Formation for new RCIA coordinators and facilitators

A one-day formation programme for new RCIA coordinators and facilitators (catechists) was conducted by the KL Archdiocesan RCIA Ministry, a sub-ministry of the KL Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministry (KLACM) on August 17 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Aug 30, 2024

Stephanie Chia presenting on the “Pedagogy of God”.


KUALA LUMPUR: A one-day formation programme for new RCIA coordinators and facilitators (catechists) was conducted by the KL Archdiocesan RCIA Ministry, a sub-ministry of the KL Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministry (KLACM) on August 17 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. About 80 people involved in the RCIA ministry participated in the programme.

According to Dr Steven Selvaraju, who serves as Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Centre, the programme is a new initiative by KLACM. He stated, “Each year, since 2019, we have been conducting formation programmes for new parish catechists who are teaching children and teenagers. This year, we decided to have a training session for those who have been recently appointed as RCIA coordinators or become involved as facilitators.”

The first session entitled, Understanding the RCIA, was presented by Dr Steven. He shared that the present day RCIA has its origins in the adult catechumenate that was carried out during the second to fifth centuries. The early Christians were particular about how people were initiated into the Church and they made sure that those seeking baptism were truly ‘converted’ to Jesus.

Around the sixth century, the catechumenate began to decline, largely due to the rise of infant baptism. However, elements of it persisted in various forms across Europe. European missionaries later introduced aspects of the ancient catechumenate when they evangelised in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Over time, calls for the adult catechumenate to be re-introduced into the Church began to grow.

At the Second Vatican Council, missionary bishops advocated strongly for the reintroduction of the catechumenate. The Council decreed that the adult catechumenate “is to be restored and brought into use at the discretion of the local ordinary” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 64). Pope Paul VI approved the Order of Adult Initiation in 1972, officially naming it the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The introduction of the RCIA sparked significant excitement and debate among catechetical, liturgical, and theological experts. Some viewed it as a ground breaking development, while others considered it one of the most crucial Church documents since the Second Vatican Council. The RCIA process emphasises that “The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the paschal mystery and renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously” (RCIA, 4).

Three key elements emerge from this understanding. Firstly, the RCIA is a spiritual journey that calls for faith and conversion on the part of the adult seeking initiation. Secondly, to support this journey, the RCIA is structured into various stages and steps that signify the individual's progress in faith and conversion. Thirdly, the catechumen does not embark on this journey alone; the RCIA invites the entire Christian community to accompany and support them. In doing so, the community is also called to undergo its own conversion as it aids the catechumen in their journey toward Christ.

In recent years, however, some experts have expressed concern over how the RCIA is being implemented in many parishes. Instead of resembling a spiritual journey, the RCIA is often treated more as a formation programme, with a stronger focus on catechetical instruction rather than fostering an authentic experience of faith and conversion for those seeking initiation. Additionally, certain key elements of the RCIA are either inadequately implemented or entirely omitted, hindering the holistic development of individuals as disciples of Christ. Moreover, the responsibility for RCIA often falls on a small group within the parish, rather than involving the entire community. These issues need to be carefully addressed and improved to ensure the RCIA is properly and effectively carried out.

Role of the RCIA Team
In the second session titled The Role of the RCIA Team, Dr Steven Selvaraju highlighted three crucial points for team members.

Firstly, evangelisation is essential. True conversion cannot occur without it, and without conversion, later catechesis will be less effective. Therefore, the initial stage of the RCIA, the Period of Evangelisation and Pre-catechumenate, must be given significant attention.

Secondly, the RCIA team should recognise that the community plays a vital role in the RCIA process. Faith and conversion develop not just through catechesis but through active, frequent involvement in the community’s life. The community acts as a living “curriculum,” where catechumens learn Catholic practices and values through the example set by its members.

Thirdly, the RCIA team can foster greater community involvement by focusing on building personal relationships. Relationships are crucial in the RCIA process, as studies reveal that many join due to existing connections with Catholics, such as a spouse, family member, or friend. Therefore, the team should facilitate these connections by integrating catechumens into parish ministries, groups, or BECs during the Period of Catechumenate. This approach allows catechumens to engage with the community on a personal level, helping them form meaningful relationships and better integrate into the Church.

These relationships not only help the catechumen experience what it means to be Church but also play a key role in ensuring that he or she remains in the Church long after his or her baptism. During the presentation, Dr Steven highlighted some key statistics from the findings of his doctoral thesis ? The Role of the Parish Community in the RCIA ? which indicates the importance of facilitating one-to-one relationships between catechumens and individuals in the community.



The final session of the day, titled The Role of the RCIA Coordinator and Facilitator, was delivered in two parts by Stephanie Chia and Alan Lukose. Stephanie focused on God’s pedagogical approach, exploring how catechists can draw from God’s methods of teaching and guiding His people. She referenced several Biblical passages (Lk 24:13-35; Lk 19:1-10; Jn 4:5-30; Acts 9:1-9) to illustrate these principles. Alan, emphasised the importance for RCIA coordinators to build strong relationships with the parish priest and team members. He also highlighted the need for coordinators to develop and apply specific leadership skills to enhance their effectiveness in their roles. — KL Archdiocesan RCIA Coordinating Team

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