It won’t come as a surprise to you that the number of Catholic parishes in the United States is declining. Some parishes have simply been closed, but many of them have been merged into a single, new parish.

Merging parishes can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and deeper unity. When it comes to uniting catechumenate teams, the process should focus on collaboration, understanding, and a shared commitment to fostering authentic encounters with Christ.

Collaboration: A path to communion

As Pope Francis reminds us, “The Incarnation…is also the very method that the Holy Trinity has chosen to open to us the way of communion” (Desiderio desideravi, 10). The mystery of the Incarnation teaches us that collaboration is central to our faith. Just as God became human to enter into a relationship with us, we are called to foster relationships with one another, particularly in times of transition.

The ultimate goal of Christian life is communion with God and with each other. This unity is not merely a sense of togetherness, but a deep, abiding relationship rooted in the life of the Trinity. In merged parishes, while parishioners may experience disruption or loss, we remain united in Christ. Just as a new catechumen may experience “an abrupt break in human ties” parishioners in merged parishes may experience brokenness as well. However, like the catechumen, we know that we will also “taste the joy which God gives without measure” (OCIA 75.2).

Uniting catechumenate teams begins with this spirit of unity. Bringing together teams from merging parishes means acknowledging their unique histories and experiences while building something new together. It may also involve sacrifice. Just as we ask the catechumens to embrace the Cross and a life of sacrifice for the sake of the gospel, we need to model sacrificial love for one another. This kind of love might include the following:

• Leadership: Each merging parish should have equal representation in the newly formed catechumenate team. That way, decisions will reflect the needs of the entire merged community, not just one dominant group. The new team and pastor will also need to commit to transparent communication about priorities, concerns, and a shared direction.

• Assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment of each parish’s catechumenate process helps identify strengths and areas for improvement. Surveys, interviews, and a review of current practices will give everyone the information they need for forming a unified approach.

• Formation models: Merging parishes might be using different catechumenate models, such as year-round process versus a school year program. Collaboration is crucial in developing a unified process that meets the needs of all catechumens and candidates. This is especially true if your new pastor operates out of a different model than you do. He might have a different approach, but there are likely shared goals, such as serving parishioners and spreading the gospel.

Uniting catechumenate teams begins with this spirit of unity. Bringing together teams from merging parishes means acknowledging their unique histories and experiences while building something new together.

Leveling leadership for a unified team

In any merger, leveling leadership and fostering shared ownership of the catechumenate process is vital. Some leaders may be used to a higher level of authority in their previous parish, which can create challenges. To build a successful merged team:

• Authority is shared: The catechumenate team works collaboratively with the pastor in planning, implementing, and evaluating the process.
• Decisions are made together: All voices are heard and respected, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of the broader community.
• Gifts are recognized: Each team member should feel empowered to contribute their talents. Acknowledge that some may grieve the loss of their previous roles, and create space for them to find new ways to live out their baptismal call within the merged parish.

Forming a unified initiation team

While the catechumenate team plays an essential role, it’s crucial to remember that the parish community is the primary minister of the catechumenate (OCIA 9). A newly merged community must work together to accompany seekers on their journey to initiation or full communion, acknowledging the potential merging of not only parishes but also cultures, ethnicities, and demographics.

To form a unified initiation team:

• Recruit members from all parishes to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Provide training so team members are well-prepared to accompany catechumens and candidates.
• Foster community by creating opportunities for team members to build relationships and share faith experiences.
• Maintain ongoing communication to keep the parish informed and engaged in the catechumenate process.

Assessment and evaluation

Regular assessment and evaluation are key to ensuring a fruitful catechumenate process. This involves:

• Identifying strengths and weaknesses to enhance areas needing improvement.
• Measuring the impact to see if the process is actually forming missionary disciples.
• Adjusting when necessary to continually evolve closer to the church’s vision of evangelization and accompaniment.

Ultimately, the catechumenate exists to lead people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Year-Round vs. School-Year Models

When merging parishes with different catechumenate models, flexibility is necessary. Consider:

• Adopting a hybrid model temporarily, combining elements of both year-round process and school-year program as you gradually move to a process that is ready to accept seekers at any time.
• Offering multiple formation opportunities to meet the diverse needs of catechumens and candidates at different stages of their faith journey.
• Gradually transitioning to a conversion-centered, year-round model over time, embodying the gradual nature of the catechumenate process itself. This also applies to adapting to a new pastor’s leadership style.

Encounter with Christ

Ultimately, the catechumenate exists to lead people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. As Pope Francis says, “Christian faith is either an encounter with him alive, or it does not exist” (Desiderio desideravi, 10). Through collaboration, shared leadership, and forming a unified initiation team, merged parishes can create a welcoming environment where catechumens and candidates experience Christ’s transformative love and are empowered to spread the good news.