March 27, 2009
North American Forum on the Catechumenate schedules institutes in Evansville
By SISTER GERALDINE HEDINGER, O.S.B. (Office for Adult Formation)
The Office for Adult Forma-tion is working with the North American Forum on the Cate-chumenate to bring the Children and Christian Initiation Institute and Echoing God’s Word Institute to the Evansville Diocese July 13-14 and 15-16, at the Catholic Center.
Children and Christian Initiation will help anyone involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to deepen their understanding of the child’s conversion and faith journey through reflection, faith sharing, liturgical celebration and presentations. Real world issues that arise concerning evangelization, conversion, ritual and pastoral formation will be discussed. Principles and skills for implementation are also part of this institute.
Echoing God’s Word emphasizes the intimate connection between liturgy, in particular Liturgy of the Word, and catechesis. The presenters will demonstrate how to catechize during the period of the catechumenate and present essential dimensions of catechesis based on the Liturgy of the Word. Partici-pants will learn one method and some necessary skills to prepare for catechesis and preaching during the catechumenate. The institute will also seek to deepen the participant’s understanding of the relationship between faith, liturgy, theology and doctrine.
The presenters
Franciscan Sister Gael Gensler and Father Tim Fitzgerald are the presenters for the institutes. Both have worked extensively in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sr. Gael is co-author of Foundations in Faith Series (RCL) and writes and presents on initiation topics. She is pastoral associate for St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park, Ill. Father Tim is author of Infant Baptism: a Parish Celebration and Confirmation: a Parish Celebration and is Diocesan Director of Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry in Des Moines. Benedictine Sis-ter Kim Mandelkow of the Monastery Immaculate Concep-tion, Ferdinand, will be the local musician for both institutes.
The two institutes are being scheduled back to back to provide the opportunity to attend both institutes and realize some cost savings. The institutes are open to all who are interested in the RCIA. Registrations are available on line at www.naforum.org or by calling Dana Hoffman, (812) 482-6075 or Sister Geraldine Hedinger at the Diocesan Office for Adult For-mation, (812) 424-5536 or (800) 637-1731.