A Church that begets children in the faith

Abstract

This article presents and analyzes the experience of the adult baptismal catechumenate in the Archdiocese of Zaragoza as an expression of the Church's maternal and evangelizing responsibility. Drawing on the nature of the catechumenate and its recovery as an inspiring model for catechesis, the text describes its main stages—precatechumenate, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogy—as well as the elements that shape an authentic process of Christian initiation: its Paschal, initiatory, liturgical, communal, and progressive character, and its orientation toward conversion. Within this framework, the article traces the historical evolution of the catechumenal experience in Zaragoza from its parish-level origins to its gradual diocesan-wide implementation, paying special attention to welcoming, discernment, personal accompaniment, the celebration of rites and sacraments, and the incorporation of new Christians into the ecclesial community. The experience highlights the need to adapt these processes to the personal circumstances of the catechumens without losing the unity and richness inherent in the catechumenal journey. Finally, several pastoral challenges are raised: moving toward the institutionalization of the catechumenate, strengthening the involvement of Christian communities, developing a form of catechesis that is missionary, kerygmatic, and mystagogical in nature, prioritizing personal accompaniment, and fostering true integration into the life of the Church. Thus, the catechumenate emerges as a form of ecclesial wisdom capable of inspiring the renewal of catechesis and helping the Church bring forth new children in the faith.