The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults requires several steps of
discernment, as those contemplating a major step attempt to discover what
direction to take. Beneath the public ritual of turning to God, candidates
wrestle with personal questions, asking themselves: Is God truly calling me?
How can I be sure? Am I called to join this community? Which past behaviours
have given me life and which were destructive? How can I let go and be open to
God's love?
This volume is an invaluable reference for sponsors and other guides who
journey with RCIA candidates. It describes the decision-making process and how
people have experienced it. The book serves to improve the listening skills of
guides and helps them ask the right questions at the right time. The appendix
contains specific suggestions for interviews during the four stages of the
catechumenate and offers a format for a discernment day before the Rite of
Election.
Donna Steffen, SC, is an educator and spiritual director in
Cincinnati and a member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. She
has been a director and consultant for Christian initiation on a parish,
diocesan, and national level.
Table of Contents
Foreword: Maureen A. Kelly
Introduction
1. Disciples Discern
2. The Discernment Process
3. The Way of Discerning Listening
4. Discernment in the Precatechumenate
5. Discernment in the Catechumenate Period
6. Discernment During Purification and Enlightenment
7. Mystagogia and Beyond
Appendices
1. The Initial Interview
2. The Interview During the Precatechumenate
3. The First Interview During the Catechumenate
4. The Interview Before the Rite of Election
5. The Discernment Day Before the Rite of Election
6. The Training of Team Members and Sponsors
in the Way of Discerning Listening
Notes: Bibliography