the process of conversion

The Process of ConversionThe Process of Conversion

CAT105/Session 1 – Children’s CatechesisCAT105/Session 1 – Children’s Catechesis

Thursday, April 20, 2023Thursday, April 20, 2023

The Process of ConversionThe Process of ConversionApril 20, 2023April 20, 2023

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

a. Is a work of the Lord Jesus.

b. Is a slow and gradual process.

c. Is the fruit of God’s grace and our free response to His invitation.


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

d. A personal change of heart with a firm resolution to reorient one’s life to Christ (conversion).

e. A call to deeper participation in the Body of Christ (communion).

f. The desire to live in justice with others (solidarity).


The Catechumenate and ConversionThe 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.


2. Stages of the Catechumenate, GDC #88.2. Stages of the Catechumenate, GDC #88.

a. Evangelization

- Pre-Evangelization- Evangelization

b. The Catechumenate

c. Purification and Enlightenment

d. Mystagogia


3. Characteristics of Pre-Evangelization3. Characteristics of Pre-Evangelization

a. Preparation to encounter Christ and receive the Gospels

b. Built on holy, healthy relationships

c. Introduces the person to the Christian Community

d. No Doctrine

e. Keywords: Hospitality, Acceptance, Love


4. Characteristics of Evangelization4. Characteristics of Evangelization

a. Proclamation of the Salvation of Christ - Kerygma

b. Invitation to conversion, being like Christ

c. Commitment to Christ and the Church

d. Answers one’s basic question about life

e. Can be repeated at every moment of our lives

f. Keywords: Conversion and Commitment


5. Characteristics of Catechesis5. Characteristics of Catechesis

a. Christocentric – deepens our relationship with Christ

b. Stage of Christian Maturation

c. Aims: Communion, understanding, change

d. Complete, Systematic, Organic

e. Keywords: Understanding, Change, Depth


6. Characteristics of Purification/Enlightenment6. Characteristics of Purification/Enlightenment

a. Prayer and meditation on the Word of God/Deposit of Faith

b. Turning away from sin and repentance

c. Deeper knowledge of Christ the Savior

d. Lent

e. Keywords: Interior Transformation, Death to Self


7. Characteristics of Mystagogia7. Characteristics of Mystagogia

a. Deeper reflection on the ‘mysteries’, the grace of the Sacraments

b. Deepening in the Scriptures/Gospels, participation in the Eucharist and works of charity

c. Support from Christian community, especially godparents

d. Renewing the Temporal Order

e. Keywords: Sacraments, Service, Stewardship


8. The Flow of the Catechumenate8. The Flow of the Catechumenate

a. Alienated

b. Attendees

c. Participants

d. Pray-ers

e. Servants


9. Conversion in children takes into account:9. Conversion in children takes into account:

a. Family Background

b. Intellectual and Mental Characteristics

c. Physical Characteristics

d. Social/Emotional Characteristics

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10. Religious capacities of the child include:10. Religious capacities of the child include:

a. Sensitivity to the religious environment

b. Orientation to Reality

c. The Gift of Awe and Wonder

d. The Fruit of Joy

e. Living Covenant – love relationship

f. The Dignity of Work

g. Attention to Beauty

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

a. Accommodate themselves to silence

b. Physical reverence

c. Spoken and/or silent prayer

d. The will to work appropriately

e. Joy in obedience

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

a. Love of God’s law

b. Desire to be good; great sadness when they fail

c. Trust in God’s love and mercy

d. Love of neighbor

e. Desire to receive Jesus in Eucharist

f. Faith, Hope, Love are growing


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

a. Love of Holy Scriptures

b. Love of Liturgy

c. Growth in theological and cardinal virtues

d. Desire to know their place in Salvation History

e. Desire for Reconciliation & Eucharist

f. Healthy friendships

g. Taking responsibility for prayer and devotional life

h. Devotion to particular saints


For DiscussionFor Discussion

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

the process of conversion

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