The mystagogical period, when the newly initiated deepen their understanding through reflection on their lived experiences of ritual, is a profound and rewarding aspect of Christian initiation ministry. This process of mystagogy is especially powerful when working with children and youth. Young people seem to possess an innate openness and sensitivity to spiritual mysteries that allow them to engage with the rituals in a sincere and transformative way.
One of the most rewarding — and challenging — elements of ministering to children is guiding them through the mystagogical experience as it blossoms after they have celebrated the initiation sacraments. Children have a remarkable capacity for awe, wonder and joy that allows the rituals and rites to truly come alive for them. As parents and catechists, we witness firsthand how eagerly children embrace the sacred mysteries and become fully immersed in unpacking their meanings. The mystagogy sessions provide a space to reflect back on those powerful liturgical and sacramental experiences in a way that resonates deeply with young people.
What mystagogy looks like during the Easter season
During the Easter season, we delight in the neophytes proudly wearing their white baptismal garments and eagerly sharing their experiences at our mystagogy sessions. In these weekly sessions, youth, children, their parents, and godparents enjoy the opportunities to reflect on their liturgical and sacramental experiences.
Much earlier in the formation process, we had discussed “mystagogy” and have used a mystagogical reflection process throughout the journey. An integral part of the mystagogical process adapted for children is discussing the feelings the children experience during ritual prayer and how they (and we) learned from the rites themselves. Learning to listen to the words of prayers (and directions for rubrics) was important too.
During Easter time, our mystagogy sessions include reflecting on the liturgies of Holy Week, especially the Vigil. Each part of the rites means something. So, for example, we ask how the children felt when all the other members of the parish received a candle lighted from the Paschal Candle and they waited to have their special candle lighted later in the rite after their baptism. What did they remember from the blessing of the water with which they were going to be baptized? Did they hear or remember some of the stories of salvation history mentioned in that blessing? Did they remember any of that or their own baptismal promises when they walked into church and blessed themselves with the holy water before Mass since that Vigil? What did it mean to them to wear their white garment these weeks after Easter when they came to Mass? Where was their baptism candle at home — on the dining table during meals? In their room? Some special place where the whole family could see it and remember how special this time has been?
An integral part of the mystagogical process adapted for children is discussing the feelings the children experience during ritual prayer and how they (and we) learned from the rites themselves.
A time of exploration
At one of our gatherings, we explore what it meant to the children to be confirmed at this young age, how they were called to be witnesses to their faith among their friends. Holding the sacred chrism again, the children could vividly recall the sweet scent. That leads into a discussion of the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit now fully active in their lives.
Mystagogy sessions included more extensive catechesis on the Mass now that they are participating in the entire liturgy, not being dismissed after the homily. For some children, it took courage to persuade parents to continue to bring them to weekly Mass and weekly faith formation sessions. And for some parents, it was a joy to continue to learn about their faith and to see the dynamic commitment of their children to their formation.
We use the Penitential Rite of the Mass to open our discussion about preparation for and celebrating their first reconciliation. Because they continue to meet during the summer months, they have some catechesis as well and are encouraged to go to confession sometime during that time or the early fall when they will again come to weekly catechetical sessions with their peers to continue their faith formation.
The sacred all round us
Throughout our gatherings, we talk about what it means to be able to share in communion now, why fasting is an important part of preparation, that a second, third or sixth time of receiving Eucharist is important to prepare for as well. One family shared how their conversation during driving to Mass included a prayer about receiving communion.
The neophytes are invited to share their experiences and new faith with other children in different faith formation processes in the parish and school.
Many parishes host a reception for the neophytes after the liturgy at which they are initiated. Consider planning another celebration for Pentecost weekend as they go forth to live out the Spirit and graces they have received.
The mystagogical process with children is a powerful way to experience its true purpose — to discover the divine through new eyes and to kindle a lifelong fire for faith. Those of us who have journeyed with the young people during this process are changed as much as the children are. If those blessed with childlike wonder and inquisitiveness are truly the enlightened ones, then sharing the mystagogical experience with children enables us to rediscover the sacred around us.
