Gaylord, MI 49735 Diocese Hosts "Beginnings and Beyond" Institute
August 24, 2006In partnership with the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, the Diocese of Gaylord hosted a “Beginnings and Beyond” Institute the week of August 6 -11 at the Pastoral Center in Gaylord. “Beginnings and Beyond” is a week-long seminar which uses an adult formation method to help participants learn about all stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process.
In the Early Church those who wanted to become members of the Christian community did so by emulating their way of life. This training or “apprenticeship” became known as the catechumenate. Throughout the next several centuries, the catechumenate developed into a fully structured process with a variety of models used in various local communities. Gradually the catechumenate began to disintegrate, however, largely because great numbers of people were being baptized at birth, so that by the 12th century, it no longer existed.
Early in the 20th century some catechumenal structures began to be revived, especially in Europe and Africa, partly because of large numbers of non-practicing Catholics and also because of the need to rebuild the Church. Finally, in 1963, the Second Vatican Council called for its full reinstatement.
In 1986, the U.S. Bishops’ Conference approved the present edition of the RCIA – the journey of conversion which includes four steps: pre-catechumenate, catechumenate, purification, (during which new members are baptized, confirmed and receive First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil), and mystagogy, (the time during which the newly initiated gather to deepen their understanding of the Paschal Mystery).
Pastoral ministers, liturgists, priests, initiation team members, and catechists from across the local diocese, neighboring dioceses and states, and from as far away as Alaska enrolled in the Beginnings and Beyond Institute held in Gaylord. Forum Coordinator Sister Donna Steffen opened the Institute on Sunday by welcoming the participants and giving an overview of the upcoming week’s activities.
The first evening concluded with a welcome reception hosted by the team: Judy Abeel, local coordinator, Diocese of Gaylord; Kevin Bourassa, musician, Diocese of Saginaw; Rev. Tim Fitzgerald, presider, Diocese of Des Moines; Jeanette Lucinio, catechist, Archdiocese of Chicago; Sister Barbara Matievich, O.P., team member, Kathy Meus, intern, Diocese of Syracuse; Sister Donna Steffen, forum coordinator, Archdiocese of Cincinnati; Vicky Tufano, liturgist, Archdiocese of Chicago; and Rev. Duane Wachowiak, team member, Diocese of Gaylord.
Each day of the conference began with the introduction of one of the stages of the Rites of Initiation. Participants were usually divided into groups based on experience and knowledge of the process. Following the presentation, time was given for prayer and reflection. The afternoon sessions gave the attendees an opportunity to further explore their understanding of the concepts through small group dialogue.
Those in attendance responded positively to both the presentations and the group dynamics of the workshop. Aime Reynolds from the Diocese of Lansing stated, “The Institute has given me a lot more incentive and hope for the process in my parish. I now feel I can work more effectively and confidently with the RCIA director.”
Responding to the benefits of the Institute, JoAnn Kramer of Eagle Grove, Iowa (Diocese of Dubuque), commented, “My understanding of mystagogy was not well explained. It makes so much more sense now – why we allow them [the neophytes] to experience and reflect on their experiences. They don’t need more ‘head’ knowledge – but ‘heart’ knowledge.”
The climax of each day was the preparation and celebration of one of the Rites through liturgy. “The music was a revelation to me. I hadn’t realized how important it really is,” according to Karolyn Peters of St. Joseph Parish in Manistee. Aime Reynolds added, “And the symbols became much more alive.”
Each evening concluded with a social event. “The Rites involved in the initiation process – Acceptance, Election, the Sacraments received at the Easter Vigil – are all communal. And there is also a sense of welcome from the worshiping community. What better way to express that than through hospitality?” conveyed Father Duane Wachowiak, director of the Office of Worship at the Diocese of Gaylord. “All the experiences throughout each day and of the entire week reflected the richness and complexity of the RCIA process,” Wachowiak concluded.
Judy Abeel, local coordinator of the conference, commented on the experience of working with the North American Forum, “Starting last January, working with the Institute manager to get all the details in place to finally meeting the six team members who presented the workshop has been an experience I will not soon forget.
“The 100-plus people who attended this week-long institute were all very focused and involved in the day-to-day activities. Every person I spoke with had only positive things to say – from the Forum team presenting, to the Rites attended each evening, to the meals provided and the social events attended in the evenings. I believe that everyone who came will have new ideas to take back to their parishes."
