January 2000

The Catechumenate as Model for All Catechesis?  
Challenges to Reshape Our Ministry

Since the 1997 arrival of the General Directory for Catechesis, catechetical leaders around the world have been "unpacking" its message, through conferences, workshops, inservices, and study groups. One of the most striking ideas advanced by the GDC is found in this passage:

"Given that the missio ad gentes is the paradigm of all the Church's missionary activity, the baptismal catechumenate,  which is joined to it, is the model of its catechizing activity."  GDC #90

What exactly does this mean? What changes does it call for in the way that we do catechesis? While the GDC itself notes that we are not to simply "slavishly imitate" the structure of the RCIA in designing our catechetical processes (GDC#91), it does suggest that constitutive elements of the RCIA should be part and parcel of every catechetical program, in every parish or school. As I reflected upon these elements, I sorted out four important aspects of the catechumenate that we should take seriously when shaping (or reshaping) our catechetical programs.

1. Conversion
The baptismal catechumenate is first and foremost about bringing participants into relationship with Jesus Christ, and helping them turn to him with their whole hearts. Is this task the first priority of the catechetical programs in our parish or school? The General Directory for Catechesis recognizes the modern phenomenon of having in our catechetical sessions those who have received sacraments in the Church, but are not truly converted to the Lord. 

How are we not only providing "Catholic information" for these learners among us, but also ensuring their conversion and nurturing their renewal in faith? This is a profound challenge for Catholic schools and parishes alike.

2. Discernment
Discernment is a key element of the baptismal catechumenate. Parish teams journey with catechumens, and at certain moments along the way assist them in determining if they are truly ready to make the commitment to our Christian way of life. 

How do we incorporate spiritual discernment into our catechetical programs? Do our participants have opportunity to reflect upon the choice to follow the Catholic Christian way of life? How do we encourage families to journey spiritually? We bring elements of discernment into sacramental preparation programs, but for many, these isolated moments may not be enough to help them see the importance of following Christ every day, in every moment of our life.

3. Comprehensive Catechesis
The GDC describes the catechumenate as a "process of formation" and a "true school of the faith" (#91). A successful journey through the catechumenate gradually introduces the participant to the entire spectrum of Church life and practice, through powerful liturgical rites, celebration of the seasons, and orientation to key theological teachings.

Do we offer our learners a catechetical experience that intimately connects what we believe with the way we celebrate, live in the world, and pray? This task has obvious implications for involving families in our catechetical processes. 

4. Discipleship
One could safely venture that the entire papacy of Pope John Paul II has been dedicated to bringing the Christian message to the world. The General Directory for Catechesis in numerous places notes that we are evangelized and catechized not for ourselves, but for the sake of sharing the Good News with others. The baptismal catechumenate initiates the new believer into a way of life that naturally goes outward to the greater community.

Are our catechetical programs forming disciples for Christ? We rely very heavily upon textbooks as the foundation for our curricula. This dependence creates a very practical goal of "getting through all the chapters of the book." Without our even knowing it, might this be the driving goal of our program? Do we have to do anything to bring about a deliberate shift in our goals? Should we provide inservice or retreat opportunities for our  teachers/catechists to help them discern their important role of leading learners to Christian discipleship?

These are just a few of the implications that came to mind as I began to take seriously the baptismal catechumenate as a model for all catechesis. I am sure that there will be much more as we continue to consider future directions for ministry.

Chris Weber
Director
Catholic Education Ministries
of Central Maryland.

Copyright © 2000 by the Catholic Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. All rights reserved.

Related Link:
The General Directory for Catechesis (1997)

Director's Desk Archive

December 1999
Catholics on the 'Net? You Bet! Part 2 of 2
Family Safety and Fun on the World Wide Web

November 1999
Catholics on the 'Net? You Bet! Part 1 of 2

October 1999
Forget Y2K, but don't miss the Jubilee!

September 1999
Why Are We Afraid to Evangelize?

August 1999
Prepare Ye the Way...for Catechetical Sunday

Articles

Catching and Keeping Your Volunteers

July 4
Part 1: No More "Warm Bodies"

July 11:
Part 2: Top Ten Tips for Volunteer Recruitment

July 18:
Part 3: The Volunteer Interview: Making It Count

July 25:
Encounter at St. Abigail's: A Sample Interview

Comments about this article? 

Send me your remarks via Email...