Catholic Diocese of Richmond / Office of Christian Formation /RCIA Newsletter January 2020
News and Resources for RCIA Teams
Rite of Election Dates
The Rite of Election will take place in each Vicariate of our diocese. All RCIA Team Leaders were sent registration information on Thursday, January 16. If your parish is missing this information, please contact Sheri Kemp ASAP.
Western Vicariate
Saturday, February 29, 10am at St. Andrew, Roanoke

Central Vicariate
Saturday, February 29, 3pm at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond

Eastern Vicariate
Sunday, March 1, 3pm at Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk
Celebrating the Rite of Sending and
the Rite of Election
Parishioners of St. Gerard, Roanoke celebrate the Rite of Sending, February 2019.
Training Articles
The February 2019 newsletter contained several articles on the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election. If you missed it or want a review, click here to see it now.

Participation in the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election is a meaningful experience for most catechumens. Signing their name in the Book of the Elect and gathering with dozens of other catechumens and the Bishop as they make a commitment to Christ and become the Elect is worthy of reflection. Consider doing a mystagogical session following these rites at your next gathered session. A simple one has been provided.
Resources for Adult Confirmation
Adults who are baptized Catholic and received First Holy Communion as a child, but never celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, have unique sacrament needs and should be considered differently than those in the RCIA. Some may be identified through a "Catholics Come Home" program, others as they prepare for marriage or the baptism of a child, while others just decide now is the time! While each person's journey is unique, there are a few things to keep in mind with this ministry:
  1. Welcome them! You are so glad that they have decided to be a fully initiated Catholic. You are happy to assist them with the process!
  2. If they are married, it is important to inquire of their marriage status and see if there is anything prohibiting them from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at this time. (See training below for help in this area!) You will want a recent copy of their Baptism certificate.
  3. Through conversation with them, you will learn of their formation background and how prepared they are to receive this sacrament. Many adults who seek Confirmation have been attending Mass regularly for sometime and will just need a few formative sessions for immediate preparation.
  4. As part of the preparation for Confirmation, formation regarding, and celebration of, the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged.
  5. Make sure a sponsor is selected and have the sponsor attestation form completed.
  6. Adult Confirmation can take place most any time during the liturgical year and is normally celebrated at a weekend mass. Pentecost, Feast of Christ the King and weekends with readings pertaining to the Holy Spirit or discipleship provide opportune moments for this celebration. There is no need to wait for a group of confirmandi before celebrating this sacrament.
Confirming Adult Catholics
A five session program for immediate preparation of adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Created by Mary Birmingham and available through World Library Publications. $19.95

Preview and order a copy here .

The Catholic Way
A comprehensive adult (and youth) formation resource that is also available divided into sacrament specific topics. It can be downloaded from The Pastoral Center online ministry source for $5.00 here .
Other topics can also be purchased individually.
New Training Series - Sign up Today!
First Session: What to do when they have already said, "I do"?
Join us for a virtual chat!
Msgr. Francis Muench is the guest presenter at our first RCIA Roundtable video call series.

Have you ever wondered what a “dispensation” is or what is “proper form”?

Do baptized, married candidates all have the same path to initiation?

Does it matter where a couple was married? Does it impact sacramental participation later?

Get answers to these and other questions that may puzzle you as we learn together from our Judicial Vicar.

Join us from your own computer sitting at your kitchen table, or gather as an RCIA Team at church to participate.

Two dates and times to choose from to fit your schedule.

Register below and we will send instructions to join our video call.
Wednesday, January 22 at 10:30 - 11:30AM
or
Monday, January 27 at 6:30 - 7:30PM
*New - RCIA Leader Training - Subsidized!!!
Recruiting, Training and Ministry - an online course for RCIA Leaders
Parish and campus ministry RCIA Leaders can take advantage of a $100 refund on the price of this LTP online course. Tell Sheri that you are registering. You receive the rebate upon completion of the course.
RCIA Questions?
RCIA Process, Formation, Preparation, Children's Initiation, and more - Contact Sheri Kemp, 804-622-5113,  rcia@richmonddiocese.org

Liturgical Questions? Contact the Office of Worship at 804-622-5235, worship@richmonddiocese.org

Marriage or Annulment Questions? Contact the Office of the Tribunal at 804-355-9155