THE CATECHUMENAL PROCESS
Following the ministry method of Jesus, modeled for us in the Road to Emmaus, the catechumenal process give us a roadmap on how to bring those we serve into an initial encounter that can be developed into a lifelong journey of faith. The keys below indicate the outcome we are looking for at the end of each stage of the catechumenate. Each stage also aligns with the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our resources have been developed to serve this process and align as indicated below.
Pre-Catechumenate
Road to Emmaus Scripture:
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”... (Luke 24:15-24)
Key:
Trust
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part One: The Profession of Faith
Mysterion Stage:
Embrace Mystery
Pathways Stage:
Progressive Formation
Kerygma
Road to Emmaus Scripture:
And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26)
Key:
Encounter
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part One: The Profession of Faith
Mysterion Stage:
Encounter Mystery
Pathways Stage:
Progressive Formation
Creedal Catechesis
Road to Emmaus Scripture:
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” (Luke 24:27-29)
Key:
Embrace
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part One: The Profession of Faith
Mysterion Stage:
Know Mystery
Pathways Stage:
Progressive Formation
Sacraments
Road to Emmaus Scripture:
So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. (Luke 24:29-31)
Key:
Readiness
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part Two: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery
Mysterion Stage:
Celebrate Mystery
Pathways Stage:
Immediate Formation
Moral Life
Road to Emmaus Scripture:
Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem (Luke 24:32-33)
Key:
Conversion
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part Three: Life in Christ
Mysterion Stage:
Live Mystery
Pathways Stage:
Ongoing Formation
Prayer
Road to Emmaus Scripture:
where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:33-35)
Key:
Practice
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part Four: Christian Prayer
Mysterion Stage:
Pray Mystery
Pathways Stage:
Ongoing Formation
