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

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, The Flow of the Catechumenate a.Alienated b.Attendees c.Participants d.Pray-ers e.Servants

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, Liturgical Rites of the RCIA Process mark the entrance 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)

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, Liturgical Rites of the RCIA Process mark the entrance into the next stage of formation. b. Period of the Catechumenate -Rites of the Catechumenate -Rite of Sending/Rite of Election (RCIA ) -Call of Continuing Conversion (Candidates)

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, Liturgical Rites of the RCIA Process mark the entrance into the next stage of formation. 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 )

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 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.

The Process of Conversion October 17, 2015October 17, 2015October 17, 2015 For 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.