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When You Are an RCIA Sponsor: Handing on the Faith
In When You Are an RCIA Sponsor Rita Burns Senseman reflects on the responsibility and significance of being chosen to share your faith and personal experience with someone less familiar with the path than you. She explains clearly and briefly the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Her explanation includes a description of the rituals involved in the initiation process as well as a description of the theology of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
She offers suggestions for being a companion and witness on the RCIA journey, for introducing and welcoming the new Catholic into the parish faith community, and for praying and worshiping together. Each chapter provides questions for reflection or discussion, and passages from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church for prayerful meditation. The author also includes guidance for sponsoring families.
NEW VIDEO PROGRAM ALSO AVAILABLE—CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
She offers suggestions for being a companion and witness on the RCIA journey, for introducing and welcoming the new Catholic into the parish faith community, and for praying and worshiping together. Each chapter provides questions for reflection or discussion, and passages from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church for prayerful meditation. The author also includes guidance for sponsoring families.
NEW VIDEO PROGRAM ALSO AVAILABLE—CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
64 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
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September 25, 2024
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR SOMEONE HELPING A CANDIDATE THROUGH THE RCIA PROGRAM
Rita Burns Senseman has also written 'Anointed in the Spirit Sponsor Booklet (HS),' 'Anointed in the Spirit Candidate Handbook (MS): A Middle School Confirmation Program,' 'A Child's Journey: The Christian Initiation of Children,' etc. [NOTE: page numbers below refer to the original 58-page edition.]
She wrote in the Introduction to this 2001 booklet, "You have been chosen for a very important ministry---to be a sponsor for a person who wants to be a full member of the Roman Catholic Church. That is... for a person participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly called 'RCIA.' As a sponsor you will accompany that person who is on a journey of faith... You will probably feel honored to accompany a person who is on a journey toward a deeper relationship with out loving God.
"The culmination of this journey of initiation is the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, or Confirmation and Eucharist for those already baptized... This booklet will help you better understand the role and specific responsibilities of the sponsor... Please note that a person who is in the process of initiation can be called an inquirer, catechumen, candidate or elect." (Pg. 1-2)
She points out, "As the representative of the Catholic Christian community, your candidate is likely to turn to you with questions or concerns. You are NOT expected to know the answer to every Catholic question a candidate may ask. Be honest! Tell your candidate when you don't know the answer. The catechists, priests and initiation coordinator will answer those questions. Simply speak from your heart and speak from your experience when you respond to your candidate's questions. However, also be aware that you represent the Roman Catholic Church. You need to be forthright, clear and consistent about what the Church teaches and believes. When you are unsure, ask the coordinator or a catechist for assistance." (Pg. 28-29)
She also observes, "Sometimes two people just 'click'---and sometimes they don't... Sometimes sponsor-candidate relationships do not work... Sometimes there is a specific obstacle, but mostly it's an intangible difference in personalities. Try not to be discouraged. It is not one's fault. Your efforts are appreciated and you may be paired with someone later. Go and talk to your RCIA or sponsor coordinator right away. Don't let it go on for too long. You'll probably both be happier if you make a change." (Pg. 56)
This booklet will be very helpful for anyone in such a role, or thinking of assuming such a role.
Rita Burns Senseman has also written 'Anointed in the Spirit Sponsor Booklet (HS),' 'Anointed in the Spirit Candidate Handbook (MS): A Middle School Confirmation Program,' 'A Child's Journey: The Christian Initiation of Children,' etc. [NOTE: page numbers below refer to the original 58-page edition.]
She wrote in the Introduction to this 2001 booklet, "You have been chosen for a very important ministry---to be a sponsor for a person who wants to be a full member of the Roman Catholic Church. That is... for a person participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly called 'RCIA.' As a sponsor you will accompany that person who is on a journey of faith... You will probably feel honored to accompany a person who is on a journey toward a deeper relationship with out loving God.
"The culmination of this journey of initiation is the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, or Confirmation and Eucharist for those already baptized... This booklet will help you better understand the role and specific responsibilities of the sponsor... Please note that a person who is in the process of initiation can be called an inquirer, catechumen, candidate or elect." (Pg. 1-2)
She points out, "As the representative of the Catholic Christian community, your candidate is likely to turn to you with questions or concerns. You are NOT expected to know the answer to every Catholic question a candidate may ask. Be honest! Tell your candidate when you don't know the answer. The catechists, priests and initiation coordinator will answer those questions. Simply speak from your heart and speak from your experience when you respond to your candidate's questions. However, also be aware that you represent the Roman Catholic Church. You need to be forthright, clear and consistent about what the Church teaches and believes. When you are unsure, ask the coordinator or a catechist for assistance." (Pg. 28-29)
She also observes, "Sometimes two people just 'click'---and sometimes they don't... Sometimes sponsor-candidate relationships do not work... Sometimes there is a specific obstacle, but mostly it's an intangible difference in personalities. Try not to be discouraged. It is not one's fault. Your efforts are appreciated and you may be paired with someone later. Go and talk to your RCIA or sponsor coordinator right away. Don't let it go on for too long. You'll probably both be happier if you make a change." (Pg. 56)
This booklet will be very helpful for anyone in such a role, or thinking of assuming such a role.
Displaying 1 of 1 review