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I remember an independent study course I took in college entitled "Non-Christian Roman Religions". I studied Mithraism, which was one of the mystery cults that was very popular... and the term "mysteries" has intrigued me since then. I wonder how the "mysteries" of Augustine's time differ in the minds and hearts of the baptized and unbaptized from those of our time. How do our inquiries differ in a post-evolution-theory where we've seen the earth from the moon? How do we maximize "mystery" without falling into "magic", and still capture the religious imagination of those to whom we minister?

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Dan, your statement about exploring ways to evangelize and catechize all members of the community is a challenge to much of what we do now. My parish continues to have a Sunday morning program that reaches a few. One of the teachers told me that attendance is spotty, the time frame is short, and she can't cover the expected curriculum. So something different needs to be tried. Looking at the Church's catechetical history in this book shows me that we have done many different things adapted to the situation of the time. The book shows how important belonging is and we need to find more ways to make that central to our catechesis. Dan Thomas

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As I read this chapter I realize that our challenge as publishers, parish catechetical leaders, pastors, liturgists, etc. is to explore ways to evangelize and catechize all members of the community in new ways, structures, models.

What if we begin with creating catechetical program for all those who are volunteering as lectors, Eucharistic minsters, Christian service, hospitality, choir, committees, etc.

"In the early centuries, the Church's catechesis grew from within formation for life in Christ through the strong voices and nurturing care of communities of faith." p.90
Dan Pierson

www.eCatechist.com

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This chapter was very interesting to me. As I read the history of the early church, I reflect back on my own experience going through RCIA. When I entered into the process of conversion, my husband, who had not received the sacrament of confirmation, also joined the journey. The process strengthened us as a couple to help weather the storms of married life. And as parents we were eager to keep our faith present with in our home. "Liturgy did not 'end' under the exit sign of the church door; catechesis did not conclude with the final segment of faith formation session." (pg 97) This sentence express my faith journey and is what as lead my to my current ministry. I think from my own experience and from my family's faith journey I am eager to help bring about conversion for others. Reflecting back on my own experiences and then bring forth The Good News to others is what makes my job rewarding. "The Spirit lives deep within us,...beckoning us to come to Christ and to be Christ to others..." (pg. 102-103).This statement summarizes my ministry work.

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This chapter is presentation of the impact the catechumenate had in history and in addition its impact on our present catechesis. Its dimensions were [are] "scripture, community, fasting, and prayer, as well as instruction, moral formation, and witness to faith." (p. 92) He points out that the whole community was involved in initiating the catechumens into the community. Liturgy and catechesis were dynamically integrated into the process. The influence of Augustine is emphasized and his method summarized on p. 116.
Dan Thomas

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Chapter 1: Our Journey on the Way of Catechesis
Chapter 2: Rooting the Journey: Some Old Testament Foundations
Chapter 3: Identifying the Way: Jesus Christ, Teacher and Catechist
Chapter 4: Marking the Way: New Testament and the Emerging Church
Chapter 5: Framing the Way: The Church and the Catechumenate
Chapter 6: Spanning the Way: Catechesis through the Middle Ages

Chapter 7: Sustaining the Way: Fracture and Reform

Chapter 8: Reigniting the Way: Catechesis Bridging a Millennium