Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Formation Process for Catechumenate Ministers

Initiation By Immersion:
A Formation Process for Catechumenate Ministers

Initiation By Immersion is a ten-session process in which participants are immersed in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to become more effective catechumenate ministers.

In these sessions you will:

  • Be grounded in the experience and practice of initiation
  • Learn the rites of initiation in all its stages
  • Gain pastoral skills
  • Practice liturgical catechesis
  • Develop planning and preparation strategies
  • Enhance presiding skills
  • Learn the catechumenate model by experiencing it yourself

At the end of 10 sessions, you will:

  • Understand the experience of catechumens and candidates, and
  • Be prepared to lead your parish to be an initiating and evangelizing community
Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJMThese sessions are facilitated by Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJM, who holds a master’s degree in pastoral studies and a certificate in pastoral counseling. She served as Director of Christian Initiation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is a specialist in Christian initiation and liturgical catechesis. She teaches pastoral liturgy at Holy Names College, Oakland, and is a team member for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. Miriam is a member of SNJM FIRE for Ministry and is the author of Enter the Rose: Unfolding the Mysteries of Faith, published by World Library Publications.

Initiation By Immersion Location and Schedule
All sessions are Saturday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at
Santa Teresa Church, 794 Calero Avenue, San José.

  • October 15, 2005: History and Overview of the RCIA
  • November 19, 2005: The Document and Liturgical Principles
  • December 10, 2005: The Pre-Catechumenate
  • January 7, 2006: The Catechumenate: Conversion
  • January 21, 2006: The Catechumenate: Catechesis
  • February 25, 2006: The Minor Rites and Presiding Skills
  • March 11, 2006: Purification and Enlightenment: Scrutinies
  • April 22, 2006: Discernment
  • May 20, 2006: Marriage and Special Circumstances
  • June 24, 2006: Ministries and Team Building
Cost for Initiation By Immersion
$350 with monthly installment plan, or $300 if paid or billed in full at time of registration (that's a $50 discount!). Refunds: Full registration fees refunded if OPM is notified by September 30, 2005. For missed sessions, only up to 2 sessions may be refunded. There are no make-up sessions.

Because of the interpersonal nature of this formation process, registration is for all ten sessions. Single-session participants are admitted only by consent of the facilitator. Contact Sandra Pacheco at Pacheco@dsj.org or 408-983-0126 two weeks before to request registration for a particular session.

Registration deadline: September 30, 2005



FILED UNDER: WORKSHOP AND EVENTS | CHRISTIAN INITIATION