The Catholic Church is to proclaim the Gospel message in such a way that it may take root in those being catechized and foster conversion to the person and message of Jesus Christ. Catechesis is an essential component of the Church’s mission of evangelization. Its definitive aim “is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” (National Directory for Catechesis #19B) Catechesis echoes the faith of the multicultural Church as it is believed, celebrated, lived and prayed. It is a gradual and lifelong process with Jesus Christ at its center. A Catechist’s vocation is to communicate the Gospel message and the teachings of the Church in a way that connects with the lives and experiences of adults, youth and children and moves them to develop a “living, conscious and active” faith. The goal is ongoing conversion and discipleship to Jesus Christ. In parishes, catechesis takes many forms:
2. The baptismal catechumenate
3. Adult faith and spiritual formation
4. Small Christian Communities
5. Sacramental preparation
6. Intergenerational catechesis
7. Family catechesis
8. Catechesis for those with Disabilities
9. Youth catechesis
10. Catechetical programs for children
11. Vacation Bible Schools
Catechesis is the responsibility of the entire community and is most effective when there is a real partnership between the parish community, the family and those who serve as catechists in parish programs.
What about the Office of Catechesis?
“Catechesis is so basic to the life of every particular Church, that no diocese can be without its own catechetical office.”-General Directory for Catechesis 267
“The Catechetical Office is “the means which the Bishop as head of the community and teacher of doctrine utilizes to direct and moderate all the catechetical activities of the diocese.”-GDC 265
The National Directory for Catechesis singles out the following ways in which the Catechetical Office exercises its competencies:
1. by analyzing the state of catechesis in the diocese and identifying the catechetical needs;
2. by developing and implementing an effective plan of action to address these needs;
3. by providing formation for catechists
4. by providing to the parishes guidelines and materials for catechesis, and ongoing assistance in
the choice of catechetical texts, materials and the use of contemporary communications
5. by organizing, establishing, and supporting the programs; structures, and groups which cause
and direct effective catechesis in the Diocese;
6. by collaborating closely with the Liturgical office especially for catechumenal and initiatory
7. The mission and mandate of the Catechetical Office is to provide the leadership, policy,
guidelines and structures for Catechesis of the highest quality in every parish and to every
parishioner of the culturally rich Diocese of Boise.
So for Children’s Catechesis?
We must dream and believe that together we can put in place resources, events, retreats, activities, and more that allow us to minister effectively and with unbound enthusiasm! I want to hear from you what you need to be the most effective DRE, Children’s coordinator, CRE, VBS organizer, First Sacramental prep coordinator you can be! Let’s dream and begin to build a new and effecti8ve way to bring the Good News to our children!