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The Albany Diocese will be the focal point of American Catholicism in August, when "Concerning the Baptized," an institute presented by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, will outline ways of welcoming newly-baptized and uncatechized adults into the Church.

The institute, under the aegis of the Albany diocesan Liturgical Commission, will take place Aug. 22-23 at the Carondelet Hospitality Center in Latham.

The Evangelist recently interviewed one of the main presenters, Joseph Long, who is pastoral associate for evangelization, liturgy and formation for St. Patrick's Church in Fayetteville, N.C. He also serves on the RCIA Advisory Committee for the Diocese of Raleigh.

Q. Why is this institute necessary?

A. When the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was first published, many places used the rituals and really didn't make use of the vision presented in the RCIA.

Many of us don't always read the introduction to a book, but get right into the body. So it was for some with the RCIA: using rituals, but not looking at the introduction, which contained the context for celebration.

As we've come to appreciate and use the rite, we have come to a richer and deeper meaning of baptism and the intimate connection between the sacraments of Christian initiation.

This has led to concern about how we minister and initiate those already baptized - either in another Christian community, or baptized but not formed as Catholics.

Q. What problem or shortfall is the institute trying to solve?

A. I'm not sure there is a problem or shortfall. I would call it a greater awareness of the need to minister to others in many ways.

Because our culture functions on the school-year model, we tended to put everyone together (the unbaptized, baptized Christians and Catholics needing to complete initiation) into one class that begins in September and ends with Easter or Pentecost.

The RCIA reminds us to be ready for someone when they are ready, because God doesn't work only from September to June.

Q. What specific topics will be addressed?

A. The vision and principles of Christian initiation, understanding and appreciating baptism, what it means to be catechized, how to use the RCIA appropriately when forming the baptized, and making distinctions between a catechumen (the unbaptized) and the baptized candidate.

Q. How can parishes help new Catholics live out their baptisms?

A. Keep new Catholics front and center. Continuously invite them to be part of the parish. We tend to do this by getting them into ministries, but our first goal is to help them find their place as a member of the Sunday assembly of the baptized at Eucharist - and from there help them connect to the larger parish and the larger Church.

All this is the work of all the baptized, not just Father or the catechist or the initiation director or the sponsor.

Q. Why should people attend this institute?

A. Since it is our responsibly to help form people in faith and be formed in faith, we should be at our best - always reflecting, learning and modeling. It is the opportunity for us to grow in our faith and understanding in order to help others discern and learn the workings of God in their lives.

Through liturgical prayer, reflection on ritual texts, dialogue and building community, we gain some of the tools to be better ministers of the Gospel.

The institute is targeted at parish leaders. Tuition is $290; lodging is available. Register at www.naforum.org by June 22 for a $20 discount; final deadline is July 25. To apply for scholarship assistance, go to www.rcda.org/offices/ministry_ formation/index.html.[[In-content Ad]]

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