Six skills every children’s RCIA catechist must have

5 thoughts on “Six skills every children’s RCIA catechist must have”

  1. “Active Creativity.” I have been powerfully transformed by the knowledge that the sacraments are visible signs of invisible spiritual realities. Our whole faith, the liturgy, the actions, the words, etc, are tangible signs and means to enter into relationship with God. So I always try to include some hands-on tangible element to every session – such as using magnets to demonstrate sin (when we turn away from God we “push away” from Him, when we repent and turn back, we reconnect). It is challenging to always come up with something, but these activities stimulate conversation, help the kids go deeper, and often they have a “take home” that they’ve created to remind them the rest of the week and beyond.

  2. Rita Burns Senseman

    Amy, I think you are “right on” about hands on involvement for kids! I agree that active creativity is an essential skill for RCIA catechists. Thanks for the thoughts.

  3. Great post and comments. I would add the use of music to creative catechesis. Lots of resources exist for non- musicians but for course nothing beats creating sung prayer and sing stories together. All children are wired for music and we can miss an untapped resource if music is missing from mining these rites and rituals. Add movement (children are kinetic!), invite them to create music and movement and RIM for children explodes and can even draw children who are less likely to grow in their understanding and embrace their faith without the use of music. Furthermore, acclimating other team leaders to adopt musical practices is a whole lot easier if the principal (team leader) does not possess musical skills or.may be tentative about its use. Kids have no guile where music is concerned but many adults do. Good collaborative community helps leaders to become comfortable with the use of music and movement as part of RCIA for children. It’ fun – try!

    1. Rita Burns Senseman

      Denise, this is such an insightful suggestion! Since I am not musical, I tend to shy away for adding music, but you have given me a great encouragement. I can sing well-enough (or so I think), and the kids are not judgmental of my singing, so I need to be less shy. Music does add so much! Who was it that said, “Singing is praying twice.” Thanks for the reminder!

  4. Sr. Ella Mae McDonald, MPf

    Love all the ideas. With story telling I also have them act out a part of the story. They love to show their skills, who sings, dances, or draws a picture. I am a crafter, so I try to have a craft a month relating to the part of the liturgical year we are celebrating. I also have bingo with key words thoughts etc for every gospel and I give them prizes of medals, small stature etc. ..

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