What Can I expect as an Inquirer and Catechumen?

[Wandering Soul]

I plan to be reaching out to a parish about becoming a catechumen. What are some things I should expect to learn or do as a either an inquirer or catechumen? I understand the process can take a year or more.

 

[jas3]

As an inquirer, nothing is expected of you. I asked my priest while I was still an inquirer if I could venerate the icons, and he said yes, but otherwise I didn't participate beyond making the sign of the cross and making prostrations along with everyone else.

For catechumens, at my parish, there's a weekly class on Saturdays where we meet with the priest before Vespers. He teaches a lesson and is available throughout the week to talk to for guidance or to go more in-depth on questions we have about the lesson if we run out of time on Saturday. Most people seem to spend about 9 months as catechumens, but from what I hear that varies from one priest to another.

My priest also set me up with a prayer book and a daily prayer rule when I became a catechumen, as well as Scripture to read. He's guided me on getting icons, reading Scripture prayerfully, fasting, navigating conversations with Protestant family members, and much more. Also, since becoming a catechumen, I've gotten more involved with the church, helping with meals and other tasks.

Becoming a catechumen involves a small rite prior to the start of Divine Liturgy where the priest asks you formally if you want to become a catechumen. After that, you're added to the prayers for catechumens, and as my priest has explained it to me, you are basically a member of the parish for all intents and purposes other than taking communion.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I plan to be reaching out to a parish about becoming a catechumen. What are some things I should expect to learn or do as an either an inquirer or catechumen? I understand the process can take a year or more.

this really is something that’s up to your priest. expect to learn, and a greater expectation of attending the services (especially during Lent). you don’t really have any as an inquirer.

 

[rusmeister]

Expect that people will disappoint you in the Church, including clergy. We are fallen, we sin, we err, we often do not live up to the high standard set before us: “Be ye holy as I am holy”. We are all in a hospital for the sick, because we ourselves are sick, but it is the right hospital.

 

[gzt]

I plan to be reaching out to a parish about becoming a catechumen. What are some things I should expect to learn or do as a either an inquirer or catechumen? I understand the process can take a year or more.

Cool! Are you currently attending the parish? I recommend starting to attend and then asking the priest what the process is for joining the church at that parish. Typically what you'll be asked to do is regularly attend the services at the parish, at some point they might have some class for people to learn more about Orthodoxy so that you know what you're getting into (nothing too hard, typically just some lectures and maybe a book to go over about what Orthodox Christians believe and do), and then if you want to make the plunge (or at least seriously consider making the plunge), you'll be given more targeted instruction about how to pray and fast and live as an Orthodox Christian, and then at the end, if you still want to do it, you'll be baptized or chrismated. What will you need to learn? Mostly the contents of a basic catechism. What will you need to do? At first, just come to church regularly, then maybe come to some classes and do some reading as well, and later you'll have to start maybe actually praying as instructed (nothing too heavy).

 

[Wandering Soul]

As an inquirer, nothing is expected of you. I asked my priest while I was still an inquirer if I could venerate the icons, and he said yes, but otherwise I didn't participate beyond making the sign of the cross and making prostrations along with everyone else.

For catechumens, at my parish, there's a weekly class on Saturdays where we meet with the priest before Vespers. He teaches a lesson and is available throughout the week to talk to for guidance or to go more in-depth on questions we have about the lesson if we run out of time on Saturday. Most people seem to spend about 9 months as catechumens, but from what I hear that varies from one priest to another.

My priest also set me up with a prayer book and a daily prayer rule when I became a catechumen, as well as Scripture to read. He's guided me on getting icons, reading Scripture prayerfully, fasting, navigating conversations with Protestant family members, and much more. Also, since becoming a catechumen, I've gotten more involved with the church, helping with meals and other tasks.

Becoming a catechumen involves a small rite prior to the start of Divine Liturgy where the priest asks you formally if you want to become a catechumen. After that, you're added to the prayers for catechumens, and as my priest has explained it to me, you are basically a member of the parish for all intents and purposes other than taking communion.

That's very helpful.

this really is something that’s up to your priest. expect to learn, and a greater expectation of attending the services (especially during Lent). you don’t really have any as an inquirer.

I figure there is some tailoring toward the individual. I am just curious what the general outline is like.

Expect that people will disappoint you in the Church, including clergy. We are fallen, we sin, we err, we often do not live up to the high standard set before us: “Be ye holy as I am holy”. We are all in a hospital for the sick, because we ourselves are sick, but it is the right hospital.

I don't think I can be disappointed with society more than I already am. I really don't expect anything good but am pleasantly surprised when it does happen. That's kind of depressing to put into words, eh?

Cool! Are you currently attending the parish? I recommend starting to attend and then asking the priest what the process is for joining the church at that parish. Typically what you'll be asked to do is regularly attend the services at the parish, at some point they might have some class for people to learn more about Orthodoxy so that you know what you're getting into (nothing too hard, typically just some lectures and maybe a book to go over about what Orthodox Christians believe and do), and then if you want to make the plunge (or at least seriously consider making the plunge), you'll be given more targeted instruction about how to pray and fast and live as an Orthodox Christian, and then at the end, if you still want to do it, you'll be baptized or chrismated. What will you need to learn? Mostly the contents of a basic catechism. What will you need to do? At first, just come to church regularly, then maybe come to some classes and do some reading as well, and later you'll have to start maybe actually praying as instructed (nothing too heavy).

I went last week, which was the first time I've stepped into a church in 20 years. I am hopeful to attend this Sunday as well.

What is it to be Chrismated? Is that like sprinkling?

 

[prodromos]

What is it to be Chrismated? Is that like sprinkling?

Holy Chrism is the seal of the Holy Spirit. In the Orthodox Church people are received into the Church by the threefold sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion.
The Chrism, which is a mix of olive oil and aromatic herbs, is mixed and blessed in a special Liturgy by the Patriarch, and then distributed to the Churches to be used by the priests.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I figure there is some tailoring toward the individual. I am just curious what the general outline is like.

aside from how the bishop directs his priests to receive people, it really is between that person and his priest