Catechumenate and the Parish

The catechumenate is not just about believing but also about belonging. It is much more than a series of lessons about the Catholic faith, as its formal title (Christian Initiation for Adults) indicates; it is about being drawn into a community of faith. 

This involves a great deal more than knowledge; it involves becoming part of the community of faith. And on the front line of this becoming a follower of Jesus and a part of the Catholic Church in the local parish community. That is where people come into the best contact with Catholics and where their journey can begin.

In the whole process of the catechumenate the parish community is involved from the start and right through the whole of the time it takes for people to enter into the heart of the faith by joining fully in the Eucharist. 

So the various stages involved in the whole process and marked by simple rites which are celebrated in the presence of the whole community at Sunday Mass. And of course the climax of being drawn into the community by Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist occurs at the major celebration of the year – the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.

There is also a group of parishioners who are immediately involved with those becoming Catholics – this is what is usually called the catechumenate group. They accompany the catechumens all the way along their journey.

There are also companions for each of the candidates involved who act as friends and helpers – a little like sponsors. These companions can go to Mass with the candidates and help them understand the celebration and join in with it. These companions can be the way in which the catechumens get to know other members of the community. They can clarify lots of things for the catechumens as the process proceeds along its way.

The priests are of course also a part of this process and are a part of the catechumenate group. And it is important that the catechumens are able to identify parishioners in leadership positions such as members of the Pastoral Council.

The catechumenate is a part of our common mission to make Christ and his gospel known.

By Fr Frank O’Loughlin