After more than two years of talking about it, we are on the cusp of receiving the new United States English and Spanish translations of the initiation rites. (Order it now, and it will ship on November 1, 2024.) Get ready by participating in “Building Blocks of the Catechumenate,” an amazing four-week speaker series that begins on October 30th, 2024.
Even though the new translation is for use only in the United States for now, these sessions will be helpful for anyone, anywhere because they will focus on the universal and timeless principles of the catechumenate. No matter where you are in the world or how much experience you have with catechumenate ministry, you will gain new insights, deepen your perspective, and understand more clearly how to shape your initiation ministry well for your community.
The live series and recordings are open only to Team Initiation Members.
Take a look below at what’s in store in this Team Initiation Members speaker series. Then make a commitment to be there, because it will boost your confidence, help you prepare the essentials, and reduce any anxiety about this exciting transition.
Wednesday, October 30, 11:00am PDT
Unpacking the National Statutes
Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal
UPDATE: Unfortunately, Dr. Donna Eschenauer is sick and informed us that she cannot join us on Oct 30. She said she is heartbroken to miss this opportunity to be with the Team Initiation Members. Please pray for her speedy recovery.
In our first session we will dive into the National Statutes — that is, rules specific to the United States. Together we will look at the implications for these statutes for our teams.
Wednesday, November 6, 11:00am PST
Assembling a Dream Team
John McGlynn
Director of Adult Faith Formation and the Catechumenate at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Long Beach, California
John McGlynn has been involved in catechumenate ministry since 1997. He is the author of Your Roadmap to a Conversion-Centered Catechumenate: A Report from the Trenches.
Did you know that 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 McGlynn 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 and deacon, catechists, and of course, the sponsors and godparents.
Wednesday, November 13, 11:00am PST
Dr. Dolores Martinez
Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM)
Dr. Dolores Martínez recently retired from the Archdiocese of San Antonio having served as director of the Office of Worship. For over 55 years, she has served parishes throughout Texas as Director of Music Ministries, cantor, choir director, and accompanist.
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.
Wednesday, November 20, 11:00am PST
Understanding the Rites for the Baptized
Rev. Dr. Paul Turner
Pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, and director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph
Rev. Paul Turner holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. He is a consultor for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
In our final week, Fr. Paul Turner 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.
We’re thrilled to be able to offer this important formation opportunity as we continue to breathe new life into our ministry of initiation. Sign up to become a Team Initiation Member, then mark your calendars for these four Wednesdays starting October 30. Prepare your questions for our speakers, and get ready to be inspired!
