Unfolding the Mystery of Christ Sunday by Sunday Formation of Catechumens

Eliot's genuine concern for and love of the RCIA comes through in this work. With its blend of personal witness, teachings of the Church, and very practical suggestions and models, this text would benefit any parish's initiation ministry. You will come away from it not only with the inspiration to want to do better for those who participate in the RCIA, but also equipped to do so. Thank you for this wonderful gift!

Eliot Kapitan's considerable experience, knowledge-and love-of the RCIA come to bear in Unfolding the Mystery of Christ. The vision he presents is at once faithful to the Church's mission of forming disciples of Jesus Christ and a challenge to delve more deeply into the catechetical process. I am especially grateful for the practical strategies he offers and I look forward to using this book to inspire catechists in my diocese!

The great gift of this book is that it has been written by someone with decades of parish and diocesan experience. Its conversational style draws the reader in and encourages effective habits among RCIA team members and parish communities. In Part One, Kapitan lays a firm foundation with an authentic vision of the RCIA, substantiated by the Church's documents and liturgical texts. Chapter Four offers an impressive history of the Church's major catechetical texts and the methods they have endorsed. In Part Two, he examines common errors in parish practice, yet offers practical solutions and effective catechetical preparations based upon Scripture. Throughout, he cites "helpful resources" for every issue, including annotated bibliographies. This book should be mandatory reading for all who journey with catechumens and candidates.

Unfolding the Mystery of Christ is a fantastic new resource for all who care about the process of initiating new Christians. It spreads before the reader the exciting, life-giving adventure which Initiation should be, not only for the catechumens, but for catechists, sponsors, other parish ministers, and the entire parish. Few people can bring to this topic the depth of experience and wisdom that Eliot Kapitan brings to this book. Even fewer people can bring catechesis and liturgy together harmoniously the way Kapitan does. Richly documented yet very practical, this book is a must-read for Initiation teams and clergy.

Informational. Inspirational. Practical. Eliot is so knowledgeable about all aspects of the RCIA and explains formation in a way that can be understood and appreciated by the novice to the seasoned catechist. This is a resource that I will return to again and again. All will want this book in their library.