1. Opening the Doors of Faith
Icebreaker – How many doors have you come through today to be in this place/time/with these people/your experience of arriving here?
Share with people near you
Introduction: sharing our faith story – we never stop being ‘inquirers’ : every experience/joy/sorrow.. Takes us to a new place of enquiry… like Peter standing outside the Gate… point of vulnerability.. Evangelisation takes place outside the ‘box’….Doors of faith are everywhere…
Invitation to move into a new space, a different space…main room for prayer… invite you to Enter room consciously – What do you see, think, hear, experience, feel?
Quiet music playing, the slide above is showing….

3. Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Luke 24:13-15
Session Time: (One hour)
In the Prayer Space: Quiet music playing (no words), large candle and prayer focus, a candle on each table and postcards of doors on each table
OPENING PRAYER:
You go to your table…to sit… quietly…
A word… we have come in, consciously aware of self… others… How does it feel to be in a new space… Exciting? Uncomfortable? Unsure..?
Threshold is an ancient symbol of moving from one way of life to another, one way of thinking to another, one way of being to another… we have our life experience, our questions, our uncertainties, our vulnerabilities.. That is good… we are doing what Jesus did…
Light the table candles….
All are invited to choose a card on the table that says something about where you stand at present….coming through that DOOR…
Share quietly with person next to you – why you have chosen this card…
Taize chant (The Lord is my Light on previous slide) begins quietly… all encouraged to join… A CALVARY MOMENT
Proclaim Verses (this slide)
Road to Emmaus picture: – permission to use sent to painting by John Dunne
John Dunne is a noted Irish painter. He and his wife are members of Nazareth Community in Dublin, Ireland. Throughout his career as an accomplished artist, John has traveled in many countries. He has absorbed influences from the Far East and the Mediterranean. His interests include theology and its relationship to art.  He has a degree in theology. For many years he has worked on different themes which are based in literature. Two examples are childrens' games as played in Dublin during his childhood and the great legends of the Irish hero Cuchulain, interpreted by the Irish poet Thomas Kinsilla. More recently John has completed a major exhibition on the "Song of Songs" and is currently engaged with a series of ten large paintings based on the poem "Dream of Gerontius" by John Henry Newman.

4. Journal time… What have you left behind? What are you hopeful about?
What are you discouraged about?
Where do you stand?
A CALVARY MOMENT
Journal time - QUESTIONS in the JOURNAL (page 3) & on this slide (5-10m)
Share with a neighbour – share only what you want to share…. (5m)
A word leading to prayer:
As we begin our time together, we ourselves stand at the door of faith, wherever that may be for us… Let us pray (silence)
O Holy God, we trust in the companionship of the Holy Spirit, so often manifest in and through one another. Give us the courage to be open,… to look.. To listen… to think what we ask of God’s Church…. To reflect… on What faith offers us…. To enter deeply into our experience… to listen, to pray… to share our gifts… knowing that your kingdom is among us, and this is the way of faith along which Christ will lead us in love. We are prepared to begin this journey today under the guidance of Christ, and we make this prayer in the name of Jesus: AMEN.
Sing once more – The Lord is my Light (next slide)

6. Setting the Scene
How does the story of Emmaus help us in the planning for this period of Evangelisation, and how can we best facilitate the enquiry process?....
‘of no fixed duration or structure…an opportunity for the beginnings of faith’ (Outline for RCIA)
What can Emmaus tell us about the VALUES of this period?
Our subject for reflection and engagement in these days is the experience of the Enquiry Period – or the Period of Evangelisation and Pre-catechumenate
For both the Enquirer… and ourselves… as we stand at the door of faith, on the threshold together…
There is a process… with many threads… a path with many colours… many world views, many expectations and hopes, mixed emotions…
There is sometimes confusion in our hearts too… those who come with fragmented lives… a sense of lostness and uncertainty, vulnerability that often matches our own…
Those who come asking for sacraments with no experience or knowledge of Christianity… what opportunities are there here?
Those who come with deep yearnings… seeking meaning and purpose… they have seen something, experienced something… something that has been truly loving…
Process of this period of Enquiry is often neglected… there is a huge danger of a cosy group sitting behind closed doors waiting, knitting… dreaming… hoping that there will be a flood of people washing up to the doorstep…
FOUNDATIONAL premise of our gathering: the overarching question (click)… in a period rather scarily ‘of no fixed duration or structure…’…. What can the Emmaus story tell us about the Values of this period? What is Christ offering at each point in the journey…. What do we learn from Christ.. About the proclamation of the meaning of life!

7. Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Luke 24:13-17
Let’s revisit the two verses again:
Open both sides of our brains – analytical,rationale… and creative… allow the Word to evoke FRESH SPEECH…
Proclaim verses
Lectio: What word or phrase caught your attention?
Journal – on own
Questions and Text IN JOURNAL (pages 2,4,5)
What is going on? What are the disciples doing? What is their perspective? Where are they?
What is JESUS doing? Where is HE? ….What is he offering at this point?
Share in 2’s and 3’s 7

8. Map Stage 1:v13-17
Values/qualities shown at this point in their journey?
Disciples’ perspective?
Jesus’ perspective?
Tensions at this point?
Further REFLECTION on your own for a minute – next questions – page 6 in Journal
What are the VALUES at THIS POINT on the journey? (1) in the disciples (2) in Jesus
What are the TENSIONS of this point on the journey, the challenges – (1) for the disciples (2) for Jesus
SHARE ROUND THE TABLE – responses see next slide
Walking away
Talking together
About all that had happened -
Christ present – but unrecognised – couldn’t see the good news, but they were discussing it…. Didn’t recognise GN or Jesus
He spoke – asking a question that helped them tell their story….What are you discussing
They allowed him to join them… mutual trust…
Vulnerability…
Jesus walked away with them
They stood still..
And were sad….
He stood with them…
Vulnerability & trust on both parts
Listening, compassion, concern, attention
RCIA 38 – To give help & attention - Co-operate with God’s grace
NB These qualities permeate the whole period
FEEDBACK of VALUES and TENSIONS
Verbal feedback from each table typed onto screen
OR write them on Cards, and we gather and CLUSTER?
We do want to build up a PICTURE on each table of the Journey through the Enquiry Period… at each step…
Then move into TEAM ROLE question… (next slide)

9. EMMAUS Jerusalem Stage 5: v 33-35 Stage 2: v 18-24 Stage 3: v 25-27
Stage One: v 13-17
Stage 5:
v 33-35
Stage 2: v 18-24
Stage 3: v 25-27
Explain mapping process
Stage 4: v 28-32
EMMAUS

10. What are the ‘dynamics’ going on? For Enquirer? For Team?
At this particular point in the Emmaus journey, what do the actions of (1) JESUS and (2) the Disciples tell us about the role of the RCIA team at this stage in the journey of an enquirer?
3 bullet points only
Dynamics Q what’s going on – see slide & page 7 in Journal
CHRIST – what is he doing? Disciples? What is Christ offering at this point – ACTION?
For the Enquirer: who is approaching, what are they bringing/expecting/hoping/doing….
For the team? How are we? What do we offer? What are we brining/expecting/hoping/doing….
Vulnerability and trust on both sides..
Listening, compassion, concern, attention, - gift of TIME
RCIA 38… to give help and attention… co-operate with God’s grace
Stand still!!!! (Don’t move forward until ready… stand with them) Still….
See slide: At this particular point……..
Instructions for TABLE SHARING
What we want: is 3 bullet points on the role of the team at this point in the journey…..
FEEDBACK: We could use the pictures of each stage on the ‘map/journey board… and then have the cards stuck by these…

11. Map Stage 1:v13-17 Role of the Team
To listen, discern, sharing stories, where they are…
Welcome and receptive/be open
Walking with, listening… sharing…
Cannot assume we have enquirers – how do we reach out to people in today’s context? Where do enquirers come from….Jesus walked out…seeking them
Will I fit in? Searching, uncertainty
J: sense of openness, allowing space and time… allowing ourselves to get to know the people who come
To be careful not to make assumptions – tempting!
Encouraging enquirers to share – not always easy… reluctance… reasons for coming…vary
Creating a space for people to stand still
Stop…listen…and ask…
We are all friends on the journey, all journeying… we are there to journey WITH

12. ‘All About Jesus’ A look at the Rite RCIA 36, 37 & 38
On your own first, then tables
Highlight key words/phrases for you. What strikes you? What do you notice?
Connections with scripture and what has gone before?
Comments. Anything you want to add?
SESSION 2 (90 mins)
Handout With RCIA 36… space for comments… RCIA 37… space…. RCIA 38 (and RCIA 42)
Also extracts on PAGE 8 IN JOURNAL with sentences/snippets from RCIA (and 42)
In 2’s and 3’s,
What do you notice?
Highlight key phrases –look at RCIA 36, 37, 38 – highlight key words and phrases for you….
What connects with what has gone before (in the Scripture… your discussions)….
Period of Evangelisation handout
SHARE in the tables….
Feedback – what have you found… Facilitators to CHART the Comments
(moving towards…..different perspectives… the way we see things…)

13. Role of the team in the light of the Rite, 36,37,38,40,42
As a pastor… haven’t noticed No.40…..
38: ‘help and attention’… to purifying a clearer intention
Faithful and constant proclamation of the living God**
… tension: those who are not yet Christians…talking about unbaptised…
Be careful… about ‘sin’ talk
Notional Christian….
The mix in the group/discernment
Don’t frighten them away
Recognition that ‘September – Easter’ has become expected pattern but requirements of this stage is MUCH longer….. Process… more than one year… tensions about time we give to people
We need a process of Evangelisation for those who are BAPTISED too!
Some ‘Candidates’ – do not need a pre-cat
Adaptation and flexibility…
CELEBRATING with the pre-cat – their spiritual well-being, with prayers/blessings with and for them… to welcome them well, as we do in ‘family’

14. Role of Team in light of RCIA (2)
Providing environment for spiritual growth = key into this part of process
38: opportunities provided to meet families and other groups of Christians…. (not an ‘RCIA meeting!) = spiritual growth and journey
38: a suitable explanation of the Gospel – what does ‘suitable’ mean? Accessible? And get to know them first!
Challenge in this story: recognising the unrecognised JESUS… those who come are CHRIST to us.. And we are witnesses to Christ too. ‘Suitable’ = knowing who Christ is….
Build on sense = work of the HS.. We listen, enquirers listen… as Team we witness to Gospel. 42: Ad Gentes ‘Mission’… something has moved them
Relationship, sense of prayer… sense of ‘church’ what are we initiating people into
What should Team be doing/what does Team do? In 36: ‘as a rule (the period )should not be omitted…’ and yet we don’t feel we have this period!!! Worrying! Basics missing!!

15. Use of reversible images… how we see things… differently…
Use of reversible images… how we see things… differently…. … 6 images… ‘what do you see?’ general sharing…
Beginnings of Faith

20. Reverse images…..

21. Meeting Christ All about Jesus of Nazareth
Session 2
Luke 24:18 – 24
‘Stage 2a’ of Inquiry Period
Reflection on the text
A word:
Use of reversible images/optical illusions
… how we see things… differently… different lenses, different seasons of our lives……. Same underlying reality… Learning to see things from another’s perspective, new light… fresh…insight… stirrings of faith …..
Beginnings of Faith
(moving into next verses: All about Jesus of Nazareth)
All about Jesus

22. Luke 24:
Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’
Proclaim…. (text will also be in the JOURNAL (page 9) for their own reflection after the proclamation)
Journal on own….Lectio… what word/phrase strikes you? (Page 9)
See next slide….

23. All about Jesus Journal on own first:
What is going on? What are the disciples doing? What is their perspective? Where are they?
What is JESUS doing? Where is HE? ….
Share in 2’s and 3’s
(Altobello Melone, National Gallery, painted c , Christ is shown as a pilgrim with hat, staff and shell. In the background he appears again, this time between disciples, approaching the village of Emmaus.
Time:
Own: Journal moment (5m)… (questions and text in the Journal pages 10 & 11 …. ‘What things’)
What is going on?
What are the disciples doing? Where are they? (telling the good news without realising it….)
What is Jesus doing… (‘what things’…. – he asks them to tell the story…to say where they are, and what their understanding is… he knows it, but he asks them…)
Share in 2’s and 3’s (5m)
(They are telling the story – the Good News without knowing it
Inquirers tell their story – Christ makes the connections
Listening to Inquirers: needs, disappointments, issues, hopes, situation
Emmaus – “That’s about me”
How does God use weaknesses/pain/vulnerability/unmet expectations in my life?)
Altobello Melone, National Gallery

24. Map Stage 2: v18-24 Table talk
What are the Values/qualities at this point in their journey?
Disciples’ perspective?
Jesus’ perspective?
Tensions at this point?
Time: ?
Journal – pages 12 & 13
What do we learn from Christ? What do we learn from the disciples….?
In 2’s and 3’s
Then tables
Values/Tensions Cards
Jesus Christ is asking the questions – How do you see it?
FEEDBACK
Gather cards, cluster… build picture of this section…
Move on to Role of Team

25. Map Stage 2: v18-24
Values
Tensions

26. Map Stage 2: v18-24 Table work
What are the ‘dynamics’ going on?
For Enquirer?
For Team?
At this particular point in the Emmaus journey, what do (1) JESUS and (2) the Disciples tell us about the role of the RCIA team at this stage in the journey of an enquirer?
Feedback: 3 bullet points only
Time:
HOW are we being Christ for Inquirers at this point?
How are we meeting Christ in the Inquirer? And in the Team? (Benedict XVI and others: witness to Christ)
Is it our role to recognise Christ? Allow/enable the Word to evoke fresh speech?
Meeting Christ, unknowingly… Good News… in a bad way (ie whilst walking away/in pain Christ walking away with us)
Help to formulate questions
Listening, meeting people where they are, being perceptive, opening to Spirit, allowing them to tell their story,.. all the points ‘but we don’t get it yet’…Making connections
Challenge in accompanying others
Accompanying others – Let them speak
Supplementary Q: What are the NEEDS here? Enquirer? Team? (Disciples/Jesus)
What does Emmaus tell us about the role of the RCIA team at this stage/dynamic/point in the journey?
Feedback
Journaling?
A song/prayer of walking together – in one another’s company

27. Map Stage 2: v18-24 Role of team
To try not to get in the way of the Holy Spirit!!
To recognise that we are just a link in the chain at this stage… we are not the beginning, middle or end of chain and if people walk away doesn’t mean HS not active in their lives
To be Both Questioner and listener.. There with the Enquirers and not to give up on them – be persistent like Jesus
Jesus asked ONE simple question ‘What things’.. Team needs to ask nice good open questions… not long and theological… but guide people to tell their story… be ready to listen
Hope with expectation… but not to blame selves when it doesn’t go the way we thought it would
To try not to get in the way of the Holy Spirit!!
To recognise that we are just a link in the chain at this stage… we are not the beginning, middle or end of chain and if people walk away doesn’t mean HS not active in their lives
To be Both Questioner and listener.. There with the Enquirers and not to give up on them – be persistent like Jesus
Jesus asked ONE simple question ‘What things’.. Team needs to ask nice good open questions… not long and theological… but guide people to tell their story… be ready to listen
Hope with expectation… but not to blame selves when it doesn’t go the way we thought it would

28. …
We sing….. The servant song….

29. Reverse Missionaries BBC Documentary
DVD – Reverse Missionaries
Introduce it….
Notice…
Connections/insights?
Drink and share…
Relax and chat and insights
REVERSE MISSIONARIES intro..
Nineteenth-century Britain was a golden age for Christian missionaries, who took the word of God around the globe to countries in which that religion remains and is now thriving. In a reverse of those great missionary journeys, idealistic modern-day missionaries travel to Britain to discover the historical roots of their faith and try to pursue their own missionary agenda in 21st-century Britain, trying to breathe new life into churches with declining attendance. Jamaican Baptist pastor Franklin Small is on his way to King's Stanley, a village in the Cotswolds. It is home to the oldest Baptist church in Gloucestershire, which is now threatened with closure. It was also home to Thomas Burchell, a missionary at the vanguard of the anti-slavery movement in the Caribbean.
Pastor Franklin tries to bring some of his energetic Jamaican preaching style to the Cotswold community - but in the face of apathy, can he succeed in encouraging locals to embrace faith and take an interest in their church?
Inspired by the life of his hero, Franklin also undertakes a fascinating historical journey, meeting Burchell's great, great, great grandson and paying his respects on the spot that he was baptised over 200 years ago

30. Christ… about himself ‘Downwardspiral’Blogspot Session 3 (90 mins)
Luke 24: 25 – 27
‘Stage 2b’ of Inquiry Period
‘Downwardspiral’Blogspot

32. ‘constantly and faithfully the living God is proclaimed….’ RCIA 36
Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
(Luke 24: 25 – 27)
Discussion on Film
Instructions about Prayer Walk
Morning Prayer
Song to gather (previous slide)
Proclamation of Word… (silence… no sharing)
Sending out…. ‘How foolish you are…. So slow to believe….’
A prayer walk and stations - pictures, artefacts and words to encourage reflection on The Christ who speaks about himself, who interprets.. Themes of Creation, Incarnation, Ministry, Matt 25, Suffering Servant
Context: RCIA 36: constantly and faithfully the living God is proclaimed….
– breaking open the Word’ ‘you foolish men’…. ‘explaining the Scriptures’… helping them to connect with their stories/lives…
“God so loved the world...” Incarnation
God with us – Good News of Jesus Christ...Came to share life...Relationship with God
RCIA 37 – Beginnings of faith; setting up a hunger; genuine will to follow Christ….

33. Christ… all about himself….
Invitation to walk with Christ and to reflect on the Christ we meet
Please take a comfort break before you return and be back for coffee
In the reflection time, Team to set up tables ready with flasks of coffee/rolls, with table cloths etc creating atmosphere….

34. (1)Table Reflection on Prayer Walk
When & Where have we recognised Christ?
Who was the Christ you met?
Who is the Christ you need at the moment?
Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
(1) Reflective Fellowship at the tables with coffee and rolls
When, where, who….(20m) to 10.50
Page 14 of Journal

35. (2) Map Stage 3 v. 25-27 Table reflection after prayer walk
What are the values and tensions at this point on the journey for Enquirer and Team?
What is the Role of the Team at this point?
Share on VALUES and Tensions for Enquirer and Team, and then Role of the Team at this point(10m) – Journal page 15
Feedback….
At this point… (1) are their any NEW values and tensions (for the enquirer/and for the team’… What is NEW?
CHART – to record….this point in the journey…. ‘Christ… about himself’ section….
And (2) Role of the Team – anything new?/dynamics… a comment… from each table. CHART/Record……
(Content: after the prayer walk)
Include:
Faces of Christ e.g. The Christ we share. Each person experiencing/seeking different faces. – at different times and seasons in our lives, and in the liturgical year
Different voices – old & new; female & male; different cultures)
What about Discernment – towards the first step at what point do we recognise/affirm Baptism already received (candidates)… unevangelised/uncatechised, pathways/needs and choices… and for the catechumens… towards Rite of Acceptance.

36. Map Stage 3 v
values
tensions

37. Map Stage 3 v. 25-27 Role of the Team
Stage where people are getting deep into their stories and showing their vulnerability
We need to be attentive to all their memories and to reflect on their memories
We need to have a deepening trust, and help them remember these memories and that Christ is at work in them at this time, helping them to remember
Empathy, nurturing, giving ourselves… to help them give of theirselves…
Ready to enter into a little bit more formation… go a little further..
We have to be patient, bit by bit, not be belittling..’how foolish you are’… but start fresh, be aware people might be cautious…about what they ‘know’..
To be able to lead, teach, listen and respond…
To inform and be informed ourselves about our own faith.. And
Show and share the Christ within us

38. Role of team (2)
Theme of not rushing… stay with our stories and journies a bit longer.. Give them time… listen to the stories underneath the images and walks
Balance of head and heart… not put things down… but listen to the heart-beat of the enquirers….
Help people to recognise they have already met Christ in their lives…
Go the pace of the enquirers and not be concerned about OUR schedule
Be able and willing to interpret Catholic teaching as Christ interpreted scripture to disciples – avoid jargon… commonplace language
Begin to interpret life in the light of the scriptures
Balance between content and process
Ongoing nature of the journey for all of us – we are on the journey too…
Partly, to provide a multiplicity of images of Christ rather than focus on one or two
Team needs to live the story themselves in order to interpret – ie be fluent in two languages – be able to move between world and language of enquirer and the community that is the Church
Analogy of falling in love – just on the edge… you want to talk, but not to tell too many people in case its not quite there yet… the wonder of first love…it unfolding..affirmation ‘yes this is right..’
Hesitant… SAFE SPACE

39. Short 5m comfort break…..

40. Stay with us….. Session 4 (90 mins) One verse per slide/picture…..
 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them.
(pause… what do you hear? What do you see… what is going on….)

41. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him;
and he vanished from their sight.
(pause… what do you hear? What do you see… what is going on….)

42. Image from: Metatronmag
Image from: Metatronmag.com ‘Were not our hearts burning within us…used with PERMISSION from Nathan, at .
They said to each other,
‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’
Luke 24: 28-32
(pause… what do you hear? What do you see… what is going on….)

43. Stay with us… Own Journal, then 2’s/3’s, then table.
What is going on? What are the disciples doing? What is their perspective? Where are they?
What is JESUS doing? Where is HE? ….
What is happening now? What are the movements?
Share in 2’s and 3’s
Journal – pages 16 & 17, then 2’s/3’s, then table
TABLE Sharing: Values & Tensions… for E & Team – Journal page 18
…. (put the V’s & T’s on your own Table Map of the journey….)
Feedback – Chart: V & T to all: notice anything new… in the dynamics… (rotate table starting – and thereafter… ‘anything new?’)
Crossing the Threshold
Unstructured – complex but vital – could go ‘either way… stay or not….
No fixed duration – rolling, always OPEN to enquirers… stay or not…. Eat or not….
Discernment through accompaniment and discussion…invitation to stay with….
Inquiry
Evangelisation by Church – we are the church/witnesses….invitation….
Pre-catechumenate – first preaching of the Gospel
Gospel values
Beginnings of faith – realising not so much my love for God but God’s love for me….
Word & Deed

44. Map Stage 4: v 28-32 Table talk
What are the values and tensions at this point –
for the Disciples
and for Jesus
and for Team and Enquirers
Values, tensions, choices, challenges…. ON YOUR TABLES
Facilitators: Gather values and tensions

45. Map Stage 4: v 28-32
Values
Tensions

46. Table talk….
What does Emmaus tell us about the role of the RCIA team at this point in the journey?
Prepare Feedback
Agree a Sentence on the role of the team at this point
Journal – page 19
Role of the team….share
Feedback: Agree a sentence on Role of the Team… (shift in dynamics…new/Changed?)
Next slide: A moment of Journaling?
Move into Liturgy

47. Map Stage 4: v 28-32 Role of the team… (sentences…)
Allowing the enquirers freedom to choose, and respecting that choice
To not get in the way!
To end each session with energy and enthusiasm, leaving people wanting more!
To allow the enquirers to travel at their own pace, and for the team to ensure that they are in step with them
To respond to the needs of the enquirers, but in ways they may not imagine….mmmmm.
Giving people the chance to explore their ragged expectations of belonging.
Being adaptable, sensible, sensitive and discerning.
Discernment… as a two-way process, enquirers wanting to know ‘will they be received next Easter’ and team wanting to slow down the process…

48. A Journal Moment……
Journal – Page 20

49. Prayer at close of Session 4
Proclamation
Song
Proclaim the verses:
LITURGY/short prayer – creative/ to gather and reflect what we have been doing together…
Share together quietly in pairs….: The Christ I need now…….?.
RCIA 52 – prayer A
Sing – On the Journey to Emmaus (next two slides)

52. Evening Prayer
V.29
‘Stay with us because it is getting dark and the day is almost over’
Pictures/postcards of doors form a pathway on the floor – chairs places around them.
No paper needed – gather, sing ‘we come to share our story’….
Paschal candle lit… pass the flame around…. Sit quietly holding your candle…
Invitation by Leader: Stay with us because it is getting dark and the day is almost over…
A meditation is then peacefully,…. Read (Using the ideas/some words of Bruno Forte
We need someone to be close to us, someone we can rely on (Bruno Forte)
We are going towards the ultimate silence
Confronting the mystery of death…
Two radical and opposite possibilities
Being ‘towards death’ or ‘beggars for heaven’ bound to a life of victory over death..
If we find ourselves alone… it seems like a destiny of final silence….Everything will die away
But if rather there is a God who is love, every personal being is a singular and unique ‘YOU’ to whom this LOVE is addressed, and who will live forever, thanks to the eternal fidelity of the love that has revealed itself.’
The choice… between the two options… life and death… must be made every day…
The proclamation of life victorious over death must resonate every day… in a ceaseless witness…
A shared journey… humble and courageous promotion of the Gospel of Love… in many forms, languages and experiences
This is the meaning of life! Let our hearts burn with it… with new heart… sign a new song of HOPE and FAITH along the often winding path we are called to walk.
We must never forget the CHOICE. the truth of life and hope…as a fundamental option… that shapes our lives and our decisions…
For this evening… ‘Stay with us because it is getting dark and the day is almost over’
We need someone to be close to us… someone we can rely on…:
Talk together quietly in pairs: insight/ a time when insight came….
INVITATION…
Place your candle on one of the door pictures - allow it to symbolise whatever you like…
Invitation to Stay with us - Response ‘ I will stay..
Round the circle… (take hand… invite… respond… invite … respond….) (or if prefer, hand on shoulder….. But all should do the same action)
Adapt RCIA 52, 53, 54….
Song about following/light…
Closing ….

53. Session 5:He had been made known to them..
Map Stage 5:
Luke 24: 33 – 35
Session 5 - Time – One Hour

54. He had been made known to them
That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.
They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24: 33 – 35
Session 5
Lectio & Reflective questions. Finish the Story/Tell the Story
Prayer and reflection
Sing – On the Journey to Emmaus (next slide)
Pray
Liturgy of the Word and lectio, journal time (page 22 & 23)

56. Journal Time….. My heart burns when….
My heart burned in these last days of the Conference when…..
On own…(10m)
In pairs (10m) share what you want..
Gathering/closing prayer
Closing prayer: RCIA 94 E (adapted)
O God
Creator and Saviour of all
In your love you have formed your servants;
In your mercy you have called us and received us.
Probe our hearts today
And watch over us
Keep us in your providence
And complete in us the plan of your love.
Through our loyalty to Christ
May we be counted among his disciples on earth
And be acknowledged by him in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

57. Map Stage 5: v 33-35 ‘he had been made known to them’
In 2’s/3’s, then table
What does JESUS do here?
What are the Values/tensions at this point in the journey? What are the effects of Christ ‘being made known’ to you, on your work with others?
Agree a sentence about the Role of team at this point in the journey?
Tables Session 5: immediately following the lectio & prayer (20m in total for this, then 20m feedback) they told their story…..
Feedback – gather and chart… the journey….. This point…. Role of the team….
Journal page 24

58. Map Stage 5: v 33-35 Role of the team…..
None of the individuals in the team is the source of revelation, only the community as a whole, including the enquirers!
To actively encourage participation in the liturgical life of the community every Sunday
Recognising mutual transformation and being ready to move on at the right time
Faith sharing is how God makes himself known to all of us…
The patterns we find in the life of Jesus now need to be embodied in the life and mission of the team.
Celebrating the fact that Jesus has been revealed in a new way, nurturing and validating the faith experience.
Listening to, sharing and affirming our experience of the Risen Lord

61. Table Group What do you see? Does it mirror our parish practice?
Look at your map as a whole…. ‘This is the journey of the period of Evangelisation’
What do you see?
Does it mirror our parish practice?

62. It is suggested A look at the Rite RCIA 36, 37 & 38
That at this point you refer back to the Rite itself, and the articles governing this period of Evangelisation and pre-catechumenate
A look at the Rite RCIA 36, 37 & 38
What has been confirmed in your experience? What has been brought to light ?

63. Table (buzz)
From what we have heard and seen, how would we like the period of Evangelisation to be?
POSITIVES to build on
then Everyone together….

64. We would like it to be….
Storytelling and faith sharing, companionship we offer, listening and learning from the Gospel to be encouraged
Learning about going back to the sources – real appreciation of this period… every member of the team should have a copy of the Rite itself …(sue!)
God is at work in the story of the Enquirer, and our process moves at pace of the enquirer not as a ‘defined step’ in a book.
Time and support is required… keep it simple…
Rites and Blessings are appropriate to this period…
CALL on the COMMUNITY ‘to help’..?
Importance of LISTENING… and process itself based on Gospel stories.. TIME for the journey, taking TIME to have that process.. Ongoing, don’t bracket people in time/window.
Its messy, indeterminate, no ‘one way’ = strength of the period
No artificial structure, nothing imposed… whoever turns up..
Gives us freedom, possibility to be surprised, a humbling and absorbing experience
Lighten up this period – make it freer and more joyful, not tied to a ‘relentless process’.. Be joyful
An OPEN period, enquiry goes on in many different ways, not necessarily in a structured group… keep the doors open
Not putting obstacles in peoples’ ways too soon… don’t start there!
Time developing spiritual life and calling on the community for this..
All about relationship! “getting to know you… getting to like you and hope you like me…’ in song!!!

65. What is the experience out there!
How do we get there?
What is the experience out there!
What might we begin to do differently?
3 things….? One little step at a time…

66. How do we get there….

67. JOURNAL - Personal evaluation
How has the Conference time of reflection on the Emmaus Journey affected your own commitment to Evangelisation?
What can you use in your ministry
What might you do differently
Any insights/comments/something new?
Something you can put into practice?
Journal – page 25 & 26
Feedback (15m) – verbal and record…
How did you feel/think about being part of an RCIA diocesan or parish team
What does it mean to journey with others in faith .. And at the point of enquiry specifically
Vital daily communication in whatever life situation you are in… and in your work
Comfort – we are not alone… HS advocate (Jn 14.26)
New love/grace every day
Trust in Christ
B16: HS prompoted the disciples to OPEN THE DOORS (Acts 2:14)… they had been afraid… and moved to courage.. Ours is same mission

68. Concluding Liturgy – round tables
Poem: This Door?
Evangelisation….describe it…and.. how you will stand at the door of faith with others. How do you want to BE?
‘A to Z’ Map…. One word!
Read Poem ‘This Door?’
Invite people to
Choose card/picture that says something about how you see ‘evangelisation’ now, and where and how you would like to meet enquirers… how you want to be!!
Reflect – why did I choose this?
How and where do I want to meet enquirers
Where and how will you stand at this ‘door of faith’?
SHARE with your neighbour, or on your tables… go round (at this point we know each other well enough)
A to Z – Go round tables following alphabet – one word beginning with A, B, C, D ……..to say how we would like to be for enquirers
Ruth Burgess: p 120, Third Sunday Easter, Cycle A, Responses – as part of this…

69. Tell the story – we were there …. Tables tell us…
We walked away… and Jesus….
We talked together… and Jesus….
Someone joined us but we didn’t recognise him..and Jesus
He asked ‘ What things….’ and Jesus
We told him, and Jesus…..
He said…….. And Jesus……
We invited the person……to stay with us…and Jesus
Then we …….. and Jesus…..
He vanished…. ……Our response….and Jesus
At the same hour….. We…. And Jesus…..
Use your imagination, tell it any way you like… you can interrupt each other… just someone from each table be brave and start… stick to the bit of the story you have… … (Facilitator can assist with questions… see below)
We walked away… why?
We talked … about what
Jesus joined… why didn’t we recognise him at this point?
He asked ‘what things’ – our reaction to him
We told him…. The story…. Of what had happened and our hopes….
He said…..(you foolish people, slow to believe!)… and then explained…
Then we…. (invited him to stay with us….and he did!)
Then we went in and ate together… and he broke bread…
He vanished (our response to this) didn’t our hearts burn….
Then at the same hour we… (rushed back to Jerusalem… because….. And in Jerusalem…..)

70. Responsory You give the gift of time, unhurried friend
ALL: we want to have time and give time to others
You take us out of our loneliness, to be with us
ALL: you call us friends and share our journeys – may we too be loving companions
You surprise us and keep our faith stories alive
ALL: YOU FILL US WITH WONDER as we come to know who we are!
You respect our freedom, revealing joyful hope that is ours
ALL: WE WILL LIVE OUR LIVES IN FREEDOM and HOPE, AND SET OTHERS FREE to do the same

71. Invitation to sign one another’s hands
(name) Christ has called you to be his friend. Let this sign (cross on hands) remind you always of Him, and how much he loves you.
R: Glory and Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
I invite you now to sign the palms of one another’s hands saying:
Based on Part II CICCA 257

72. Intercessions Leader introduces the intercessions:
Let us pray For ourselves and all those who seek meaning at the open door of Christian faith:
That those who come may find the joy that is deeply in the hearts of all……
That we may share our faith with new joy and enthusiasm that others may believe and have new hope in their lives….
That all our speech, in the many languages of life, may be true speech about God, an act of love that liberates
That those who seek may be given the strength to press on and find and choose life for themselves…..
That we and those we accompany may be preserved from the temptation of discouragement and fear, and throw open the doors in response to the Spirit poured out for us all
That we may rejoice fully in being Alive in Christ!

73. Concluding Prayer Lord You have filled us with good things.
As we grow in wisdom and knowledge,
Respond to our hopes and answer our prayers
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Concluding prayer: (based on part II CICCA/RCIA 265) Let us prayer together:
Lord
You have filled us with good things.
As we grow in wisdom and knowledge,
Respond to our hopes and answer our prayers
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R Amen

75. And may God go with you always Thanks be to God!
Go in Peace, Go in Joy, Go in Love, and may God go with you always.
R:Thanks be to God
SONG
And may God go with you always
Thanks be to God!

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