The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Catechumenate
‘Faith is born of an encounter with the living God who calls us and reveals his love, a love which precedes
us and upon which we can lean for security and for building our lives.’
(Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei 29 June 2013)
Overview
The course as a whole comprises six themes:
- The Roots of our Catholic Faith
- The Living Faith of the Church
- The Sacred Life of the Church today
- Becoming a Catholic: Sacraments of Initiation and Forgiveness
- Living Life as a Catholic
- Sharing our Faith with one another: exploring questions of faith
Within each theme there is a choice of 45-minute modules which can be mixed and matched in whatever way you choose: two 45-minute modules with a break for coffee would give the length of a normal group meeting.
You do not need to complete all of the modules, but you should cover all of the six themes in one way or another so as to give a balanced preparation for those enquiring into our Catholic Faith and choosing to themselves become Catholic. Of course, it is impossible to fully cover every possible theme: we are offering a basis on which those entering our Faith with build over time through their own learning, reading and enquiring.
We welcome feedback on your experience of using these resources, together with suggestions for further sessions by clicking here and completing the Feedback Form.
Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash
Guidance for Catechists
It is important that these materials are not simply copied and handed out: they are for use by catechists in building and clarifying their own understanding so that they, in turn, can teach others and share their faith in their own way. As Pope Francis teaches, ‘…every catechist must be a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church. Only through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails (Antiquum mysterium 6, cf. Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Directory for Catechesis, 113).