It Is All About the Journey: An Overview of The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

by Kathy Kuczka

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, we spent many summer vacations traveling to visit relatives in New York. Uncle Frank was always the one at the wheel. He made sure we were up way before the crack of dawn so that we could get an early start. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why in the world we had to leave so early. We were on vacation after all, and as far as I was concerned, we didn’t have to be in New York at any time in particular. But according to Uncle Frank, “We have to make good time.”

There is a little Uncle Frank in all of us. We want to get to our destination as quickly as possible. We have become so driven toward destiny that we have forgotten how to enjoy the journey. Continue reading “It Is All About the Journey: An Overview of The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults”

RCIA Self Assessment Tool

RCIA How Are We Doing A Self Assessment Tool published by RCL/Benziger is a great resource for RCIA teams. The set of reproducible blackline masters provide an overview of each period and rite followed by relevant evaluation questions that help RCIA leaders and teams to identify strengths and weaknesses in specific areas. The well constructed evaluation questions lead the evaluator to a greater understanding of the RCIA.

Reflections on Holy Week by the Newly Initiated

by Kathy Kuczka

Throughout the Easter season, our newly initiated adults have been engaged in the fourth period of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults called mystagogy, a Greek word meaning “to savor the mysteries.” Our newly initiated Catholics, called neophytes, or newly planted, have been reflecting on their journey of faith, especially on what they experienced during the rituals celebrated during Holy Week. Here are some of their reflections: Continue reading “Reflections on Holy Week by the Newly Initiated”