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CATECHUMENATE BASICS–A NEW ON-LINE COURSE!

JBL has developed a new on-line course, “Catechumenate Basics: Methods, Rites and Reflections on the Way.”  The course includes 4 interactive classes:

  • Presentation 1
    • Part 1:  Introduction and Overview of the catechumenal process
    • Part 2:  Inquiry: Evangelization, Exploration and Discernment of one’s search
      • Recognizing and meeting inquirers
      • Structure and content of an inquiry meeting
      • Sponsors
      • Discernment for moving to the catechumenate
  • Presentation 2
    • Part 1:  Forming a Hearer/Catechumen as a Christian
      • Video of the Rite of Receiving/Welcoming Catechumens
      • Review of your denomination’s Rite of Welcoming
      • Overview of the Catechumenate Period
    • Part 2:  Catechesis and Discernment of the desire for Baptism
      • Structure and content of a catechumenate meeting
      • How to lead a catechumenate meeting
      • Discernment to enter the Period of Intense Formation
  • Presentation 3
    • Part 1:  Intensive Formation of Baptismal Candidates
      • Video of the Rite of Calling to Baptism
      • Review of your denomination’s Rite of Calling/Enrollment
      • Overview of this period
    • Part 2:  Catechesis and Readiness for Baptism
      • Structure and content of a meeting during this time of intense preparation for Baptism
      • Methods for reflection on Lenten Gospel readings
      • Rites during this period
  • Presentation 4
    • Part 1:  Integration:  Christian Formation of the Newly-baptized
      • Video of the baptismal rites
      • Overview of this period
    • Reflective Catechesis and Discernment
      • How to lead reflection on the Sacraments
      • How to lead discernment and reflection meetings

Each class is 1-2 hours in length, including a break.  The Zoom course includes viewing and discussion of the major transitional rites of the catechumenate process.  The trainer covers methods, scripture study and suggested prayers.  There is ample time for discussion of the methods and content of catechumenate ministry.

The course cost $200.00/person.  Each group will include 6-9 students and a trainer.  JBL limits the number of participants to 10 in order to allow for better interaction among participants. The trainer is a JBL member with years of pastoral experience in catechumenate ministry.  The trainers will also be available for consultation as you start this ministry in your congregation.

If you want to start the catechumenate in your congregation, this course is a good place to start for you and your team.  If you want to review your catechumenate ministry, this course will provide an overview to help that review.

For more information, please send inquiries to: info@journeytobaptism.org

Forming Lay Leaders

By Martha Maier

How do you lift up and train leaders for the catechumenate? After becoming Associate Pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, I spent some time educating the congregation about the catechumenate. When a training was scheduled in our state, I loaded up my van with interested lay leaders plus Danette, who just went along for the ride. Her husband was interested in the training, and she was newly retired. She made it clear she wasn’t making any volunteer commitments for a year.

Of course, the Holy Spirit works in surprising ways and it was Danette who came back most enthused about the catechumenate. She soon agreed to be head catechist and team leader for our process.

During the first year of our catechumenate, I was heavily involved with it. I attended all the team meetings, most of the catechetical sessions and met nearly weekly with Danette for training, coaching and support. However, knowing that the catechumenate works best as a lay-lead process, I gradually decreased my involvement as Danette and the team gained confidence and skills.

Danette served as the head of our catechumenal process for eight years. By the time she retired from her leadership role, she and her team were doing most of the planning, recruiting of sponsors, and leadership of the catechetical sessions. I was primarily cheerleader.  My role was to invite prospective catechumens into the process, attend team meetings when I could, coordinate the rites, do an occasional educational piece at the catechumenate sessions, and affirm the team for all the great ministry they were doing.

Our catechumenate team was initially made up of those who attended the training. After that, we drew our leadership from those who had served as sponsors for one or more years. We trained them on the job, giving them increasing responsibilities as they gained familiarity with the process. When trainings were offered nearby, I would take or send those able to go.

By the time Danette retired as leader, she had mentored new leadership who could take over from her. She did her job well – I only needed to offer the new leaders a bit of extra support.

How have you developed leadership for your catechumenal process? Share your responses on our website.

Martha Maier is an ELCA pastor and member for the JBL:NAAC Board of Directors.

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