Blest Are We

Is that a fact?: Around the fifth century the adult catechumenate for the most part, ceased to exist. Following Vatican II, Pope Paul VI in 1972 restored the Rite of Christian Initiation. By 1988, the US Bishops mandated a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) which is now widely practiced throughout the United States.

Extend the activities for each concept presented in Blest Are We with the following Ideas.


		• Discuss the events of Baptism. Have participants identify names received at Baptism as well as the significance of those names for their families. • Find out if participants are still in contact with their godparents and how. How might they strengthen that relationship? • If participants are near the time when they will receive Confirmation, ask if they have selected a Confirmation name. Point out that they may also choose to use their baptismal name. • Discuss the value of choosing the name of a role model such as a saint that they can call upon to help them use the gifts they will be receiving.


		• Ask if anyone has participated in a liturgy celebrating the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick with a friend or family member. Encourage them to share this experience. • Perhaps, a participant has personally received the sacrament. Ask if he or she would be willing to discuss the experience. • Talk about ways to support those who are sick or near death. Note that people with illnesses now live longer thanks to modern medicine. While this is good, it can also means people need more support from others to help them with things they can no longer do for themselves. Point out how this can be frustrating for a formerly independent person. This also requires patience on the part of those around them. Discuss possible situations and how participants might be helpful.


		• Discuss discernment as a way of making decisions and choosing a path in life to which God calls us. • Have participants reflect on what place God has in their lives. Ask them at which times they think of God. Is it just when they have a problem – or do they allow God into their lives at other times? • Depending on your group, this reflection could become a discussion, or you might suggest participants just reflect on topics as you mention them. • Encourage participants to reflect on the vocation options available to them: married life, single life, becoming part of a religious community. • Deciding what is important to a person helps determine how one responds to different situations. Encourage participants to reflect on "How do I want other people to know me?"