RCIA conference geared to experiencing the journey
PISCATAWAY — The Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of the Rite of Christian Initiation will provide a unique learning opportunity pertinent for RCIA directors, teams and clergy members through “Entering the Experience,” the second part of a two-part conference.
Designed for new and experienced RCIA teams to deepen an understanding of the process and to develop the vision and pastoral skills to implement the process, the conference is scheduled for Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center.
Specifically, the conference will focus on the experience of the evangelization and precatechumenate as well as the catechumenate periods respectively.
Sara Sharlow, director of the Office of RCIA, said the conference’s main purpose is to provide a deeper understanding and renewed energy to those who minister to candidates and catechumens throughout the diocese.
She said that the conference is designed to be a “spirituality day” for all RCIA teams, adding that those participating will have an opportunity to “walk through” the particular periods.
“Our hope is that the day will offer spiritual nourishment to our teams as they enter into the experience of the process,” she said.
The previous part of the conference was held on Oct. 13 of last year and highlighted Purification and Enlightenment as well as the Mystagogy Periods, the other two periods of the RCIA process.
Sharlow said she was pleased with the feedback received from the first part of the conference, and as such, has high expectations for part two.
She also said the conferences are part of a larger goal of having a spirituality day once a year to revive and refresh RCIA team members. Another important mission of the conference is for RCIA team members and directors to be involved as participants as opposed to facilitators.
Sharlow hopes RCIA teams will “gain the perspective” of the candidates as well as a better appreciation of the “conversion aspect of the process.”
To register for “Entering the Experiencing,” call the Office of the RCIA, (732) 562-1990, ext. 1633, or e-mail ssharlow@diometuchen.org. Attendees are asked to bring the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult’s Study Edition.”
