Adolescent catechesis is an important component of the more
broadly based, multifaceted ministry with youth. According to the document The
Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis, "the primary aim of adolescent catechesis is
to sponsor youth toward maturity in Catholic Christian faith as a living reality."
The document Renewing the Vision of
Youth Ministry identifies eight components of a youth ministry program: Advocacy,
Catechesis, Community Building, Evangelization, Justice and Service, Leadership, Pastoral
Care, and Prayer and Worship. Since they connect adolescent catechesis with the broader
aspect of youth ministry, collaboration between a catechetical leader and youth minister
is critical, as in the involvement of parents and families.
The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis lists ten
guiding principles. Of these, five are considered foundational. They describe the shape of
adolescent catechesis. The other five are considered operational principles. The describe
processes that should be included in the design of adolescent catechetical models.
Foundational Principles
Adolescent catechesis
