RCIC Volunteer Information
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The RCIC Catechist may choose one of two options to get involved:
Option 1 - Dismissal:
Facilitate Sunday dismissal for those children preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Sunday dismissal takes place from the last week of October until Holy Week. All RCIC children attend the 10:30 Mass and are dismissed at the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word (after the homily). The Assembly benefits by witnessing the sending forth of those preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments. The RCIC Catechist assists our children as instrument of Evangelization. The entire Community is strengthened and renewed by the witness of new members coming into the Church.
How the Ministry Works:- When the children are dismissed, the RCIC catechist meets with them in a designated room to “break open the Word.”
- The children reflect on the Sunday readings and the homily.
- The Catechist is responsible for leading them into discussion and reflection. Resource materials are provided.
- The RCIC Catechist should have a desire to share his or her faith with individuals who may have minimal prior faith formation. He or she should expect the most basic questions about the Catholic faith, and the children in this process may be confused about things that those who have been Catholic for awhile take completely for granted. Hence, although the Catechist need not be expert in matters of doctrine, he or she should be a patient listener, and consider all questions as deserving of respect.
- The time commitment is approximately 40 minutes on Sunday and ½ to one hour of preparation time.
- The Catechist must stay with the children until their parents pick them up at the conclusion of Mass.
Option 2 - Classroom:
Help lead classroom disucssion and prepare weekly lessons for Tuesday night RCIC classes. Class meets from 7:00-8:15 pm on Tuesday nights. Children will alternately participate in the adult RCIA class and maintain their own classroom community.
How the Ministry Works:- Catechists have a weekly commitment during class time. Classes start in September and finish in April. Catechists should arrive at least ten minutes prior to class and stay after class for ten minutes to facilitate student pick-up.
- Catechists typically spend an hour a week preparing the lesson. The Religious Education office provides all the classroom material support such as copies, bulletin board decorations, supplemental catechetical material, craft items, etc.
- Team members are expected to follow the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults expectations, including attendance at weekly sessions, retreats, Rites, and team meetings.
- Sponsors are also expected to attend weekly sessions, retreats, and the designated Rites.
- Team members and sponsors must be present during Holy Week to attend the Triduum liturgies and the Easter Vigil.