Have you ever been on a float trip? A float trip is what it sounds like — getting on something floatable, like a canoe or inner tube, and floating down a lazy river or creek. For some of our seekers, the journey of faith is a lot like a float trip.

Launch: Evangelization

The float trip of faith begins with someone discovering the river, sticking a toe in, seeing others having a great time, and maybe even wading in up to their knees. Then, as the seeker encounters Christ a little more deeply, they might climb onto an inner tube or raft and begin to float, slowly, slowly down the river of faith.

They may be tentative, unsure of the currents ahead, but drawn by a deep longing. If they keep going, there comes a moment when they have to decide: Do they get off the raft and head back upstream? Or do they decide to float on a little further. That choice to go further is the moment a seeker decides to “consciously and freely seek the living God and undertake the journey of faith and conversion” (OCIA 1).

Our role here is vital: to welcome them, to listen to their stories, and to foster an environment where their initial questions are met with openness and love.

The first bridge: Entrance into the Catechumenate

As the seeker’s desire deepens, a bridge appears up ahead. The bridge has a name: Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate. Once the seeker floats past that bridge, there is no turning back. The passage through the rite consecrates them as members of God’s household (see OCIA 41 and 47). The seeker has now moved beyond just floating along to see what happens to actively participating in the journey. The seeker decides to navigate the main current of the river, picking up momentum and moving forward with more intention.

Downstream: The catechumenate

Having crossed the bridge of Entrance into the Catechumenate, the seeker now journeys through a section of the river called the catechumenate. This is a longer stretch of the river, a time of training for Christian life. Along this part of the river, the seeker learns what it means to immerse themself in the faith. There are four skills, in particular, that they will learn from following our example: learning about the Word of God, participating in the life of the parish community, engaging in worship, and actively providing service and witness.

Our task is to guide them, using the parish itself as the “textbook” where they can encounter Christ in various forms. This period is about deepening their faith and strengthening their connection to Christ and the church. This formation cannot be a one-size-fits-all program. The river of faith and its currents are different for each seeker.

The second bridge: Election

As the catechumens progress further along the river, they approach the next major bridge: the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names. This bridge, usually encountered at the beginning of Lent, marks the church’s formal choice of the catechumens for the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Our task is to guide seekers and catechumens, using the parish itself as the “textbook” where they can encounter Christ in various forms.

Navigating the rapids: Purification and Enlightenment

The time of Lent for the elect is like navigating a more intense part of the river, the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This period is marked by the Scrutinies and the Handing On of the Creed and of the Lord’s Prayer. These rites are designed to purify their hearts and minds, strengthening them for the final commitment. It’s a time of deeper reflection and spiritual growth, preparing them to die to their old selves and rise with Christ.

The final bridge: Initiation

Finally, the seeker arrives at the most significant bridge: the rites of initiation. At this bridge, the elect cross over into new life through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This is the culmination of their initial journey down the river.

Reaching the still waters:  Mystagogy

Having crossed the final bridge of initiation, the newly initiated (neophytes) enter the Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy. This is like the river flowing into a larger, calmer body of water. The neophytes enter a lifetime of deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery through reflection on the Gospel, participation in the Eucharist, and works of service and witness.

By understanding the catechumenate as a journey down a river with significant bridges, we can better appreciate the unique progression of each seeker’s faith. Some seekers will be on the river longer than others. But all are heading toward the same goal.

Our role as catechumenate ministers is to be attentive guides, ensuring they navigate each stage with grace and are well-prepared to cross each bridge, ultimately reaching the fullness of life in Christ.