Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

— Psalms 25:4

Either before you arrive or as you wait for class to begin, find this short passage from Sacred Scripture in your Bible or through an online search. Reading it will prepare you for this week’s material.

— Philippians 2:12–18

O God, who have been pleased to draw new members to your Church and make them your children, pour out your grace upon them and lead them through the mysteries so that what you have begun in them may be brought to proper completion. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

As you watch the video lesson, refer to these key highlights. Feel free to use the space provided to take notes.

• Mystagogy is a word that means “leading through the mysteries.” The period of mystagogy follows entrance into the Church.

• Mystagogy is a time to review the Faith with a fresh perspective, now enlightened by the grace of the sacraments.

• Mystagogy is a time to strengthen your friendships with other Catholics and get involved in various groups that can help you strengthen your practice of the Faith.
  

  

Wisdom of the Saints

See how great a dignity Jesus bestows on you. You were called a Catechumen, while the word echoed round you from without; hearing of hope, and knowing it not; hearing mysteries, and not understanding them; hearing Scriptures, and not knowing their depth. The echo is no longer around you, but within you; for the indwelling Spirit henceforth makes your mind a house of God.

— St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Take a moment to go through these questions with the group. For larger classes, divide them up into partners. Answers are provided to assist you in leading discussion.

1. What does mystagogy mean? What is the purpose of it?

   ** Mystagogy means “leading through the mysteries.” It involves leading a newly initiated Catholic through a deeper experience of the mysteries of the Faith so that they are provided with continued education and support as they begin to practice the Faith in its fullness.**

2. What are the two parts to mystagogy?

   Mystagogy involves (1) learning through experience and (2) integration into the community of faith.

3. Why does the Church call for a time of mystagogy?

   The Church recognizes that theoretical instruction is not sufficient on its own, and so she calls for a time of mystagogy to help walk newly initiated Catholics through the experience of being Catholic and to help them fully integrate what they have learned with the whole of their lives.

Liturgical catechesis aims to initiate people into the mystery of Christ (It is “mystagogy.”) by proceeding from the visible to the invisible, from the sign to the thing signified, from the “sacraments” to the “mysteries.”

— CCC 1075

Discuss these questions with the group, pair them with a partner, or ask them to meditate on their own.

1. If you were recently baptized or received into the Church, explain what the experience was like. Did anything surprise you? Have you noticed any difference in your life?

   The experience often brings a deep sense of welcome and belonging, along with an awareness of receiving God’s grace and a new identity as a member of the Body of Christ. Surprises can include the warmth of the community, the power of the rituals, or how emotional the liturgy feels. Many people notice practical differences too: a stronger desire for prayer and the sacraments, a clearer moral direction, and a sense of purpose in serving others. Ongoing conversion and growth are normal after initiation.

2. What do you think are the biggest challenges that await you in living out the Faith? Are there any areas you would like to focus on? Who will help you?

   Common challenges include living counterculturally in a secular society, maintaining a consistent prayer and sacramental life, and making moral choices under pressure. Areas to focus on might be daily prayer, Scripture reading, catechesis, and sacramental practice. Support can come from a sponsor, parish priest, catechist, small faith groups, a spiritual director, and faithful friends or family.

3. Do you plan to get involved in a group at your parish? How do you think your friendship with other Catholics will nurture your faith?

   Yes—joining a parish group (Bible study, service ministry, prayer group, or social outreach) builds accountability, provides formation, and offers opportunities for service. Friendships with other Catholics encourage regular worship, honest conversation about faith, practical support in living Christian virtues, and mutual encouragement in times of struggle.
   

   

After concluding your group discussion, return to watch the second video where converts to the Catholic faith discuss their conversion and how they live today as Catholics.

Rome to Home

Catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of liturgical and sacramental activity, for it is in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, that Christ Jesus works in fullness for the transformation of human beings.

— Pope St. John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, no. 23

Mystagogy: The instruction that immediately follows being received into the Church. Newly initiated Catholics are “led through the mysteries” of the Faith with a fresh perspective enlightened by the grace of the sacraments.

God’s Word

Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

— 1 Peter 2:2–3

Leader: Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
All: For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
Leader: Has risen, as he said, alleluia.
All: Pray for us to God, alleluia.
Leader: Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
All: For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.