Order code: JEN | 978-1-61671-733-9 | Saddlestitched | 6 x 9 | 64 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2025
This product qualifies for quantity discount pricing.
| Quantity: | Discount |
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| 1-4 copies | $8.95 each |
| 5-24 copies | $7.95 each |
| 25 or more | $6.95 each |
Throughout their initiation process, the elect have prepared to be welcomed into the Catholic Church. After a time of catechesis and prayer, they — along with a sponsor, godparent, and parish leaders — have discerned that God is calling them to begin the final stage of their journey of preparation during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.
A Journal for the Elect and Neophytes is a tool to guide the elect’s prayer and reflection throughout the seasons of Lent and Easter. It includes brief introductions for each Sunday or ritual that the elect will celebrate with their parish family, as well as reflection questions or an activity prompt. The journal provides spaces to write responses and reflections on the seasons and on the liturgies they have experienced. By taking time to ponder how God spoke to us through the signs, symbols, music, and people in the liturgy, we provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, heart, and mind to the presence of God in a deeper or new way, which allows us to strengthen our relationship with God.
A companion to the elect as they prepare for and celebrate the wonderful seasons of Lent and Easter, this journal will provide them with insights and reflections to continue their journey as new members of our faith community.
"Purification and Enlightenment and Mystagogy have a unique meaning that can sometimes be missed by both initiation ministers and those going through the process. Catherine Ecker clearly understands appropriate implementation of initiation ministry and the distinctive meaning of both periods. In a profound, yet uncomplicated manner, she presents an invaluable resource for the Elect and the Neophyte. Ecker begins this resource with a letter to the Elect and future Neophyte that provides a focus of the purpose of the journal, which is to 'guide your prayer and reflection throughout the season of Lent and Easter' (5). The focus of the sections that follow are a formative source of liturgical catechesis that will support them for a lifetime.
A Journal for the Elect and Neophytes can also help initiation ministers understand the essence of Lent and Easter. The journal reminds us of the baptismal character of Lent and that during this season the elect 'join the whole Church as she wanders through the Lenten desert toward the quenching waters of salvation' (7). After a rich liturgical catechesis of the Easter Vigil, when the atmosphere of Easter tends to fade, Ecker beckons the neophytes to 'recall the joy, excitement, and peace that was part of the Easter Vigil' (57). Not to be missed, Ecker ends this resource with a section, 'On the Anniversary of your Baptism.' The message is clear, the celebration of the sacraments is not an end but a beginning. The celebration of the sacraments of initiation are a prelude to a way of life that is reflective of the mystery of Jesus Christ. This is a resource that should be in the hands of anyone preparing for baptism."
—Donna Eschenauer, phd,
Associate Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Pastor Theology, St. Joseph’s Seminary and College, Yonkers, NY
"The Journal for the Elect and Neophytes authentically immerses them into Scripture and the liturgical rites of Lent and Easter helping them to build a personal relationship with Jesus. It will help them reflect more deeply on their encounter with Christ."
—Joyce Politte, Director of Religious Education and Christian Initiation, St. Joachim, Old Mines, MO
"I Catherine Ecker has produced a very usable and helpful guide for the elect and neophytes. It is true to the Order of Christian Initiation’s expectations and will prove a benefit to Christians as they venture into their new role in the Body of Christ. I look forward to using it for years to come!"
—Deacon Keith Davis, Director of Adult Faith Formation, Our Lady of the Most Rosary Catholic Church, Albuquerque, NM
This supplement will be available soon.
