What is Catechesis?
"Catechesis is nothing other than
the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it,
understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways."
(General Directory for Catechesis #105)
Jesus empowered the Church to continue His
mission when He said,
Full authority has been given to me both in
heaven and on earth; go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to
carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the
end of time. (Mt. 28:18-20)
This great commission has been handed to
women and men, whom God has called, to proclaim the Good News. This ministry of teaching
and forming has traditionally been referred to as catechesis.
The name of catechesis was given to
the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe
that Jesus is the Son of God...and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus
build up the Body of Christ.
(Catechesi Tradendae #1)
The word catechesis comes from the
Greek meaning "to echo the teaching" meaning that catechesis or the
teaching of the faith is an interactive process in which the Word of God re-sounds between
and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the Holy Spirit! Catechesis
is a life-long process of initial conversion, formation, education, and on-going
conversion. Through word, worship, service and community, it seeks to lead all God's
people to an ever deepening relationship with God who reveals himself in Jesus Christ
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Catechesis takes many forms and includes the
initiation of adults, youth and children as well as the intentional and systematic effort
to enable all to grow in faith and discipleship.
Many people recall the term C.C.D. which
stood for the "Confraternity of Christian Doctrine" which served parishes in
their efforts to provide religious education to children who attended public schools.
Today, we have retrieved the notion of catechesis to capture the broader mission
of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to adults, youth and children in order to "put
people in communion with Jesus Christ" (Catechism of the Catholic Church #426).
