Mystagogy - The next step

Congratulations to all the catechumens and candidates in the diocese who received sacraments during the Easter Vigil.  Now begins the period of mystagogy for the neophytes.  Yes, another name and another period.

This may be one of the most difficult periods of the learning journey in the Catholic faith.  For many Catholics the reception of the sacraments of initiation indicates that the journey and the work is done. However, in essence it is just beginning.

The period of mystagogy is an important part of the learning journey for those who have accepted to be part of the mission of the Catholic church.  Mystagogy is a time when the meaning of the Sacraments is explained to those who have newly received them.

“This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of both pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.” RCIA p14

This excerpt from Busted Halo https://bustedhalo.com/ministry-resources/what-is-mystagogy is another excellent source of information on the topic.

The Association for Catechumenal Ministry also has a downloadable PDF on the subject https://acmrcia.org/blog/mystagogy

If this is a new concept and not currently as part of the RCIA program in the parish, more information is available at http://teamrcia.com/  There is a free newsletter with very interesting information for anyone accompanying adults, young adults or children on their learning journey in the Catholic faith.

Children of catechetical age within the diocese will be preparing for the reception of Confirmation and Eucharist in the near future.  It is important that as a parish family careful consideration is given to how these children and their families will be supported as they continue the learning journey in the Catholic faith. How does the period of mystagogy apply to them?  I would encourage people involved in this aspect of sacramental preparation to consider this question and engage with the above articles and websites.

How do we help these people new to the Catholic faith, returning to the faith, or embracing the journey with their families, to feel welcome and to feel comfortable in the Catholic tradition?

Please feel free to contact me regarding any queries concerning sacramental preparation for school aged children. (phone 4994 8104).

Jocelyne Benoit (Sacraments’ Resource Contact-Diocese of Rockhampton)