As parish catechumenate leaders, the church expects us to provide an appropriate catechesis for the catechumens. The directives in OCIA 75.1 describe what an appropriate catechesis looks like. Let’s take a look at what it says.

1. Divided into steps and fully presented

OCIA 75.1 emphasizes the need for a catechesis that is “divided into steps and fully presented.” This gradual approach recognizes that faith formation is a journey, and our catechumens require time for their conversion to mature and allow their hearts to be transformed by the mysteries they encounter.

As catechumenate leaders, we have to resist the temptation to compress the conversion process into an artificial school calendar that begins in the fall and ends in the spring.  Rather, the church directs that we provide a catechesis that is “suited to the liturgical year.” The U.S. bishops reemphasize this directive in their National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults, stating that the catechumenate should adopt a systematic and well-paced approach that allows for repeated exposure to the teachings, coupled with opportunities for reflection and discussion.

2. Suited to the liturgical year

When the church says that catechesis to be suited to the liturgical year, it is giving us an insight into how catechesis happens. Over the course of the liturgical year, the full mystery of Christ is revealed. That revelation happens through the action of Christ, not us. So Jesus Christ is the catechist.

While we often have the title of “catechist,” we are really accompanists, walking with the catechumens as Jesus encounters each seeker on their journey of conversion. This directive highlights the profound connection between the catechumenate process and the liturgy of the church. By immersing our catechumens in the rhythm of the liturgical year, we offer them a lived experience of the faith, allowing them to encounter the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in a way that changes their lives.

If Jesus is the catechist and catechesis is “suited to the liturgical year,” then our catechetical sessions should most often be mystagogical reflections on the Sunday liturgy, the liturgical seasons, the symbols, the readings, and the rituals of each season. This integration of catechesis with the liturgical year will deepen our catechumens’ conversion and their intimate communion with the person of Jesus Christ.

Integration of catechesis with the liturgical year will deepen our catechumens’ conversion and their intimate communion with the person of Jesus Christ

3. Celebrations of the word

OCIA 75.1 emphasizes the importance of a catechesis that is “supported by Celebrations of the Word.” These celebrations will primarily be the Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass but should also include other word celebrations throughout the catechumenate. These liturgical celebrations are not mere additions to the catechumenate process; they are integral to forming our catechumens in the way of faith.

As catechumenate leaders, we must ensure that our catechumens regularly participate in celebrations of the word, where they encounter the living Word of God in the midst of the worshipping community. These celebrations provide a profound experience of the mystery of Christ, allowing our catechumens to learn and practice how Catholics worship and to be shaped by the transformative power of the God’s word.

4. Suitable knowledge of dogmas and precepts

The directive that catechesis must provide the catechumens with a “suitable knowledge of dogmas and precepts” reminds us that our catechesis must include a solid foundation in the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic faith. The word “suitable” is very important here. Pope Francis emphasizes that the only truly suitable catechesis is one that announces the first proclamation over and over, in ever deeper ways:

On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” (Joy of the Gospel, 164)

The depth at which we would announce this proclamation for a lifelong, faithful Catholic would not be suitable for a brand new catechumen. We need to announce the kerygma (the core teaching of the church) in a way that leads catechumens to deeper conversion and intimacy with Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, the goal of our catechesis, as outlined in OCIA 75.1, is to lead our catechumens to an “intimate knowledge of the mystery of salvation, which they desire to make their own.”

5. Intimate knowledge of the mystery of salvation

Ultimately, the goal of our catechesis, as outlined in OCIA 75.1, is to lead our catechumens to an “intimate knowledge of the mystery of salvation, which they desire to make their own.” This directive reminds us that our catechesis must transcend the mere transmission of information and facilitate a personal encounter with the living God.

As catechumenate leaders, we must create an environment that fosters prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. We should encourage our catechumens to share their personal experiences of God’s presence, especially in the liturgy, and guide them in discerning how the mysteries they encounter call them to conversion and discipleship.

Conclusion

Implementing the directives of OCIA 75.1 requires a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the catechumenate process. As parish catechumenate leaders, we are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of accompanying our seekers on the journey of faith. By implementing these directives, we can ensure that our catechumens receive a catechesis that is truly suitable — one that not only gives them a knowledge of dogmas and precepts but also opens their hearts to the transformative power of the mystery of salvation.