After more than two years of talking about it, we are on the cusp of receiving the new translation of the initiation rites. You can order it now, and it will ship on November 1, 2024. To get us ready, Team Initiation is hosting an amazing four-week speaker series called “Building Blocks of the Catechumenate.” It all starts on October 30th, 2024, so mark your calendars!
The best part? This series is designed specifically for Team Initiation members, and the recordings will be available afterwards too. And don’t worry if you’re not in the United States; these sessions are will be helpful for anyone, anywhere because they’re rooted in the universal principles of the catechumenate.
What are the “building blocks”?
- Week 1 (October 30th): Unpacking the National Statutes with Dr. Donna Eschenauer. In our first session we will dive into the National Statutes — that is, rules specific to the United States. The current statutes are a little bit hidden, tucked into the back of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults text. The new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is moving them to the front, and Dr. Donna will help us understand what the implications are for our teams.
- Week 2 (November 6th): Assembling a dream team with John McGlinn. Fun fact: the Order (Rite) of Christian Initiation of Adults never talks about a “team.” But we all know this is not a Lone Ranger ministry. John McGlinn is a master of team-based ministry, and he is going to walk us through the essential team members you need to lead a thriving catechumenate process. We’ll be looking at the roles of the assembly, the priest or deacon, catechists, and of course, the sponsors and godparents. You may recognize John’s name. He is the author of Your Roadmap to a Conversion-Centered Catechumenate. He’s got decades of experience guiding parishes to move away from the school model to a more dynamic, conversion-centered approach.
- Week 3 (November 13th): Navigating the rites for the unbaptized with Dr. Dolores Martinez. In week three, we are going to decode the rites for the unbaptized. Dr. Dolores, an expert in liturgy and intercultural ministry, is here to guide us. These rites are our foundation because they also shape and influence the rites for the baptized. She’ll help us see how the rites lead the catechumens to deeper conversion and why it’s so important to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Week 4 (November 20th): Understanding the rites for the baptized with Rev. Dr. Paul Turner. In our final week, Fr. Paul Turner, a prolific writer and experienced celebrant, will help us dig into the rites for the baptized. We’ll uncover the flexibility built into these rites, explore how they differ for people at various stages in their faith journeys, and learn how priests and deacons can lead these rites with grace and authenticity.
Accompanying seekers on the journey of faith is much more than classes punctuated by a few rituals. We know you get that. That’s why we’re excited by this series. These four national experts are going to help us understand how to go beyond the classroom and the rubrics. We are going to focus on the timeless principles of initiation that will lead our seekers to conversion and renew our parishes.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from these dynamic speakers and deepen our understanding of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sign up to become a Team Initiation member today to gain access to this powerful training series.
