Catechist Handbook - Archdiocese of Brisbane

The Catechist andthe Spiritual JourneyThe settingThe resource, At Home withGod’s People, has been preparedwith the understanding that itssessions will be conducted in asmall group.This is because our experience ofadult faith development has shownthat the small group setting ismost effective where the objectiveis faith sharing, rather than, say,cognitive learning.A ‘small group’ is one of 6-10people, and would consist – inthis context – of two or threecatechumens and/or candidates,their sponsors and the catechist.It is assumed that the grouphas been formed after prayerfuldiscernment. It is also assumed thatthere are clear links establishedand maintained between the groupand the pastor. In many casesthese tasks – discernment of groupmembership and the maintainingof links with the pastor – will bedone by a group in the parish– the ‘Team’ – who have theresponsibility for pastoral oversightof the catechu menate. Their roleincludes support for the group andthe catechist, sharing information,arranging for books or othermaterials, organising rituals, etc.It assumes, too, that there iscontinuity of membership in thegroup, such that trust and cohesioncan develop.In other words, the setting forthis resource is a form of basicchristian community.In this setting, the resource aimsto support the group – catechist,catechumens, candidates andsponsors – in the catechumenatephase of the Rite of ChristianInitiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.).The resource is not intendedfor other phases of the R.C.I.A.– inquiry, Purification andEnlightment (season of Lent) orMystagogy (Easter season). Each ofthese has its own agenda, its ownpurpose and style, its own pastoralresponse.5