The period of purification and enlightenment is one of intense spiritual preparation for the elect, who have been chosen by God to receive the Easter sacraments. This guide provides practical and liturgically sound ideas for celebrating the rites of this period and for integrating these rites as the primary source of the elect’s formation and preparation for initiation. This resource includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the purification and enlightenment Background on the rites Suggestions for celebrating the rites Ideas for reflecting on the rites in a retreat-like way Guided meditations on the scrutiny Gospel accounts Seven fully prepared formation sessions on the Rite of Election, the three scrutinies, the handing on of the creed and the Lord’s Prayer, and the Rites of Immediate Preparation A newly composed hymn for use during formation sessions

This guide will help RCIA coordinators, catechists, and DREs with suggestions on how to adapt the Rite for children in their parish, considering th varying ages and states of faith formation.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an essential element in the life of every parish; when implemented well, the process transforms a parish community while forming new disciples. Q&A on the RCIA: A Guide to Understanding Christian Initiation is an easy-to-use resource that will assist RCIA teams, catechists, liturgists, priests, and deacons as they navigate the initiation process. Pastorally and succinctly, this resource answers many frequently asked questions about the process of Christian initiation and its rites. This book: - provides a quick reference for any member of the RCIA team and parish staff - is divided by the four periods of the catechumenate process for easy reference - contains over 100 of the most frequently asked questions - gives practical guidance and wisdom to help direct initiation ministers

The period of the catechumenate is rich with opportunities for catechesis, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults presents four ways that catechesis occurs during that time for the unbaptized. A Guide to the Period of the Catechumenate breaks open each of those ways of catechizing by first exploring the approach of catechesis accommodated to the liturgical year, then by providing suggestions on how to introduce catechumens to the Christian way of life. In addition to this foundational material, this book also includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the catechumenate Practical advice for leading formational and catechetical sessions with the unbaptized Thirty-five seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with liturgical suggestions for preparing Celebrations of the Word Thirty-four seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with practical ways catechumens can serve their parish and local communities Twelve catechetical sessions on the lives of the saints

Children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. This book is an invaluable resource for initiation coordinators, catechists, and directors of religious education as they prepare children and their families to undertake their journeys of faith. Author Rita Burns Senseman shares the Church’s wisdom concerning the vision of children’s initiation according found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). You will find parish-tested models and sample sessions; appendixes on how to prepare and lead child catechesis, and how to celebrate the liturgical rites; answers to frequently asked questions; and a glossary of terms. This book has been revised according to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

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