What is Catechesis?
Catechism Meditation:
“Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life.” ―No. 5
REFLECTION. The word Catechesis comes from the Greek work “Katékhéo” meaning to “echo down”. In catechesis, the aim is to echo the truths of the Catholic faith, which have been passed down from Jesus Himself, from generation to generation. It is a basic but comprehensive introduction in the Christian faith. It sets the foundations for mature Christian discipleship by teaching what Christians believe, hope, and love. Catechesis, in short, is a unique practice of teaching Christians, both children and adults, the basics of the faith. It shares certain features with Bible study, adult education, Sunday School, or other forms of discipleship, but none of these really capture what catechesis is about. Catechesis aims at passing on the faith in a way that not only informs us about the faith but also seeks to draw us into a changed way of thinking, feeling, and living as Christians. Authentic catechesis is an encounter with Christ and an invitation to follow Him ever more closely. Saint John Paul II described it as putting “people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity” (Catecesi Tradendae, 5).
In his reflection on Spiritual Training from the book, Praying with Saint Paul, Fr. J. M. Sullivan, O.P. writes… When was the last time that you read a book about the Catholic faith? Don’t say the answer out loud, but think now about the last time you watched a television program. We often don’t find ourselves nourished by “the words of the faith” because we are disconnected from them. The Bible is on the bookshelf, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is that new book we haven’t had a chance to pick up yet, and religious programming bores us when it it comes on television. Probably the greatest difficulty in living out our Catholic faith, though, is the lack of knowledge we have about the faith. We fall victim to public opinion polls about the Church and her teachings. Most Catholic adults stopped learning about the faith in the eighth grade, and so when faced with a forty or fifty-year-old’s questions, the mind of a thirteen-year-old doesn’t help all that much. Saint Paul says, If you offer these instructions to the brethren, you will prove to be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed” (1 Tm 4:6).
Saint Paul reminds us that our faith is meant to nourish us. The “sound teaching” that we have received we are to follow and be nourished with for the rest of our lives. It is the fullness which lies within our grasp as we learn about our faith. Catechesis is for every age, not just for children. Being educated in the faith is not something that stops because of a graduation or a sacrament. Rather, those moments become opportunities for learning even more about the Lord Jesus, and in truth falling more deeply in love with Him.
PRAYER. Dear God, grant me the knowledge to understand the catechism fully. Let my studies bring me closer to You and strengthen my faith.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“A strong Catholic education can make life worth living.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen