Training the RCIA
Team
Why train you may ask? The training of
the RCIA team members is essential to a successful process. Many
of us have attended parish schools or CCD classes while growing
up, then Catholic high school, and perhaps Catholic College.
Over our lifetimes, how many homilies have we heard? Don't we
know and understand what being Catholic is?
The answer most often is that we know and
understand, but do not feel confident enough. Training provides
the means through which confidence is built.
One of the greatest reluctance's for parishioners
in becoming involved in RCIA is that they feel unqualified. By
providing training, new ministers will overcome their fears and
gain confidence. Continued training for current team members
deepens their understanding of the process, provides individual
growth, and renews the spirit. Education of the Assembly about
the RCIA process is also essential for a successful conversion
process.
Types of training which may be available:
- Institutes - National organizations such as the North
American Forum on the Catechumenate provide weekend and/or
week long training on different aspects of the RCIA process.
- Diocesan sponsored training - e.g., workshops, Lenten retreats, team formation
days, networking sessions, parish workshops upon request.
Support for Training: the pastor must give
his support to the RCIA team. Support can come in many forms.
Providing facilities where the catechumens and team can meet,
giving training to team members, funding institute training,
obtaining necessary resource materials, and training/integrating
RCIA into other parish ministries especially liturgy and music,
are some of the essentials. The pastor must understand the need
for training and provide the resources to facilitate training
within parish resources.
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