After the excitement of the Easter Vigil, the period of mystagogy can often be overlooked by the initiation team and the neophytes. However, it is an essential part of the Christian initiation process because it helps the neophytes deepen their relationship with Christ and with the Church. Mystagogical reflection is an important part of the spiritual growth of all parishioners—from neophytes to lifelong Catholics—because it invites the faithful to reflect on their encounters with Christ in the sacraments and then consider the transformative effects those encounters have on their daily lives. A Guide to the Period of Mystagogy encourages members of the initiation team to make the most of this period and provides practical support to do so. It includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of mystagogy Theological insights from the early Church’s practice of mystagogy Practical advice for implementing mystagogical reflection in your parish Nine mystagogical reflection sessions that can be used during Easter Time Fifteen mystagogical reflection sessions that can be used during the first year following initiation Encouragement to celebrate the first anniversary of baptism and to incorporate mystagogical reflection into the ongoing faith formation of the whole parish community

The period of the catechumenate is rich with opportunities for catechesis, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults presents four ways that catechesis occurs during that time for the unbaptized. A Guide to the Period of the Catechumenate breaks open each of those ways of catechizing by first exploring the approach of catechesis accommodated to the liturgical year, then by providing suggestions on how to introduce catechumens to the Christian way of life. In addition to this foundational material, this book also includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the catechumenate Practical advice for leading formational and catechetical sessions with the unbaptized Thirty-five seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with liturgical suggestions for preparing Celebrations of the Word Thirty-four seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with practical ways catechumens can serve their parish and local communities Twelve catechetical sessions on the lives of the saints

The period of purification and enlightenment is one of intense spiritual preparation for the elect, who have been chosen by God to receive the Easter sacraments. This guide provides practical and liturgically sound ideas for celebrating the rites of this period and for integrating these rites as the primary source of the elect’s formation and preparation for initiation. This resource includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the purification and enlightenment Background on the rites Suggestions for celebrating the rites Ideas for reflecting on the rites in a retreat-like way Guided meditations on the scrutiny Gospel accounts Seven fully prepared formation sessions on the Rite of Election, the three scrutinies, the handing on of the creed and the Lord’s Prayer, and the Rites of Immediate Preparation A newly composed hymn for use during formation sessions

A Guide to the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate explores the distinctive vision and purpose of this foundational period of the initiation process. It provides initiation ministers with the practical tools needed to assess the parish’s current evangelizing ministry and to design an inquiry process aimed at helping seekers to hear and respond to the Good News, to undergo conversion, and to awaken and the desire to enter a relationship with God in Christ. Inside this guide, initiation ministers will find everything needed for effective ministry in this period, including: An overview of the purpose and vision of the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate Practical tips for improving the evangelizing outreach of your parish Ideas for attracting inquirers An outline for an initial conversation with prospective inquirers Questions for reflection with the initiation team and with inquirers Sample inquiry sessions based on paragraph 42 of the OCIA Discernment questions for assessing an inquirer’s readiness to celebrate the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate Guidance for preparing and celebrating the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate A mystagogical session to help catechumens reflect on the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate and its meaning at this moment in their journey

Children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. This book is an invaluable resource for initiation coordinators, catechists, and directors of religious education as they prepare children and their families to undertake their journeys of faith. Author Rita Burns Senseman shares the Church’s wisdom concerning the vision of children’s initiation according found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). You will find parish-tested models and sample sessions; appendixes on how to prepare and lead child catechesis, and how to celebrate the liturgical rites; answers to frequently asked questions; and a glossary of terms. This book has been revised according to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

This invaluable guide for preparing the liturgies for the rites of Christian initiation will assist priests, liturgists, liturgy commissions, and coordinators of Christian initiation. The book focuses primarily on the rites for unbaptized adults but also considers the rites for uncatechized adults, the reception of baptized Christians into full communion, and the reception of Orthodox Christians. A Q & A chapter answers a range of questions for those who coordinate the process and parish pastors. A table outlines each period and step of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, indicating the rites that occur during each period and the length of each period. A glossary defines terms relevant to the Christian initiation process. The section on resources provides a library of initiation materials.

The Catechist's Guide is the heart and soul of the Confirmation preparation process. Using solid doctrinal content, active learning strategies, and creative prayer services, lesson plans for twenty-three sessions include checklists of materials and preparations, background for the catechist, an outline, and reflection questions for each session.