Using these resources for the Catechumenate

MAKING COMMITMENT

1. A theme of deepening one's commitment runs through these commentaries and liturgical resources. Formal re-commitment is focused on the period of Lent. In the recently revived tradition of the Catechumenate, the Christian community supports new-comers, who during Lent, formally prepare themselves to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The Lenten period is also a time of restoration to full membership of the community - if circumstances have caused some to become separated from it! All these activities crowd in on the short, six-week, Lenten period.

2. Yet a simple adaption of the Catechumenate process, could begin earlier in the year and continue beyond the formal Catechumenate period. Such an adaption, may be beneficial to many other, "would-be disciples of Jesus," as well as the 'new-comers' about which the Catechumenate process focuses. I'm thinking of people wanting to take seriously the renewal of their own Baptismal commitment in an extended way - or people who are inquiring, yet not willing to get straight into any formal initiation process.

3. The formal re-commitment process for the whole Christian community, climaxes with the Renewal of their Baptismal Promises during the Vigil of Easter Sunday. It continues in a form of Mystagogia, (the period for confirming, in the community, the initial 'leap-of-faith' that they have made) culminating in the celebration of life in the Spirit of Jesus at Pentecost! But a too common complaint from those who have been the objects of community prayer and support in the preparation for their sacramental initiation, is that the resources for follow-up after Easter, are inadequate!

4. So, well before the beginning of the Lenten season, planning must begin to cater adequately for all who might be willing to participate in a parish-wide process. The reception of the Ashes at the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday) be the occasion when a profound inner change begins. The rite is a declaration that we all need to change. It is done publicly. There's a sense of solidarity with others who are not afraid to declare they too need to change! But if we lack a formally structured programme of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - such a public display could become an empty sign!

5. Penitential acts, like the reception of Ashes, are a call by a gracious God to make a serious commitment, or if we are a mature believer, to remember our original Baptismal commitment. Incorporated into and acceptance by, a community based on the standards of the Cross and Resurrection - we are strengthened to live the good life!

6. The First Sunday of Lent is often the occasion for an Enrolment, or election rite of the Catechumenate candidates. They start their preparation for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. In the commentary and resource pages of The Practice of Jesus, we suggest adapting the same Catechumen process, in ways appropriate to the age and maturity of various participatants in the parish: - including children, youth, and others of more mature commitment - but who still wish to be renewed. So instead of a single focus on the new comers preparing for initiation, the invitation to voluntarily enlist is open to all. A parish-wide re-commitment process for all who want to be involved, would create a supportive atmosphere for the newcomers also - and encourage sponsorship of their journey towards the Christian community!

7. It would begin with the public voluntary act of enlisting their names, getting a parish sponsor, and thus announcing that they are serious about preparing to renew their Baptismal promises during the Vigil of Easter Sunday. The Sunday Eucharists of the Lenten period, provide the basic material for any re-commitment process. The parish can be involved in prayer and support for those who publicly declare they are willing to undertake extra prayer, almsgiving, and fasting; so that when the time comes to re-commit to their Baptismal vows, it will mean more to the participants.

8. The commentary and resources pages are meant to support this parish-wide approach, shaped around participation especially in the Lenten-Easter-Pentecost Eucharists. Adaption of the Rite of Enrolment of candidates for Baptism and The Scrutinies (see below), where those seeking to deepen their commitment, themselves become the object of the community's concern and prayer - as they are prayed over to be protected from the power of sin and evil. This prayer activity and extra opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten period, combine to make up the heart of the process. The process is a relatively straight-forward way to shape a re-commitment process that is linked closely with the traditional Lenten Catchumenate material.

9. Ideally there would be frequent opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation - say a weekly - rather than have a "big show" at the climax of Holy Week. A form of a weekly rite of Communal Reconciliation, would help reinforce the process of preparation for re-commitment could extend throughout the year. Material for a week-by-week review of some aspect of the previous Sunday's readings - is provided in each of the liturgical resource commentaries as is a formula for preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

10. Such weekly Reviews suggest ways to re-visit how well we have applied the Liturgy to the world to which we return. The integrity of our performance always must come under such scrutiny - a scrutiny that is done in the light of hearing the prophetic Word of God when the scriptures are read, and sharing in the action of the Presence of God when the Eucharistic action is shared! By reviewing an ethical consequence of the Liturgy in which we had earlier participated, we seek to better apply the Liturgy to our lives.

11. It is hoped that these commentaries and resources may be useful for those planning the process, as well as focusing in advance the potential to use the dynamic of the Lenten themes as a general tool for, "funding the infrastructure" of our faith, through scripture-sharing groups which give other opportunities for participation in the commitment-renewal process through-out the year.

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leader:

Would those who wish
to journey through Lent,
seeking the strength of God's grace
and the support of our community's prayers
to grow in their commitment,
come forward with your sponsors:

 

leader:

Those who have come forward
seek to deepen their commitment
to the life of our community
by participating in the Lenten liturgies.
I ask their sponsors:
Have they begun to walk in God's way?

sponsors:

leader:

Have they shared the company
of this community
and joined their sisters
and brothers in prayer?

Sponsors:

 

leader:

Friends-in-Christ,
You are called
to follow Christ more closely.
Express your response
in the presence of this community:

F.s in C.:

leader:

Then offer yourselves
for enlisting in the Lenten process:

 

Leader:

N. & N.,
I affirm that you are members
of the new Life-in-Christ Group
in the parish of N.:...

F.s in C.:

Leader:

Friends in Christ,
God is always faithful to those God calls.
It will be your task, as it is ours,
over the next five weeks
to be faithful to God in return;
to strive for the fullness of truth,
which this commitment
opens up before you.

Sponsors,
You have spoken in support
of these people;
Continue to support them
through your caring
and your example
so that they come
to a fuller sharing
in the sacraments
of God's life.

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leader:

Friends-in-Christ,
bow your heads and pray:
    ( Pause for silent prayer:... )
Friends, let us pray
for the ones among us
who want to deepen
their commitment:
    ( Intercessions )
God of mercy and love,
through Jesus' parables
You taught us of Your patient care.
Grant that these chosen ones
may open their hearts to You in faith.
In the power of Your name
which we call upon in faith;
stand over them now and heal them.

ALL:

leader:

Show them the way
to life in Your holy Spirit
that they may worship You in truth.
Friends in Christ,
go in peace and join us
at the next scrutiny.
May God be with you always.

ALL:

THANKS BE TO GOD

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leader:

Friends, bow your heads and pray:
    ( Pause for silent prayer:... )
Let us pray for thses chosen ones,
whom God calls to deeper commitment;
that they may boldly give witness
to the words of eternal life:
    ( Intercessions )

leader:

God of mercy,
we learn of Your restained
and unbounded love
through the parables of Jesus.
Free those ones You have chosen
from the false values
that surround & blind them.
We ask this through Jesus.

ALL:

leader:

Go in peace,
and may the Lord
remain with you always.

ALL:

THANKS BE TO GOD

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leader:

Chosen ones of God,
bow your heads and pray:
    ( Pause for silent prayer: . . , )
Let us pray
for the Chosen Ones whom God calls.
May the grace of the Lenten liturgies
conform them to Christ,
and enable them to come
to new life in God.
    ( Intercessions )

leader:

God of compassion,
You sent Jesus to proclaim life;
and to snatch us from judgements
that lead to no-life!
Free these Chosen Ones of Yours
from the death-dealing power
of the spirit of evil,
so that they may bear witness
to their new life in Jesus.
We ask this in His name.

ALL:

leader:

Go in peace,
and may God remain
with you always.

ALL: