Celebrating the Rites of Initiation: A Practical Ceremonial Guide for Clergy and Other Liturgical Ministers

by James F. Turrell

Celebrating the Rites of Initiation continues the standard of scholarship set by Patrick Malloy’s Celebrating the Eucharist, and offers similar aids around issues of baptism and confirmation. It is an ideal book for students and practicing clergy who seek to strengthen their knowledge―and parochial practice―of baptismal theology.

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

James Fielding Turrell

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of whether a parish uses two separate tracks or a combined approach, the catechumenal process is an effective means for preparing candidates for confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation. It avoids the faults of the typical "confirmation class," which is generally overly academic and lecture driven, and too likely to detour into Anglican and Episcopal trivia at the expense of more vital matters. Christianity is a practice, not a body of doctrine, and the catechumenal process is the best approach available for preparing persons to live the Christian life. It works for these candidates for the same reason that it works for the unbaptized catechumens: by pairing candidates with sponsors; creating supportive small groups; and addressing the whole of Christian life, from belief to practice.

James F. Turrell examines the rites of initiation as expressed within the 1979 BCP--an initiation which, according to Turrell, retained the rite of "confirmation" after a failed attempt was made to remove it entirely from the 1979 book. Turrell shows how the concept of being confirmed in the church after being baptized is paradoxical and often theologically pointless. Like so many other liturgists I read, he vents, employs sarcasm at those who don't practice as he believes they should practice, and, in general, carries on cranky while expounding that his side of the fence is greener.

Still, at its heart, this is a book worthy of study and reflection. I may disagree with some of Turrell's recommendations or mandates, but I see the value in wrestling with them regarding baptism. With liturgy, no one is ever absolutely correct; there's always ambiguity. But how we do church matters. And we should "do church" where we are fully aware that, at its foundation, liturgy is a fragile, precious practice which must be bolstered and defended and adapted. And here Turrell provides ample opportunity to do just that with one critical element of our practice.

If the Episcopal Church does die out, it will be because we were too afraid to live into the baptismal covenant of the 1979 prayer book, and too embarrassed to bring new people into an encounter with the Lord who lies behind it. The cheap grace that some accuse the Episcopal Church of peddling lies not in those congregations that have embraced the fundamental worth and dignity of women or gay folk or ethnic minorities or the poor--a worth and dignity indicated by the baptismal covenant's promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. Where cheap grace is peddled, it is in those places that do not use the 1979 baptismal covenant, or do not take it seriously; in those places where baptism happens willy-nilly and without catechumenal preparation; in those places where Christian faith in Episcopal tradition is regarded more like a fraternity or a social club and less the Way of the one who hung out with sinners and ate with them.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical and (I assume) useful.