Coming soon:
“RCIA catechists’ Conference 2008”
A day of reflection for parish catechists working with RCIA
Saturday 25th October, Scotus College, 2 Chesters Road, Bearsden
10.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Parish Contribution £5 Per person
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING A PACKED LUNCH
(Please make cheques payable to Archdiocese of Glasgow RCIA)
Workshops: 1. RCIA and the worshipping community
2. Building catechists’ confidence
3. Introduction to the RCIA group for new catechists
4. RCIA and the liturgical year
Forum: Music for the RCIA.
Period of Mystagogy
Previous events:
Neophytes' Retreat 2008
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults envisions the formation of the newly initiated members of the Church community to continue until the great feast of Pentecost. It is common for the 'neophytes' to gather with the bishop on Pentecost Sunday to celebrate their initiation and also to be reunited with each other as a diocesan community.
To this end, an invitation went out to all those adults who had celebrated Christian initiation across the Archdiocese of Glasgow to come along to Our Lady of Consolation once more for a day of retreat.
The day of retreat gave the opportunity to reflect on all that the neophytes, sponsors and catechists had shared together on their journey and contemplate their journey further by using the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruits that come from using those gifts.
A time of prayer followed as the neophytes lit flames representing the gifts of the Spirit and were sent forth to share the good news they had received!
Pastoral Issues in the RCIA
Saturday 27th October 2007
It's become an annual event! The RCIA catechists from all over Glasgow enjoy coming together to reflect on their ministry and share in being formed and affirmed in their ministry at these days of reflection.
The day offered a variety of reflections through workshops and time spent together, the participants being formed by their time together and those who lead them in reflecting and in prayer. The opportunity to meet again with one another and share the experience of journeying with those who aspire to share in the Catholic faith always gives the catechists renewed enthusiasm for the ministry they have been called to.
Among the comments and feedback given by participants was that opportunity to be affirmed by their fellow catechists that the work they were doing was positive and along the right tracks. The workshops gave the real scope for such affirmation and also some food for thought.
Jane McKechan and Fr. Fintan Creaven s.j. from the Ignatian Spirituality centre afforded catechists the opportunity to reflect on "Teaching people to pray". Their reflection increased confidence in the participants in leading prayer and teaching inquirers how to pray and deepen their journey through lives of prayer.
Sr. Eleanor Breen has vast experience of "How adults learn" and was able to share her experience with passion, enthusiasm and a lot of laughter! Her input was beneficial in making catechists reflect on their role and how to appreciate the value of how they minister.
Fr. Tom Kilbride spoke of how to use God's word in weekly session. For those who also attended the input on prayer, Fr. Tom's input tied the journey together very clearly and coherently in a way that was informative and enjoyable.
Reflecting on how to celebrate the rites, and the fact that they ARE worth celebrating and SHOULD be celebrated, helped catechists to come to a better appreciation of the RCIA as a model for our parish life: living discipleship. Fr. David spoke about the Good News we have to share and how this becomes a reality when we celebrate the rites of Christian Initiation within our parish communities.
One of the frequent areas of concern for those who are involved in RCIA is the pastoral issues relating to Marriage. Fr. James O'Kane of the Scottish National Tribunal was able to enlighten the whole group on some of these issues and offer assistance on understanding the sensitive nature of people's lives and journeys.
The day was informative, prayerful, joyful and hopeful. With comments ranging from "Thanks for addressing the issues we raised last year", "More of these retreats would be helpful for those involved in the RCIA" to "Thanks to all the speakers, team and all who helped. I really enjoyed the day", it looks like there's lots more to be shared.
So, watch this space for more information! And thanks to all those who took the time to come along.
Sunday 30th September 2007
"Receive the Power"
The Youth Pastoral Team of the Archdiocese invited young adults from every parish to take part in an afternoon of ministry formation. Realising that many young adults are presently involved in parish ministry and many others might have a desire to be involved, the team offered the opportunity for reflection on a variety of areas including music, proclaiming the Word of God, youth ministry, catechesis (photograph above) and hospitality. Over 50 young adults responded to the invitation and enjoyed spending the time together in reflection. For more information about forthcoming events for young adults, contact the youth office at youth.pastoral@btconnect.com or check out their website at www.rcagyouth.org.uk
THURSDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2007
"Preparing for the Easter Triduum"
This evening of reflection took place at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Hall and was led by Fr. Andrew McKenzie who provided a reflection on the celebration of the Easter Triduum.
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SATURDAY 17th MARCH 2007
"Singing the Mass"
EYRE HALL, 196 Clyde Street, Glasgow
About 30 musicians from across the Archdiocese took part in a day of prayer and musical participation led by Fr. David Wallace & Giovanna McMahon of the liturgy commission. The day invloved a sharing of resources and good practices focussing on Mass settings and responsorial psalms as well as hymns for Eastertide and Ordinary time.
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RCIA
A retreat day took place at St. Paul's, Shettleston prior to the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent. Participants experienced coming together as a diocesan community for he first time on their journey. Around 37 catechumens were baptised at the Easter Vigil in their own parishes across the Archdiocese, while some 55 candidates were received into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Neophytes will come together again to celebrate with Archbishop Conti on Pentecost Sunday at St. Andrew's Cathedral.
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More info on any of the above at:
liturgy@onetel.com
Retreat day for Candidates and Catechumens
A highlight for the RCIA team every year is the gathering together of catechumens (those preparing for baptism) and candidates (already baptised and seeking full communion with the Church) prior to the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent.
Our retreat day on Saturday 9th February 2008 took place at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Govanhill with about 150 people taking part: catechumens, candidates, sponsors and catechists. It was a very moving experience with opportunities for catechumens and candidates from different parishes to meet with each other and share their experiences and joys of journeying towards the fullness of Christian Initiation. You can read some of their stories on the RCIA pages.
Preparing for the Season of Advent
The liturgy commission invited parishes across the Archdiocese to come along to an afternoon reflecting on how to animate the Season of Advent. The event took place at Scotus College, Bearsden on Sunday 25th November 2007 and offered some insights into preparing an Advent evening prayer to enhance the parish's celebration of Advent.
The afternoon was well received by all who took part and some even managed to use the materials provided to bring together their parish community in prayer and reflection during the Advent Season.
Watch this space for future events!
