In the Catholic Church, the recommendation is to “Use the catechumenate as an inspiring model for all catechesis.” Whatever model is used, adult faith formation should always actively challenge participants to get involved with their own faith journey, passive listening is never enough; the goal is always conversion. (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States, 1999, 2000, p. Paragraphs #81)

Note, talk here of catechesis, instruction for the baptized, vs. evangelization, for those who have never heard the Word and/or are unbaptized. Vastly different foci, methods, training.

A simple example will suffice. In my model, the unbaptized begin at step/transition zero, and their first task is step/transition 1, that is, genuine repentance following Jesus’ words, “Repent and believe, for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mt. 3:2). For adults, repentance leads to step/transition 2, that is, baptism in the Catholic Church and reception of the Eucharist (Jesus: I am the bread of life). However, in Catholic spiritual formation, to deepen their faith they can move immediately to step/transition 3, following Jesus’ motto, “I am the light of the world.”

However, that first movement to live in the Catholic Church in step 3 means, like Jesus, to face the temptations in their inner desert, and that means transition from tendencies toward mindless busy work (stones into bread), desires for fame (throw off the temple), or power and money. Efforts to resist those three temptations is not only spiritual growth but may also include the frequently unmentioned, improved mental health as a Catholic.