Catechesi Tradendae

Catechesi Tradendae What is catechesis according to the signs of the times of today?

4th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome (1977) • Theme: Catechesis of today with special emphasis on children and the youth

Participants

• • • • •

Asia America Europe Africa Oceania

Catechesi Tradendae • Fruit of the collegial effort • Synod 1977 was called by Paul VI (Giovannie Battista Montini of Italy) • Written by John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla of Poland, elected to papacy October 16, 1978)

The Inner Structure of Catechesi Tradendae • • • • • • • •

1. Christ as the Center of Catechesis 2. Catechesis: rooted in the Tradition of the Church 3. The Church: The context of Catechesis 4. Catechesis as an evangelizing activity of the Church 5. The recipients of Catechesis 6. Ways and Means of Catechesis 7. The Process of Doing Catechesis 8. Catechesis: A tool for defining and strengthening our Christian Identity • 9. The Agents of Catechesis

Evangelization and Catechesis • Catechesi Tradendae forms a cohesive unity with Evangelii Nuntiandi for the nature and goals of catechesis are situated within the context of evangelization. (Joselito Asis, JCD)

What is Catechesis? • Catechesis brings into maturity the faith that was received in the « initial proclamation ». • Catechesis is educating the true disciple of Christ by a deeper and a more systematic knowledge of the Person and Message of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Catechesis as Defined • Catechesis is the education of children, youth and adults which includes the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted in an organic and systematic way with a view to initiating the recipients into the fullness of Christian life. (CT 18)

Significant Points Brought out by Catechesi Tradendae • Catechesis is an Ecclesial. (CT 13) • Catechesis is seen as an internal source of Church’s strength. (CT 15) • Every Christian must feel the responsibility of this sacred ministry. (CT 16)

Other significant points • The Parish is a very important venue where catechetical programs can be successfully implemented. (CT 67) • The family is an important context for catechesis. (CT 68)

Conclusion • Catechesi Tradendae presents to us a clear and cohesive understanding on the nature and the role of catechesis in our ever changing world.

Let us be catechists in word and in deeds day by day.