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).

This resource aims to recognize and acknowledge that children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. However, using the rite itself as a backbone, this new book will help RCIA coordinators, catechists, and DREs with suggestions on how to adapt the rite for children. The book will document the author's expertise and experience in ushering children through the process and offers readers practical suggestions to help children and families, and at the same time, helps to underscore that the Rite should be their foundation for how they will do this.

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

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.

As a shepherd to the community, the priest has a vital role in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Just as he is to feed the sheep of his parish, the priest is to attend to the spiritual needs of inquirers, catechumens, and the elect. This resource guides priests through each of the periods and steps of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, showing how the priest is part of the process. The author point out ways in which priests journey with those going through the Christian initiation process. This resource will help priests understand the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as it explains each of the periods and steps of the process. The table that charts out what occurs during each period, the rites belonging to the period, and the length of the periods provides an easy reference.  Also includes a glossary and resources.

Catechetical leadership is at its best when it builds on the shoulders of those who have gone before while at the same time creating innovative approaches for an ever-changing ministry. This fifth volume of The Effective Catechetical Leader will share both time-tested and new skills and strategies that will allow catechetical leaders to not only be successful in the week-to-week particulars of running a parish catechetical program, but also to fulfill the ultimate goal of animating a faith community to grow in authentic discipleship to Jesus Christ. A few of the best practices covered in this book include planning the catechetical year, selecting catechetical resources, promoting the catechetical program to the parish community and beyond, how to honestly evaluate your program, and so much more. The Effective Catechetical Leader series, developed in conjunction with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and written by some of the top catechetical leaders in the country, is the only series to encompass all the various aspects of catechetical leadership. This series provides the practical skills, strategies, and approaches that ensure successful parish faith formation in an evangelizing manner, which leads directly to a vibrant Church. From best practices to new approaches for proclaiming God’s word in a rapidly changing world, this groundbreaking series will empower catechetical leaders to excel at everything from administrative duties to effectively catechizing people of all ages within our diverse Church.

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.