We often hear people say they feel uncomfortable dismissing catechumens from the Mass because it seems inhospitable. So they choose not to do it. But skipping the dismissal of catechumens is like omitting the end of the Mass for the baptized! It’s the way catechumens are co-missioned with the faithful from the Mass to do […]
Don’t dismiss the dismissal of catechumens
The mystagogical period, when the newly initiated deepen their understanding through reflection on their lived experiences of ritual, is a profound and rewarding aspect of Christian initiation ministry. This process of mystagogy is especially powerful when working with children and youth. Young people seem to possess an innate openness and sensitivity to spiritual mysteries that
Children, initiation, and mystagogy
You can get reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here.Sixth Sunday of EasterBackground: This Sunday’s gospel selection continues the emphasis upon how God in the risen Christ is always caring for us; the other readings remind us that God’s cares for people whom we think are supposed to be outside his love. Christ’s
Many of us on parish catechumenate teams have been stuck in a school mindset for far too long. We’ve gotten comfortable with the school model — where there are teachers and students, a defined curriculum, and a clear beginning and end to the process. But Pope Francis is calling us to embrace a new paradigm,
Moving from teachers to accompanists in the catechumenate process
As parish catechumenate ministers, we have the privilege of accompanying catechumens on their journey of faith. This process of initiation is a profound gift not only for the catechumens themselves, but for the entire parish community. Free download: Best practices for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults The dismissal of the catechumens A key
The power of the dismissal: Catechumens as teachers in the church
You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here.Second Sunday of EasterBackground: This was the day on which in ancient Rome the neophytes laid aside the white robes that they had been given during the rites of initiation at Easter Vigil and joined the body of the Faithful. And so, today’s readings
Reflection Questions for RCIA Seekers: The Second through the Fifth Sundays of Easter
It’s Easter and the premier time for mystagogical catechesis. But what exactly is it, and how do you do it? Mystagogy, especially for neophytes, might not be what you think it is. First, it’s not another meeting. Mystagogy, according to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, takes place at the Sunday Masses of the
Mystagogical catechesis for neophytes
As I’m writing this, we are about two weeks away from the Triduum. And — spoiler alert — Jesus is risen! It seems like everything has spoiler alerts attached to it these days. The ubiquity of social media has caused many of us to avoid all our screens after the big game that we recorded
Let the mysteries speak for themselves: A pedagogy of silence
Is this your first year in catechumenate ministry? Or are you a long-time veteran that is beginning to feel a little burned out? Serving as a leader within your parish’s catechumenate process can feel like an incredibly daunting responsibility. Accompanying seekers on their journey of faith can be taxing. While this is a spiritually fulfilling
Rethinking “success” in catechumenate ministry
As we mark the progression of Lent week by week, we may be finding that the practices of prayer, fasting, and doing works of charity are becoming more like habits, like automatically putting our coins into the “Mission Box” for organizations like Holy Childhood or Catholic Relief Services. Or intentionally avoiding the fridge on fasting
Fasting and Feasting: Preparing Hearts for the Easter Mysteries
