A History of the Catechumenate

A History of the Catechumenate: the First Six Centuries, written by Rev. Michele Dujarier, provides timeless information and a rich resource for anyone involved with the RCIA or who wants to learn more about the Church and her history. Published in 1979, this book describes the rise and decline of the catechumenate in the Early Church, various restoration attempts, and achievements in restoring the catechumenate during the past half century.

Christiane Brusselmans, in her introduction to this book, said "I know of no better study of the history of the catechumenate in the early Church existing today."

Of Father Dujarier's approach to the topic, Ms. Brusselmans wrote that "he searches for the practical truth of the matter in order to apply it to his immediate concerns: conversion, faith and baptism as the seal and sign of that conversion and faith."

For the next several weeks this book will appear here in installments so you can journey through the experiences of the early Church as it structured the catechumenate.

If you would like to order the book, please see the Sadlier Religion Catalog.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Christiane Brusselmans presents a succinct overview of the book and of the history of the catechumenate.

• Some Norms from the Initial Period
  This segment reviews the requirements the early Church established for the selection of those in ministry.
• A Perennial Objection
  This week reviews the centuries old discussion regarding the length and requirements of baptismal preparation.
• The Requirements for Admission to Baptism
  An examination of the first years of the Church indicates that access to baptism seems to involve two distinct stages and two thresholds.
• The Jewish Practices
  The religious currents that flourished during the New Testament era and their influence on Christian institutions are examined during this week's segment.

Part 2: The Structuring of the Catechumenate (Second-Third Centuries)

• An Abiding Concern for Pastoral Authenticity
  This week looks at two early writers who emphasize the need for a period of time to consolidate the conversion and to form the convert.
• In Rome ca. 150
  This chapter traces the beginnings of what today is known as the "catechumenate."
• In Egypt ca. 190-200
  The customs and vocabulary that manifest the existence of serious catechumenal formation at this place and time provide the foundation of this week's chapter.
  
• In North Africa ca. 200-210
  This week continues the examination of the catechumenal reality in this part of the world during the first centuries.
  
• In Rome ca. 215
  The chapter details the thorough catechumenal stages at the beginning of the third century in Rome.


• In Egypt and Palestine ca. 230-240 Part 1
  This week concentrates on the efforts of Origen and Hippolytus to maintain a catechumenate of quality.


• In Egypt and Palestine ca. 230-240 Part 2
  Continues the review of that catechumenate in Egypt and Palestine process during this period of Church history.
• In Syria and Palestine ca. 250
  The practice of catechumenal stages developed spontaneously everywhere as evidenced by documents from this area of the world.
• At the Dawn of the Fourth Century
  This briefly describes information provided by some councils that confirms the catechumenal pedagogy and indicates a certain relaxation of discipline.

Part 3: The Vicissitudes of the Catechumenate (Fourth-Sixth Centuries)

• The New Problems
  This segment explores decline of fervor and the increasing ease of entrance to the Church that followed the Constantinian era.
• The Permanent Concern for Authenticity
  This week's chapter explains how the Church leaders of the four and fifth centuries worked to prevent both the delay of baptism and the baptism of people without true faith.
• The Catechumenate from 350 to 420 Part 1
  This segment examines the structure of the catechumenate during this period, and the introduction of the new structuring of Lent.
• The Catechumenate from 350 to 420 Part 2
  This continues the subject of the previous week, focusing on the structure of Lent and Easter.
• Evaluation of the Fourth and Fifth Centuries
  The chapter evaluates both the positive and negative aspects of the catechumenal practice of this era.

Conclusion
In the conclusion of his work, Father Dujarier explores the significance of the catechumenal experience of the first six centuries of the history of the Church.

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