One of the most astonishing realities that parish catechists will discover throughout this Year of Faith is that the faith, articulated in the Church’s magisterial documents, is not only heartbreakingly beautiful –it is also true! Once catechists are clear about this point they can resolve to speak the more boldly, empowered by grace. And then a New Evangelization can truly take place.

I would like to look at this question of the truth of the faith through the lens of the “first echo” of some of our early Church Fathers. These early Christians said that “The world was created for the sake of the Church” (CCC 760). The Catechism goes on to say:

“God created the world for the sake of communion with his divine life, a communion brought about by the ‘convocation’ of men in Christ, and this convocation is the Church. The Church is the goal of all things.”

How many Catholics would be willing to say that in public? How many catechists believe that? Before any real re-evangelization can take place those evangelizing must believe this and be able to articulate its meaning. Good catechesis depends on a clear understanding of the role and authority of the Church and from where that authority is derived.