From Membership to Discipleship:
An Introduction to the Catechumenate
Overall Goal
“To present a vision for the catechumenal
process as both a rite of Christian initiation
(faith formation for adults) and a means of
forming disciples for baptismal living.”
What is a Missional Church?
• The Missional Congregation understands
that it is primarily a missional community
of people being trained and equipped to
live among the world as disciples of
Jesus. It’s purpose is to carry out God’s
gospel mission of the healing and
redemption of the world.
Building Up Disciples
• Old Paradigm:
Creating better
members for
church-serve the
needs of the
institution.
the
to
• New Paradigm:
Empowering
members for
ministry in daily life.
Focused ministries
based on strengths
and gifts of the
members.
“The discipleship model expects the Christian
community--through Word and Sacrament-to transform lives.”
--Michael Foss
from Power Surge
Reclaiming the Catechumenate
For Forming Christian Disciples
• An Ancient Rite of Church:
Preparation for Baptism
• Spiritual Formation for Adults
Baptism/Affirmation of Baptism
• Means of “making disciples”
with focus on baptismal living
• Renewal of “Priesthood of All
Believers” (Martin Luther)
Early Church: Preparing for Baptism
1. A period of discipling new converts in the
“way of the faith” leading up to baptism.
2. Included entire households. (Book of Acts)
3. In the first centuries
baptism was usually
by immersion to
symbolize dying and
rising with Christ.
l
Ritual Bath at Qumran Community
Jesus’ Baptismal Site in Jordan
Floor Plan for 4th Century Church
Short History of the Catechumenate
• First 1000+ years: Preparation for Baptism
(kicked into high gear after 330 AD)
• Middle Ages: Church mislaid the ancient
catechumenate process as it was assumed
most adults were already baptized. Later
replaced with confirmation of young adults.
• Modern Day: Vatican II reclaimed the process
in the 60’s and Protestants in the 90’s
expanded it to include affirmation of faith.
The Role of the Catechumenate
• 1. Rather than simply another program it
becomes a central tool to carry out the
mission of making disciples.
• 2. A primary means of entry for new
Christians and new members into the
faith community including affirmers.
• 3. Rites and rituals that highlight the
importance of discipleship in daily life.
A Journey of Discipleship: 4 Stages
• 1. Come and See: Inquiry (Questions)
Rite of Welcome
• 2. Come and Explore: Exploration/Catechesis
Rite of Enrollment
• 3. Come and Prepare: Getting Ready
Rite of Baptism/Affirmation of Baptism
• 4. Come and Serve: Baptismal Living
Rite of Affirmation of Vocation
One: Inquiry Stage
• Usually occurs toward end of Pentecost season
and during Epiphany (Sept. thru January).
• Can provide several entry points—with different
inquiry small groups starting at different times
during this period.
• The participants set the agenda—and their
questions will help shape the “curriculum” for
the next stage (Exploration and Formation).
• If candidates and affirmers decide to go forward,
they are assigned a sponsor.
Two: Exploration and Formation
• Lay catechists provide some basic input on the
basics of faith, prayer, and Bible.
• Small groups introduced to Reflective Bible
Study Method (e.g. Lectio Devina)
• Sponsors are companions on the journey to
accompany their candidate or affirmer.
• Toward end of this stage, decision made to
participate in the “Rite of Enrollment”.
Three: Intense Preparation
• Scripture reflection on three John texts during
the Lenten season: John 4, 9, 11
• Discuss the service of Baptism/Affirmation of
Baptism and review
e
Baptismal promises.
• Prepare for Vigil.
The Triduum: The Great 3 Days
• Maundy Thursday—Washing of Feet
• Good Friday—Focus on the Passion
• Holy Saturday—
The Easter Vigil
Baptisms and
Affirmation of
Baptism
Four: Baptismal Living
a. Explore one’s gifts and passion
b. Introduction to congregation’s ministry
c. Discern where God is leading one to serve
and live out one’s baptismal faith
Rite of Affirmation of Vocation
(usually on Pentecost Sunday)
A Call to Be and Make Disciples
“Go into all the world and be my witnesses…”
WORD
FONT
TABLE
MISSION
(taken)
(blessed)
(broken)
(given)
“And I am with you always!”
Daily Remember Your Baptism
“To Die and Rise with Christ” (Romans 8)
Called To Serve in 4 Arenas of Life
•
•
•
•
WORKPLACE
HOME
NEIGHBORHOOD
WIDER WORLD
Questions for Reflection:
• 1. What is God doing here already at home, at
work, in my neighborhood, and in the world?
• 2. What is my vision or goal of how I want life
to be—and what am I going to do to be part of
God’s mission?
• 3. What will I do to carry out this mission and
when do I start? Consider one action.
• 4. Who will partner with me in this work?
What the Catechumenate Is:
• A journey and celebration for those called
to the Way of Christ.
• A natural process of Christian formation
developed in early days of the Church that
can be adapted to fit any size congregation.
• “Leaven” for any faith community seeking
new members and renewal of current
members.
• Jesus’ way of making & nurturing disciples.
What the Catechumenate Is Not:
• A program demanding more time of already
over-extended clergy and parish leaders.
• A complicated, time-consuming program.
• Another adult education program.
• An expensive program demanding “experts” in
Scripture or Christian doctrine.
• An inflexible, prescribed program of study.
Our Baptismal Calling:
To Work for Peace and Justice
An Invitation to Baptismal Living
PURPOSE: Welcoming people into a deeper
relationship with Jesus and with each other so
they can live faithful lives of discipleship in
God’s world.
Your “Faith Walk” Team
• 1. Coordinator of Discipleship Process: Help
with design, training, and publicity.
• 2. Pastors: Help recruit, assist w/ inquiry, and
lead the rites for public worship.
• 3. Catechists: Instructors for the journey.
• 4. Candidates: Learners for the journey.
• 5. Sponsors/Mentors: Companions on journey.
• 6. Host/Hostess: Provide refreshments.