ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS: An Amazing Journey of Love and Care in Canada

“Sadly One”…Sound Familiar? Rejoice in the One! 

Read on for an amazing journey of love and care for one catechumen in a Canadian university chapel. The process is inspirational and a fabulous blueprint for others!

Anglican Church of Canada, The Catechumenate in the Chapel of Huron University College, Ontario

Background

During the academic year of 2017/2018, the body of Christ which gathered in the college chapel of Huron walked with, prayed for, and did rituals over a young woman who had heard the voice of God and seen the face of Christ in those around her, asked to know more, responded affirmatively to every invitation along the path of pilgrimage, and by that willingness to be obedient to the call of God, was initiated into the church, changing her own life as well as those who had the honour of walking with her through prayer, catechesis, ritual and sacrament. This is a summary of the catechumenate in that particular setting and time.

The setting which makes the chapel unique

This experience of the catechumenate took place in the Diocese of Huron, an Anglican Church of Canada diocese in Southwestern Ontario. Huron College began as a theological college, founded by Bishop Benjamin Cronyn and incorporated in 1863. In 1878 the college, in turn, became the foundation of what is now known as the University of Western Ontario, a major research university, remaining as one of several religious colleges which form part of the larger university. Huron University College is composed of two faculties, FASS (the substantially larger Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences), and the original Faculty of Theology. The Faculty of Theology (remembering that ‘faculty’ in Canada refers to everyone in the program; teaching faculty, administrators, students and staff), offers the Master of Divinity, an MTS, various certificates, and an MA in theology, in addition to having a handful of bachelor students pursuing interests in theology and religious studies.

The undergraduate student body at Huron is primarily non-Anglican, but during the week the chapel hosted daily liturgies linked to the Faculty of Theology and open to everyone. On Sundays, during the academic year of 2017/2018, there were two eucharistic liturgies, one at 11:00 and one at 6:00 in the evening, both a mix of people from within and outside the university. With regard to the chaplaincy, this academic year in question was an interregnum, with two of us covering the duties of chaplain; one while being a student (a transitional deacon who did a tremendous amount of Monday-Friday conversations and consultations, all while being a fulltime MA student). The Revd Andrew Rampton is now a priest in the diocese of Rupert’s Land (Winnipeg, MB). I was the other chaplain, while being a fulltime professor of liturgy, canon precentor for the diocese, and priest covering both of the Sunday eucharists and other sacramental/liturgical obligations.

Four characteristics of this setting

  1. A worshipping community at a college chapel has different circumstances than many parishes – one key is the financial support at the university which means the given budget can be used in ways other than the maintenance of building and clergy
  2. The chapel was still (in 2017/2018) a parish of the diocese and therefore had to meet those basic requirements (warden of the parish, record-keeping, and ritual permissions)
  3. The liturgical year needs to conform to the academic pattern of the year
  4. The consistent community was quite small (15-18), with others coming and going from university or outside on an occasional basis

Biggest challenge of this setting:

There are several challenges already embedded in the characteristics listed above, but perhaps the biggest challenge is the transitory nature of the community and, related to that, the lack of an extended period of mystagogy as students graduate and move away, often in the Easter season

Pattern of the catechumenal process

How does an inquirer connect with your community? How is initial contact made?

Canada is far more ‘post-Christian’ than the US, so the cultural connection to the church is less. Increasingly we met students (or the general population) who knew nothing of Christianity, whether that was fundamental beliefs or institutional structures. Part of this was reflected in an inherited tradition of no open invitation to explore Christianity at the school (in spite of being an Anglican College, the school has tried to emphasize a neutral secular stance in marketing and student recruitment). One striking example was to overhear the student tour guides (for prospective students and their families) explain that the chapel was no longer used, merely a lovely museum, at which point we would jump in and correct them “it’s used every day of the week!” This was met with a combination of surprise and resistance.

This means it is only through conversations with others, motivated by family members, friends, or changing circumstances, that individuals present themselves as interested. In the case of our actual catechumen, it came through social encounters and a willingness to listen and entertain questions – “what is that?” “what does that mean?” “do you actually believe that?” We did, in informal conversations, ask if anyone else was interested in finding out more – which elicited several expressions of interest, but because of schedules, time, work, studies those invitations did not bear fruit that year.

With regard to additional members of the community who were seeking confirmation, the initial contact was varied. Two were thinking of ordination, one wanted confirmation as a reaffirmation of faith within Anglicanism, one was our catechumen. They asked (or were told of the canonical necessity) of confirmation in particular circumstances, and were catechized and prayed over at the college chapel, although the confirmation itself was a deanery celebration of the diocese (Anglicanism only recognizes episcopal confirmation).

How do you figure out what their background is? And what they are seeking?

Because the catechumenate is only for the unbaptized, we needed to ask (and there needed to be some checking) to be clear that our catechumen that year was not baptized. With regard to the others completing various rites of initiation, we asked, and they followed up with paperwork confirming their memory of infant baptism or other situations, as well as confirmation in non-episcopal situations.

Our catechumen began not by asking for baptism, nor did we go to that reality at the beginning. We answered her questions, talked about how God works in our lives, and eventually asked her how God might be moving in her life. The movement toward sacraments of initiation was very much a secondary conversation.

How do they get to know other inquirers? When do you have gatherings with them?

Sadly she was the only catechumen we had that year. When we arrived at the Triduum and Easter, we did have frequent meetings with those preparing for confirmation.

What is a typical format for a gathering? How long does it usually last?

The primary gatherings were the liturgies themselves, and the unfolding of rituals beginning in Advent. Our conversations with the inquirer were sometimes quite informal, but gradually became scheduled meetings that often lasted for about an hour (which with different schedules was about the most we could manage at a time). We had three different types of gatherings outside of the actual liturgies:

  1. informal opportunities to ask questions (in general from scripture, a few readings, and the prayer book (here, the Book of Alternative Services)
  2. liturgical catechesis – which was partially preparation for or reflection on the rituals done – so using the liturgy itself as formation and source of theology
  3. more formal gatherings which began and ended in prayer – gradually asking the catechumen to lead the closing prayer, and centred on the lectionary or a secondary reading we might be doing (we used several short texts in Lent, including Rowan Williams, Being Christian; This is our Faith: a popular presentation of Church teaching edited by Jeffrey John; and the catechism out of the BCP 1979). These latter meetings were central to the confirmation preparation in particular

Who serves as their catechists and mentors through the process? Lay people? Clergy?

Formally the catechists were the two clergy (one deacon and one priest). Informally, there were other conversation partners (two seminarians, and parishioners, plus the sponsor of our catechumen – a lay woman in the community). There were others who joined in the confirmation preparation sessions, as those interested in being supportive and those who simply wanted a refresher.

When do you provide them with sponsors as companions and support?

The sponsor was asked to join us when our inquirer responded affirmatively to the invitation to enroll in the catechumenate (so mid-November, having started conversations informally several months earlier). Those preparing for confirmation had more informal companions for about a month prior to the liturgy.

Stages of the growth in the catechumenal process

 When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as seekers/hearers/catechumens?

We were both taking our cues from our inquirer (as far as listening to her and how her individual journey became part of the church’s pilgrimage) and keeping an eye on the liturgical calendar. We were delighted that the two aligned so that we could enroll her in the catechumenate on the First Sunday of Advent (thereby keeping the ‘traditional’ schedule as it has been reconstituted for the past 60 or so years). We had, of course, been praying for her by name for about 4-5 weeks prior to that.

How do your gatherings help them to encounter the Word of God, especially as it is  found in the lectionary?

Because we had a small community, our catechumen was present for all of the liturgy (although did not receive communion), so heard the lectionary and preaching on it. In the gatherings (as mentioned above), the scriptural basis was always the lectionary readings of the week (sometimes adding weekday lectionary readings to the Sunday readings)

What additional topics from Christian tradition and practice do you try to share with them in your gatherings?

While not part of the initial conversations and meetings, we did eventually move to incorporate additional elements of catechesis. The Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed were ritually “given”, handed over, in Lent, so we spent time on those (and made a decision to use the translation chosen by the catechumen throughout the whole catechumenate (she chose the contemporary translation of the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles’ Creed, not the Nicene Creed – hence the necessary alignment with what we were actually praying as a community).

We again used a number of liturgical texts that she was already hearing or would hear and experience as the source of catechesis – so the rite of enrollment, the rite of election, the scrutinies, the handing over of the two texts mentioned above, and the baptismal promises (in the BAS the interrogative form of the Apostles’ Creed is augmented with a series of questions – the “Baptismal Covenant” adopted and adapted from the US BCP 1979). As we drew near to the rites of initiation at the Easter Vigil, we began to look at those texts in addition.

In addition to the liturgical catechesis, we reviewed – partially through the catechism – the theological fundamentals (Trinity, Christology, theories of atonement, salvation history, sacraments, Christian anthropology, ecclesiology)

When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as candidates for Baptism?  How do your gatherings use the Word to open their minds and hearts to a deeper sense both of repentance and of Jesus’s love?

Our catechumen was elected to receive the sacraments of initiation on the First Sunday of Lent (in preparation for the Easter Vigil). The second question probably fits better with the response above on encountering the Word of God through the lectionary…the Word is broken open in the preaching, we used several forms of reflecting on scripture as prayer in our conversations (outside of liturgies – we used what Anglicans often call “the African method of reading scripture” or the Lambeth method… the deliberate reading-silence-sharing a word or phrase-more silence-re-reading reflection). We also encouraged – and taught – lectio divina methods from Christian history. We also had several lectionary studies which doubled as homily preparation for the coming Sunday, engaging confirmands and catechumen in the writing of the homily.

All of this is, of course, related to the love of God – whose self-giving in the incarnation is essential to Christian theology (not just about ‘Jesus’ love’, but the love of God who is the source of love, the beloved, and the lover). Repentance was not the key word we used, but rather the breadth of metanoia, of ongoing transformation. I think the key for all of us (in the body of Christ and coming to the body of Christ), was not repentance as a preparation for initiation, but rather transformation as a lifelong journey into union with God, which is salvation. The catechumenate in its very nature is to apprentice oneself to Christ, to change in actions, mind, body, spirit, emotions, relationships, and more so that one, having rehearsed what it is to be a disciple, confirms that through the church’s rites of initiation.

The scrutiny gospels with their powerful imagery pointing to the implications of initiation into death and resurrection were themselves extraordinary opportunities for the whole community to reflect on as Easter drew near (the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus), and provided a trajectory of forward movement into the Easter Vigil.

How does the period of intense preparation prepare them to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises?

This is partially addressed in the response immediately above, but in addition, here the public scrutinies of Lent III, IV, and V (and their preparation and reflection) had a tremendous impact. Being part of the Anglican Church of Canada meant using the basic pattern of the existing catechumenate: Making Disciples: The Catechumenate in the Anglican Church of Canada. We adapted several elements, but it was with the scrutinies that we went back to the more fulsome focus of the early church. Young people are very aware of evil in the world, of sin and brokenness, and trying to avoid any language of evil seems misguided. The scrutinies with their acknowledgement of sin and evil, our dependence on God, and our hope in the promises of God impacted all of us. Together with the choice of the contemporary (and for us, alternative) confession* during Lent, I think we had an opportunity to think about sin in both individual and in corporate ways.

*God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created.

We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf.

Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

How have you best managed to involve the participants in the life of your community, especially in service to the world?

Our catechumen was very much involved in our various outreach activities. Partially because of the financial support mentioned at the beginning of this survey, we were able to use all the collections during Lent and Easter for the London Food Bank, for our own food drive, to support hungry students, and to contribute financially (as well as time) to a program serving dinner to the homeless on a weekly basis. In addition, we linked into the refugee resettlement project through the diocese.

How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected your participants?

I think the physicality of the rituals together with the words (the sacramentality in other words) and the public nature of vows – so hence the solemnity of the vows – had a huge impact on all engaged; our catechumen, the sponsor, the clergy, and the lay liturgical ministers. I was particularly struck by the sponsor breaking down and crying after the ephphatha of the enrollment (making the sign of the cross in various places on the catechumen)* and the scrutinies’ effect on the catechumen. The enrollment was less impactful (perhaps because it is more “common” to write one’s name in a book?)

*The inquirer is made a catechumen by anointing with oil and the sign of the cross

Celebrant: name, receive the cross on your forehead. It is Christ himself who now strengthens you with this sign of his love. Learn to know him and follow him.

ALL: Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

            The sponsor marks each stated part of the body with sign of the cross

Deacon: name, receive the cross on your ears, that you may hear the Gospel of Christ

Receive the cross on your lips, that you may respond to the word of God.

Receive the cross on your eyes, that your way may be illumined by the light of Christ

Receive the cross on your hands, that the mercy of God may be known in all your work

Receive the cross on your feet, that you may follow where Christ leads the way

Receive the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ

Receive the cross on your heart, that Christ may dwell in you by faith

Celebrant: I sign you with the sign of eternal life, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

Catechumen: Amen

Celebrant: Almighty God, wee have signed this catechumen with the sign of Christ’s cross. Protect her by its power, so that, faithful to the grace which has begun in her, she may keep your commandments and come to the glory of rebirth in baptism. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALL: Amen

How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected the congregation?

Again and again parishioners were struck by the reality of an adult professing faith in Jesus Christ and asking to be part of the body of Christ. Mainly cradle Anglicans, this was the first experience of the catechumenate for many, and the excitement of feeling like they were part of the whole process seemed palpable. When we finally arrived at the Easter Vigil, we were joined by a number of guests (including family members of the newly baptized), and the parishioners were so excited to tell them about the whole process that had been brought to fruition at the Easter Vigil. The vigil, with its many moving parts, was also an amazing event which, two years later, many were still talking about.

What is the most important bit of advice that you have for another practitioner in your situation?

Our situation, as a university college chapel, is probably quite different than the average parish experience for a number of reasons. Having said that, being part of a few partial catechumenates in similar settings, universities are ripe for more catechumenal situations because they are increasingly peopled with young people looking for meaning, spirituality, connection, who come without religious connections, presumptions, or family histories. While many universities are even more secular than Huron, the proximity of some parishes near universities also might have an avenue into the larger ‘pool’ of potential adults who may be drawn by God and through the catechumenate to new life in Christ. University students have enough of ‘classes’ – part of what is so effective in the catechumenate is that it is not an ‘inquirer’s class’ – coming to Christ is not an intellectual exercise, it is a fully human stretch through word, ritual, experience, apprenticeship, and above all, community!

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Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS: Seekers’ Questions and Seeking Answers in San Francisco

Seekers Ask Questions, Go Figure:

Find out How a Church in San Francisco turns Questions into Focal Points For Journeying Toward Baptism into Christ

ELCA, urban, San Francisco, 385 members

Background

  1. What four characteristics best describe your church community, especially what makes you unique?

Diverse, inclusive, especially in terms of age groups/generations (intergenerational activities) and open reception of LGBTQ+ community; members come from all over the Bay Area- not a neighborhood church

Strong lay leaders and variety of ministries open for lay participation

Active Social Ministry

Strong in liturgy and music, rooted in tradition

  1. What is the biggest challenge facing your community?

It’s San Francisco, in 2020.

Racial make-up that doesn’t match the Bay Area in that there is an over-representation of white members.

Pattern of the catechumenal process

  1. How does an inquirer connect with your community? How is initial contact made?

Once someone has been a visitor to St Mark’s, we have the traditional pew cards where inquirers could indicate interest.  Often the referral is made by the pastors after pastoral consultation.

We make announcements during service (when we are able to gather) and have a team member visibly present after services to be available for questions and discussion.

We have readily available printed materials, such as brochures in the narthex of the church.

  1. How do you figure out what their background is? And what they are seeking?

The best way to find out is to ask.  The best way to ask is to have a one-on-one conversation over coffee or tea.

  1. How do they get to know other inquirers? When do you have gatherings with them?

We have informational gatherings where we invite potential participants to ask questions about the process.  We host a Welcome Retreat where inquirers meet other inquirers, make a meal, and explore the church, both physically and historically.  We make a point to share our faith journey stories early on in the cycle.   We ask the inquirers what their questions are.  We try to use the questions that are generated by the inquirers to organize the meeting topics for the cycle.   We try to lift up the questions from the inquirers for our later catechesis.   We try to emphasize that there are no bad questions. We are all journeyers together.

  1. What is a typical format for a gathering? How long does it usually last?

We have built an inquiry phase into our general cycle.  The gatherings are about an hour.  They start with prayer and Dwelling in the Word (Lectio Divina) and then move into discussion around a question of the week, topically chosen to be connected with the Gospel Reading.

  1. Who serve as their catechists and mentors through the process? Lay people? Clergy?

Lay people, a strong team of lay leaders.  The clergy are invited to lead a gathering.

  1. When do you provide them with sponsors as companions and support?

Ideally, they are matched with sponsors as soon as they indicate strong interest in participating in Journeys in Faith.  That way the sponsor can help with the discernment process and introduce them to being involved in the church.

Stages of the growth in the catechumenal process

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as seekers/hearers/catechumens?

At the first rite, the Rite of Welcome.  They are ready for the Rite of Welcome by virtue of choosing to join Journeys in Faith.

  1. How do your gatherings help them to encounter the Word of God, especially as it is found in the lectionary?

We use the lectionary as the basis of our Dwelling in the Word.

  1. What additional topics from Christian tradition and practice do you try to share with them in your gatherings?

The inquirers generate the questions and they cover a wide variety of topics – theological, liturgical, and historical (re: church history).

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as candidates for Baptism? How do your gatherings use the Word to open their minds and hearts to a deeper sense both of repentance and of Jesus’s love?

They are welcomed as candidates for Baptism or Affirmation of Baptism.  Additional rites help the congregation to continue to recognize and pray for the candidates for Baptism.

We would hope that using the Gospel in our Dwelling in the Word, every time we would open our hearts and minds to a deeper understanding of scripture and Jesus’ love. We trust in the Holy Spirit to do this work.

  1. How does the period of intense preparation prepare them to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises?

We follow the church year for our period of preparation.  We start in Advent and journey together to the Easter Vigil.  It is over Lent that the discussion becomes more in depth and in these deeper conversations they are able to discern if they are ready to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises.

  1. How have you best managed to involve the participants in the life of your community, especially in service to the world?

The leaders of the ministries of the congregation are invited to our gatherings.  In the best case, sponsors also help invite our journeyers into the life of our community.  It has also often happened that people are participating in ministries of the congregation, such as the food pantry or homeless shelter, and then are drawn to join in worship.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected your participants?

It gives a full opportunity to appreciate the depth of the tradition and connect with the congregation in worship, experiencing the welcome of the congregants.  Many are overcome during the Rite of Welcome.  They feel blessed.  The rites are transformational connections to the process, even if we don’t see the whole journey.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected the congregation?

People are even drawn to participate by the rites.  It gives the congregation a connection to the journeyers with a face to look for and to pray for.  The physicality is important.  It is a chance for the congregation to accompany the journeyers while also remembering our own baptismal covenant.

17.What is the most important bit of advice that you have for another practitioner in your situation?

Focus on the questions.  Never stop asking and learning.

It needs to be a longer period of time.  It cannot be done in 4 Sundays, even though people think they want a shorter period of time.  There is richness and reward in the longer period of time.

You are forming a community as part of a larger community- the body of Christ.  We journey together.

ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS: “Life Together” Generates Eagerness for Baptism

Feeling alone in your catechumenal ministry? Journey to Baptismal Living provides you with resources and personal connection. Below is the latest in a series of monthly blog posts, written by practitioners, addressing the challenges of this ministry in many different contexts.

After each month’s post, if you would like to pursue any portion further, just email a request to info@journeytobaptism.org, and we will try to set up a zoom conversation.

This month’s congregational setting:

ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
Urban, upscale neighborhood, Chicago
500 members; 200 average attendance
Largely white; age diversity; many families with young children; large LGBTQ community

Background

  1. What four characteristics best describe your church community, especially what makes you unique?

 

  • Our worship is traditional (very liturgical, multi-sensory, catholic) yet our theology, welcoming statement, and social justice commitments make us very progressive.
  • Our neighborhood is made up of 100,000 young adults in their 20s and 30s. Some of them attend, but do not become members or participate beyond worship. On a given Sunday, then, sometimes 30% are guests, i.e. folks from the neighborhood. In that sense we are a bit like a collegiate chapel.
  • Holy Trinity was one of the first Reconciling in Christ congregations in Chicago. In the 1990s it seemed like a “gay church,” but there is much more diversity now, welcoming dozens of straight couples and families. In the past decade, we have a strong antiracism ministry.
  • Though there are many lifelong Lutherans, we have a large number of folks from other denominations as well, including several dozen Protestant/Lutheran – Catholic couples.

 

  1. What is the biggest challenge facing your community?

Since it is a very transient neighborhood, it is challenging to build a sense of community. With decline in religious participation, fewer folks are becoming members and putting down roots in the congregation, even if our worship attendance remains stable.

 

Pattern of the catechumenal process

  1. How does an inquirer connect with your community? How is initial contact made?

We advertise our Life Together process on our website and all publicity materials. If we are aware of someone who could benefit from Life Together, a staff member reaches out to them as well.

 

  1. How do you figure out what their background is? And what they are seeking?

If they sign-up for Life Together, we will eventually find out their background and ask what they are seeking and what would be most beneficial. Whereas we had an average of one or more adult baptisms from 2005 – 2015, we are seeing fewer folks seeking baptism. Even some of the unbaptized folks seem fine participating as they are, likely because of our general welcome and because many urban people seem to be loosely affiliated with organized religion.

 

  1. How do they get to know other inquirers? When do you have gatherings with them?

With busy urban schedules and folks desiring to commute to church once a Sunday or weekend, we need to modify our meeting schedule. We also do not have a parking lot. Whereas, as leaders we would prefer weekly or every other week gatherings, we find that what works for us to publicize a schedule of gatherings ahead of time—usually it is four or so gatherings between November and Lent, and then weekly in Lent, and several during the Easter season.

 

  1. What is a typical format for a gathering? How long does it usually last?

Depending on the time of the meeting, sessions last from 60 – 90 minutes. There is often some kind of connection to the day/season or appointed readings, as well as a particular theological / spiritual topic.

 

  1. Who serve as their catechists and mentors through the process? Lay people? Clergy?

We have a team of four lay persons who are involved with leadership, as well as two clergy who serve as catechists. We are one church in two sites, and whether we offer our Life Together in one or both sites, varies from year to year, as well as the number of lay and clergy leaders / catechists.

 

  1. When do you provide them with sponsors as companions and support?

It varies. At the minimum sponsors are chosen in the weeks before Affirmation of Baptism / Baptism at the Easter Vigil. In some cases, sponsors attend some sessions with the catechumens for several months.

 

Stages of the growth in the catechumenal process

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as seekers/hearers/catechumens?

Our process has varied over the years. In an ideal setting, we would have a rite of welcome in January, and enrollment on the first Sunday in Lent.

 

  1. How do your gatherings help them to encounter the Word of God, especially as it is found in the lectionary?

We often use appointed lectionary scriptures for reflection, study, or springboard to the topic of the day.

 

  1. What additional topics from Christian tradition and practice do you try to share with them in your gatherings?

Creeds

Commandments

Prayer / Spirituality

Liturgy / Things in Church

Salvation / Cross

Sin / Confession of Sin

Mission

Inter-religious issues

Interpreting the Bible

Sacraments

Grace, Lutheranism

 

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as candidates for Baptism? How do your gatherings use the Word to open their minds and hearts to a deeper sense both of repentance and of Jesus’s love?

The candidate discerns their readiness for baptism.

 

  1. How does the period of intense preparation prepare them to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises?

Following their participation in Life Together, the candidates seem ready and eager for baptism / affirmation of baptism.

 

  1. How have you best managed to involve the participants in the life of your community, especially in service to the world?

We stress baptism as a calling to ministry in everyday life, or as Lutherans and others call it, the priesthood of all believers.

 

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected your participants?

We value ritual very highly. We baptize by immersion (in a horse tank) and both candidate and congregation find this very moving. The signing of the cross ritual is also very meaningful.

 

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected the congregation?

Same as above.

 

17.What is the most important bit of advice that you have for another practitioner in your situation?

We have had to adapt a process to our setting, though often regretfully. When you compare our process to the older practice of a pastor baptizing an adult on a Saturday morning with little or no catechesis, our process is quite intense. Yet comparing it to very structured processes in large Roman Catholic, or other churches, what we do is rather informal and abbreviated. Our advice is to find what works for your community, leaders, clergy, and most of all, seekers.

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Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in
discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers
training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for
deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

FREE Community Chat: Post-Easter Living Into Baptism – Mystagogy and Vocation

The next JBL Community Chat:            Easter: Living Into Our Baptism

Monday, April 17th at 7pm CT

So Easter has come, and the baptismal candidates have been baptized, and the re-affirmers have renewed their baptismal covenant. What do we do now?

How do we accompany them as they begin to live out that covenant? How do we help them discern what specific vocations the Spirit has called them to? And what gifts has the Spirit given them?  We will also discuss the Rite of Affirmation of Vocation for which the previous meetings help prepare the candidates.

JBL has an online a process for the Fifty Days of Easter designed to assist the newly baptized and re-affirmers journey from Easter to Pentecost as they prepare for the Affirmation of Vocation.  In it we recommend several gifts/vocation assessments.

The JBL resource is at:

Journeytobaptism.org, Resources, Worship Resources, Ecumenical Rites, Mystagogy

The Rev. Taylor Burton Edwards, Minister of Word and Sacrament rostered in the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA and member of the JBL Eastern Seminary Conversation will lead our discussion on meeting content. Michael Marchal, a member of the JBL Board, will lead our discussion on the Rite.

Join us on Monday, April 17, at 7 pm CT with a readiness to ask questions and share experiences.

To participate register at jpare111452@gmail.com  Put “Community Chat” in the subject line and your name, phone in the body of the text.  We will send you a Zoom link and your homework assignment nearer the date of the Chat.

 

Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

Free Community Chat: Lenten Rites – Spiritual Transformation in Johannine Conversion Stories

Monday, February 6, 2023 7:00pm CT

 

Join us to explore a promising avenue of prayer to help catechumens deepen their relationship with Jesus this Lent. You are invited to experience the transformational power of John’s conversion stories through a form of lectio divina that is augmented by the imaginative prayer of the Jesuits. Effectively engage catechumens in these narratives, not simply by studying the scripture passage but, rather, feasting on the Word. Our presenters will guide you through this practice as it particularly relates to the Lenten rites of the Church and help you unlock the intensity of hope and anticipation found within the immediate Lenten period of preparation for baptism.

In preparation for this 90-minute chat, please read John 4:5-42 and watch the JBL YouTube video, “Rite of Healing and Deliverance.”  We will discuss how an Ignatian Contemplative approach to the passage can flow into the Rite of Healing and Deliverance.

 

Presenters

Kelly Mieske has been a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral since 2008 and has been a member of the Catechumenate leadership team there since 2013.  She is a practicing attorney and lives in Sacramento California with her husband and daughter.

 

Mike Marchal retired after a long career teaching high school English and college philosophy. He was a founding member of his parish catechumenate team in the late Seventies and has written three books on the RCIA. He is also a board member of JBL.

 

To participate, register at enews@journeytobaptism.org by Friday, February 3, 2023. Please put “Community Chat” in the subject line and your name and phone number in the body of the text.  We will send you a Zoom link and your chat material nearer the date of the Chat.

 

 

Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS: O Canada, Eh? An Honest Recounting of Strengths and Areas of Need

In an affluent Anglican Church in Ottawa. Avg Sunday attendance 150.

Background

  1. What four characteristics best describe your church community, especially what makes you unique?

Community has a long choral tradition, boys’ choir, adult choir in a wealthy area of Ottawa. A strong bureaucratic, educated, sophisticated community

 

  1. What is the biggest challenge facing your community?

Very few children, little growth, very secular almost anti-Christian area. Building costs and staffing costs crushing investment in ministry and growth

 

Pattern of the catechumenal process

  1. How does an inquirer connect with your community? How is initial contact made?

The priest would approach newcomers, people inquiring about marriage or their infant baptism. Parishioners might direct them to the priest.

  1. How do you figure out what their background is? And what they are seeking? E.g., unbaptized, returning, unchurched, reaffirming?

I ask them.

  1. How do they get to know other inquirers? When do you have gatherings with them?

We use the “Becoming the Story We Tell”(BST) process for those already baptized, and people wanting to re affirm or deepen their faith. In addition, we go through a catechumenal process with people having their children baptized. We have had no unbaptized adults coming forward. People meet each other through these sessions

  1. What is a typical format for a gathering? How long does it usually last?

BST included a shared meal with a short address on a topic, sometimes following the themes of Rowan William’s book “Being Christian”. This would happen through Lent with up to 130 people attending. Then groups would break off for the Lectio-style scripture experience in groups of 5-8. Four weeks, then Holy Week and then one Eastertide session. For catechumens, they would meet 3-5 times with sponsors and catechist in small gatherings following the JBL process. Rites would be held over this 6-month period or so, with baptisms at vigil or Easter 2.

  1. Who serve as their catechists and mentors through the process? Lay people? Clergy?

Lay people

  1. When do you provide them with sponsors as companions and support?

From the beginning.

 

Stages of the growth in the catechumenal process

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as seekers/hearers/catechumens?

Lent 1

  1. How do your gatherings help them to encounter the Word of God, especially as it is found in the lectionary?

The sessions are almost all lectio style gatherings based on the lectionary or the Lent A cycle of readings. NOTE we strongly differentiate between unbaptized and those reaffirming faith.

  1. What additional topics from Christian tradition and practice do you try to share with them in your gatherings? E.g., the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed

I have explored creed, Lord’s Prayer and Rowan William’s Book “Being Christian” BAPTISM, BIBLE, EUCHARIST, PRAYER. I would usually spend time helping them build a prayer life by introducing Centering Prayer.

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as candidates for Baptism? How do your gatherings use the Word to open their minds and hearts to a deeper sense both of repentance and of Jesus’s love?

LENT 1 as I already mentioned above, question 9

I am not sure this was achieved, other than the strong experience of liturgy.

  1. How does the period of intense preparation prepare them to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises?

I did not feel I was able to create an intense preparation. The very few that we baptized were usually infants of families already in the congregation.

  1. How have you best managed to involve the participants in the life of your community, especially in service to the world?

Some intensified their volunteerism but not particularly. Some were brought closer together and built stronger relationships.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected your participants?

Some reported a deeper sense of the participatory nature of ritual vs. just a ceremony, but cannot report tremendous depth here.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected the congregation?

Some found it very moving, some reported it felt like a ‘cult’.

17.What is the most important bit of advice that you have for another practitioner in your situation?

Be Patient. This movement is in direct opposition to the social direction of our culture. Even our wider liberal church places value primarily on social justice and inclusiveness (very good things!) and anything that sounds like exclusiveness or commitment, or not ‘open table’, or is not relativism, is an automatic uphill battle and being pushed to the margin as ‘conservative’ or outdated. If you believe in the catechumenate and believe that being Christian means something, that it means change, and one wants to remain in the Anglican Church of Canada, leaders must steep in Jesus Christ, stay connected and support one another, and extend that means of grace but be prepared for a tremendous challenge and a long, long road.

*****

Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS: Meeting People Where They Are in THE JOURNEY of a Midwestern Presbyterian Congregation

JBL CASE STUDY FOR ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS

IN (Presbyterian, suburban St. Louis, 245.)

But wait…before you dive in, remember, if you have any questions or would like to pursue anything you read here in more depth, please email us at info@journeytobaptism.org.

Background

  1. What four characteristics best describe your church community, especially what makes you unique?

Primarily a white middle class congregation with less than 2% minority representation. We have an active youth Sunday School Program and Adult Sunday School Program, in addition to a number of Bible Study groups. We have actively participated in OASIS Food Pantry and have several members who are a part of the Community Warming Center during the winter with other congregations in the area. There are a number of other outreach opportunities that members of our congregation are a part of. And recently we have instituted a Silent Vigil every Saturday morning outside our church in support of Social Justice, as well as a Food Pantry Box on our property that provides non-perishable food and other items free to those in need in our community. It is stocked daily and items for this are donated by members of the congregation.

  1. What is the biggest challenge facing your community?

Like most communities, dealing with the pandemic is our biggest challenge. How do we stay connected, how to we assure that people in our community have food and resources?

Pattern of the catechumenal process

  1. How does an inquirer connect with your community? How is initial contact made?

Typically, we start to announce our new JOURNEY session in early July. From that time to until the start of THE JOURNEY, our Pastor and JOURNEY leadership will reach out to new guests of the church to talk about New Hope and provide opportunities to ask questions to gauge their interest in joining our congregation.

  1. How do you figure out what their background is? And what they are seeking?

Again, the outreach and personal conversations we have with our guests helps us to determine their background and what they are seeking. We typically have an equal share of those reaffirming their baptism with those seeking to be baptized for the first time.

  1. How do they get to know other inquirers? When do you have gatherings with them?

Their first opportunity to meet other inquires occurs when we start THE JOURNEY.

  1. What is a typical format for a gathering? How long does it usually last?

When we first started THE JOURNEY we met after church every Sunday starting in January through Pentecost. But over time we recognized that there was a real need to provide time for between gatherings for meditation and an opportunity to reflect. So we began to put time between our gatherings and extended our overall session time and have found our conversations when we gather to be deeper and more intent.

  1. Who serve as their catechists and mentors through the process? Lay people? Clergy?

Though our Pastor is involved, he felt that it was important that this was a process that was supported by members of the congregation. We have lunch prior to the start of each gathering where he often joins us and will use this time to answer questions that inquires have. But when we break out to our gathers, these are run by lay people.

  1. When do you provide them with sponsors as companions and support?

Prior to the Rite of Welcome. We are very intentional with this process. We are fortunate to have many members of our congregation who have been through THE JOURNEY so that allows us the opportunity to help match the companion with the inquirer.

Stages of the growth in the catechumenal process

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as seekers/hearers/catechumens?

We introduce the inquirers and their companions to the congregation during the first rite, and during the celebration of each rite after that. We felt it was important that the congregation knew that though they may not be actively involved with THE JOURNEY, they are still instrumental in this process and that their prayers and support of each inquirer and companion is vital to the growth of our spiritual community.

  1. How do your gatherings help them to encounter the Word of God, especially as it is found in the lectionary?

Most of our study is done around the lectionary of that Sunday’s service. Lectio focuses on one of the passages of Sunday.

  1. What additional topics from Christian tradition and practice do you try to share with them in your gatherings?

We have discussions around questions that are presented, often talk about what is happening in the world and our role in the church universal.

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as candidates for Baptism? How do your gatherings use the Word to open their minds and hearts to a deeper sense both of repentance and of Jesus’s love?

In preparation for reaffirmation or baptism, we spend a great deal of time talking about what this means, using Gospel and discussion. We spend time talking about their journey to this point, emphasizing that our growth with God is an ever changing and growing process. And that during this process it is an opportunity to recognize this and use this as an opportunity to celebrate your connection/reconnection with Him. This is a celebration that is part of our Easter Vigil.

  1. How does the period of intense preparation prepare them to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises?

See above

  1. How have you best managed to involve the participants in the life of your community, especially in service to the world?

We don’t have to manage that. By nature of the process those who have been through THE JOURNEY have found their calling as disciples of Christ. Many have gone on to be a part of various outreach programs that we offer, have gone on to teach Sunday School, to serve on the Session or to become a Deacon, and most have come back to serve as companions for other inquirers.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected your participants?

We often hear from the inquires after each celebration how that has helped them be more connected and supported by our congregation.  And the emotional stories they share of how each has personally affected them is both inspiring and a true testament of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected the congregation?

At first it was very new. As Presbyterians we do not practice laying on hands other than previous Session members do that during the installation of new Session members. But over time our congregation has realized the importance that this provides, not only for our inquirers but for our congregation as a whole. THE JOURNEY has been transformational for our congregation. Even for those who have not been through THE JOURNEY. There is a sense that we are much larger than our church but a part of the church universal. It has been exciting to see this transformation.

17. What is the most important bit of advice that you have for another practitioner in your situation?

To always, always remember that this is a very personal process for both the inquirer and the companion and that it is important to remember that each person who participates can be at a different place in their journey. It is important to meet people where they are and be adaptable with how you approach the Catechumenate to meet the dynamics each “class” while staying true to the foundation of this process. I would also say to be prepared for the potential transformation that this could have on your congregation.

 

Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS: Learning from a Congregation with a Process in Place

Feeling alone in your catechumenal ministry? Journey to Baptismal Living is working to help you feel connected. We are starting a series of monthly blog posts, written by practitioners, which address the challenges of this ministry in many different contexts.

After each month’s post, if you would like to pursue any portion further, just email a request to info@joureytobaptism.org, and we will try to set up a zoom conversation.

This month our post is

–Phinney Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church

–a large urban congregation in the Pacific Northwest with a longstanding catechumenate and a major outreach program

Let’s get started…

 

JBL CASE STUDY FOR ADAPTATION OF THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS

ELCA, urban Seattle

Background

  1. What four characteristics best describe your church community, especially what makes you unique?

a. Progressive yet rooted in tradition and Lutheran ethos

b. Mid to Upper Class

c. Strong presence in neighborhood

d. Norwegian roots but WELL BEYOND that. Now the community reflects ethnic and religious diversity.  Many have come from variety of traditions (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Nazarene, etc.)

2. What is the biggest challenge facing your community?

How to be an advocate for racial justice in this time and place and learning to be church in an “online, virtual world.”

 

Pattern of the catechumenal process

  1. How does an inquirer connect with your community? How is initial contact made?

Typically, the pastor makes the first contact after he or she has completed a “Count Me In” form from the Sunday worship bulletin.  If they don’t fill them out, folks are greeted over a period of time and become known and initial meetings are arranged.

  1. How do you figure out what their background is? And what they are seeking?

They are asked in the initial conversation.

5.How do they get to know other inquirers?

Invited to an initial gathering to introduce people to the process.  Then the inquiry
phase begins with all inquirers.  We call it the “Front Porch.”

  1. What is a typical format for a gathering? How long does it usually last?

We begin with a shared meal.  Dinner for years.  Last year we changed to lunch.  There is often a brief presentation and then small groups. The entire time is no more than two hours.

  1. Who serve as their catechists and mentors through the process? Lay people? Clergy?

Catechists and mentors are all laypersons.

  1. When do you provide them with sponsors as companions and support?

Usually near the end of the “Front Porch” just before the process begins in earnest.

 

Stages of the growth in the catechumenal process 

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as seekers/hearers/catechumens?

At the Rite of Welcome in January.

  1. How do your gatherings help them to encounter the Word of God, especially as it is found in the lectionary?

The standard approach is reflection on the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday.

  1. What additional topics from Christian tradition and practice do you try to share with them in your gatherings?

Shape of the liturgy, creeds, shape of the Bible, reflection on liturgical texts and practices.

Lent includes reflection on the gifts that are presented at the rites … Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Worship Book AND includes reflection upon and spiritual practices around the renunciations.

  1. When are they ready to be recognized by the congregation as candidates for Baptism? How do your gatherings use the Word to open their minds and hearts to a deeper sense both of repentance and of Jesus’s love?

Baptismal candidates participate in the Rite of Enrollment on 1 Lent.  We’ve asked them to discern what they need to renounce and be in conversation with their sponsors and small groups around that.  Also, there is sustained reflection on the rites.  The Gospel readings from John (Year A) are critical to this piece.

  1. How does the period of intense preparation prepare them to make the Baptismal Covenant/Promises?

Renunciations – personal, communal, cosmic – and accent on the Creed as a statement of trust that connects to the church universal and the Trinity

  1. How have you best managed to involve the participants in the life of your community, especially in service to the world?

Mystagogy during Easter reflects upon the Great Vigil and the baptismal promises.  Most recently, we’ve started trying to implement the newly baptized and newly affirmed into a process during Easter to help them develop a “Rule of Life.”

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected your participants?

Extremely positive.

  1. How have the various rituals of the catechumenate affected the congregation?

Very positive.

17.What is the most important bit of advice that you have for another practitioner in your situation?

Get to know this congregation and how they’ve been doing the Catechumenate.  Where I see opportunities for change and growth, I have had to learn to step back a bit and have learned, too, that whatever gifts I bring will be shared toward incremental change.  It’s a lovely process and PRLC has been doing it a very long time.  Shaking some of that loose for something richer and deeper isn’t always easy.  Likewise, if you begin the process, go SLOW.

 

 

Journey to Baptismal Living is an ecumenical community of Christians seeking to support formation in discipleship by exploring the meaning of baptismal identity, faith, and mission. The leadership offers training programs and events to develop skills and resources for baptismal preparation and for deepening faith in baptismal living. https://journeytobaptism.org

 

 

Community Chat: AN ON-LINE CATECHUMENATE–HOW?

ZOOM CHAT:   JULY 7; 7:00 CT

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, some congregations were envisioning alternative ways of implementing the Catechumenate into their context, especially where weekly in-person gatherings would not be feasible. The pandemic made this transition even more pertinent, and the changes that have resulted provide a new model for catechumenal ministry today.  Some congregations have returned to in-person ministries, some have remained in the digital environment, and many have attempted to bridge the two environments by constructing hybrid ministries.

This community chat will look at issues that are present in this move online, including:

  • Recruiting participants,
  • Choosing appropriate technology,
  • Developing online meetings and rites,
  • Participating in hybrid ritual practices, and
  • Evaluating what is gained and what is lost with the move online.

Chat participants will have the opportunity to hear from practitioners and scholars, envision what ministry looks like today, talk about practical skills for an online catechumenate, and share experiences about faith formation over these past two years.

Britt Olson will facilitate the chat.  Britt is the Vicar at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Seattle.  Britt has developed an on-line catechumenate at St. Luke’s.  Previously she served as Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.

Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero will host the chat.  Kyle is the Steck-Miller Assistant Professor of Worship and Liturgy at United Lutheran Seminary.  A member of the JBL Board, he has served as chair of the Catechumenate team at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco, and his current research looks at digital approaches to worship.

Free Community Chat: THE AFFIRMATION OF VOCATION

The next JBL Community Chat:   The Affirmation of Vocation

Thursday, May 19 at 7pm CT

“You have no idea what will happen when you say ‘Yes!’” Bishop Megan Traquier declared during her Easter Vigil sermon.  The Fifty Days of Easter are a time to begin exploring the possibilities of that “Yes!” The rite of Affirmation of Vocation celebrates the insights that the newly baptized and the reaffirmers of their baptism have discerned as to what that “Yes!” means in their lives.

This chat will look at the components of the Rite of Affirmation of Vocation.  What is its purpose?  When does it occur and why then? Where does it take place? Who is involved?  How are those gathered in worship involved in this rite?

We will look at the parts of this rite:  The calling forward; the participants’ statements; the charge given them and, through them, to all present.

You will find the rite at: Journeytobaptism.org, Resources, Worship Resources, Ecumenical Rites, “About the Affirmation of Vocation” (pp. 58-61)

The Rev. Taylor W Burton-Edwards will lead our discussion on Thursday, May 19 at 7:00pm CT.  He is a Minister of Word and Sacrament rostered in the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and helped design the ecumenical rite of Affirmation of Vocation.

To participate:   Register at enews@journeytobaptism.org.  Put “Community Chat” in the subject line and your name and phone number in the body of the text.  We will send you a Zoom link and your homework assignment nearer the date of the Chat.