Catechists What are we about?

The Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt.28: 19-20)

Evangelization “ The Church ‘exists in order to evangelize,’ that is ‘the carrying forth of the Good News to every sector of the human race so that by its strength it may enter into the hearts of men and renew the human race.’” (GDC, 46)

Catechesis Catechesis provides the knowledge, skills and experiences to become evangelists

The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” (Catechesis Tradendae 5)

What does this mean? Catechesis is about more than religious education Catechesis is about faith formation We need to know about Jesus We need to know Jesus.

How do we come to know God? Learning and Experience –Creation –Sacred Scripture: Jesus is the Word of God –People: We are the Body of Christ Parents, others Church: teachings, Tradition, community life

Tasks of Catechesis Education for Community Life Missionary Initiation Moral Formation Teaching to pray Liturgical education Promoting knowledge of the Faith

“By deepening knowledge of the faith, catechesis nourishes not only the life of faith but equips it to explain itself to the world.” (GDC, 85) Goals –Explore Scriptures to become hearers and doers of the word –Familiarity with creeds and doctrines –Learn about Church tradition and history –Learn about current Church teachings Promoting knowledge of the faith

Tools/Resources –Program materials –Bible –Catechism –Websites –Media –Other books and resources Promoting knowledge of the faith

Catechist guide is “cake” Main substance/tool Background information Learning goals Other resources are “frosting” Add flavor/texture Additional information/ideas Varied activities are “sprinkles” Add color and fun Make cake more pleasing Make cake more memorable Meets different learning styles VBS example—same lesson taught through Scripture role- play, songs, games, video, craft

Liturgical Education “The Church... desires that all the Christian faithful be brought to that full, conscious and active participation which is required by the very nature of the liturgy...” (GDC, 85)

Goals: –Understand meaning of the liturgy and sacraments –Acquire spirituality, skills and habits of full, conscious and active participation –Value the dignity and responsibility of our baptism –Understand roles of laity and ordained in liturgy and Christian mission Liturgical Education

Program –Opening gatherings Use of traditional prayers Variety of prayer experiences Liturgical season –Other Stations of the Cross Explore more children’s involvement during Mass Liturgical Education Classroom Encourage attendance and participation in Mass Use prayers, rituals, gestures from Mass and sacraments during class prayer Establish class rituals Be attentive to liturgical seasons/colors

“When catechesis is permeated by a climate of prayer, the assimilation of the entire Christian life reaches its summit.” (GDC, 85) Teaching to Pray

“To learn to pray with Jesus is to pray with the same sentiments with which he turned to the Father: –adoration –praise –thanksgiving –filial (childlike) confidence –supplication –and awe for his glory.” (GDC, 85) Our Father is model Teaching to Pray

–Become familiar with diverse forms and traditions of Christian prayer –Develop a regular pattern of personal prayer –Engage in shared prayer with others –Know and encourage practices of popular piety and devotion Teaching to Pray-Goals

Set up prayer space –Liturgical season colors –Holy objects (cross, rosary, Bible, prayer cards, etc.) –Objects from nature Vary prayer experiences –Scripture –Music –Movement –Quiet/reflection –Petition –Traditional prayers –Art Prayer for world issues Teaching to Pray-What We Can Do

“Conversion to Jesus Christ implies walking in his footsteps. Catechesis must, therefore, transmit to the disciples the attitudes of the Master himself.” (GDC, 85) Moral Formation

–Know and live the Great Commandment, Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, moral teachings of Church –Understand meaning and nature of sin and power of God’s grace to overcome it –Know and live Church teaching about respect for life –Live a life that reflects scriptural values Moral Formation-Goals

Be a good witness –“Preach the Gospel always; use words if necessary.” ~St. Francis Expect/show respect from/between students Discuss current events, school, peer happenings –Keep eyes/ears open for real-life opportunities from which to teach Be sensitive to family situations –“The Church teaches” Moral Formation-What We Can Do

“Catechesis... seeks to equip the disciples of Jesus to be present as Christians in society through their professional, cultural and social lives.” (GDC, 86) Missionary Initiation

Respond to God’s call whether as lay, ordained, or religious Be able to speak about faith with others, including those of different religion Apply Church’s moral and social teaching in personal, family, work, social life Serving, working for justice Missionary Initiation--Goals

“Christian community life is not realized spontaneously. It is necessary to educate it carefully.” (GDC 86) “... the teaching of Christ on community life... calls for attitudes which it is for catechesis to inculcate (teach).” (GDC 86) –simplicity and humility –concern for the least –care for the alienated –fraternal correction –common prayer –mutual forgiveness –fraternal love Education for Community Life

Cultivate Christian values that foster growth in interpersonal relationships Nurture civic responsibility Nurture marriage and family life Be active in parish life Support the ecumenical movement, promoting unity among God’s people Education for Community Life--Goals

Classroom –Help students apply learning to everyday life –Encourage/initiate service –Encourage participation at Mass and in parish activities Program –Service opportunities –Family activities –Socials Missionary Initiation and Education for Community Life—What We Can Do

All tasks are necessary –“As the vitality of the human body depends on the proper function of all of its organs, so also the maturation of the Christian life requires that it be cultivated in all its dimensions.” (GDC, 87) Tasks are interdependent and develop together. Tasks are accomplished in two ways: –transmission of the message –experience of the Christian life Tasks of Catechesis

Catechists do not merely instruct their students about Christ; they lead them to him. ( National Directory for Catechesis, 55E

“No methodology... can dispense with the person of the catechist. Only his (her) own human and Christian qualities guarantee a good use of texts and other work instruments.” (GDC, 156)