Radical Religious Education: Returning to Our Roots

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Radical Religious EducationReturning to Our
Roots

• Sullivan Conference for Catechetical Leadership
• May 15-16, 2007

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A Recap of Yesterday

• A call to return to our roots
• but to which roots?
• The catechumenate as inspiration model
• but what if our version of the RCIA is off
  track?
• Are you doing the Rite right?
• What has challenged you? gives you hope?
• Further thoughts or questions?

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Today An Overview

• What components of the baptismal catechumenate
  offer most promise as inspiration and model
  for ongoing catechesis?
• Diocese of Richmond 10 major aspects
  highlighted in upcoming Catechetical Norms
• The Gospel according to Duggan Reflections on
  what it looks like when parish-based catechesis
  is inspired by the catechumenal model

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Diocese of Richmond

• Conversion forming an intimate relationship
  with Jesus Christ
• Gradual Pace relationships take time to build
• Based on SS, Tradition Magisterium
• Linked to Sunday source summit of the
  communitys life
• Systematic the liturgical cycle unfolds the
  Paschal Mystery

• Catholic prayer ritual culminates in the
  sacraments
• Sees people as unique no fixed timetables
• Respects baptism acknowledges builds on the
  grace of baptism
• Happens in community part of a bigger reality
  of Church at many levels
• Leads to mission discipleship in the world

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• The liturgys ability to shape and deepen the
  faith of parishioners is enhanced by a deliberate
  use of expressive, robust symbol and ritual.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• There is an intimate link between liturgy and
  catechesis.

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John Paul II on the intimate link between liturgy
catechesis

• When minds are enlightened hearts are
  enkindled, signs begin to speak. The Eucharist
  unfolds in a dynamic context of signs containing
  a rich luminous message. Through the signs the
  mystery in some way opens up before the eyes of
  the believer. (Mane Nobiscum Domine, 14)
• He then urges us to a renewed commitment to that
  mystagogical catechesisby which the faithful
  are helped to understand the meaning of the
  liturgys words actions, to pass from its signs
  to the mystery which they contain, and to enter
  into that mystery in every aspect of their
  lives. (MND 17)

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John Paul II on the intimate link between liturgy
catechesis

• The Pope then engages in a form of mystagogical
  catechesis regarding the meaning of the
  Eucharistic ritual
• He references Jesus washing of the feet at the
  Last Supper
• He recalls Pauls words in 1 Cor. 11 re the
  impropriety of a Eucharist in a community that
  neglects the poor
• He highlights the ethical implications of
  Eucharistic participation
• We cannot delude ourselves byour concern for
  those in need we will be recognized as true
  followers of Christ. This is the criterion by
  which the authenticity of our Eucharistic
  celebration is judged. (MND 28)

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• All members of the community recognize and
  rejoice in the various ways they contribute to
  the faith-formation of parishioners at every
  stage of the life cycle.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• The Scriptures proclaimed at Sunday Eucharist are
  the wellspring of parish life and the focal point
  for ongoing catechesis at every stage of the life
  cycle.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• Pope Paul VIs prediction that with the new
  Sunday Lectionary Sacred Scripture would become
  the chief instrument for handing down Christian
  doctrine is a lived reality in parish
  catechetical programs.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• Scripture-based faith sharing in small groups is
  a pervasive feature of parish life and a primary
  vehicle for helping parishioners put their faith
  into action.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• Sponsoring/mentoring relationships play an
  important role in the process of faith formation
  in many different parish contexts.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• Evangelization and the call to conversion happen
  at every level of the parish community on an
  ongoing basis.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• Parishioners lived awareness of the meaning of
  their baptism fosters a widespread appreciation
  of the linkage between discipleship and mission.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• The ecclesiology embodied in the RCIA is manifest
  in widespread parishioner involvement in parish
  ministries.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• The parishs lifelong, inter-generational
  catechetical program reflects a keen awareness
  that faith develops gradually, by stages, across
  the life cycle.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• Naming and exorcizing the demonic forces that we
  encounter is central to parishioners struggle
  with evil, and this happens regularly in the
  midst of the community that prays for and stands
  with them in that struggle.

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What it looks like when a parish's catechesis is
truly inspired by the catechumenal model

• The community values and regularly engages in a
  probing discernment of readiness prior to
  celebrating any of the sacraments.