|
The baptismal catechumenate: inspiration
for catechesis in the Church
90. Given that the missio
ad gentes is the paradigm of all the Church's missionary activity, the
baptismal catechumenate, which is joined to it, is the model of its catechizing
activity. (288) It is therefore helpful to underline those elements of
the catechumenate which must inspire contemporary catechesis and its
significance.
By way of premise, however, it must be said
that there is a fundamental difference between catechumens those being
catechized, (289) between the pre-baptismal catechesis and the
post-baptismal catechesis, which is respectively imparted to them. The
latter derives from the sacraments of initiation which were received as
infants, "who have been already introduced into the Church and have been
made sons of God by means of Baptism. The basis of their conversion is the
Baptism which they have already received and whose power they must
develop". (290)
91. In view of this
substantial difference, some elements of the baptismal catechumenate are now
considered, as the source of inspiration for post-baptismal catechesis.
– the baptismal catechumenate constantly
reminds the whole Church of the fundamental importance of the function of
initiation and the basic factors which constitute it: catechesis and the
sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The pastoral care of
Christian initiation is vital for every particular Church.
– The baptismal catechumenate is the
responsibility of the entire Christian community. Indeed "this Christian
initiation which takes place during the catechumenate should not be left
entirely to the priests and catechists, but should be the care of the entire
Christian community, especially the sponsors". (291) The
institution of the catechumenate thus increases awareness of the spiritual
maternity of the Church, which she exercises in every form of education in the
faith. (292)
– The baptismal catechumenate is also
completely permeated by the mystery of Christ's Passover. For this
reason, "all initiation must reveal clearly its paschal nature.
(293) The Easter Vigil, focal point of the Christian liturgy, and its
spirituality of Baptism inspire all catechesis.
– The baptismal catechumenate is also an
initial locus of inculturation. Following the example of the Incarnation of the
Son of God, made man in a concrete historical moment, the Church receives
catechumens integrally, together with their cultural ties. All catechetical
activity participates in this function of incorporating into the catholicity of
the Church, authentic "seeds of the word", scattered through nations
and individuals. (294)
– Finally, the concept of the baptismal
catechumenate as a process of formation and as a true school of the faith
offers post-baptismal catechesis dynamic and particular characteristics:
comprehensiveness and integrity of formation; its gradual character expressed
in definite stages; its connection with meaningful rites, symbols, biblical and
liturgical signs; its constant references to the Christian community.
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.
|