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TEAM FORMATION at HOLY SPIRIT
Thirty years ago, when someone wished to become a Catholic, they would make a series of appointments (usually ten or twelve) and meet with one of the parish priests. This approach was very different than that which existed in the early Church, and that which we are trying to apply in the RCIA today.
One of the interesting side effects of this approach was that the convert would form an intimate bond with the priest who ''gave instruction.'' One of the great teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which reformed the Catholic Church in the 1960''s, was the re-emphasis on the importance of the Christian Community. RCIA is a process designed to help integrate Inquirers/RCIA participants into what St. Paul called ''The Body of Christ,'' that is, the Church. Ideally the bonds formed during this period of formation will be with the worshipping community, which Incarnates Christ in a special way.
The RCIA Team we have assembled is a special one. You will see the diverse character of the Church, and of our particular community, reflected in its membership. You may see that the experience of many of these fine people echoes your own. You will also see how each of us, deploying our diverse gifts, have a part to play in the building up of the Kingdom of God.
RCIA TEAM
The areas of service and responsibility available to our RCIA Team are listed below. Because of its liturgical nature and character, the RCIA process transcends our normal perceptions or models of ''classes'' or ''instruction.'' Considering the pre-eminence of the liturgy in forming and sealing the conversion experience of its participants, and considering their special commission to preach the Word of God, those members of the community called forth to preside at the liturgy, namely the priests of the parish, have a special role in leading persons to conversion. The priests of Holy Spirit Church seek to articulate the principles of the RCIA program according to the mind of the Universal Church and the need of this particular parish. The syllabus and curriculum is set by our priests and they oversee the general direction of the program.The rest of the team seeks to use their own particular gifts to help apply that general vision to the particular needs of all participants. As you will see, our team is very gifted!
Ten Areas of Responsibility of the RCIA Team
1. Coordinator
2. Catechesis (Presenters)
3. Hospitality
4. Outreach
5. Retreats
6. Sponsors
7. Worship/Rites
8. Publicity
9. Breaking Open the Word
10. Prayer