Equipping All the Faithful: Clergy and the Laity
Equipping All the Faithful:
Clergy and the Laity
…Baptism is the
sacrament by which
its recipients are
incorporated into
the Church and are
built up together in
the Spirit into a
house where God
lives, into a holy
nations and a royal
priesthood. (intro 4)
Initiation Ministry is at the heart of the Church’s life:
the making of Christ’s disciples for
Christ’s transforming mission in the world.
“Go make of all disciples:”
We welcome your command;
“Lo, I am with you always:”
We take your guiding hand.
The task looms large before us–
We follow without fear.
In heav’n and earth your power
Shall bring God’s kingdom here.
• Initiation Ministry is at the heart of the Church’s life:
the making of Christ’s disciples for
Christ’s transforming mission in the world.
• Initiation is the responsibility of all the baptized
•Ministerial leaders enable the community to fulfill
its responsibilties to make new Christians
• Image of apprenticeship, thus “mentor”
• Experience has shown team ministry to be
essential
• Scripture-based Catechesis… the Lectionary as a guide.
The Faith of the Church is proclaimed and shared.
Understanding is evidenced.
• The community ministers to catechumens and candidates
through its experience of the Liturgy of the Word
• The priest ministers especially through presiding attentively
at Liturgy of the Word and especially through the homily
• The catechist and other ministers in the catechesis that flows
from the word (Scripture and Tradition)
• Prayer and Liturgy and the Rites are integral elements of
formation– Homilies are important! Rituals are celebrated
throughout this period. Use of the Rites, conversion is
evidenced.
• The community’s celebration of daily prayer, Sunday
Eucharist, and the major liturgical seasons and feasts
• The liturgies of initiation process
• Mystagogical reflection on these liturgical experiences to
draw out and more deeply implant the teaching and
formation they offer the catechumens and candidates
• Catechumenal community connects with the larger
community– sharing the traditions and customs and life of
the parish. Membership/relationship is evidenced.
• The guiding image is of mentoring the newcomers in a way
of life
• Parish leaders and others invite newcomers simply to
participate in as many parish activities and experiences as
possible
• The only aspect of parish life the catechumens cannot fully
share is the sacraments
• Service and involvement in the parish and community
develop. Witnessing with the community and within the
community. Commitment is evidenced.
• Parish leaders and others mentor them in charity and justice
ministries of the community
• They are given appropriate experiences of witness within
the community and beyond, with good mentoring that
includes opportunities for them to do the same
In this way, all the ministries and
activities of the parish become the
means of forming these newcomers
in the way of life of Christ’s
disciples.
• How do we get the
parish excited?
• Summer months, what
can do we do?
• Best way to catechecize
the catechumens vs. the
candidates
• What to do with
adolescents?
• Importance of sharing
our story vs. education
• What do we do when a
deaf person inquires
into our community?
• How can we assist the
assembly to unpack
their experience as
well?
• If the whole community
is to support, how do
we get the parish to do
this?
• How do we integrate
inquirers and
candidates into a year-
round process?
• How do we incorporate
families into the
process?
• How can we keep
Sunday as the Lord’s
Day?
• Flexibility vs.
Methodology
• How do you get people
to come to the Church/
RCIA?
• How do you get team
members?