In a chilly church basement, surrounded by anxious parishioners, I once explained the importance of spiritual accompaniment in the catechumenate process. I also outlined the church’s criteria for judging the readiness of a seeker to move forward to the next step of the initiation process. A local farmer, his hands rough and calloused, looked at me from under his worn seed cap and asked, “Who’s going to tell them all this?”

His question echoed the challenge that many of us face in catechumenate ministry: discerning when seekers are truly ready to move forward in their faith journey. It’s a delicate balance—ensuring that we provide seekers with the formation they need while also recognizing that spiritual growth is gradual and subtle. The art of discernment, then, requires more than just a checklist of doctrines; it demands attentiveness, patience, and trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Understanding discernment in the catechumenate

Discernment in Christian initiation is the process of prayerfully seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to recognize signs of spiritual growth and readiness in a seeker. The current rite says pastors, sponsors, catechists, and deacons have the responsibility for “judging” if inquirers are ready for the next step. Interestingly, the new translation will use the word “discern” instead of “judge” (see RCIA / OCIA 43).

Whether “judging” or “discerning” our accompaniment of seekers goes beyond mere observation or evaluation. The Holy Spirit gives us the gifts to see how God is at work in an individual’s life. Unlike evaluation, which often seeks to measure progress against a set standard, discernment is a flexible, spiritual response that considers the individual contours of a seeker’s journey.

Discernment in Christian initiation is the process of prayerfully seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to recognize signs of spiritual growth and readiness in a seeker.

Signs of readiness

Back in that chilly church basement, when the farmer asked me who was going to tell the seekers all this, he was in a way asking how he was supposed to know if the seeker was “ready.” Like many of us, he didn’t feel he was qualified to identify the signs of spiritual growth in those whom we accompany on the journey of faith.

While it’s true that these signs are subtle and develop gradually, they are usually pretty clear if we know what to look for. Here are just a few:

• Early Stirrings of Spiritual Life: Deeper questions, insights, and a brightening countenance.
• Developing Prayer Life: Core Christian teachings resonating personally.
• Behavioral Changes: Increased patience, forgiveness, and love towards others.
• Growing Awareness: Recognition of personal shortcomings and desire for reconciliation.

For entrance into the catechumenate, the bar is low. We welcome seekers showing minimal desire to live a Christian life. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA 42) outlines these initial signs.

For the Rite of Election, expectations are higher. We promise the bishop that catechumens are ready for the rigors of Christian discipleship. Their conversion becomes evident in thoughts and actions, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of Christian teachings and a spirit of faith and charity. RCIA 120 details these signs of readiness.

What is important for my farmer friend to know — and for all of us to know — is that the discernment process doesn’t rest on one person’s shoulders. The entire faith community, including sponsors, catechists, deacons, and pastors, looks for signs of readiness and offers insights. The bishop oversees the final decision at the Rite of Election. In this collaborative process, the seeker is also part of the discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit to understand their own faith journey.

Trust the Spirit’s timing

Discernment isn’t about rushing to meet deadlines for the Rite of Election or Easter Vigil. It’s about trusting the Holy Spirit’s timing. Our role is to walk alongside seekers, helping them recognize the Spirit’s guidance and encouraging their faithful response.

Discernment within the catechumenate is a holy process, requiring attentiveness to the unique ways the Holy Spirit works in each seeker’s life. By focusing on signs of spiritual growth and remaining flexible, we can better accompany seekers on their faith journey.

The art of discernment in the catechumenate is both challenging and rewarding. It calls us to be patient observers, attentive listeners, and trusting companions on the journey of faith. As we engage in this process, we not only guide seekers but also deepen our own spiritual lives, learning to recognize the subtle movements of the Spirit in our midst.

By embracing a collaborative approach to discernment, remaining flexible in our expectations, and always trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can create a rich and meaningful catechumenate process that truly nurtures the growth of new disciples.

As we engage in the process of discernment, we not only guide seekers but also deepen our own spiritual lives, learning to recognize the subtle movements of the Spirit in our midst.

Can you help me out?

I would love to hear about your own experiences of discernment. How has the Holy Spirit guided you in your ministry? What challenges have you faced, and what fruits have you seen as a result of patient and prayerful discernment? Please share your insights and stories in the comments section below.