Did you know the United States has national guidelines for the catechumenate? In the current translation, they are in an appendix at the back of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. In the new translation, they will be right up front and much easier to find.

The current statutes have been in effect since 1988.  The new statutes will replace the old ones on December 1, 2024. But you don’t have to wait until then to start learning about them. The new statutes, are on the USCCB website at this link: USCCB National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults

The word “statutes” can sound a little ominous, and it might seem like the bishops are imposing more rules on us. But don’t worry. The statutes are meant to be helpful and could actually make your job easier.

What’s different?

So why have the statutes been revised? One key change is a shift in focus. The 1988 National Statutes were 37 paragraphs long. They included particular law for the U.S., but also norms already found in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and universal church law.

The new statutes are much shorter, containing only 18 norms. They aim to be more concise and focused, addressing particular needs within the United States while remaining in harmony with universal church law. If you are outside of the United States, the statutes can still be helpful for your teams. The just don’t necessarily have the force of law.

Understanding these statutes is important for catechumenate teams because they provide a framework for the process of Christian initiation in the United States.

Why this matters for catechumenate teams

Understanding these statutes is important for catechumenate teams because they provide a framework for the process of Christian initiation in the United States. The statutes address a variety of important topics, including:

• Terminology: The statutes emphasize the proper use of terms like “inquirer,” “catechumen,” “elect,” and “candidate” to better clarify the distinctions between groups. The word “convert” is to be “reserved strictly for those converted to Christian belief and never used of those baptized Christians who are received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.”
• Length of the catechumenate: The statutes require that the catechumenate should last for at least one year. If they had asked me, I would have suggested the statute indicate that the catechumenate should last for at least one liturgical year. The point of requiring a year is not to provide more classes. It is to immerse the catechumens in the full mystery of Christ, which is revealed to us in the celebration of the liturgical year.
• Role of the parish: The statutes emphasize that the preparation of catechumens should generally occur in a parish setting. This highlights the importance of integrating seekers into the life of the parish community from the very beginning of their journey.
• Obligations of catechumens: The statutes outline the obligations of the catechumens, which include regular participation in the Liturgy of the Word. These obligations help catechumens to grow in their faith and prepare for a life of discipleship.
• Reception into full communion: The new statutes retain the preference that reception into full communion not take place at the Easter Vigil. Reception into full communion would usually take place at a Sunday Mass in Ordinary Time. The priest is still obliged to confirm those received into full communion, and they may not receive the Eucharist before confirmation. This includes children of catechetical age.

Unpacking the statutes: Week 1 of the Building Blocks series

To help get ready for not just the statutes, but all of the upcoming changes in the new translation, Team Initiation is hosting a four-week speaker series called “Building Blocks of the Catechumenate.” The series starts on October 30, 2024.

Week 1 (October 30th) will be dedicated to “Unpacking the National Statutes” with Dr. Donna Eschenauer. This session will help you navigate the new guidelines and address any questions or concerns you might have. You’ll learn how to apply the statutes in your specific context and ensure a smooth transition for your team and the seekers you accompany.

You can find more information about the entire speaker series and get a preview of the upcoming weeks at teamInitiation.com/building-blocks.

To help get ready for not just the statutes, but all of the upcoming changes in the new translation, Team Initiation is hosting a four-week speaker series called “Building Blocks of the Catechumenate.” The series starts on October 30, 2024.

A word of gratitude

We know from your e-mails and phone calls that there is some anxiety out there about all these potential changes. We hope this series will lower your anxiety level. We know that if you continue to put in the time, energy, and love that you have already been pouring into this ministry, you are going to be just fine. Your dedication to accompanying seekers on their journey of faith is truly inspiring and makes a world of difference seekers on the journey of faith. Thank you for all your great work.

Join Team Initiation

If you haven’t done so yet, we encourage you to become a Team Initiation member and gain access to this powerful training series and many other valuable resources for your ministry. Sign up today at teamInitiation.com/join.

Together, let’s embrace this new chapter with open hearts and a renewed spirit of welcome!