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The text consists of introductory pages outlining the design and goals of the program, a forward and a few pages explaining the rationale and the process to be used. Eight chapters follow which are the material for meetings of an hour and a half, guided by a facilitator. A short concluding chapter outlines the final meeting on the Feast of Pentecost. An index and bibliography complete the text.
Each chapter begins with an illustration of one of Aesop's fables. Then the story is told for each fable. The text then invites discussion. Then the text gives a brief treatise of the chapter topic. Each chapter concludes with exercises outlined on "worksheets."
The chapter invites the participants to come to know the Person of Jesus and the specific mission He had from the Father. Jesus is presented as one described in many different ways in the course of history and in the present times. Participants are invited to discern their own understanding of the Person of Jesus Christ. The text presents the Person of Jesus Whom the Church accepts as the Son of God come into the world with the mission of being Savior.
Jesus called others to come and follow Him - to join with Him to accomplish the mission He had from the Father. The chapter treats of the call of the apostles, the identification of the apostles as His successors and their calling others in turn to be their successors.
The group gathered in the name of Jesus became conscious of its shared mission. The figure of the Vine and Branches leads to an understanding of the special union the community has with Jesus Christ. Early experiences of the Eucharist are presented. The Community with the mission is identified as the Church.
The Church is structured as the human body is structured. Each part of the body has a certain function and each is a member of the Mystical Body of Christ. Each member can become conscious of his or her special role in the Church. The student exercise includes a short resume of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.
Each person is a unique creation of God. God calls people to use their free wills to discern that purpose. Each discernment leads to specific decisions and commitments. Persons are identified as individuals and given a name. Many names have a very significant meaning, especially Biblical names. The names, "Jesus," and "Christian" have a very special significance. The exercises include a study of proper names and names of people with special functions.
Prayer shows willingness, openness and readiness to learn and accept God's Will. Models to follow are people we know from the Scriptures such as Samuel, Moses, Mary and Jesus Himself. Both community prayer and personal prayer are described and demonstrated. The end of discernment is described as peace resulting from an honest and prayerful search.
The community known as Church has a role in discernment. We learn from other members of the community how to live and act as Christians. We depend upon their support and prayers. A person's final decision to follow a call is confirmed by the Church. We can see that there are some specific Christian calls that are identified with special names and there are acts that flow from the commitment of Baptism, not always identified with special names. The meaning of commitment, commissioning, and ordination are also explained.
Affirmation of the Call The Baptismal commitment is in a way, "generic." God calls some members to very specific responsibilities and gives people special grace to live those specific and permanent commitments. The chapter identifies some of those ministries, their names and the rituals that celebrate those commitments. The neophyte is brought to understand the meaning of ministering "in the name of the Church.
The Mass of Pentecost with a celebration after the Liturgy completes the journey of the neophytes. The participants will meet the neophytes just received at Easter and will be invited to support them and share their experience of Mystagogy.
Each chapter is introduced with a special drawing of one of Aesop's fables. The sessions begin with a discussion of the story of one of the prominent fables leading to an association of some of our human qualities and characteristics, which have a special significance in our lives.
The facilitator's notes will suggest how the discussion can be guided and directed toward conclusions relative to the chapter's topic. Other stories and passages are identified and can b used if helpful.
Each chapter has its own "student worksheets." These are exercises that are done in groups and shared. They help the participant process the material and integrate it more fully into their lives.
The presence of members of the parish help in the process of discussion and also help the neophytes expand their circles of friends within the community which is now "their church, their community." The various roles that these other parishioners fulfill within the community help suggest ideas of what each neophyte may want to do in order to act out his or her Christian commitment.
Prayer experience is a part of each meeting. The facilitator can design a prayer or choose a prayer, or use one provided. The prayer experience helps the neophytes become more comfortable with praying together as members of the same community. A time for some social activity is also provided in the time schedule.
"MYSTAGOGY
22. After the completion of their Christian Initiation I the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and eucharist, the neophytes should begin the period of mystagogy by participating in the principal Sunday Eucharist of the community throughout the Easter season, which ends on Pentecost Sunday. They should do this as a body in company with their godparents and those who have assisted in their Christian formation.
23. Under the moderation of the diocesan bishop, the mystagogy should embrace a deepened understanding of the mysteries of baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist, and especially of the eucharist as the continuing celebration of faith and conversion.
24. After the immediate mystagogy or postbaptismal catechesis during the Easter season, the program for the neophytes should extend until the anniversary of Christian initiation, with at least monthly assemblies of the neophytes for their deeper Christian formation and incorporation into the full life of the Christian community"