Catechumenate
What is the Catechumenate?
The catechumenate is a complicated word for a faith formation process that is both simple and profound. From the Greek akuou (the ear) and katekeo (to sound into the ear), the catechumenate comes from the same root as catchesis and catechism. The catechumenate is all about learning, but it's not about learning through books. The catechumenate is about learning through prayer, scripture and oral tradition.
A Very Brief History
The catechumenate developed in the early centuries of the Christian church to prepare new converts for baptism. It originally consisted of three years of intense engagement with scripture in preparation for the "holy mysteries" of the sacramental life entered into through baptism on the Great Vigil of Easter. In the liturgical renewal movement of the 1970's and 80's, the catechumenate was put to use as a process for marking any significant turning point in the faith journey, whether it be adult baptism or confirmation, a return to the church after a long absence, or simply the desire for renewed faith.
The Catechumenate at Grace
Here at Grace, we begin a new catechumenate program in Advent with two inquiry sessions in Advent on December 12 and 19 at noon. Catechumens, sponsors, and members of a formation team will generally meet weekly on Sundays from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm from January 16 through June 5. We do not meet on Easter Sunday or Mother's Day. The catechumenate concludes with a one-day retreat on June 11, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation of faith is scheduled in early autumn.
Is the Catechumenate for You?
The catechumenate is particularly appropriate and, in fact, is strongly recommended for anyone
- preparing for adult confirmation (a parallel process for youth is currently under development)
- preparing for baptism
- new to the church or returning to the church after a long absence
- serving as a godparent to someone newly baptized or about to be baptized.
Anyone wishing to enter into an intentional process of learning about the Christian faith or deepening one's understanding of baptismal vows is eligible for the catechumenate. The culmination of the catechumenal process is usually the Great Vigil of Easter, during which participants are baptized or reaffirm their baptismal vows.
The entire parish invited to participate in the catechumenate through prayer, both during our Sunday liturgy and during personal devotional time.
Like to Know More?
Those interested in the catechumenate are invited to contact the Rev. Stephen V. Schneider, rector, at (503) 287-0418 ext. 101 or or the Rev. Esme Jo Culver at (503) 287-0418 ext. 104 or .
