“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:3-5).

Now that you have received the sacraments of initiation and entered full communion with the Church, all of us at Catholic Online School extend to you our congratulations and warmest welcome. Praise be to the Father for calling you, and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for guiding you home into the womb of the Church!

You are also to be commended for your persistence in learning the divine faith of the Church. However, your journey is not over by any means—it has only just begun. The Christian life, with all the depths and riches of God, is set before you, stretching on into the future.

An integral part of living the Christian life is ongoing catechesis. In other words, building and maintaining knowledge of the belief and teaching of Christ and his Church is a lifelong enterprise. We should always desire to better know Jesus, the one we love.

In this series of lessons titled “Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy,” you’ll reflect back on the mysteries received at the Easter Vigil and learn more about what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the topics we’ll explore:

  • The regenerative and re-creative power of the sacrament of Baptism
  • The sacrament of Confirmation with its increase in the gift of the Holy Spirit
  • The Eucharist as our most intimate encounter with Christ
  • Evangelization as bearing witness to Christ and his Church
  • Loving and defending the Church
  • Life as a disciple of Christ
  • The Virgin Mary as our role model


From all of us at Catholic Online School: May Christ bless you on your journey of faith.


Earning a certificate of completion in this online course is not a substitute for completing a parish-based RCIA program. The Sacraments of Initiation can only be conferred by a bishop or priest. This certificate means you have successfully completed a course of study that is intended to supplement your parish RCIA program.


Course curriculum

  • 01

    Introduction to RCIA - For Adults - Post Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy with 'Certificate of Completion'

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'
  • 02

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 1 - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • INTRODUCTION - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • OPENING PRAYER - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • VIDEO - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • QUIZ - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Lesson 1 - Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 03

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 2 - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • INTRODUCTION - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • OPENING PRAYER - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • VIDEO - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • QUIZ - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 1 - Recreated in Baptism

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 04

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 2 - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • INTRODUCTION - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • OPENING PRAYER - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • VIDEO - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • QUIZ - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 2 - The Power of Confirmation

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 05

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 2 - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • INTRODUCTION - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • OPENING PRAYER - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • VIDEO - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • QUIZ - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Reflecting on the Mysteries Received - Lesson 3 - The Eucharist: Most Intimate Encounter with Christ

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 06

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 3 - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • INTRODUCTION - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • OPENING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • VIDEO - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • QUIZ - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 1 - The Church's Missionary Mandate

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 07

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 3 - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Witness to Christ and His Church

    • INTRODUCTION - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • OPENING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • VIDEO - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • QUIZ - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 2 - Evangelization: Bearing Wit

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 08

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 3 - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • INTRODUCTION - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • OPENING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • VIDEO - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • QUIZ - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 3 - Loving and Defending the Church

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 09

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 3 - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • INTRODUCTION - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • OPENING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • VIDEO - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • QUIZ - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 4 - Life as a Disciple of Christ

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 10

    RCIA - Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy - Course 3 - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • INTRODUCTION - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • OPENING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • VIDEO - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • QUIZ - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Living in Intimate Communion with Christ - Lesson 5 - The Virgin Mary as our Role Model

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

For free. For everyone. Forever.

With God, you can learn anything

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Professor of Theology, Department Chair