How to measure success in your catechumenate process

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7 thoughts on “How to measure success in your catechumenate process”

  1. If we want to have an effective catechumenate process, it is important to measure the right things and measure them in a consistent way. Now that the Triduum is over and many of your catechumens have been initiated, how will you know if they became missionary disciples?

  2. Lisa Eshleman

    This is incredibly insightful and helpful. I will be praying with the content of this article all summer and working with our pastor to make some changes to align with this vision. I really hope there are more articles about this topic-how to measure success and constantly maintaining focus on the conversion.

  3. Lisa Eshleman

    However, there are some things that are still left unclear. For instance, we can’t just start doing the Rite of Acceptance and electing people whenever we feel like when there are prescribed times for these to happen and the coinciding with the liturgical seasons is so important. Furthermore, much of the individualization which seems to often be the suggestion does not really work practically for larger groups (we had 25 students this year). It also doesn’t help me understand how to practically incorporate the students who are baptized protestants (or even catholic) but need lots of catechesis.

    1. Hi Lisa. I’m glad you found the article helpful. You can find similar content in the “Related Articles” section just above the comments.

      A couple of things to note about the things you found unclear. The Rite of Acceptance has no prescribed time. It can be celebrated any time a seeker is discerned to be ready. The Rite of Election has a prescribed time. However, it is often the case that we send catechumens to election too early, before the seeker is ready.

      Regarding “individualization,” one of the six key principles of the catechumenate is that the process varies for everyone. It may seem difficult or impractical, but that is nevertheless the teaching of the church. The Holy Spirit calls everyone individually to their own unique journey of faith. Our job is not to try to standardize that journey but rather to accompany each individual as the Spirit leads us.

      This e-book goes deeper into the six principles. It also speaks about how to apply those principles to baptized candidates: https://teamrcia.com/presents/sixkeysbook/

      Finally, I would note that seekers on the journey of faith are not students. They are seekers, or pilgrims, or inquirers, or catechumens, or candidates. When we use classroom language to describe the journey of faith, we run the risk of reducing the catechumenate to a series of classes.

      These articles might be helpful:
      https://teamrcia.com/2020/08/the-school-model-is-a-chokehold-on-the-rcia/
      https://teamrcia.com/2015/05/how-to-use-your-parish-as-your-rcia-textbook/
      https://teamrcia.com/2019/06/rcia-requires-big-paradigm-shifts-starting-with-these-two/

      Thanks for your dedication to this ministry, Lisa. Your parish is lucky to have you.

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