PASTORAL PLANNING FOR ADULT FAITH FORMATION

The Baptismal Catechumenate as the Model Form of Adult Evangelization and Catechesis

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Introduction
Any pastoral planning for Adult Faith Formation in the parish needs to start with the baptismal catechumenate as the model form of the evangelization and catechesis of adults. This is not to say that all the adults in the parish need to go through RCIA. Rather, it means that the same model of formation and process of ongoing conversion of RCIA should be the inspiration and driving force in our pastoral planning for adult formation in the parish. In this webinar, we will take a more detailed and practical look at how the baptismal catechumenate is the model for adult evangelization and formation, and how this model can be incorporated into our pastoral and strategic planning for adult formation and evangelization.

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How is RCIA the model form of adult formation and evangelization?

The National Directory for Catechesis gives us a clear definition of how the baptismal catechumenate is the model for adult formation: While a distinction is made between catechumens and those already baptized and are being catechized, some elements of the baptismal catechumenate are instructive for post-baptismal catechesis. In that sense, the baptismal catechumenate inspires a continuing catechesis. It reminds the Church that her catechesis accompanies a continual conversion to Christ and an ongoing initiation into the celebration of the sacraments and the life of the Church. Just as the baptismal catechumenate is the responsibility of the entire Christian community, so too does the whole Church bear the obligation to provide an ongoing catechesis for the faithful. The baptismal catechumenate accompanies the catechumens passage with Christ from the initial proclamation of his name, through burial together with him in the death of baptism, and then to the newness of life. All catechesis should provide those being catechized with the opportunity to journey with Christ through the stages of his Paschal Mystery. NDC 35 D 1. It Inspires a Continuing Catechesis We need to overcome the cultural mindset that catechesis ends with Confirmation, CCD, or Catholic school. Adults should always be engaged in ongoing formation and catechesis. As Blessed Pope John Paul II stated: It must be restated that nobody in the Church of Jesus Christ should feel excused from receiving catechesis. CT 45

The parish should become the place where this vision of John Paul II is realized and takes place with great enthusiasm from the womb to the tomb.

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2. Catechesis Accompanies a Continual Conversion to Christ The goal of adult evangelization and catechesis is conversion to Christ. Therefore, like RCIA, adult formation in the parish should be seen as a continuing process of ongoing conversion, not just parallel programs or classes. Pastoral planning inspired by the RCIA should consider how the adult formation efforts inspire and promote ongoing conversion among the faithful. (This will be more clearly seen when we address the stages of RCIA and how they relate to adult evangelization and catechesis.) 3. Ongoing Initiation into the Celebration of The Sacraments and the Life of the Church Adult formation and catechesis should always be connected to the liturgy and the sacraments as the source and summit of the Christian life. Adults should be formed to become fully conscious and active participants in the liturgy. As much as possible, adult catechesis should be connected to the liturgy by teaching to and from the rites. Adult formation and catechesis should also foster an awareness of ones Catholic identity, as rooted in their baptismal call to share in the mission of Christ as priest, prophet, and king. 4. Adult Evangelization and Catechesis Is the Responsibility of the Entire Parish Like the RCIA, adult formation should be the concern and work of the entire parish. The US Bishops have called for adult formation to become the chief catechetical priority in the parish: Adult Faith Formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study must be the central task in [this] catechetical enterprise, becoming the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age. OHWB 5 5. Opportunity to Journey with Christ through the Stages of His Paschal Mystery. Adult formation, like RCIA, should lead adults through the stages of Christs life, death, and Resurrection. This process is an ongoing process of conversion that individuals go through many times in ones lifetime. Adult formation in the parish should be organized in such a way that allows adults to participate in this journey of ongoing conversion. The RCIA serves as the model.

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Planning Adult Faith Formation Using Elements of the Baptismal Catechumenate

First, we need to recognize that adults within the parish are at many different levels of formation and conversion. However, it is safe to say that most Catholics today are what Blessed Pope John Paul II calls quasi-catechumens (Catechesi Tradendae, 44)that is, they may be baptized or even fully initiated in the Church, but they are very poorly catechized and have yet to experience a profound interior conversion to Christ and the Church. This pastoral reality is all the more reason why pastoral planning for adult formation needs to be modeled after the baptismal catechumenate. Adult formation in the parish needs to be organized in such a way that allows these adults to experience a process of ongoing and deepening conversion to Christ. RCIA provides this model! 1. Precatechumenate Characteristics of the precatechumenate Period of initial evangelization Gives a suitable explanation of the Gospel (the story of salvation) Answers pressing questions with compelling answers (apologetics) Brings about the first stirrings of faith and conversion Introduces prayer, the liturgy, and the liturgical year Implications for adult evangelization and formation: Many Catholics who are quasi-catechumens need this kind of re-evangelization, just like a catechumen needs initial evangelization Pastoral planning should incorporate opportunities that model the precatechumenate for adult Catholics to experience a re-evangelization For parishes just beginning Adult Faith Formation, this is a good starting point Examples: Shorter sessions that focus on key areas of doctrine, worship, morality, and prayer/spirituality Inviting, catchy titles that spark curiosity and answer the questions that adults are asking Manageable timeframes, not long or drawn out DVDs, CDs, web resources are great evangelization tools

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2. Catechumenate Characteristics of the catechumenate Systematic and organic catechesis Deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the faith Formation in the Christian life Implications for adult formation: Some Catholics may be somewhat formed and knowledgeable in the faith, but have never received a complete systematic and organic formation in the faith. The adults who have been re-evangelized will also need a re-presentation of the faith, and will be hungry for this. Pastoral planning for adult formation should always also have opportunities in place for this complete and systematic catechesis, encompassing the four pillars of the CCCcreed, liturgy and sacraments, morality, and prayer. Examples Studies on the CCC or USCCA Adult formation sessions that mirror the RCIA catechumenate 3. Purification and Enlightenment Characteristics of Purification and Enlightenment More intense spiritual formation Focused on deeper interior conversion away from sin and toward Christ Battling temptation and uprooting sin Preparation for the fruitful reception of the Sacraments Implications for adult formation Pastoral planning for adult formation should also have a component that fosters spiritual growth and a particular focus on deepening ones interior conversion to Christ, preparing them for a more fruitful participation in the Sacraments. Examples: Parish retreats such as Christ Renews His Parish, ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service), etc. Parish Missions (Advent and Lent) Mens and Womens retreats

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4. Mystagogia Characteristics of Mystagogia A deepening of ones experience of the sacramental life. A strengthening of ones baptismal call and their sharing in Christs mission as priest, prophet, and king. A continuing and deepening understanding of the Catholic faith. Assimilation into the life and mission of the Christian community.

Implications for adult formation: Pastoral planning for adult formation should also provide opportunities for those adults who have reached Christian maturity to continue to receive catechesis, as well as to continue to deepen their conversion to Christ and their mission and role in the parish and Christian witness. Examples: Bible studies Studies on the Mass and Sacraments Small Christian Communities Opportunities for Christian Outreach and Service Formation in Evangelization

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Conclusion

By using the baptismal catechumenate as the model for pastoral formation for adult evangelization and formation in the parish, it will help us to resist the temptation to just offer programs. Instead, we will help develop an ongoing process of conversion that will in turn help foster lifelong disciples in the parish. This type of vision and planning may take several years to accomplish, and will always require adaptation and flexibility, but will ultimately allow the parish to become a home in which true and intentional disciples of Jesus Christ are formed, nurtured, and sent out as living witness of Christ for the New Evangelization.

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