Forum’s PASTORAL TRAINING INSTITUTES/WORKSHOPS provide ministers–volunteer and paid, full and part-time, lay and clergy–with deeper understanding of the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the fundamental and advanced skills to implement all aspects of the Rite and its implications for reconciliation. Institute leaders are among North America’s most experienced pastoral ministers, liturgists, catechists, and theologians.
The Initiation Experience Institutes present the compelling vision and pastoral skills to implement the initiation process and emphasize the relationship of good liturgy to good catechesis.
Intensive, three-day introduction to the initiation process
The vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Local implementation
May have specialized focus for African American, Hispanic, campus ministry, or rural communities
Focus on Initiation Institutes concentrate on specific aspects of initiation using presentations, celebrations of the rites, and small group discussions. It is preferable that they follow the Initiation Experience Institutes.
Elements of formation that mark the period: catechesis grounded in liturgical celebrations, the Liturgy of the Word, discernment of the Christian way of life, participation in Church’s apostolic mission
Central features of the period: word, Eucharist, apostolic mission
What it means to be a mystagogue
The Initiating Community Institutes explore advanced issues of implementation for experienced ministers as they broaden the initiation experience to include the entire community. Small groups discuss, share, and critique models.
Invites participants to reflect on the vision and process of conversion and reconciliation
Explores an understanding of a reconciling community rooted in initiation
Examines present processes and future possibilities for reconciling ministry in the parish
THE VISION OF INITIATION MINISTRY CONFERENCES These conferences are intended for individual dioceses, formation institutions, and religious communities. For clergy and other pastoral ministers, together or in separate conferences.
Vision of Initiation Ministry Conference for Clergy (2 days) Introduces the vision and practice of adult initiation for clergy in relation to:
Evangelization
Pastoral Formation
Roles in the Initiation Process—Community, Ordained Ministers, Other Ministers
Connections between Liturgy and Catechesis
Vision of Initiation Ministry Conference for Pastoral Ministers (2 days) Introduces the vision and practice of adult initiation for all pastoral ministers in relation to:
Evangelization
Pastoral Formation
Roles in the Initiation Process—Community, All Ministers
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