The 50-day period after Easter is time identified in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults as the Period of Mystagogy (see OCIA 244-249). However, all catechesis should be “mystagogical.” The Period of Mystagogy is time when the neophytes acquire “a genuinely fuller and more fruitful understanding of the ‘mysteries’” (OCIA 245).

However, understanding the mysteries — that is, encountering and being transformed by the mystery of Jesus Christ — is a lifelong process that begins with the seeker’s very first encounter with Christ and continues throughout their journey of faith. Mystagogical catechesis should permeate the entire catechumenate process, from evangelization to the ongoing growth in faith as a disciple. The 50-day period serves to highlight the importance of a lifelong practice of living in the Paschal Mystery.

We often think of the catechumenate as a catechetical endeavor, and we focus on teaching doctrine and precepts. However, the catechumenate is primarily a rite or an order of rites. It is within the liturgies of the catechumenate process that the seekers most deeply and clearly encounter the person of Jesus Christ. Their liturgical experience is the privileged place of catechesis (see Directory for Catechesis, 133). In fact, catechesis is set in motion by their encounter with Christ, an encounter that finds its source and summit in the celebration of the Eucharist.

If we understand that the encounter with Christ in the liturgy is the first movement of catechesis, then we can understand the importance of mystagogical catechesis, which is a reflection on that encounter. This reflection is not just for catechumens or neophytes, but for the entire community, to deepen their grasp of the Paschal mystery.

Why is mystagogical catechesis important?

Mystagogical catechesis is crucial because, as Pope John Paul II taught, “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ” (On Catechesis in Our Time, 5).

The liturgy provides that intimate communion, and reflecting on the experience deepens and solidifies the experience with us. Mystagogical catechesis enables us to understand more clearly both what happened to us in the liturgy and what that experience of divine intimacy means for our lives going forward.

As we said, mystagogy is not just for the 50 days after Easter, but is a lifelong process. It’s how we catechize. It begins with the initial encounter with Christ and continues throughout our lives.

Mystagogy is not just for the 50 days after Easter, but is a lifelong process. It’s how we catechize. It begins with the initial encounter with Christ and continues throughout our lives.

Mystagogical catechesis is important because it is the most profound way that leads to deep conversion and stronger discipleship. It helps us to connect our encounter with Christ in the liturgy to our daily lives. So often the liturgy happens on Sunday, and it has no impact on our lives on Monday. The liturgy is too often disconnected from how we live in the world.

Mystagogical catechesis gives us the lens and language to see the connection of the ritual act to our lives. It calls us to a deeper conversion out into the world. It is not just about learning about the faith, but it is about being transformed by faith.

In short, if we want to form disciples who are truly transformed by their encounter with Christ, we need to engage in mystagogical catechesis with our seekers from the first moment we meet them, throughout their catechumenate, and throughout their lives as missionary disciples.