catresourcelist

Baptism and Initiation

Resources for Christian Initiation (Catechumenate)

A partially annotated bibliography of publications
related to baptism, catechesis, disciple-making, and congregational life.

Some of these are currently out of print, but retrospective purposes, I have included them in the list. Where I know that they are
out of print, I have so indicated. For an additional scholarly "Sacraments of Christian Initiation" bibliography click here.

General Resources on Baptism & Christian Initiation
  Baptism: Christ’s Act in the Church by Laurence Hull Stookey (Nashville: Abingdon, 1982). A
comprehensive treatment of baptism rooted in biblical, historical, theological, liturgical, and pastoral
understandings.
  Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry (World Council of Churches, 1982). The first section on baptism, pp. 2-6,
represents an attempt to articulate an ecumenically sensitive consensus with respect to baptism.
  By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism (Nashville: The General Board of
Discipleship, 1996). An official interpretive statement adopted by the 1996 General Conference of The United
Methodist Church.
  By Water and the Spirit: Making Connections for Identity and Ministry by Gayle Carlton Felton (Discipleship
Resources, 1997). A resource for congregational leaders and participants in making connections between By
Water and the Spirit (the 1996 General Conference paper on baptism) and the fundamental issues of identity
and ministry in daily life. Christian Initiation Series.
  Method in Evangelism: A Handbook for Laity and Clergy in The United Methodist Church by William J.
Abraham (Southwest Texas Annual Conference: The Council of Church Revitalization and Extension, 1988).
This general treatment of evangelism is a resource for congregations in developing ministries and programs
that initiate persons into the life and values of the kingdom of God. Includes an appendix on “Establishing a
Catechumenate.”
  Remember Who You Are: Baptism: A Model for Christian Life by William H. Willimon (Nashville: The Upper
Room, 1980). An excellent treatment of baptism. Study guide included.
  Signs of Wonder: The Phenomenon of Convergence in Modern Liturgical and Charismatic Churches by
Robert Webber (Nashville: Abbott-Martyn, 1992). A general treatment of present-day worship renewal with a
specific chapter on the empowering evangelism, education, spirituality, and social action through worship and
the catechumenal process.
  This Gift of Water: The Practice and Theology of Baptism Among Methodists in America by Gayle Carlton
Felton (Nashville: Abingdon, 1992). A thoroughly researched work tracing the development of the United
Methodist tradition’s theology and practice with respect to the sacrament of baptism. Dr. Felton provides
critical insight into current controversy over questions related to baptism.
  Welcoming the Stranger: A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism by Patrick R. Keifert (Minneapolis:
Fortress, 1992). Chapter 6 focuses on the catechumenate in the context of the congregation's overall
evangelization work.
  The Witness of the Worshiping Community by Frank C. Senn (Paulist Press, 1993). This is a helpful
exposition of liturgical evangelism with significant structural resources for the catechumenate.

History & Theology of Christian Initiation & Catechesis
  A Faithful Church: Issues in the History of Catechesis by John H. Westerhoff III and O. C. Edwards, Jr.
(Wilton, CT: Morehouse-Barlow Co., Inc., 1981).
  Augustine and the Catechumenate by William Harmless (Collegeville, Minn.: The Liturgical Press, 1995).
  The Awe-Inspiring Rites of Initiation: Origins of the RCIA by Edward Yarnold, S. J. (Chicago: Liturgy
Training Publications, 1994).
  Early Christian Baptism and the Catechumenate: West and East Syria, ed. Thomas M. Finn (Collegeville,
Minn.: The Liturgical Press, 1992).
  Early Christian Baptism and the Catechumenate: Italy, North Africa, and Egypt, ed. Thomas M. Finn
(Collegeville, Minn.: The Liturgical Press, 1992).
  The Early Methodist Class Meeting: Its Origins and Significance by David Lowes Watson (Nashville:
Discipleship Resources, 1985).
  The Nature of Doctrine: Religion and Theology in a Postliberal Age by George A. Lindbeck (Philadelphia:
Westminster Press, 1984).
  The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation (Revised and Expanded Edition), Maxwell
E. Johnson (Liturgical Press, 2007).
  The Shape of Baptism: The Rite of Christian Initiation by Aidan Kavanagh (New York: Pueblo Publishing
Co., 1978).

Denominational Resources with Services for Christian Initiation
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
  Making Disciples: Serving Those Who Are Entering the Christian Life by John W. B. Hill (Toronto: Hoskins
Books on Worship and Mission, 1991). An excellent resource with clear theological and pastoral
commentary.
EPISCOPAL
  The Book of Occasional Services 2003 (New York: Church Hymnal Corporation).
ELCA (EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA & EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CANADA)
  Welcome to Christ: A Lutheran Introduction to the Catechumenate
  Welcome to Christ: A Lutheran Catechetical Guide
  Welcome to Christ: Lutheran Rites for the Catechumenate
All three volumes are published by Augsburg Fortress (Minneapolis) 1997.
  What Do You Seek? Welcoming the Adult Inquirer (Augsburg Fortress, 2000) Resource and rites for use
with those already baptized and seeking to engage the faith of the church and reaffirm their relationship with
God and the church.
MENNONITE
  Welcoming New Christians: Guide for the Christian Initiation of Adults by Jane Hoober Peifer and John Stahl-
Wert (Available as in pdf at http://www.leaderonline.org/forming/welcoming_new_christians.pdf).
ROMAN CATHOLIC
  Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Study Edition (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1988).
UNITED METHODIST
  Come to the Waters: Baptism and Our Ministry of Welcoming Seekers and Making Disciples (Discipleship
Resources, 1997) by Daniel T. Benedict Jr. A resource for pastors and other leaders who seek to empower
the congregation to make the transforming gospel accessible to all persons, especially the unchurched. Part
II contains rites for Christian initiation and two adaptations of the process for initiation of children and for
baptized persons returning to the baptismal covenant. Christian Initiation Series.

Contemporary Practice of Christian Initiation
  Adult Initiation, ed. Donald A. Withey (Bramcote, England: Alcuin/Grove Books Limited, 1989).
  The Baptismal Mystery and the Catechumenate, ed. Michael W. Merriman (New York: Church Hymnal
Corporation, 1990).
  A Catechumenate Needs Everybody, ed. James A. Wilde (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1988).
  The Catechumenal Process: Adult Initiation and Formation for Christian Life and Ministry (New York: Church
Hymnal Corporation, 1990).
  How to Form a Catechumenate Team by Karen M. Hinmon (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1986).
  Liturgical Evangelism by Robert E. Webber (Ridgefield, CT: Morehouse Publishing House, 1992).
  “The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Model of Adult Growth,” James B. Dunning in Worship (Vol. 53,
Number 2, March 1979), pp. 142-56.
  Welcoming the New Catholic (revised edition) by Ron Lewinski (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications,
1983).

The Congregation & Christian Initiation
  Conversion and Community: A Catechumenal Model for Total Parish Formation by Thomas P. Ivory (New
York: Paulist Press, 1988).
  Forum Essays: The Role of the Assembly in Christian Initiation by Catherine Vincie (Chicago: Liturgy
Training Publications, 1993).
  Spiritual Life in the Congregation: A Guide for Retreats by Rueben P. Job (Nashville: The Upper Room,
1997).
  Class Leaders: Recovering a Tradition by David Lowes Watson (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1991).
Of particular interest those in the Methodist tradition.
  Covenant Discipleship: Christian Formation through Mutual Accountability by David Lowes Watson.
(Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1991). Of particular interest those in the Methodist tradition.
  Forming Christian Disciples: The Role of Covenant Discipleship and Class Leaders in the Congregation by
David Lowes Watson (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1991). Again, of particular interest to those in the
Methodist tradition.
  “Availability,” Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, Volume XII, Number 5 (September/October
1997) published by The Upper Room, P. O. Box 852, Nashville, TN 37202-0852. Phone: (800) 972-0433.

Sponsors & Godparents in Christian Initiation
  Accompanying the Journey: A Handbook for Sponsors by Lester Ruth (Discipleship Resources, 1997). A
resource for sponsors aimed at helping them understand the processes of Christian initiation within the
ministry system of the congregation and their role in embodying the congregation’s welcome and disciple-
making work. Christian Initiation Series. Out of print.
  Finding and Forming Sponsors and Godparents,ed. James A. Wilde (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications,
1988).
  The Godparent Book: Ideas and Activities for Godparents and Their Godchildren by Elaine Ramshaw
(Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1993).
  Walking Together in Faith: A Workbook for Sponsors of Christian Initiation by Thomas H. Morris (New York:
Paulist Press, 1992).

Catechists & Christian Initiation
  Echoing the Word: The Ministry of Forming Disciples by Grant Sperry White (Discipleship Resources,
1997). A resource for catechists (a lay guide for seekers and new disciples) and pastors aimed at grounding
the processes of welcoming, forming, and initiating persons into life in Christ. To be published in early 1998.
Christian Initiation Series. Out of print.
  Welcome to Christ: A Lutheran Catechetical Guide (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1997) Includes
articles on catechesis in the catechumenal process, the call of the catechists, qualities of a catechist,
catechetical methods, resources, and blessings and prayers.

Preaching & Christian Initiation
  Ambrose of Milan's Method of Mystagogical Preaching by Craig A. Satterlee (Liturgical Press, 2002)
  Creative Preaching on the Sacraments by Craig A. Satterlee and Lester Ruth (Discipleship Resources,
2001) An excellent practical guide to interpreting the sacraments as “cosmic child’s play for real.” The volume
has contemporary examples of this kind of what the ancient church called “mystagogical preaching”—
preaching the mysteries.

Resources for Reflection on Scripture During Christian Initiation
  An African Method for Bible Study. This resource outlines a method for using this popular reflective form of
Bible study. The African Model is not exegetical or didactic, but draws upon the experience of those studying
scripture, calling them to reflect upon how the scriptures are speaking directly to them and to their lives.
Available from the Evangelism Ministries Office, Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY
10017.
  Breathing Deeply of God’s New Life: Preparing Spiritually for the Sacraments of Initiation by Mark G. Boyer
(Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1992).
  Words Around the Font by Gail Ramshaw (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1994).

Resources for Reflection on the Journey of Christian Initiation
    Gracious Voices: Shouts and Whispers for God Seekers compiled by William P. McDonald (Discipleship
Resources, 1997). A resource for inquirers, candidates, sponsors, lay guides (catechists), worship planners,
and pastors. This volume will be a source book of readings from scripture, church history, Wesleyan tradition,
catechetical writings, hymnody, and literature. Christian Initiation Series. Out of print.

Music Resources Specifically for Christian Initiation
  Who Calls You by Name: Music for Christian Initiation, Volume I, CS-195, by David Haas (Chicago: GIA,
1988). Audiotapes, libretto, and music score.
  Who Calls You by Name: Music for Christian Initiation, Volume II, CS-257, by David Haas (Chicago: GIA,
1988). Audiotapes, libretto, and music score.

Periodicals for Christian Initiation
  A Vision of Discipleship. Published quarterly by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. This
newsletter features informative articles and helpful resources to support the catechumenal process in the
congregation. Available in the U. S. from the ELCA, Division for Congregational Ministries, Worship Office,
8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631-4188, (800) 638-3522.
  Catechumenate: A Journal of Christian Initiation (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North
Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622-1101.) Published six times per year. Articles on rites, ministries,
resources for Christian initiation.
  Christian Initiation. A subscription newsletter published bimonthly by National Catholic Reporter Publishing
Company, 115 East Armour Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64111-1259. The newsletter is filled with articles,
practical advice, and theological reflections on every aspect of the catechumenate.

Video Resources
  This Is the Night (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1992). An excellent and moving look at a Roman
Catholic parish catechumenal process in action. No longer available, but check with Roman Catholic Diocesan
offices.
  Welcoming New Christians: A Guide for the Christian Initiation of Adults (Scottsdale, PA: Mennonite
Publishing House, 1995). A useful tool for understanding how the stages of Christian initiation are interpreted
and enacted in a Mennonite context.
  Welcome to Christ: Preparing Adults for Baptism and Discipleship (Augsburg Fortress, 1998) Order code:
34-9043-2100. Call 1-800-328-46-48.

Organizations

The North American Association for the Catechumenate (NAAC)

An ecumenical organization for Protestant churches in North America that are involved in implementing
catechumenal processes in their faith communities. The organization holds an annual gathering for those
engaged in catechumenal ministries and sponsors training events across North America to teach parishes
how to introduce and support ministries of making disciples using the catechumenal process. Membership in
NAAC is available to individuals, congregations, and denominations. Present membership includes
Lutherans, Episcopalians, Reformed/Presbyterians, United Methodists, and Mennonites.

The North American Forum on the Catechumenate (NAForum) [http://www.naforum.org/new_site/]

An International Network of Pastoral Ministers, Liturgists, Catechists, and Theologians (predominantly Roman
Catholic). Since 1981 the Forum has united and supported pastoral ministers in the U.S., Canada, and
beyond. Dedicated to making a fully implemented Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults a reality for all.
Committed to evangelization and conversion through catechesis, liturgy, discipleship, and mission.
Celebrating all cultural gifts.

Compiled by Daniel T. Benedict, StrongCenterOpenDoors. Posted on 7/7/2008