Catechetical Sessions for the Catechumenate

Book excerpt: The period of the catechumenate is focused on helping new disciples understand the doctrines and precepts of the Church in a way that flows from the liturgy. This period imbues catechumens with a spirit of prayer and service as catechists guide them to a deeper relationship with Christ. Catechetical Sessions for the Catechumenate provides models and suggestions for leading catechumens through the many aspects of the Catholic faith, including fifty prayerful and theologically sound sessions to use when catechizing the unbaptized and the uncatechized. The sessions are organized in five categories: Beliefs, Catholic Living, Holy People, Prayer and Liturgy, and Sacraments, allowing the catechist to integrate doctrinal teachings into sessions in a prayerful and formative way that reflects the vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. This material can also be adapted to your parish’s unique needs, including to a year-round catechumenate model. The sessions include: Theological backgrounds for each session topic Engaging and interactive catechetical scripts Liturgical recommendations for the Celebrations of the Word Opportunities for catechumens to live their faith Summary statements for wrapping up each session Organizational chart for scheduling the sessions according to the liturgical year Also included in this book is an organizational chart for scheduling the sessions according to the liturgical year. With a helpful overview of the period of the catechumenate, and guidance for forming catechumens, this resource will help catechists and initiation team members share their faith, teach Catholic beliefs, and help catechumens live their developing faith as disciples of Christ.