The Catechumenal Process is CATECHETICAL…

Catechetical Components of the Christian Initiation Process:
 Illuminating and Securing the Path of Faith

There is an organic connection between our spiritual life and the dogmas.  Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate it and make it secure.  Conversely, if our life is upright, our intellect and heart will be open to welcome the light shed by the dogmas of faith. (CCC 89)

The catechetical components are the truths of the Faith, grouped and taught specifically for the purpose of each period:

• Period of the Precatechumenate ~ The Gospel and answering their questions
• Period of the Catechumenate ~ The Deposit of Faith
• Period of Purification and Enlightenment ~ The truths of the Faith as they related to spirituality and prayer; mystical doctrines
• Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy ~The deeper Christian life, especially as it relates to the sacraments

Teach to and from the Rites:
Prior to the Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming and continuing through the rest of the process, the teaching is to and from the Rites.   The Church prays what she believes.  All of the Rites draw their power from the Sacraments of Initiation and from the Sacrament of Holy Orders of the priest who administer them.  Grace is more and more richly available after each Rite until it is poured out in abundance at the Easter Vigil.

Some Practical Suggestions for the Catechumenate

• Give participants a Bible early in the process, and give them tabs for it.
• Ensure that the team witnesses to handling Scripture with respect (no coffee cups on the Bible).
• Use Scripture to teach prayer – begin with the Psalms.
• Never give the impression in teaching sessions that Scripture is an addendum to the lesson.
• Have team members give a testimony about a favorite verse, or the power of Scripture in their life.
• Use biblical narratives – a litany of Scriptures that form a story or a theme.
• Use celebrations of the Word as recommended in the guidelines. (RCIA 81-89)

The Period of Evangelization & Precatechumenate
(Teaching to the Rites: see RCIA 52 and 511)
The Gospel message ~ Christ-centered, Trinitarian, ecclesial, personal, and forward-looking (founded in hope):

• God is our Creator and in him all things have their existence
• God gives light to everyone who comes into this world, revealing himself through his works, so that all may learn to give thanks
• The Father has sent his faithful witness, Jesus Christ, to announce to us what he has seen and heard, the mysteries of heaven and earth
• This is eternal life: to know the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent; the Trinity is our destiny and model of perfect love
• Jesus Christ has made the way for us to take advantage of that plan by His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension into heaven
• The Holy Spirit makes it possible to access the full power and merits won for us by Jesus in the Church, which dispenses them in the sanctifying action of the sacramental life, enabling us to make the mind of Christ our own, to love God and neighbor in holiness
• The Catholics of this parish family warmly invite you to come and see our life and with us to enter into full communion with Christ

The primary and most effective means of communicating these truths are:

• The witness of the individual living in accordance with the Gospel message          
• The witness of the Christian community as the kingdom of God on earth

The Catechetical Components of this period are:

• Gospel expressed carefully and completely, by means of testimonies and explanation of Scripture
• Answers given to the most pressing and obvious questions of the inquirers
• Teachings which adequately prepare them for the first major rites and content of the process, and the living of a daily Catholic life of believing, hoping, and loving (faith, hope and love)
• Christian community lived out with the team and gradual introduction into works of charity 

The Period of the Catechumenate
(Teaching to the Rites: see RCIA 552, 553 and 556; Teaching from the Rites: see RCIA 526, 527 and 528)

This is the longest period of the Christian initiation process.  It is also the most densely catechetical.  The principal guidelines for this period are found in RCIA, 75 and 78:
A suitable catechesis is provided by priests or deacons, or by catechists and others of the faithful (RCIA 75):

• Planned to be gradual and complete in its coverage
• Accommodated to the liturgical year
• Solidly supported by Celebrations of the Word

This catechesis leads the catechumens not only to an appropriate acquaintance with dogmas and precepts but also to a profound sense of the mystery of salvation in which they desire to participate.

The instruction that the catechumens receive during this period should (RCIA 78, see also NCCB Statutes 7):

• Present Catholic teaching in its entirety
• Enlighten faith
• Direct the heart toward God
• Foster participation in the liturgy, inspires apostolic activity
• Nurture a life completely in accord with the spirit of Christ

The Catechetical Components of this Period are the Elements of the Deposit of Faith:
There is only time to present the “keys” to unlock the basic doctrines of the deposit of faith as they are found in Scripture and Tradition.  A good guide for these “keys” is the Credo of the People of God by Pope Paul VI.  As well, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is the “sure norm” for teaching the Deposit of Faith.  It should be the constant reference for the catechist. (see CCC 89)

Presuming a complete precatechumenal catechesis, the organization of the truths of the Faith can be done along the paradigm for the adult Catholic life:

• Faith
• Hope
• Love

The Period of Purification & Enlightenment
(Teaching to the Rites: see RCIA 573, 580 and 591; Teaching from the Rites: see RCIA 558)
The focus now is on spiritual preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.  The themes of repentance and holiness are constant throughout this period.  Interior reflection, (on God’s love for us, His faithful provision for us, and our need to turn to Him fully), should lead to repentance and penance, thanksgiving, and more fervent fraternal charity.  The elect and candidates for full communion should turn once again to a study of Christ the Savior, especially the events of the Paschal Mystery ~ Jesus’ Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. (see RCIA 118, 121, 138, 139)

The Catechetical Components of this Period include the following:

• Meditations and exhortations 
• Spiritual reading of Scripture and the lives of the saints 
• Prayer times:  They could include intercession for the needs of the Church, meditation on the life of Christ in the rosary, or recitation of Evening Prayer or Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours
• A retreat weekend is especially appropriate during this time (This might be the first opportunity offered for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the candidates for full communion)
• Participation in the Lenten activities of the parish should certainly be part of this time.  With all of the above and explanations of such devotions as the Stations of the Cross there would certainly be continuing education, but not in the same manner as in the previous stages

The Liturgy and the Community as Means of Insertion in Christ:
Participants are learning all the time during their experience of the catechumenate, not just in the formal teaching.  Attendance at the ceremonies for Holy Week with godparents, sponsors and team members will be an experience of the liturgy instructing them in itself.
 
“The unique catechetical value of the liturgy essentially derives from the way in which it contains and makes us familiar with the heart of the Christian religion the mystery of Christ… The liturgy gives what it teaches.”  ~ Johannes Hofinger, S.J., et al, The Good News and Its Proclamation, pp. 53, 56
 
Without the teaching and converting aspects of the liturgy and the witness of the community, formal instruction runs the risk of becoming just information, instead of light for the path of faith (see CCC 89).

The Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
(Teaching from the Rites: see RCIA, 229, 230, 244 and following)
The time between Easter and Pentecost is spent in deepening the understanding and appreciation for the sacramental life.  As well, the deepest meaning of discipleship must be examined, including the responsibilities to witness and to bring the light of the Gospel to every corner of the world.  The catechesis during this period should be driven by the lectionary.  The Church intends that the Lectionary readings for the Sundays and the Feast of the Ascension form the basis for the teaching during this period.  Below are the recommended readings from Year A:

• 2nd Sunday of Easter  ~  Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
• 3rd Sunday of Easter  ~  Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
• 4th Sunday of Easter  ~  Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10
• 5th Sunday of Easter  ~  Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
• 6th Sunday of Easter  ~  Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-20
• Ascension Thursday  ~  Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20
• 7th Sunday of Easter  ~  Acts 1:12-14; Psalm 27; 1 Peter 4:13-16; John 17:1-11a

The distinctive spirit and power of the period of postbaptismal catechesis or mystagogy derive from the new, personal experience of the sacraments and of the community. (RCIA 247)

Rest of the Neophyte Year
During the first year as a Catholic, care must be taken to be sure that each neophyte is securely established in the life of the parish.  The difficulties of this year can be very great.  A Bible study with new friends in the parish, a charitable work to join, and opportunities to contribute special skills to the work of the parish should all be regular aspects of this year.  Throughout the year care should be given to make sure that the neophytes are always specifically invited to parish missions, presentations by visiting speakers, and all such adult education events.
   
A monthly neophyte newsletter is a way to continue education.  Regular retreat days during the first year give opportunities for further instruction in the Faith.  Monthly gatherings with the pastor just to “chat” can be very beneficial for answering questions, for identifying misconceptions and for providing ongoing spiritual direction for the group.

1 Timothy 6:20 “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you.  Avoid the godless chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, for by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith.”
2 Timothy 1:13, 14  “Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.”

The Catechist’s Toolbox…

The purpose of these links is to provide a comprehensive set of sources to which catechists (or other interested individuals) can go to study, find teaching material, or just explore further the rich heritage and resources that exist by the grace of God “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Eph 4:12)

Major Magisterial Documents on Evangelization and Catechesis
General Directory for Catechesis (GDC), 1997
Credo of the People of God, Pope Paul VI, 1968
On Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI, 1975
On Catechesis in Our Time, Pope John Paul II, 1979

Helpful Sites for Preparing to Teach
New American Bible (with search engine)
Revised Standard Version (with search engine)
Various Scripture Translations (with search engine)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (with search engine)
Vatican Council II Documents (with search engine)
Other Magisterial Documents
Code of Canon Law
Early Church Fathers
Catholic Encyclopedia
Liturgical Calendar Online
Well-Known Catholic Prayers

Helpful Sites for Learning the Faith
Bridegroom Press
Catholic Answers
Defenders of the Catholic Faith
Scripture Catholic
Catholic Experts from EWTN