Formed In Faith

Men, women and children preparing for sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church were recognized during ceremonies at St. Bernadette Church March 10. About 185 catechumens, pictured above, were recognized during the Rite of Election. Another 191 candidates were recognized during the Call to Continuing Conversion. (Record Photo by Marnie McAllister)

Throughout their preparation, the catechumens and candidates have been like apprentices, said Maureen Larison, consultant for adult formation and initiation for the archdiocese.

“The whole parish and the catechumens and candidates are meant to work side-by-side, just as an apprentice and master do,” said Larison during an interview prior to the March 10 event. 

“You don’t say, ‘Watch me’ or ‘Let me tell you all the things it means to be Catholic.’ It means, let me walk with you,” she said.

In that way, she said quoting a popular saying after the Second Vatican Council, “Faith is caught, not taught.”

“It is both,” she said, “but it’s more caught than taught.”

“To be Catholic is not just to know things, but to learn how to follow Jesus Christ. We’re not just teaching a set of beliefs,” she added.

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