The Process of Conversion CAT105/Session 1 – Children’s Catechesis Saturday, October 10, 2015Saturday, October 10, 2015Saturday, October 10, 2015Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, Conversion is the process of metanoia, transformation in 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.

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, Conversion is the process of metanoia, transformation in 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 Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 2015 The 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.

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, Stages of the Catechumenate, GDC #88. a.Evangelization - Pre-Evangelization - Evangelization b.The Catechumenate c.Purification and Enlightenment d.Mystagogia

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 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

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 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

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 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

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 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

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 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

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, The Flow of the Catechumenate a.Alienated b.Attendees c.Participants d.Pray-ers e.Servants

The Process of Conversion 9. Conversion in children takes into account: a.Family Background b.Intellectual and Mental Characteristics c.Physical Characteristics d.Social/Emotional Characteristics October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 2015

The Process of Conversion 10. Religious capacities of the child include: a.Sensitivity to the religious environment b.Orientation to Reality c.The Gift of Awe and Wonder d.The Fruit of Joy e.Living Covenant – love relationship f.The Dignity of Work g.Attention to Beauty October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 2015

The Process of Conversion 11. Signs of conversion in children (Pre-K and K): a.Accommodate themselves to silence b.Physical reverence c.Spoken and/or silent prayer d.The will to work appropriately e.Joy in obedience October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 2015

The Process of Conversion 12. Signs of Conversion in Children (1 st through 3 rd grade) a.Love of God’s law b.Desire to be good; great sadness when they fail c.Trust in God’s love and mercy d.Love of neighbor e.Desire to receive Jesus in Eucharist f.Faith, Hope, Love are growing

The Process of Conversion 12. Signs of Conversion in Children (4 th through 6 th grade) a.Love of Holy Scriptures b.Love of Liturgy c.Growth in theological and cardinal virtues d.Desire to know their place in Salvation History e.Desire for Reconciliation & Eucharist f.Healthy friendships g.Taking responsibility for prayer and devotional life h.Devotion to particular saints

The Process of Conversion October 10, 2015October 10, 2015October 10, 2015 For Discussion How have you seen children grow in this process of conversion? Give examples.