Selected
Catechumenate Resources
from
the North American Association for the Catechumenate (www.catechumenate.org)
from the Allegheny Synod Bishop’s Convocation
Fall 2004
A History of the
Catechumenate: The First Six Centuries
Dujarie, Michel. New York:
Sadlier Publishing, 1979.
A thorough, yet concise overview of the Catechumenate among early Christians with both positive and negative evaluations of the process as it manifest itself in various places and at various times.
"And
How Was Your Day?"
Based
on the consciousness examen, this downloadable pamphlet is useful as groups
gather to check in on each other's lives.
A
Baptizing and Catechizing Congregation
Palumbo, Paul; Luney, Alice; Messick, Marda. Lutheran Partners.
September/October 1996, pp. 19-21.
This article highlights the role of catechesis in the whole life of a congregation, and particularly as it is employed in the service of the catechumenate. Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Durham, North Carolina (an African American congregation) serves as the setting for the article, which was written by a team of its catechumenal leaders.
A
Gift for the Journey: A Baptismal Preparation Kit
National Children's Unit, Anglican Church of Canada. Toronto: Anglican Book
Centre, 1993.
This
collection with perforated-pages is helpful to parish teams concerned with the
catechesis of both children and family as well as parishes. There are chapters
on exploring the Baptism of children, on the spiritual needs and rights of
children, and on resources for both parents and parishes.
Accompanying
the Journey
Ruth,
Lester. A Handbook for Sponsors. Discipleship Resources
Fourth
in the Christian Initiation Series, this book helps persons to be faithful
sponsors to those seeking God and membership in the congregation. It
familiarizes prospective sponsors with the processes of initiating new
Christians into a life of discipleship by helping them: see how Christian
disciples are made by stages, grasp the role of the sponsor in making disciples,
affirm the importance of listening and discernment in caring for seekers, and
consider the gifts and skills needed to journey with those seeking God.
Adult
Believing: A Guide to the Christian Initiation of Adults
Ball, Peter. New York: Paulist Press, 1988.
Ball
asserts that inquirers are best prepared for initiation into the community when
others help them connect the gospel to everyday living through sharing personal
faith journeys. He discusses adult learning theory, faith development theory,
methods of prayer, and suggestions for training and supporting leaders.
Baptismal
Certificate
Center for Baptismal Living. PA: Lansdale.
A
full-color 22" x 28" baptismal certificate with wide margins to all
the members of the congregation to sign, reinforcing the importance of the role
of all of the people in Christian initiation and life.
Baptized
We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life
Daniel
Erlander. Chelan, WA: Holden Village: 1981.
For
young people and adults and small group study, the book deals with Holy
Communion, the Living Word, the Lutheran Liturgy, Martin Luther, and the
Augsburg Confession. While simple in layout, the book contains detailed
information that would be useful during the catechesis stage of the
catechumenate.
Catechumenate
Published six times per year by Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago. For
subscriptions: (800) 933-4213.
This
journal of Christian initiation is intended primarily for parish leaders, lay
and ordained, who prepare persons for the rites of the catechumenate. Most of
the authors are nationally-recognized leaders in liturgy and the catechumenate,
and they bring a wealth of experience to their articles.
Celebrating
Baptism in Stages: A Proposal
Ramshaw-Schmidt, Gail. In
Alternative Futures for Worship. Vol. 2: Baptism and Confirmation. Mark Searle,
ed. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1987.
Gail
Ramshaw presents a proposal for the celebration of infant baptism in stages,
using the Roman Catholic Church's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as a
model. Parents are supported during the months before birth and in the weeks
between birth and the actual baptism. The author also calls all the baptized to
a continuing renewal and remembrance of Baptism.
Faith
on The Way: A Practical Parish Guide to the Adult Catechumenate
Ball,
Peter and Malcolm Grundy. New York: Mowbray, 2000.
Eleven
chapters that are both practical and soundly based in catechumenal theology and
the community formation. Chapters focus on parish hospitality, companioning
others, developing small groups, sharing faith, praying together, celebrating
the rites, mystagogia, and resources.
Gracious
Voices
McDonald, William P. Shouts and Whispers for God Seekers. Discipleship Resources
Second
book in the Christian Initiation Series. Bishop Rueben P. Job describes this
book as "a must-have resource for every pastor, lay leader, and spiritual
guide, as well as a marvelous gathering of truth for the one considering the
life of discipleship." Gracious Voices is for inquirers and candidates,
sponsors, spiritual directors, worship planners, and pastors. An excellent gift
for seekers, new members, and others desiring a deeper faith journey.
Journey
to Jesus: The Worship, Evangelism, and Nurture Mission of the Church
Webber, Robert E. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001.
Webber
introduces readers and parish leaders to the catechumenate, without using the
Greek-rooted terms, in a fresh and relevant language in tune with contemporary
terminology in ministry. Here the language is of the seeker, hearer, kneeler,
and faithful; of the unchurched, new believer, maturing believer, and the new
member; of conversion, discipleship, spiritual formation, and incorporation. The
book is accompanied by four related forty-page workbooks for each of the four
movements of the Journey to Jesus: Follow Me!, Be My Disciple!,Walk in the
Spirit!, and Find Your Gift!
Living
Witnesses: A Manual for the Catechumenal Process
Halmarson, Cynthia.
Winnipeg, Manitoba: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, 1994.
A
three-ring binder manual to accompany Living Witnesses: The Adult Catechumenate
with detailed introduction to the catechumenate, the four ministries of the team
members, reflection on scripture and the Catechism, a model for a catechumenal
gathering, principles and theology of the catechumenate, etc.
Lutheran
Forum: The Baptismal Catechumenate
Fifteen writers. Lutheran Forum. 32,3, Fall 1998). Fourteen articles related to
the catechumenate and baptism.
A
special issue of the Lutheran Forum on the Baptismal Catechumenate. Articles on
theology, practice, formation, catechesis and the Catechism, challenges and
possibilities, architecture, etc. The authors include Arthur Just, Jr.; Robert
Hofstad; James Brauer; Jeffrey Silleck; Charles Arand; Elsa Quanbeck; Roger
Prehn; Karen Ward; etc. Articles by Frank Senn and Donald Johnson are available
on line by clicking the URL.
Making
Disciples: Serving Those Who Are Entering the Christian Life
Hill, John W. B. Toronto, Ontario: The Hoskin Group, 1991.
Making
Disciples is a user's handbook for all levels of experience with the
catechumenate. It provides direction for drawing the congregation together
around the catechumenal vision, offers history and theology of the catechumenate
as well as rites, resources, scripture options for catechetical sessions, and
suggestions of suitable music.
Manna
and Mercy
Daniel
Erlander. Mercer Island, WA: The Order of Saints Martin and Teresa, 1992.
Erlander's
subtitle is "A Brief History of God's Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire
Universe." He tells the biblical story with humour and imagination, and he
has written the book to improve biblical literacy. Useful in the early stages of
the catechumenate, the book comes with permission to reproduce individual pages
for one-time use.
Oral
Celebration of the Rites of Initiation
Benedict,
Daniel T., Jr. A proposal for discussion, 2004.
“Speaking”
relationally: some congregations speak relationally using printed texts; for
others, extemporaneous oral call and response forms are the primary mode of
liturgical action. In increasing numbers of congregations there is a valuing of
enhancing communication by adding digital images and sounds to print or oral
approaches. Daniel Benedict offers an outline to provide those who plan and lead
“oral” and “oral/digital” approaches with a narrative of each of the
rites of Christian initiation that can inform and guide communications without
giving prescribed texts. He welcomes your response.
Praying
the Catechism
Johnson, Donald W. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: Wallingford Press, 1995. Order
from Augsburg Fortress.
This
book is a series of 90 daily devotional readings and exercises organized around
Martin Luther's Small Catechism. The 90 days are intended to cover the seasons
of Lent and Easter, though the book could be used at other times as well. If
used in conjunction with the catechumenal process, the book could serve as one
way to reflect on some of the primary texts handed over during the catechumenate
(the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer), in addition to exploring the
sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and the rite of Confession and
Forgiveness. The book might also serve as a guide to catechists (Lutheran and
otherwise) in designing sessions built around the central symbols of the
Christian church.
Preparing
for Baptism
A
baptismal preparation reading of William Willimon's Remember Who You Are:
Baptism, A Model for Christian Life by Rev. David Smith and assisted by Elsa
Quanbeck.
Remembering
Your Story: Creating Your Own Spiritual Autobiography
Richard
L. Morgan. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2002.
Readers are invited to connect their faith stories with others and with God's story in scripture. The author guides readers to deeper memories of God's presence in their lives. A Leaders' Guide is also available.
Soul
Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
Thompson, Marjorie. Westminster John Knox Press, 1995.
"There
are few books in which a solid biblical vision and a practical, hands-on
approach are so well integrated. When you have read and lived this book, you
have been in touch with the best that Christian spirituality has to offer."
(From the foreword by Henri J. M. Nouwen)
The
Catechumenal Process
McElligott, Ann E. P. New
York: Church Publishing, Inc., 1990.
The
book serves as a manual in implementing the rites and process of the
catechumenate in parishes and dioceses of the Episcopal Church. It describes the
various ministries and leaders who are essential to the establishment and
oversight of the catechumenate. This book may be most helpful in providing
resources for biblical catechesis and catechumenal training sessions in its
several pages of appendices.
The
New Prayerbook Guide to Christian Education
Russell, Joseph. Cowley Publications, 1996. (ISBN: 1-56101-121-5)
This
new edition of Seabury's invaluable basic framework for Christian education in
the Episcopal Church is completely revised and rewritten by noted educator
Joseph P. Russell for a new generation of Episcopal educators, parents, and
clergy. The materials provided in this inexpensive, one-volume guide can be
adapted to fit the educational needs of any parish or home: they are the
building blocks necessary to create educational plans for all ages, from
children's liturgies to Bible studies to adult forums.
Together
in Faith
Minneapolis, MN: Youth and Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1999.
This
series, designed for parents and children to study together two or three times a
year, helps parents in their role as "first and continuing" faith
nurturers. Lutheran in its content, there are sessions on prayer, the Keys, the
Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, and Martin Luther. The series has
relevant, age-appropriate topics and good communication samples. Worship is
provided at the end of each unit.
Welcome
to Christ: A Lutheran Catechetical Guide
Augsburg Fortress, 1997 (Code 3-141).
Offers
practical advice on the foundations of this ministry to the newcomer: scripture
study, personal prayer and communal worship, and ministry in daily life. An
annotated bibliography presents Lutheran and ecumenical resources that will help
congregations carry out this baptismal ministry.
Words Around the Font
Ramshaw, Gail and Linda
Ekstrom. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1994.
A marvelous commentary on the movements and rites in the catechumenate process. Scripture texts form the basis of her reflection and are arranged to correspond to the catechumenate journey beginning with the period of evangelization, followed by acceptance into the catechumenate, catechumenate proper, enrollment, period of enlightenment and purification, baptism itself and the mystagogy. In the enlightenment section the focus is on the texts from John, appointed for year A in the lectionary cycle during Lent, used to instruct catechumens just prior to their baptism in the early church. Throughout his excellent book — suited for devotional purposes, prayer, reflection, and solid theological reflection — Ramshaw weaves a compelling theology of baptism that is faithful to the Christian tradition and speaks to the needs of people today.
Year-Round
Catechumenate
Mary
Birmingham, Mary. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2000.
A
book to help pastors, initiation teams, liturgy committees, and other ministers
imagine, envision, understand and implement a year-round catechumenate.
Audio-Video
Resources
Baptism: More Than a
Ceremony
Chicago, IL: Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America. VHS cassette, 30 minutes, Fall 2002
When presenting a child for Holy Baptism, parents and sponsors make a number of promises. The Mosaic series raises the question: Do we mean what we say in baptismal promises, or is Baptism just a ceremony? The video has a study guide.
Made Not Born
Notre Dame, IN: Center for
Pastoral Liturgy. 2002 Conference.
Two lectures available on cassette tape. Gordon Lathrop, "Initiatory Practice and the Global Map" which explores both the locative and the liberative dimensions of baptism and contains recommendations for changes in practices. Susan K. Wood, "Baptized into Unity and Disunity" where she laments that baptism does not make sense in a divided church."
Splashed With Promise:
Living the Language of Faith
Minneapolis, MN: Youth and
Family Institute of Augsburg College, 2000. VHS cassette, 25 minutes.
The second in a three-part series equipping adults to nurture faith in children. With practical ways to live out baptismal promises in the home, Dr. Anderson discusses the keys of nurturing faith: caring conversation, devotional life, service, and ritual and traditions. Parents and others speak of sharing their faith with children.
Welcome to Christ
Augsburg Fortress, 1998. VHS
cassette, 20 minutes. (Code 34-9043-2100).
This video in the Welcome to Christ series teaches the basics of the catechumenal process by telling the stories of two Lutheran congregations in the Pacific Northwest which use catechumenal ministry (integrating faith formation, worship, evangelism, and social action).
Welcoming New Christians: A
Guide for the Christian Initiation of Adults
Newton, Kansas: Faith and Life Press, and Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Mennonite
Publishing House, 1995. VHS cassette, 14 minutes. (For North American Orders:
Mennonite Publishing House, 800/245-7894).
This title is used for both a notebook of resources and a videotape which together explain how a congregation might employ a four-stage process toward adult baptism. The stages of "Initiation, Decision, Baptism and Post-Baptism" are described. Instructions are also given for the services of "Welcome, Decision and Baptism." Though the material is within the Mennonite Church's theological and worshiping traditions, both the video and the notebook of resources might aid persons in other denominations who are looking for ways to adapt the processes and rites of the catechumenate to their own settings.
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NAAC (North American
Association for the Catechumenate - www.catechumenate.org)