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Understanding the Mission of Catechesis

About a year ago, I had the privilege of explaining the Church’s vision for the ministry of catechesis in a series of presentations at a catechist day of reflection. Introducing what I considered the most important talk of the day, I began to explain that catechesis must be both ‘Christocentric’ – centered on Christ – and ‘Trinitarian’ – rooted in the mystery of the Trinity.[i] After the introduction to my presentation, one catechist raised her hand and with wide eyes stated matter-of-factly, ‘I just teach four-year-olds…’

Even if the terminology in magisterial documents concerning catechesis seems intimidating to some, all catechists, whether they teach 4-year-olds or 44-year-olds, need to have a clear understanding of what their mission really is. How can a catechist fulfill his mission otherwise?

John Paul II clearly explained the profound goal of the ministry of catechesis when he said, ‘[T]he definitive aim of catechesis is to put 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.’[ii] According to a succinct formula, catechesis aims to lead every human person ‘Through Christ, to the Father, in the Holy Spirit.’[iii]

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Leonard Wathen is the Director of Religious Education at St. Aloysius Church in Leonardtown, Maryland.  He is also an instructor in the Archdiocese of Washington's catechist formation program and an instructor and local coordinator of the Archdiocese of Washington's marriage preparation program.  He holds a Master's Degree in Theological Studies and the Holy See’s Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma from Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in Alexandria, Virginia. 

This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

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