Walk With Me: Christian Initiation for Secondary Students

Transcription

1 Walk With Me: Christian Initiation for Secondary Students Section 1 Introduction and Overview This section begins with a Foreword from Bishop Patrick O Regan DD, Bishop of Sale and an introduction from the Writing Team about the genesis of this resource. Summative information is presented about the Catholic Church s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the key ways in which this resource is grounded in the RCIA. This section concludes with a brief outline of how the process could be implemented in the school and/or parish setting.

2 FOREWORD The Most Rev Patrick O Regan, Bishop of Sale The first chapter of St John s Gospel contains two striking passages. The first describes the disciples of John the Baptist who are invited by Jesus to Come and see. They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. (John 1:28-29). The second passage has Philip echo this invitation to Nathanael, Philip said to him, Come and see. (John 1:46). The call that Jesus makes, and each of those called to be his disciples must imitate, is an invitation. The simple invitation come and see has been taken up by countless generations of people since that first invitation. Each generation of disciples in the Church makes that call and invitation in its own way. I am delighted that this comprehensive and timely resource, Walk With Me is part of how our generation issues that invitation to the people of our time. It recognises a pastoral reality that some of our children, for various reasons, have had their Christian initiation by the sacraments delayed. It is a response and a new way of inviting them to come and see. By its extensive and impressive outline and resources, it gives our Catechists, both within our Parishes and Schools, a most useful tool to assist in helping these young people respond to that invitation. It is a response in the first place to the call of Jesus as we see reflected in the first passage above, and in the second place it allows us to be like Philip who, echoing this divine call, invites Nathanael to come and see. I wholeheartedly endorse Walk With Me as a positive tool in assisting in the sharing and deepening of the gift of faith. I congratulate the many people who have been involved in its preparation, from both within and beyond the Diocese of Sale. I do know the many dedicated hours that have gone into its careful composition and am delighted by the great desire of this group to not only present a polished resource, but a truly apostolic desire to walk with those who have responded to the call to come and see. So I invite you to come and see and use this resource so that we may assist those who have heard the call of the Lord Jesus to come and see and in our own way imitate Philip s zeal in issuing that same call. May the Holy Spirit bring to fruitfulness this resource. +Patrick O Regan Bishop of Sale 21st September 2016, on the Feast of St Matthew, Evangelist.

3 INTRODUCTION Many young people of secondary school age are drawn to the person and message of Jesus Christ. The family is the place where God s love is first experienced but it is often within parish and school community life where young people s faith is awakened and fostered. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the foundation which underpins this resource. The RCIA offers adults the opportunity to learn more about Jesus and the Catholic faith. It invites them to explore and deepen their experience of the Christian way of life, to draw on their interest and engage in authentic dialogue as people of faith share their stories and beliefs. As Pope Benedict XVI said in 2008: The moment when we are convinced the heart is touched - it has felt a little of Jesus' love, it has felt a little the desire to move along these lines and in this direction - that is the moment when, it seems to me, we can say that we have made a true catechesis. The proper meaning of catechesis, in fact, must be this: to bring the flame of Jesus' love, even if it is a small one, to the hearts of children, thus reopening the places of faith of our time. (Benedict XVI 2008) Pope Benedict further explains: Unless we desire him we will never know the Lord, unless we expect him, we will never meet him, unless we seek him, we will never find him. (Benedict XVI, 2012) The Diocese of Sale, with the assistance of Rev. Dr Elio Capra SDB, has produced a resource for secondary students who wish to join or continue their faith journey in the Catholic Church. Parish communities and Catholic schools provide the fertile ground where faith questions emerge. This resource offers a way for parishes and schools to assist young people in their formation as Christian disciples. This resource was developed as a result of interest in the Catholic faith shown by young people in parish communities and Catholic secondary schools. There was nothing formally written that suited our diocesan circumstances in assisting our Catholic communities to prepare young people for Christian initiation. This wonderful dilemma led to the formation of this resource, Walk With Me: Christian Initiation for Secondary Students. NOTE: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the foundation which underpins this resource. The RCIA Study Edition should therefore be used as an essential companion resource. The version approved for use by the Catholic Bishops of Australia and New Zealand is as follows: International Commission on English in the Liturgy [ICEL] 2003, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Study Edition, St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. CCC refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994), St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. CCCC refers to the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2005), St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. Page 3 of 19

4 THE PROCESS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) can be traced back to the early Church. The rite was restored and revised following the Second Vatican Council. The RCIA process is considered to be the normative experience of initiation into the faith community of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 1994, para. 1229). It is the process of growth in faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ and incorporation into the community of the faithful, the Church. The process encompasses the ritual journey in faith made by the baptised and unbaptised to full initiation in the Church. It is: a spiritual journey that varies according to the many forms of God s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place. (ICEL 2003, Introduction, para. 5) In other words, the journey of conversion is characterised by a gradual deepening and appreciation of the gift of faith which begins with a personal encounter with Jesus Christ (Pope Francis, 2013, paras 1 & 3). This personal relationship with Christ leads us into deeper communion with God and our brothers and sisters in faith: It is the communion that is achieved through our sacramental life, our communion with God and each other that is the aim of our journey of faith. It is our Eucharistic life that is seen primarily as the means to achieve this communion. (CCC 1994, para. 950) The Journey It is often within the school community, that young people first express their interest or curiosity about the Catholic faith. The Catholic school is a fertile ground for young people to encounter the person and message of Jesus Christ, through prayer and worship, social justice initiatives, religious education and pastoral care. The initiation process begins once a discernment process has been undertaken. The school, Parish Priest and parish each have important roles to play. It is vital for the young person to be welcomed into their local parish, as hospitality and inclusion into the parish community enables all to share the faith journey together. It is in the parish that new members are able to learn about their faith and how to live it out. The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously. (ICEL 2003, Introduction, para. 4) The people of God, as represented by the local Church, should understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptised. Therefore, the community must always be fully prepared in the pursuit of its apostolic vocation to give help to those who are searching for Christ. In the various circumstances Page 4 of 19

5 of daily life, even as in the apostolate, all the followers of Christ have the obligation of spreading the faith according to their abilities. (ICEL 2003, Introduction, para. 9) Hence all parishioners have the duty of handing on the faith and the whole community is responsible for the initiation of new members (Diocese of Sale 2003). CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES DISTINCTIONS There is a clear distinction between Catechumens and Candidates. A Catechumen is an unbaptised person who is preparing for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. A Candidate is a baptised Christian who is continuing the journey in the Catholic faith through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Since a Candidate has already received a valid Baptism, pre-baptismal rites must be avoided, e.g. the anointing with the Oil of Catechumens. The Catholic Church recognises Baptisms from any Orthodox Church and from the Anglican, Lutheran and Uniting Churches, and generally from the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. If in doubt, refer to your Parish Priest. The Roman Catholic Church recognises Confirmations performed in an Orthodox Church that is in communion with the Catholic Church. However, Confirmations from other Christian denominations are not recognised. For further clarification, refer to your Parish Priest. NOTE: During the Inquiry time, Candidates baptismal status must be checked. If the Candidate has already been validly baptised, a Certificate of Baptism must be presented to the Parish Priest. PARTNERS IN THE PROCESS Family Parish School-Catechist Partnership The Diocese of Sale Sacraments of Initiation Policy (Diocese of Sale, 2003) outlines the model of partnership, which is: Family-Centred Parish-Based School and Catechist Supported. The support and role of each partner in this process is integral in firstly welcoming the young person and then nurturing, sharing and celebrating their faith journey. Members from the parish RCIA team would also be invaluable here and could be significant companions on the young person s faith journey. Page 5 of 19

6 The Family Education in the faith already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. (CCC 1994, para. 2226) Ideally, the family accompanies their young person on the journey of faith. Close family members and extended family members may be mentors or companions, supporting the Inquirer and witnessing to their own faith in Christ. The Inquirer is strongly encouraged to share the journey with family, Godparents and Sponsors throughout this process, particularly by sharing in the liturgical life of the community and through discussion of learnings and questions that arise from the gatherings. The Parish All the sacraments are sacred links uniting the faithful with one another and binding them to Jesus Christ. (CCC 1994, para. 950) The young person is initiated into a parish, therefore their parish community should accompany them throughout the journey to initiation and beyond. A key element in this process is accompanying the young person in the Sunday Eucharistic liturgy. Afterwards, all Candidates/Catechumens are offered an opportunity to reflect on the Sunday Scriptures and the implications for Christian discipleship and the call to conversion. The hope of the journey is integration into the faith and life of the Christian community. Through ongoing experiences in parish life, Candidates/Catechumens: experience a sense of belonging to the local parish and to the wider community of believers; experience a sense of the sacred and a sense of the wonder of God; are challenged to hear the Word of God, celebrate it and live it as Christians in the world; meet people who live out the Gospel in a variety of pastoral ministries are supported in their lifelong journey of faith. For further clarification, refer to the introductory section of the RCIA Study Guide (ICEL 2003), , pp.5-6. The School / Catechist Catholic schools are founded on Jesus Christ and are an important part of the Catholic Church s mission. The values and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospel and proclaimed by the Church are central to the Catholic school vision a vision that offers fullness of life. (Catholic Education Commission of Victoria 2012, p 3). The Catholic school is a community of faith sustained by the Word of God, a meeting place with Christ and communion with all. The school is also one of the expressions of Catholic life presented to young people, and often the one to which they are most closely connected. It is the place where young people are welcomed, supported and inspired. Page 6 of 19

7 The focus for the school is not merely to provide a formal education in faith but nurture young people in an environment that leads them to develop their personal relationship with God. The role of the Catechist is to support the young person and their family in the Parish sacrament initiation process and provide religious education to young people not attending Catholic schools. Secondary Sacrament Coordinator Schools may choose to appoint a Secondary Sacrament Coordinator to promote, encourage and animate the making of new disciples. This role could be included as part of a teacher s duties and responsibilities. For a full description of this role and its responsibilities, see Appendix 7. THE INITIATION TEAM Ideally, the initiation team should comprise representatives from the Parish-School- Catechist partnership. Suggested representation may include: PARISH Parish Priest / Associate Priest / Deacon RCIA Coordinator / Team Members Sacrament Coordinator SCHOOL Religious Education Leader Sacrament Coordinator / Catechist Chaplain Classroom Religious Education Teacher Home Room Teacher Mentor The school community is encouraged to become involved in the initiation process, accompanying and supporting the young person on their journey of conversion and discipleship. The school Leadership Team may wish to explore ways in which friends, classmates or the school may celebrate certain stages of the initiation journey. The school community collaborates with the Priest and parish in the preparation and celebration of the Rites of Initiation. Page 7 of 19

8 GODPARENTS, SPONSORS AND COMPANIONS IN FAITH Godparents Godparents accompany the Catechumens (unbaptised persons) at the Rite of Election, the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and during the Mystagogia period after Initiation (ICEL, 2003, para. 11). Godparents are important companions and supporters in the faith journey, both during and after initiation. Godparents are: persons chosen by the candidates (though they can be chosen by the parish) on the basis of example, good qualities, and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community, and approved by the Priest. It is the responsibility of godparents to show the candidates how to practise the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness, and to guide the candidates progress in the baptismal life. Chosen before the candidates election, godparents fulfil this office publicly from the day of the Rite of Election, when they give testimony to the community about the candidates. They continue to be important during the time after reception of the sacraments when the neophytes need to be assisted so that they remain true to their baptismal promises. (ICEL, 2003, para.11) Those designated as godparents must be members of the Catholic Church, over the age of 16, and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. A baptised and believing Christian, not belonging to the Catholic Church, may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent (cf. ICEL, 2003, General Introduction, para.10.4). For further clarification, refer to the introductory section of the RCIA Study Guide (ICEL, 2003), paras 7 10, and consult your Parish Priest. Sponsors Sponsors accompany baptised Candidates who seek full reception into the Catholic Church. They represent the community of faith into which the candidate is to be received and play an important role in the life of the young person as a Christian disciple. Sponsors are Catholic, over the age of 16, who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The Sponsor is a person who shows the qualities and gifts of a caring person in the world and shows what it means to be Catholic. They, too, are on a journey of faith. Expectations of a Godparent or Sponsor Choosing a Godparent or Sponsor is a significant decision and this person is usually someone who is important to the Candidate. Candidates should look for someone they trust, whose faith is admired and who will accompany them for the rest of their life journey. The Page 8 of 19

9 Godparent and Sponsor could be a relative (not a parent, since this is already an irreplaceable relationship), friend, or someone in the parish or school. A Godparent or Sponsor would be expected to fulfil the following duties: accompany the Catechumen/Candidate to Sunday Mass and share faith experiences of Church and how this has made a difference in one s life including the doubts and struggles one may have experienced if possible, attend the rites and share the spiritual journey of the Catechumen/Candidate pray for the Catechumen/Candidate and ask for his/her prayers Encourage the Catechumen/Candidate and join with him/her in community and parish activities Contact the Catechumen/Candidate, either via a phone call or visit, around the anniversary of Initiation. Message for Godparent or Sponsor If you have been chosen, congratulations! This person sees in you a profound faith commitment, has trust in you and knows you are someone who will care about them and their faith. It's not all that complicated, but it does take time, a caring heart and a listening ear. Companions in Faith Peers of the young Inquirers, who have already experienced an encounter with Christ, are a powerful force and create a conduit for the Holy Spirit to enkindle hearts. Therefore, we strongly encourage other young people to be involved at the parish and school level as supporters and companions. Likewise, Inquirers need friends, family and parishioners to support and journey with them in faith. CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR CATECHUMENS Catechumens are those who are not baptised. Their journey to initiation includes the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It differs from those who are already baptised (Candidates) who are seeking to complete their initiation through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The Rite of Christian Initiation is a journey of conversion. Like all journeys, it is made up of several stages and steps. The diagram below shows how the journey begins when Catechumens decide to turn their lives towards Christ and ask to become members of the Catholic Church. The journey then continues progressively through stages and steps. Each stage is concluded by a ritual celebration (rite). The purpose of these rites is threefold: to give thanks to God for the blessings received during the previous stage to receive from God, the strength and the courage during the celebration to prepare for the next stage of the journey. Page 9 of 19

10 For those who are not baptised and are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church, the stages (written below in black) and rites (written below in blue) are: Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate Period Rite of Acceptance Catechumenate Period Rite of Election Purification and Enlightenment Period Christian Initiation Mystagogia Period Rite of Sending Page 10 of 19

11 1. The initial stage begins with the Pre-Catechumenate or Inquiry period during which the Catechumens must show the first signs of their willingness to know and to follow Christ. This stage is concluded by the first major step: the Rite of Acceptance (for Catechumens) which affirms the visible signs of spiritual growth and the desire to continue their journey. Catechumens receive strength and courage to begin the next stage of the journey: the period of the Catechumenate. 2. In the period of the Catechumenate, the Catechumens will be challenged to deepen their relationship with Christ and the community through regular sessions of catechesis, prayer and reflection. The period of the Catechumenate concludes with the next step: the Rite of Election. This celebration signals an important moment along the journey. In the early Church those who celebrated the Rite of Election brought their names to the Bishop who would write them in the Book of the Elect. This tradition continues in the Church today. 3. The Rite of Election signals the end of the period of Catechumenate and the start of the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which most often coincides with the season of Lent. During this period, the Elect continue to deepen and strengthen their relationship with Christ and the community. This period reached its conclusion with the Rites of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), usually during the Easter Vigil. 4. The Rites of Christian Initiation are completed with the period of Mystagogia. This is a stage when the Neophytes reflect on the meaning of the Rites and the implications for their Christian living. How are we to live as baptised and confirmed disciples living the eucharistic life? The period of Mystagogia may conclude with an optional Rite of Sending. This rite celebrates the formal conclusion to their journey towards Christ and the community and signals the beginning of a life lived totally and fully in communion with Christ and the community, until their final day when they will be able to see Christ face to face (ICEL, 2003, para 7). COMPLETION OF INITIATION FOR BAPTISED CANDIDATES Candidates are those who are already baptised in a recognised Christian denomination or in the Catholic Church. They are already initiated into the Christian faith by virtue of their Baptism but are seeking full reception into the Catholic Church through the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Their journey differs from unbaptised Catechumens. Page 11 of 19

12 For baptised Candidates seeking reception into the Catholic Church, the stages (written below in black) and rites (written below in blue) are: Inquiry Period Rite of Welcome Catechesis Period Presentation of baptised Candidates for full Communion Final Preparation Period Reception of Candidates for full Communion Mystagogia Period Rite of Sending Page 12 of 19

13 1) The initial stage begins with the Inquiry period, during which the Candidates continue their journey of Christian discipleship and the call to deepen their faith in Christ. This period encompasses baptised Christians who are at various places on their faith journey; some uncatechised and with little awareness of Christ and the Church, others with strong experiences in other Christian denominations. 2) Many parishes celebrate this stage with a Rite of Welcome (which differs from the Rite of Acceptance for Catechumens). The rite can be celebrated at any time during the year. If there are both Candidates and Catechumens, it is desirable that the Rites of Welcome and Acceptance are celebrated at different times, rather than in the same liturgy. 3) After the Rite of Welcome, Candidates enter into further catechesis and involvement into the life and worship of their local faith community. They are encouraged to deepen their prayer life. 4) When they are deemed ready, there is a Rite of Presentation of Candidates for full Communion into the Catholic Church. This rite also can be celebrated at any time, often within the parish. If this time occurs in Lent, the Candidates may join the Catechumens for a diocesan ritual celebrated by the Bishop at the Cathedral. 5) The Rite of Presentation is then followed by a Period of Final Preparation before the Candidate is received into full Communion through the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. 6) The Reception of Candidates into full Communion with the Catholic Church is completed with the period of Mystagogia. During this time, new Catholics reflect on the experience and meaning of their reception into the Church and how they are to continue their lifelong journey as Catholic Christians. The period of Mystagogia may conclude with an optional Rite of Sending. The rite signals the beginning of a life lived in communion with Christ and his Church, until the final day when they will see Christ face to face. For further information, refer to the chapter, Reception of Baptised Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church in the RCIA Study Guide (ICEL 2003, paras ). Page 13 of 19

14 CELEBRATION OF RITES IN THE JOURNEY TO FULL RECEPTION The RCIA process consists of rites and rituals which are key parts of the initiation journey. Major rites are celebrated in the parish (Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Initiation) or at the Cathedral (Rite of Election). Other rituals, such as blessings and healing services, could be celebrated by the Parish Priest within the school environment, perhaps as part of a school liturgy. The celebration of the rites are key occasions for connecting family, parish and school. CATECHUMENS (Unbaptised) Period of Pre-catechumenate /Inquiry RITE OF ACCEPTANCE - ENTRANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS Period of the Catechumenate RITE OF ELECTION & ENROLMENT OF NAMES Period of Purification and Enlightenment CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION Ideally at the Easter Vigil Period of Post-baptismal catechesis/ Mystagogia RITE OF SENDING Lifelong discipleship CANDIDATES (Baptised) Period of Inquiry RITE OF WELCOME Period of further catechesis RITE OF PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES Period of final preparation COMPLETION OF INITIATION WITH CONFIRMATION AND EUCHARIST Any time of the year after the candidate is considered, by the parish priest and initiation team, to be ready. Period of Mystagogia RITE OF SENDING Lifelong discipleship NOTE: Links between family, parish and school are vital and are, therefore, encouraged in relation to the celebration of the rites. Effort must be made to include the Parish priest and, if possible the Bishop, especially for the Rite of Election. Page 14 of 19

15 SUGGESTED MODELS AND TIMELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Walk with Me: Christian Initiation for Secondary Students is a way to engage those young people seeking to begin or deepen their exploration of the Catholic faith. Some may show signs of interest through their involvement in the school s Religious Education classes, liturgy and justice teams, Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) classes, Remar (Marist Youth Movement), retreats, prayer experiences or chaplaincy programs. The school s Religious Education Leader and Sacrament Coordinator (if applicable) need to work closely with the School Leadership Team and the Parish RCIA Team to make local decisions about how the process of initiation will be implemented within the school. One way is to align the teaching sessions closely with the timeline for the RCIA process and the celebrations of the rites. In this way the school could be aligned with the parish dates in the most effective way. 1. Liturgical Year Model Page 15 of 19

16 This model/option is preferred, as it is based on the Church s liturgical calendar where Christian Initiation is celebrated during the Easter Vigil. During the previous year and in consultation with the Parish Priest, young people would be invited into an Inquiry time during Terms 1 and 2. Once they have indicated their interest, regular gatherings commence. These may occur within normal Religious Education classes with a Religious Education teacher, or through out - of - class time with the Secondary Sacrament Coordinator. Sessions continue throughout the year. The Rite of Acceptance (Catechumens) and/or the Rite of Welcome (baptised Candidates) is conducted, ideally in the parish or possibly in the school (with the Parish Priests), in August. The Rite of Election of Catechumens/Presentation of baptised Candidates is celebrated by the Bishop at the Cathedral, together with other Catechumens/ Candidates from the Diocese, usually on the first Sunday of Lent (of the following year). Christian Sacraments of Initiation are usually celebrated during the parish Easter Vigil liturgy. Following full reception and the period of Mystagogia (deepening faith), the Rite of Sending is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday. The implementation of Model 1 may be difficult in some school settings; therefore, another model of implementation has been provided. Page 16 of 19

17 2. Scholastic Year Model Though not ideal, this may be a suitable alternative to the Liturgical Year Model as it provides the school with greater flexibility. The Scholastic Year Model follows the school year. Begin the process as soon as possible, firstly with the Inquiry period, which could begin in Term 4 of the previous year or at the beginning of the current year. The sessions will commence once the Rite of Acceptance (Catechumens)/Rite of Welcome (baptised Candidates) has been celebrated. Ideally the Sacraments of Initiation would be celebrated towards the end of Term 3. The period of Mystagogia (deepening faith) in Term 4 concludes with the Rite of Sending at the close of the school year. The start of the process can be celebrated by the school community at a gathering where a blessing is given to those involved. A blessing service is presented in Appendix 1. CATECHESIS CONTENT, METHODOLOGY AND RESOURCES The early Christian Fathers identified five foundational elements of Christian discipleship, and it is these elements that are focus of discernment and catechetical content in the RCIA. 1. Jesus Christ (Kerygma): the initial proclamation of Jesus Christ through experience and encounter Page 17 of 19

18 2. The Good News of the Scriptures (Evangelia): hearing and living the Good News of the Scriptures, especially the Gospels 3. The Christian Community (Koinonia): wanting to be an active part of the Church community 4. Prayer and Worship (Leitourgia): personal prayer and communal worship in the liturgical life of the Church 5. Service and Mission (Diakonia): the baptismal call to be missionary disciples. Section 2 of Walk With Me: Christian Initiation for Secondary Students presents background information about these themes and topics and about the catechetical methodology underpinning the resource materials. The methodology comes from the work of Ambrose of Milan. Section 3 presents catechetical materials organised over 27 sessions in accordance with the five foundational elements of Christian discipleship described above. Schools and parishes can choose which sessions to complete, depending on the work previously covered by the school or parish. The Appendices of Walk With Me: Christian Initiation for Secondary Students present additional catechetical resource materials and guidelines, inclusive of a suggested blessing ritual, ideas for setting up a prayerful environment, blessing and healing prayers, guidelines for journal writing, a role description for a Secondary Sacrament Coordinator, a glossary of common terms, and the lyrics of the song Walk with Me, from which this resource takes its partial title. REFERENCES Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994), St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (2012), Embracing the Fullness of Life: Parent Handbook for Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools, James Goold House, East Melbourne, VIC. Diocese of Sale (2003), Sacraments of initiation for children: Policy of the Diocese of Sale, Online: International Commission on English in the Liturgy [ICEL] (2003), Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Study Edition, St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. Pope Benedict XVI (2012, December 23), The Holy Father s Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St Peter s Square [Transcript], Online: Pope Benedict XVI (2008, August 22), Pope s Q-and-A with clergy of Bressone [Transcript, Part 5], Online: Pope Benedict XVI (2005, April 24), Benedict XVI s Inaugural Mass Homily [Transcript], Online: Page 18 of 19

19 Pope Francis (2013), Evangelii gaudium [The joy of the gospel], Apostolic exhortation, Online: Page 19 of 19