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Catechist Formation Process

All of the baptized have responsibility for the initiation of adults into the Catholic Church. [RCIA #9] By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously. [RCIA #4]

Within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults persons are called forth for special ministries. One of these is the ministry of Catechist. The Rite tells us that:

When they are teaching, catechists should see that their instruction is filled with the spirit of the Gospel, adapted to the liturgical signs and the cycle of the Church's year, suited to the needs of the catechumens, and as far as possible enriched by local traditions.

The Archdiocese of Detroit is concerned that all catechists who take up ministry in the RCIA are properly prepared. Therefore, catechists and RCIA Team members are encouraged to take seriously preparing themselves for this ministry by participating in the RCIA Catechist Formation Process.

Process:
The elements of this formation process include:

1. Familiarity with Rite.... through any one of the following options:
   1. participation in the RCIA Team Formation series
   2. participation in the Beginnings and Beyond experience sponsored by the National Forum on the Catechumenate
   3. participation in the Christian Initiation course offered at Sacred Heart Major Seminary
   4. thorough self-study of the Rite...subject to testing which includes a reflection paper and interview arranged with the Office for Christian Worship
      
      
2. Apprenticeship
   Participation in the parish RCIA process as an apprentice team member for at least one year
   
   
3. Participation in the following Foundational Topics for Lay Ecclesial Ministry:
   #1. Mission - Community - Ministry
   #2. The Bible: Our Sacred Scripture
   #3. Who is Church?
   #4. Spirituality & Liturgy
   #5. Catholic Social Teaching and Action
   
   
4. Participation in the following RCIA Topics or their equivalent:
   #1. Jesus, the Lord
   #2. Period of Pre-Catechumenate/Inquiry
   #3. Period of the Catechumenate
   #4. Catechesis with Adults
   #5. Period of Purification & Enlightenment
   #6. Period of Mystagogy
   #7. Incorporation into Full Communion
   #8. The Art of Presiding
   #9. Canonical Issues
   #10.Parish as an Initiating Community
   
   
5. Participation in an Integration Retreat
   This retreat experience will help the applicants to integrate all they have learned in the process and also, give them the opportunity to examine their own spirituality. The retreat is meant to be the final experience before application is made for the Catechist Formation Certificate.

Applying for RCIA Catechist Formation Certificate
Upon completion of the formation process the catechist will:

1. Complete an application form [available from the RCIA Office]
2. Submit documentation [letter from pastor, proof of attendance, etc.]
3. Submit a reflection paper (questions will be supplied by the Office)
4. Schedule an interview

These documents need to be submitted to the RCIA Office. The director will review the material and issue the RCIA Catechist Formation Certificate.

Deputation
When a catechist has successfully completed this process he/she receives deputation from the Archbishop to preside at the minor Rites of Blessing and Exorcism. Deputation is given for a period of two years. Every two years the catechist must apply for renewal of deputation if she/he wishes to continue to have permission to preside at the Rites of Blessing and Exorcism.

Renewal of Deputation
Renewal of Deputation requires continued formation. Each year there are workshop offerings in the Archdiocese that are helpful to those in this ministry. These could be in:

• Scripture
• Theology
• Liturgy
• Forum Institutes
• Various RCIA workshops offered by the RCIA Committee.
  
  Continuing formation could also be done through self-study. There are a number of books and articles that, reflected on seriously, would enhance understanding of the Rite. Remember there is always room to grow.

To apply for a renewal of deputation the catechist will:

1. Submit an application form (available from the RCIA Office).
2. Submit documentation of participation at workshops and/or name the material used for self study
3. Submit a letter of recommendation from the pastor and/or RCIA director
4. Submit a short reflection paper (questions will be supplied by the Office)
5. Schedule an interview

Renewal of Deputation will be issued for a period of two years.