RCIA – An introduction
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is essentially a process not a programme. The basic task for the catechist is to meet the enquirer where he or she is and walk with them to where they want to go. During this process all sorts of questions will be asked and many experiences will be shared.
The main tool at the hands of the Catechist is the Word of God as expressed in the Sunday readings. Throughout the Church year almost all aspect of Catholic thought are covered in bite size weekly readings. However the pattern can seem to be out of the catechists control because each person hears the word in a different way and therefore the reaction to the word can lead the RCIA group in different directions and sometimes into unchartered waters.
We like to think that we are in control but, in actual fact, we are not. Unless we reduce our meetings to a weekly lecture on a given subject which turns the process into a programme, we can never be in control.
There are however guidelines we can set ourselves which, although not a control mechanism, give us as catechists the peace of mind that somehow we are covering all aspects of the Catholic Faith.
Take for example the Mass. In the books of the New Testament there is no real description of the Mass but we know through experience that for many of our enquirers the Mass was their first contact with our church. How do we explain something which will not arise in the weekly readings of the Word.
The purpose of this article and perhaps a series of follow up articles is to explore a way of introducing the Mass and similar subjects such as the Creed or the Sacraments to enquirers.
The Mass
Mass always starts with a journey. We need to move from our homes to a church in order to take part in the Mass. So an introduction to the Mass could begin with a discussion on how you came to Mass last weekend. Was it easy or difficult, did you really want to come or did you feel obliged to come, what was on your mind as you made the journey and came into church. This discussion could take up a small part of your weekly meeting but it would begin a process in the minds of your enquirers into why they feel they should come to Mass.
The following week you could ask a question about how welcome they feel in the church and what is the significance of the Holy Water stoop and the way they enter the church, how do they show respect for God? In subsequent meetings a ten minute discussion on the Penitential rite, the Gloria, the Opening Prayer and the Liturgy of the Word would begin to give the enquirersan insight into the mass which would not be a lecture but an opening up to the beauty of the Mass.
These ten minute slots could be used over the weeks to explore the different stages of the Mass and help the enquirers feel welcome and more at ease each time they come to the celebration
Perhaps then their experience may be like this.
Our Church
I heard the buzz of voices, low but clear,
I felt a certain warmth, there was life in here.
He said “Is this your first time” and gave me a grin,
I answered “Yes”, “You will like it here, come on in”
“Sit wherever you want to, the choice is yours,
mind it gets so draughty near the doors”.
The church was peaceful, friendly faces
looked up to see me with a smile or a nod,
and so I entered, chose my seat,
and settled down, to greet my God
Although a stranger I had a feeling
That I had been to this place before;
that God was indwelling, among his people,
and I felt my spirit soar.
The celebration carried me upwards,
the words and music filled my soul,
I felt contented, filled and nourished,
it raised my spirit, it made me whole.
All of my worries, that Sunday morning,
just disappeared, I felt at peace.
As in community, with voices praising,
my joys and sorrows found release.
Lord, thank you for the gift of a loving Eucharistic community