RCIA workshop to enhance process, form teams

by Bryan Reising

Who is responsible for the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) in your parish? Is it the responsibility of the pastor? Is it sister’s job? Is it the responsibility of the DRE?

In February, pastoral leaders, RCIA teams, sponsors, liturgical ministers and planners, and all interested parishioners will have the opportunity to attend one of two workshops. One will be at the Church of St. Anastasia in Hutchinson on Saturday, February 3, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The other one will be at the Church of St. Joseph in Montevideo on Thursday, February 15, 2007 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

The focus will be the Vision of the Initiation Ministry. We will explore shifts in Christian Initiation involving catechetical, pastoral, theological, and liturgical dimensions of this ministry; and discuss practical ideas addressing your needs regarding the RCIA and your RCIA teams. For example, we will look at the concerns of our small rural communities. The area faith communities and evangelization efforts that can be instrumental in implementing the RCIA more fully in these small rural areas. We will address the issue of those baptized, who are candidates for full communion with the Catholic church. There will also be a personal reflection on the Sacrament of Baptism.

Ann Przybilla, Director of Worship for the Diocese of New Ulm, and I will present and facilitate these workshops.

To register or for further questions, please contact the Office of Worship at (507) 359-2966 by January 15, 2007. There is no cost for this workshop. It is our hope that every parish and every area faith community can send their RCIA team, either current or potential, to one of these workshops. They can be the catalyst for entire parish to become involved.

Bryan Reising is Director of Religious Education and Adult Faith Formation of the Diocese of New Ulm.