Preparing for Confirmation: Our Catechumenate

We at Gosforth St. Nicholas prepare for Confirmation by enrolling in our Catechumenate . What on earth is that? Here is a (true) story: Two people were walking along the road, going home to their little village of Emmaus . They were trying to make sense of things. They knew a bit about Jesus - and a bit about God and so on. But somehow none of it really made any sense. Particularly the Cross - how did Jesus' death say anything good about God or us? So they were puzzled and a bit upset. But a stranger drew near and talked with them. Bit by bit they went through the whole story. They shared what they knew. The stranger kept asking questions and the other two were surprised as to how much they knew really when they started to think and share at a deep level. They began to get really excited. By this time they were at the front gate of their little cottage. It was evening. "Come in and have supper." They had enjoyed the chat so much and felt so much better that they didn't want this to end. So the stranger came in - and took the bread and broke it ….. and suddenly they realised that the stranger was Jesus, Risen from the dead!

That's what the Catechumenate is like - and gives you a good idea how it works.

Being a catechumen (the word means "a learner") is not just about learning facts or knowing Bible passages by heart. It is much more about coming closer to Jesus, really beginning to know Him. At the end of our time of preparation comes the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is much more than being allowed to receive Holy Communion. That is very important but Confirmation is also about being a really committed and trusted member of Jesus' Church. That's what our Catechumenate sets out to do for us all as we journey together with Jesus. That's why we take this so seriously and are prepared to commit so much time and resources to it. The Catechumenate usually lasts about 3 months in total with about 10 sessions. We try very hard to hold the sessions at times to suit the candidates. Candidates can join the Catechumenate process at an age from about 11 - our experience at St . Nicholas is that in most years about half the candidates are in their teens and half are 30+ (or much older!).

Your journey is a shared one shared together with the Catechumenate and with the whole Church family who will pray for you, encourage you and support you.. And you need a "sponsor" to share the journey with you, just as the two who were walking to Emmaus had Jesus walking with them. Hopefully your sponsor can accompany you to (most) of the sessions - and then share with you in discussion afterwards. They will also support you at the various stages along the journey and at the Confirmation service itself.

Worship is a key part of the Catechumenate. During this time you will be helped and encouraged to form your own pattern of daily prayer and weekly worship with the Eucharist (Holy Communion) being central to your new way of life. A very important part of each year's Catechumenate comes on the Saturday before Easter Day when we celebrate the "Easter Vigil". This deeply moving and ancient worship starts around a bonfire and ends , by candlelight in Church. All those who are part of the Catechumenate play an important role in this service which is often a spiritually life-changing experience for all taking part.