Our seminar asks questions that stand at the intersection of a classicordo for Christian Initiation and the ongoing formation of the church. What is the vision for the church inherent within these rites? How is that intention both supported and resisted by the church? What historical sources inform us?
Convener
Seminar Report 2026
Convener
Christina Ronzio
Description of Work
Our seminar asks questions that stand at the intersection of a classic ordo for Christian Initiation and the ongoing formation of the church. What is the vision for the church inherent Christian-initiation resisted by the church? What historical sources inform us?
In 2026 we specifically considered baptismal feasts in the
Anglican Church, Confirmation and synodality, initiation in case of
emergency, reception of communion from the chalice, the
reception of baptized Christians and baptismal theology in the
contemporary Episcopalian church. A rich diversity of topics with
many relational tie-ins.
Other Work and Plans for the Future
Possible topics for 2027:
- Kelli Joyce – chapter from dissertation
- Kelli Joyce & Stephen Wilbricht – chapters on EDI (see below in
EDI section). - Stephen Wilbricht – chapter from Michael Connors upcoming
book on homiletics (LTP) – Preaching our Common Baptism as
Missionary Disciples - Considerations on Synodality and Liturgy, especially initiation
- Jordan Sandrock – TBD
- Paul Turner – Prayers in LOH for Easter and Easter Octave (links
to baptismal imagery) - Christopher O’Brien – dissertation coming out in Fall 2026
(Liturgical Press) – part of this - Dennis Chriszt – chapter on the Cup from new book on Precious
Blood spirituality - Christy Condyles – sacramental identity and Liturgy of the Word
discussion
Christina completed her time as convener. A new convener was
elected (2027 – 2029). Chris O’Brien was acclaimed by all present.
Seminar Report 2025
Convener
Christina Ronzio is the Director of the National Liturgy Office
(English Sector) of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
and the Secretary to the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy and the
Sacraments.
Members in Attendance
Dennis Chriszt, Christina Condyles, Nicholas Denysenko, Lawrence
Mick, David Pitt, Christina Ronzio, Vicky Tufano, Paul Turner,
Stephen Wilbricht
Visitors in Attendance
Andreá Cummings, Byron DeAndre, Megan Terese Effron, Justin
Huyck, Kelli Joyce, Reed Miller, Christopher O’Brien, Jordan
Sandrock
Description of Work
This year we spent time considering topics related to the recent
release of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults by the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Time was also dedicated to
exploration of dissertation work by both members of the seminar
and visitors as well as papers and works in progress for future
publication.
Papers and Presentations
- Christina Condyles: Sacramental Personhood: Forming Christian
Identity through the Sacraments of Initiation - Nicholas Denysenko: Echoes of Nicaea: The Ministry of the
Baptized in the Twenty-first Century - Kelli Joyce: Christian Initiation and Liturgical Authority in
Contemporary Episcopal Practice - Chris O’Brien: Infant Communion in Roman Catholicism, Children
and the Eucharist at the Council of Trent - Paul Turner: Receiving the Baptized Candidate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Stephen Wilbricht: Baptism: The Foundation of a Synodal Church
A Pastoral and Theological Commentary on the Order of Christian
Initiation of Adults (LTP: 2024) – Introductory Essays
Other Work and Plans for the Future: The seminar members discussed topics for exploration at the 2026 meeting, which could include: sacramental and liturgical
elements of the Synod; the Holy Spirit and Christian initiation, how this plays into sacramental personhood, baptismal vows and ethical practices; conciliarity and Eastern Orthodox Christianity; Anglican Church of Canada updated Christian initiation texts; creation and initiation; music and the rites of initiation.
Seminar Report 2022
Convener
Garrick Comeaux (not present)
Members in Attendance
Christina Condyles, Timothy Fitzgerald, Victoria Tufano, Paul Turner, Stephen Wilbricht
Visitors in Attendance
N/A
Description of Work
The Christian Initiation Seminar addresses questions that stand at the intersection of sacraments of initiation, the classic Ordo for Christian initiation, and ongoing discipleship in the church.
Papers and Presentations
- Paul Turner, “The Oil of Catechumens”
Other Work and Plans for the Future:
The members discussed at length the Academy’s call to examine equality, diversity and inclusion issues in the life of the church and the life of the Academy itself. This will influence the seminar’s focus for next year‚ baptismal identity and ecumenical inclusion and equality, inclusion and exclusion with the eucharistic community. How do we live out the radical equality that Christian baptism expresses? How do we fail to do so?