The Catechumenate
Adult Baptism
& Renewal of Baptismal Vows
What is the Catechumenate?
err…the cat-eh-WHAT?
In the earliest centuries of the Church, initiation into the Christian faith was a serious, life-shaping endeavor—and at times, a dangerous one. Converting to the faith was not to be entered into lightly or flippantly. The Christian way of life required careful discernment and preparation.
To guide new converts through this transformation, the ancient Church developed a tradition known as the Catechumenate (pronounced cat-i-KEYW-muh-neyt), which comes from a Greek word meaning "to echo" or "instruct."
Catechumens spent anywhere from one to three years in preparation and study, walking alongside spiritual mentors to learn how to pray, to serve, and to live out the Christian life. To be a Christian was to echo the way of Jesus in word and deed.
All of this led to the Easter Vigil, where the catechumens were baptised, anointed, and welcomed into the congregation with their first Eucharistic feast.
for Commitment & Renewal
The modern catechumenate in the Episcopal Church carries on this tradition of intentional conversion, spiritual growth & preparation.
It is both ageless and new to our times.
It is both liturgy and faith formation.
It is a process not a program.
It is not about simple membership in a parish, but becoming disciples of Christ.
Like the ancient Catechumenate, ours is made to accompany anyone who is deciding whether they are called into Christ’s Body the Church in the sacrament of Baptism.
The Catechumenate is a period of spiritual exploration of the Christian Life in the context of a loving congregation, surrounded by prayer and support as you consider this lifelong sacred commitment.
For those already baptized and seeking to deepen their faith, the Catechumenate will be a time of intentional renewal of faith, deepening of discipleship, and recommitment to Christ Jesus as our Lord.
The Catechumenate finishes with the Easter Vigil where candidates celebrate Baptism or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows.
The Shape of the Catechumenate
01
The Rite of Admission of Catechumens
This marks the moment a seeker moves into structured preparation with the parish. The seekers are presented to the congregation and received into community prayer and mentorship.
During the Bishop’s visit on SUN Nov. 8th, all who intend to undertake this journey will be presented and enrolled into the Catechumenate.
02
Period of Formation and Renewal
The catechumens then meet regularly through the winter to explore building their faith through the interpretation of Scripture, communal worship, personal prayer, and service to the poor and oppressed. Seekers will also endeavor to make every effort to be in Sunday worship regularly. In total, the Catechumante will include 13 classes.
03
The Rite of Enrollment of Candidates
On the first Sunday in Lent, candidates will once again be prayed over by the congregation as the final period of their formation begins. During this time, the candidates will begin to identify the ways in which their lives have been affected or changed during the previous phases of the process, and consider the experience of Jesus’ death and resurrection in their own lives.
The candidates are prayed for by name each Sunday in Lent.
04
Holy Week & The Great Vigil of Easter
Catechumens are expected to conclude their journey with full participation in the Triduum - the three great services of Holy Week. This final immersion in the faith gives shape, understanding, and meaning to their life in Christ.
Then finally, at the Easter Vigil, Catechumens will come forward to receive their baptism or renew their vows before the congregation. All catechumens will be anointed with the fresh Chrism to seal their journey and mark the end of their Catechumenate. Then everyone will enjoy the first Eucharistic feast of Easter, hallelujah!
All are welcome to explore this period of preparation and renewal in the Christian Faith.
The catchumenate is separate from the confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation services offered at the bishop’s annual visit, though you may still choose to enter the catechumenate after to deepen or renew your faith.
Classes will not be reading intensive, but rather focused on developing faith and practices of faith through the community of Catechumens. Any “homework” given will be based on developing Christian practices, and no books will need to be purchased.
The Catechumenate is meant to guide seekers in the Christian faith. It will not be a comprehensive introduction to the particular practices, structure, or history of the Episcopal Church.
Contact Mother Caitlyn if you would like more information.
