Coordinator’s Corner February 2006
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Stewardship & RCIA: Perfect Together

“Once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, Stewardship is not an option.” - Bishop John J. McRaith

If you ask your Stewardship Committee what it is doing to promote Stewardship in your parish, you will hear a long list of activities, including: Time, Talent & Treasure Renewals; Ministry Expos; Appreciation Celebrations, etc. Where on that list, if at all, does the RCIA fall? It is probably not one of the top ten, and if the RCIA is considered at all, it is most likely thought of as a “pool of potential volunteers.” Of course we should invite those new to our faith to active parish ministry, but we should not overlook the potential of the RCIA process as an opportunity for “reciprocal catechesis.” Following are some suggestions on how to promote a better understanding of stewardship for the entire parish as we support the formation of catechumens and candidates.

The Transitional Rites

The RCIA, like Stewardship, is primarily a faith journey—a response to the call to discipleship. The Bishops’ Pastoral on Stewardship tells us that this call is not heard in isolation, but is discerned, accepted, and lived out within the community of faith. The public, transitional rites celebrated during the RCIA process, the Rite of Acceptance (and/or Welcome), the Rite of Election (and Call to Continuing Conversion) and the Scrutinies, are vivid illustrations of the communal nature of our journey and can serve as an invitation to all parishioners to renew their commitment to the faith. Promote a better understanding of the rituals and encourage personal reflection through informative, inspirational articles in the bulletin or on the parish website.

Teaching Stewardship in RCIA Formation Sessions

As stewards of the Church through their work of evangelization and catechesis, sponsors and catechists pass along a rich understanding of what it means to be a mature disciple of Jesus Christ when they present a comprehensive view of Stewardship in the RCIA formation sessions. The all-encompassing vision of stewardship, from the simplest individual gesture of kindness to stewardship communities working for systemic justice and peace, should be discussed. Beyond sharing their time and talent in Church ministries, catechumens and candidates will be led to embrace stewardship as a sharing, generous, accountable way of life that can be applied to all of the circumstances of their lives.

Sacraments of Initiation

Stewardship is an expression of discipleship that springs from the Sacraments of Initiation. We become disciples through the waters of Baptism and are strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. Through the Eucharist we are united with Christ, and in Him with one another. The Easter Vigil is an appropriate time to remind stewards that Jesus not only calls people to Him but also forms them and sends them out in His service.

Period of Mystagogy

The final stage of the RCIA process is the Period of Mystagogy which lasts the entire Easter Season, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. It is the time for the newly initiated, now called Neophytes, to reflect on their recent experience and look to their future role in the mission of Christ. This period of time should serve as a reminder to the whole church to continually seek to deepen our spirituality, increase our level of commitment, and broaden our circle of outreach as stewards of God’s varied grace. What a great time for a parish mission that focuses on stewardship.