Evangelizing Catechesis in Sacramental Formation

JC Moreno, MAAssociate Director, Office of Evangelization

And Catechesis, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

First SacramentsFrom Parking-lot Parents to First Preachers of the faith

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• Meet them were theyare

• Catechumenal Model

• Evangelizing Catechesis

• Incarnational Catechesis

• Mystagogy

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CARA-Sacraments Today Feb. 2008

CARA-Sacraments Today Feb. 2008

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Lumen Fidei 4

IssuesWhat are some of the catechetical problems

typically associated with first sacraments preparation?

10 min. discussion

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Quam Singulari – St. PiusXA shift in practice

• The age of discretion set at about 7

• A full and perfect knowledge of Christian doctrine is not required

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Sacramental Formation-One Size Fits All?

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“Average” in the military

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http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/on-average/

http://jonathanfsullivan.com/2016/09/on-average-catechesis/

Church allows/mandates for adaptations in manyinstances

• RCIA• Age• Disabilities• Culture/language

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Nobody wants to volunteer!

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Recruiting Volunteers

• Avoid desperation• Discern• Clear Vision• Job description• Effective, continous training

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What is the purpose of sacramental preparation?

• Valid and fruitful celebration

• Formation of Adults is primary

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What would an ideal process of formationlook like?

• 10 min. discussion

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Liturgical Catechesis

“But in order that the liturgy may be able to produce its full effects, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions, that their minds should be attuned to their voices, and that they should cooperate with divine grace lest they receive it in vain. Pastors of souls must therefore realize that, when the liturgy is celebrated, something more is required than the mere observation of the laws governing valid and licit celebration; it is their duty also to ensure that the faithful take part fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite, and enriched by its effects.”

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Liturgy and Catechesis

“Catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of liturgical and sacramental activity, for it is in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, that Christ Jesus works in fullness for the transformation of human beings.”

-CT 23

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LiturgyCatechizes

“Although the sacred liturgy is above all things the worship of the divine Majesty, it likewise contains much instruction for the faithful. For in the liturgy God speaks to His people and Christ is still proclaiming His gospel. And the people reply to God both by song and prayer.”

-SC 33

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Evangelize parents

-According to CARA, 28% of Catholic Marriages end in divorce

-Only one out of five Catholicparents with children at home goto Mass weekly

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Evangelize parents(a catechumenate forparents?)

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What does a sacramental prep process based on thecatechumenate look like?

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Catechumenate Catechetical

Instruction

Initial call to repentance and conversion to Jesus Christ

Calls to constant conversion and repentance

Responsibility of the Whole Church Responsibility of the Whole Church

Guides the catechumen from the initial stage of evangelization through to the participation of the Paschal Mystery

Lead the baptized to a more intense encounter of the Paschal Mystery

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What does a sacramental prep process based on thecatechumenate look like?

-Involves wholecommunity

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What is the role of the Community in Sacramental Formation/Catechesis?

The ecclesial community at all levels has a twofold responsibility with regard to catechesis: it has the responsibility of providing for the training of its members, but it also has the responsibility of welcoming them into an environment where they can live as fully as possible what they have learned.

-CT 24

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What does a sacramental prep process based on thecatechumenate look like?

• Involves whole community• Involves mentor families (sponsors)• Marked by rituals• Mystagological component (see Evangeli

Gaudium 166)• Tailored to individual

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RCIA Sacramental Prep

Pre-Catechumenate Parents pray with children, takethem to Mass

Catechumenate Systematic Catechesis

Purification and Elightenment Prayer, adoration, family retreats, Sacrament of Reconciliation

Mystagogy Prayer, frequent participation in the Mass

Principles

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