension 27 |
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The Role of the Team Member It takes a team to make the RCIA happen. Team members organize the adult faith formation process for Candidates and Catechumens. They plan faith formation activities, lead group discussions, support the sponsors, plan and conduct social events. Team members participate regularly in the RCIA sessions, liturgies and other parish events. Team members are people interested in and dedicated to helping men, women and families become members of the Catholic Church. Team members are: · Interested in the RCIA process. · Discussion leaders. · Witnesses; not teachers. · Friends with a sense of humor! · Planners. Sponsors are: · Witnesses; not teachers · People of prayer willing to share without pushing. · Friends with a sense of humor! · Good listeners. · Respectful of a person and their journey. · Non-judgmental; listens with a loving heart. · Encouragers and cheerleaders who encourage freedom of decision and freedom of choice. · Balanced Christians who see secular life and church life the same – integrated.
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