Business authority Eliyahu Moshe Goldratt says, “Tell me how you measure me and I will tell you how I will behave. If you measure me in an illogical way…do not complain about illogical behavior.”
When I read this, I thought of some of the complaints we often make about the catechumens and candidates. They don’t show up consistently; they don’t ask any questions; they don’t talk much; they don’t come back after Easter. If we take Goldratt’s thinking seriously, we might be getting “illogical behavior” from our seekers because we are measuring in an illogical way.
If we want to have an effective catechumenate process, it is important to measure the right things and measure them in a consistent, logical way.
Why would we do this?
The Rite (Order) of Christian Initiation of Adults tells us what to measure and how to measure. We’ll go more deeply into “what” and “how” in a future article. The first step, however, is to recognize the importance of measuring and measuring the right things.
By developing a system of measuring, aligned with the vision of the rite, we are fulfilling our role as accompanists on the journey of faith. Newcomers to the journey of faith do not at first know if they are making progress. Either they have no criteria for what progress looks like or their criteria are skewed. Our job, as catechumenate ministers, is to constantly guide them to deeper and deeper encounters with the mystery of Christ. And then, after each encounter, we engage them mystagogically to help them discover what it is that the Holy Spirit is calling them to. In other words, we help them measure their spiritual progress.
By developing a system of measuring, aligned with the vision of the rite, we are fulfilling our role as accompanists on the journey of faith.
Make plans to support your hopes
Unfortunately, if we don’t have a clear understanding of the measurement criteria, we run the risk of leading the seekers in the wrong direction. If we don’t measure anything or measure the wrong things, the behavior we observe in the catechumens and candidates may seem illogical to us. We may hope for a change in their behavior, but without identifying and measuring the right criteria that align with the church’s desired outcomes, we are measuring in an illogical way. Consequently, the seekers may seem to behave illogically as well.
Identifying and measuring the right criteria is not a simple task. The church teaches that we are asking seekers to “[open] their hearts, consciously and freely seek the living God and undertake the journey of faith and conversion” (OCIA 1). Ultimately, only God knows if a seeker has accomplished this.
But that doesn’t mean we are completely in the dark about a seeker’s spiritual progress. The entire order of initiation provides a structured system of measurement that offers markers along the way to identify and celebrate the seekers’ growth in their relationship with God and the faith community. In a future article, we will explore the structure of the order and how it can help us accompany seekers towards lifelong conversion.
Can you help me out?
I’d love to know how this is landing. Can you share a word or a phrase about how this article resonates with you? Does it speak to your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments box below. Thanks for being part of the conversion!
Hi Nick,
I’ve been at this with adults and teens for a long time. And I feel like we do well moving out folks toward active participation as disciples and the life of the church. But this concept of measurement is not something I have actually considered. At least not beyond the automatic of participation and retention.
So I would say this is landing well with me
Hi Vincent. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story. It sounds like you are doing a great job!
Thank you for another insightful article.
“Measurement”.. inviting and welcoming each seeker into community as well as personal one on one conversations. Listening is a key to understanding the stories of those in discernment.
We can’t assume our direction is the most helpful direction. We are ministering to adults who come with experiences that are deeply embedded in their spiritual journey.
As we direct seekers .. we pay attention, listen, show love and acceptance, share the message of God’s grace and mercy through the scriptures.
Maria Thorsen
Richmond, Va
Hi Maria. I really appreciate your comment that listening is the key! Thanks for sharing your insight.
irenetoews@cox.net I’m sorry Nick but I am beginning to understand that “measuring” the progress of our RCIA folks is needed but I found the “in later articles” you would tell us how to measure frustrating.
Hi Irene. I’m sorry you feel frustrated. I’ll have the follow-up articles up soon!
Hi Nick, I have to agree with Irene. You captured my attention and I was ready to digest some info but it wasn’t there. I will be watching for the future articles. I am working with children with various ages in the same group. I find it very difficult to know where they are, or where their parents are which definitely affects the kids.
Okay, coming soon. I’m peddling as fast as I can. 😁 I’m glad to know there so much interest! Also, watch the newsletter. We’re going to host a webinar on this very topic later this month.
Measuring success is a very relevant issue with which our team struggles. By creatively identifying metrics by which we can measure and lead our Seekers into a gradually deepening recognition of, and relationship with the Holy Spirit. Then, within their faith journeys, we can effectively assist each Catechumen and Candidate to discover the path on which they are being invited toward an ongoing and ever-deepening relationship with God.
Hi Deacon Richard. I really appreciate the focus you identified on helping the seeker to “discover the path on which they are being invited.” Thanks so much for chiming in. Very helpful.
Listening, yes! But also meeting them where they are, and providing guided prayer and meditation time (sometimes not guided) that helps them to assess for themselves where they are in their relationship with God. We give them questions for thought – “Do you notice this relationship growing? What is your image of God, Who is Jesus for you? Where did you see God today?”
Hi Rita. I love all of these. Especially, “Where did you see God today?” So powerful. Thanks for sharing.
This has been a very inspiring teaching for me as a “young” cathechist – I’m over 60 but involved in my parish’s RCIA program over the last 5 years or so. I can now put a word – “measuring” – to my mental concerns as to whether the candidates have embraced what we have tried to teach or did they just go through the motions to achieve baptism and later on confirmation. Really appreciate the article.
Fay Jardine
Hi Fay. I’m so glad you stepped up for this ministry. Thank you! And I’m glad the article was helpful for you. Thanks for sharing.
I like the phrase, “accompany seekers towards lifelong conversion.” For me this means talking “with” them, not talking “at” them. It also reminds us that the length of someone’s journey may not fit a certain timetable. I also like, “if we don’t have a clear understanding of the measurement criteria, we run the risk of leading the seekers in the wrong direction.” For far too long we’ve been focused on how many people we get through the process, not how many stay with us after the process.
Thanks John. It’s always good to get your insights on the amazing ministry!
Very interested in reading the follow up information to this article. The topic of measuring progress and success related to evangelization should be key to every catechist. I look forward to reading more about this topic.
Thank you for all Team RCIA does!
Thanks Hector. I’ll get back to you soon!
“Our job, as catechumenate ministers, is to constantly guide them to deeper and deeper encounters with the mystery of Christ.” Great summary of what we’re about!
Hi Tom. It’s the best thing about this ministry, right? Thanks for sharing.
The journey into mystagogy is synodal in nature. As catechists/animators we need to help them encounter, listen and with the help of the Holy Spirit allow them to discern what God wants of them. And this mystagogical period with the Sunday readings enables us all to journey deeper into His resurrection and His encounter with everyday ordinary people. His words of encouragement and affirmation to His disciples resonates with us all at this time.
We have had to remind our neophytes that this is the beginning of greater things to see and encounter with the risen Christ. We have journeyed with them to the redeeming water of rebirth and with His body and on their being sealed with the Holy Spirit – now it is more listening to their sharing with the Word and with others. Looking forward to the future articles.
Thanks Joana. This is a really beautiful reflection. I am grateful that you shared it with us.
Very helpful. Would like to see articles about how best to measure their progress. The things like timeliness etc. have been very frustrating this year, and I’d greatly appreciate a better framework for this.
Hi Lisa. I’m glad you found the article helpful. I’m sorry to hear the year was frustrating for you. I just posted the follow-up article! https://teamrcia.com/2023/04/how-to-measure-success-in-your-catechumenate-process/
You captured it all Exactly here “I thought of some of the complaints we often make about the catechumens and candidates. They don’t show up consistently; they don’t ask any questions; they don’t talk much; they don’t come back after Easter. “
Those exact behaviors have been our measuring rod … no wonder we’re discouraged !
Thanks so much for this! I’m grateful that you chimed in. Be sure to check out my follow up article: https://teamrcia.com/2023/04/how-to-measure-success-in-your-catechumenate-process/