What do you need to know to direct your parish's RCIA? William Bruns, an experienced parish RCIA director, offers a handy guide, a basic "starter kit, " that answers questions you might have about the process: What is the RCIA? How did it begin? What are the various liturgical rites and how are they carried out? What are some common misunderstandings and mistakes? How do I get started? How about a sample calendar?

This resource provides RCIA coordinators with the tools needed to train everyone involved in the formation of new adult Christians.

This resource shows both how to celebrate each of the rites within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and how to prepare children and their families for full participation in the rites. Sets forth a theological framework for the initiation of children as well as the sound praxes provided in the rite. A table outlines the periods and steps in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, showing what takes place during each period and the rites belonging to the period. The Q&A chapter will answer a variety of questions for coordinators, directors of religious education and priests. A glossary defines the terms relevant to Christian initiation. Resources for future reference.

This resource forms Christian initiation coordinators in the many aspects of their role. It provides the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, outlines the roles of the coordinator in animating the parish and forming the team, and presents catechesis as framed within liturgical prayer. The Role of the Coordinator in Christian Initiation offers many practical tips to help the process flow smoothly in the parish.

A Guide to the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate explores the distinctive vision and purpose of this foundational period of the initiation process. It provides initiation ministers with the practical tools needed to assess the parish’s current evangelizing ministry and to design an inquiry process aimed at helping seekers to hear and respond to the Good News, to undergo conversion, and to awaken and the desire to enter a relationship with God in Christ. Inside this guide, initiation ministers will find everything needed for effective ministry in this period, including: An overview of the purpose and vision of the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate Practical tips for improving the evangelizing outreach of your parish Ideas for attracting inquirers An outline for an initial conversation with prospective inquirers Questions for reflection with the initiation team and with inquirers Sample inquiry sessions based on paragraph 42 of the OCIA Discernment questions for assessing an inquirer’s readiness to celebrate the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate Guidance for preparing and celebrating the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate A mystagogical session to help catechumens reflect on the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate and its meaning at this moment in their journey

After the excitement of the Easter Vigil, the period of mystagogy can often be overlooked by the initiation team and the neophytes. However, it is an essential part of the Christian initiation process because it helps the neophytes deepen their relationship with Christ and with the Church. Mystagogical reflection is an important part of the spiritual growth of all parishioners—from neophytes to lifelong Catholics—because it invites the faithful to reflect on their encounters with Christ in the sacraments and then consider the transformative effects those encounters have on their daily lives. A Guide to the Period of Mystagogy encourages members of the initiation team to make the most of this period and provides practical support to do so. It includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of mystagogy Theological insights from the early Church’s practice of mystagogy Practical advice for implementing mystagogical reflection in your parish Nine mystagogical reflection sessions that can be used during Easter Time Fifteen mystagogical reflection sessions that can be used during the first year following initiation Encouragement to celebrate the first anniversary of baptism and to incorporate mystagogical reflection into the ongoing faith formation of the whole parish community

Parents play an essential role in the faith journey of their children who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. Parents nurture their children’s faith, create a prayer-filled home environment, and guide the family’s engagement in parish life. Along the way, however, parents often have questions about the process of initiation that is outlined in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the way it applies to their children. This booklet answers those questions and encourages parents to support their children in the life of faith. Initiation coordinators and catechists can also use this book to begin a conversation with parents and guardians about the sacramental journey for their children as it is outlined in the OCIA.

Ushers and greeters—ministers of hospitality—are vital to parishes so they need strong formation to comfortably and graciously respond to the needs of everyone who comes through the doors of your church. Solid training helps them become models of hospitality for the whole parish. This guide helps you train new and returning ministers of hospitality by providing knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are practical, theologically and liturgically-informed, and spiritually inspiring. With its new title, design, and added content, this revised edition is more helpful than ever. To Fr. Paul Turner’s foundational chapters on the meaning and history of the ministry and on the ministry’s spiritual dimensions, a brief chapter on the liturgy by liturgist Corinna Laughlin has been added. To Karie Ferrell’s practical and wise advice on the many detailed duties of the ministry, psychiatrist and spiritual director Thomas Welch has contributed some additional perspectives. Updates to frequently asked questions, the annotated list of recommended resources, and the glossary have added yet more value to the book, and questions for reflection and discussion continue to accompany each chapter. Let this guide help you open wide the doors of your church so that it can be, as Pope Francis has called for, a spiritual field hospital for our needy world. This guide includes: Theological and historical reflections on the liturgy and the ministry; Practical skill-building and advice for serving in this role; Ways to deepen your spirituality and call to discipleship; Answers to frequently asked questions; Recommended resources; A glossary; Questions for discussion and reflection

Guide for Celebrating® Holy Week and the Triduum provides a detailed overview of the rubrics surrounding the various liturgies, rites, and devotions of this time and addresses concerns surrounding multicultural communities, evangelization, and liturgical aesthetics.

Parents play a vital role as their children prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist through the catechumenal process. They help nurture their children’s faith and understanding as they accompany them on the path toward discipleship and initiation into Jesus Christ and his Church. This booklet answers the questions parents and guardians often ask as they help their children embrace the faith of the Catholic Church. It can also assist initiation coordinators, parish staff members, and catechists to begin a conversation with the parents and guardians as they and their children start on the path outlined in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Ideally, this resource will be given to the parents or guardians after the initial, face-to-face meeting and reinforce the explanation of why it is so important for parents or guardians to be involved in their child’s journey of faith: the Church says that parents are the primary catechists of their children and wishes for them accompany their children on the journey.