The Process of Conversion

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The Process of Conversion

• CAT105/Session 1 Childrens Catechesis
• Sunday, June 20, 2021

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1. Conversion is the process of metanoia,
transformation in Christ. This change is

• Is a work of the Lord Jesus.
• Is a slow and gradual process.
• Is the fruit of Gods grace and our free response
  to His invitation.

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1. Conversion is the process of metanoia,
transformation in Christ. This change is

1. A personal change of heart with a firm resolution
   to reorient ones life to Christ (conversion).
2. A call to deeper participation in the Body of
   Christ (communion).
3. The desire to live in justice with others
   (solidarity).

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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.

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2. Stages of the Catechumenate, GDC 88.

• Evangelization
• - Pre-Evangelization
• - Evangelization
• The Catechumenate
• Purification and Enlightenment
• Mystagogia

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3. Characteristics of Pre-Evangelization

1. Preparation to encounter Christ and receive the
   Gospels
2. Built on holy, healthy relationships
3. Introduces the person to the Christian Community
4. No Doctrine
5. Keywords Hospitality, Acceptance, Love

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4. Characteristics of Evangelization

1. Proclamation of the Salvation of Christ - Kerygma
2. Invitation to conversion, being like Christ
3. Commitment to Christ and the Church
4. Answers ones basic question about life
5. Can be repeated at every moment of our lives
6. Keywords Conversion and Commitment

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5. Characteristics of Catechesis

1. Christocentric deepens our relationship with
   Christ
2. Stage of Christian Maturation
3. Aims Communion, understanding, change
4. Complete, Systematic, Organic
5. Keywords Understanding, Change, Depth

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6. Characteristics of Purification/Enlightenment

1. Prayer and meditation on the Word of God/Deposit
   of Faith
2. Turning away from sin and repentance
3. Deeper knowledge of Christ the Savior
4. Lent
5. Keywords Interior Transformation, Death to Self

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7. Characteristics of Mystagogia

1. Deeper reflection on the mysteries, the grace
   of the Sacraments
2. Deepening in the Scriptures/Gospels,
   participation in the Eucharist and works of
   charity
3. Support from Christian community, especially
   godparents
4. Renewing the Temporal Order
5. Keywords Sacraments, Service, Stewardship

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8. The Flow of the Catechumenate

1. Alienated
2. Attendees
3. Participants
4. Pray-ers
5. Servants

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9. Conversion in children takes into account

1. Family Background
2. Intellectual and Mental Characteristics
3. Physical Characteristics
4. Social/Emotional Characteristics

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10. Religious capacities of the child include

1. Sensitivity to the religious environment
2. Orientation to Reality
3. The Gift of Awe and Wonder
4. The Fruit of Joy
5. Living Covenant love relationship
6. The Dignity of Work
7. Attention to Beauty

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11. Signs of conversion in children (Pre-K and
K)

1. Accommodate themselves to silence
2. Physical reverence
3. Spoken and/or silent prayer
4. The will to work appropriately
5. Joy in obedience

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12. Signs of Conversion in Children (1st through
3rd grade)

1. Love of Gods law
2. Desire to be good great sadness when they fail
3. Trust in Gods love and mercy
4. Love of neighbor
5. Desire to receive Jesus in Eucharist
6. Faith, Hope, Love are growing

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12. Signs of Conversion in Children (4th through
6th grade)

1. Love of Holy Scriptures
2. Love of Liturgy
3. Growth in theological and cardinal virtues
4. Desire to know their place in Salvation History
5. Desire for Reconciliation Eucharist
6. Healthy friendships
7. Taking responsibility for prayer and devotional
   life
8. Devotion to particular saints

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For Discussion

• How have you seen children grow in this process
  of conversion? Give examples.