For those of you involved in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), I don’t need to tell you what an important week this is! One of the responsibilities of the RCIA team is to facilitate a Holy Saturday retreat for the Elect (those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil).
From time to time, I get e-mails from folks asking if I have any resources for such a retreat. I do indeed! My friend Nick Wagner over at Team RCIA has put together a Free Holy Saturday Retreat, which includes the Preparation Rites. Here’s what Nick has to say about his retreat:
The retreat I’ve prepared for you includes the Ephphetha rite, the recitation of the creed, and an adaptation of the rite of choosing a baptismal name. The retreat should be adapted according to need in places where the presentation of the creed has not yet taken place, where the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer has not taken place, or where the choosing of a baptismal name is an appropriate addition.
The retreat has four “modules” that can be adapted, interchanged, or used as the basis for creating a retreat suitable to particular groups and circumstances.
The retreat is designed so that it can be adapted to a very small group or even to one person preparing for initiation. Godparents, sponsors, parishioners, and baptized candidates may be invited to be present in support of the Elect who will be participating in the Preparation Rites.
Why reinvent the wheel when you can take advantage of such a quality resource? All you have to do is subscribe to TeamRCIA which, if you are involved in RCIA ministry, is a no-brainer anyway! Thanks for sharing, Nick!
P.S. If you are looking for some great books to give as gifts to your Elect/Neophytes, here are some suggestions:
- The Church of Mercy by Pope Francis
- A Friendship Like No Other by William Barry, SJ
- Inner Compass by Margaret Silf
- Living the Mass by Dominic Grassi and Joe Paprocki
- Under the Influence of Jesus by Joe Paprocki
- Heroic Living by Chris Lowney
- My Life with the Saints by Jim Martin, SJ
Thanks for the shout out Joe! In the “where credit is due” department, however, I have to point out that the retreat was written by one of our team members, Sr. Miriam Malone. She’s way smarter than I am and a better retreat leader, so I know folks are going to love it.
Well then, Kudos and thanks to Sr. Miriam Malone!!!
Hello Joe, do you have a RCIA retreat for children? Thank you for sharing all your great lessons. Paula Martinez, Faith Formation Parish Catechetical Leader
Hi Paula. Unfortunately, I do not have such a retreat to share with you. You may want to check out the Catholic Faith Formation group page on Facebook where you can ask your question and hopefully connect with someone who can assist you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/307249159991712
Nick,
For some reason I can’t download the Holy Saturday retreat for RCIA.
Is there another way to access it?
Therese, email me at nick@teamrcia.com and I’ll get it to you.
What topic need to be cover for Easter Vigil Retreat?
Hi, Eva. The topics and themes should be drawn from the preparation rites that Nick mentions in his article.
What topics to cover in an Adult RCIA Retreat?
Hi, Evangelina. The topics and themes should be drawn from the preparation rites that Nick mentions in his article.
I would like to receive your free Holy Saturday retreat program. I am the deacon at San Ramon parish in Lubbock Texas.