The Process of Conversion CAT105 - RCIA/Adult Faith Formation Saturday, October 17, 2015Saturday, October 17, 2015Saturday, October 17, 2015Saturday, October

The Process of ConversionThe Process of Conversion

CAT105 - RCIA/Adult Faith FormationCAT105 - RCIA/Adult Faith Formation

Thursday, April 20, 2023Thursday, April 20, 2023

The Process of ConversionThe Process of ConversionApril 20, 2023April 20, 2023

1. Conversion is the process of 1. Conversion is the process of metanoiametanoia, transformation in , transformation in Christ. This change is:Christ. This change is:

a. Is a work of the Lord Jesus.

b. Is a slow and gradual process.

c. Is the fruit of God’s grace and our free response to His invitation.


1. Conversion is the process of 1. Conversion is the process of metanoiametanoia, transformation in , transformation in Christ. This change is:Christ. This change is:

d. A personal change of heart with a firm resolution to reorient one’s life to Christ (conversion).

e. A call to deeper participation in the Body of Christ (communion).

f. The desire to live in justice with others (solidarity).


The Catechumenate and ConversionThe Catechumenate and Conversion

GDC #59.

The model for all catechesis is the baptismal catechumenate…

GDC #90

Post-baptismal catechesis, without slavishly imitating the structure of the baptismal catechumenate, and recognizing in those to be catechized the reality of their Baptism, does well, however, to draw inspiration from "this preparatory school for the Christian life", (295) and to allow itself to be enriched by those principal elements which characterize the catechumenate.


2. Stages of the Catechumenate, GDC #88.2. Stages of the Catechumenate, GDC #88.

a. Evangelization

- Pre-Evangelization- Evangelization

b. The Catechumenate

c. Purification and Enlightenment

d. Mystagogia


3. Characteristics of Pre-Evangelization3. Characteristics of Pre-Evangelization

a. Preparation to encounter Christ and receive the Gospels

b. Built on holy, healthy relationships

c. Introduces the person to the Christian Community

d. No Doctrine

e. Keywords: Hospitality, Acceptance, Love


4. Characteristics of Evangelization4. Characteristics of Evangelization

a. Proclamation of the Salvation of Christ - Kerygma

b. Invitation to conversion, being like Christ

c. Commitment to Christ and the Church

d. Answers one’s basic question about life

e. Can be repeated at every moment of our lives

f. Keywords: Conversion and Commitment


5. Characteristics of Catechesis5. Characteristics of Catechesis

a. Christocentric – deepens our relationship with Christ

b. Stage of Christian Maturation

c. Aims: Communion, understanding, change

d. Complete, Systematic, Organic

e. Keywords: Understanding, Change, Depth


6. Characteristics of Purification/Enlightenment6. Characteristics of Purification/Enlightenment

a. Prayer and meditation on the Word of God/Deposit of Faith

b. Turning away from sin and repentance

c. Deeper knowledge of Christ the Savior

d. Lent

e. Keywords: Interior Transformation, Death to Self


7. Characteristics of Mystagogia7. Characteristics of Mystagogia

a. Deeper reflection on the ‘mysteries’, the grace of the Sacraments

b. Deepening in the Scriptures/Gospels, participation in the Eucharist and works of charity

c. Support from Christian community, especially godparents

d. Renewing the Temporal Order

e. Keywords: Sacraments, Service, Stewardship


8. The Flow of the Catechumenate8. The Flow of the Catechumenate

a. Alienated

b. Attendees

c. Participants

d. Pray-ers

e. Servants


9. Liturgical Rites of the RCIA Process mark the entrance 9. Liturgical Rites of the RCIA Process mark the entrance into the next stage of formation.into the next stage of formation.

a. Period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate

– Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (RCIA 41-47)

– Rite of Welcoming (Candidates)



b. Period of the Catechumenate

- Rites of the Catechumenate

- Rite of Sending/Rite of Election (RCIA 118-128)

- Call of Continuing Conversion (Candidates)



c. Period of Purification and Enlightenment- Penitential Rite (Candidates)- Scrutinies- Presentation of the Creed- Presentation of the Our Father

d. Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA 206-217)


10. People in the process include:10. People in the process include:

a. Those who have reached the age of discretion.

b. Adults who are unbaptized – catechumens.

c. Adults who are baptized and uncatechized - candidates


11. Roadblocks to Conversion11. Roadblocks to Conversion

a. Empiricism: Limits reality to only that which is observable, repeatable and experienced.

b. Secular Humanism: Places the human as both the ends and means of our existence.

c. Consumerism: Rejects innate value and places value based on utility rather than dignity.

d. Relativism: Rejects objective truth.


For DiscussionFor Discussion

• How have you seen this process of conversion working yourself and in the lives of other adults? Be specific.

• Give examples of ‘Roadblocks to Conversion’ that are prevalent in society and in people’s lives.

Documents

The Process of Conversion CAT105 - RCIA/Adult Faith Formation Saturday, October 17, 2015Saturday, October 17, 2015Saturday, October 17, 2015Saturday, October