New Directory for Catechesis emphasizes evangelization

Summer has ended, autumn is upon us, and parish catechetical programs are now in full swing.  For the average volunteer parish catechist, the task of partnering with parents to provide an age appropriate systematic presentation of the Catholic Faith can be daunting.  Whether you are a seasoned catechist or a newbie, getting to know your class while at the same time striving to provide engaging lessons can be a challenge.  To avoid being overwhelmed, sometimes it is helpful for us to take a step back and remind ourselves what our main objective really is.

What is the goal of a parish catechetical program?  The goal is for everyone involved to have an encounter with Jesus such that we desire to understand in both our hearts and our minds who Jesus is, why he came and dwelt among us, his message, and how we each need to personally respond to this message.

The Church has recently provided us with a modern guidebook to help us in our catechetical work: the Directory for Catechesis.  Developed by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization and approved by Pope Francis on March 23, 2020, the Directory for Catechesis references past documents about catechesis but also considers catechesis in light of the circumstances of the present.

The new Directory examines contemporary influences: the changing landscape of the family, the virtual world, science, and digital culture, and advises catechists of all types how to approach catechesis in a way that takes these influences into account.

The beginning section of the new Directory emphasizes that catechesis is intertwined with evangelization.  What does this mean?  In simple terms, in order to learn in our heads about Jesus and our redemption through him in his Church (catechesis), we need to know him and desire union with him in our hearts (evangelization). If we desire union with Jesus in our hearts, catechesis helps us to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus in our heads.

If we don’t desire union with Jesus in our hearts, the fruits of catechetical efforts are dry and without life. Interesting facts may be stored in our brains on a short term basis but these facts will not penetrate our hearts and minds to help us grow in our union with Jesus in our lives.  Desiring union with Jesus prompts us to live lives of virtue and prayer and to turn away from sin and vice.  Desiring union with Jesus prompts us to fully and actively participate in Mass rather than attend because we are being forced or to follow the rules of a program.

How do we present our catechesis to prompt this desire for union with Jesus in our hearts?  The message to catechists in the new Directory is very clear: catechists need to constantly refer to what is known as the ‘kerygma.’  The kerygma is the fundamental message of redemption in Jesus.  Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation known as “Evangelii Gaudium” or “The Joy of the Gospel” presents the kerygma as: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.”  This message, which can be expressed in many different ways, needs to be the foundation of every catechetical activity or lesson.  Catechists are challenged to constantly refer back to some form of the kerygma in hopes of opening hearts to Jesus while at the same time informing minds about him.

As our parish catechetical programs dive deeply into the Good News that Jesus came to redeem us from the sin of our first parents and desires that we unite with him in this life and in eternity in Heaven, I pray that hearts and minds are opened to this message.  St. John Bosco, patron saint of catechists, pray for us!

Jill Kerekes serves as diocesan director, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children.