GDC 174: Four Criteria For Adult Catechesis

Every so often, GDC provides a list. Here are four key components for fruitful adult catechesis:

174. Among the criteria which assure an authentic and effective adult catechesis, mention must be made of the following: (Cf. Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community 26-30)

– attention to those to whom it is addressed, to their condition as adult men and women, requires taking account of their problems and experiences, their spiritual and cultural resources, with full respect for their differences;

– attention to the lay condition of adults, on whom Baptism confers the task of “seeking the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s Will”,(Lumen Gentium 31; cf. Evangelii Nuntiandi 70; Christifedeles Laici 23) and whom it calls to holiness; (Cf. Christifedeles Laici 57-59)

– attention to the involvement of the community so that it may be a welcoming and supportive environment;

– attention to ensure systematic pastoral care of adults, with which liturgical formation and the service of charity have been integrated.

What do we learn from this? There is no “one-size-fits-all” catechesis. A capable and competent catechist will know the people she or he is serving.

The focus on the call of Baptism is absolutely key.

The faith community always plays a role, and is always a consideration.

Effective catechesis needs both liturgy and apostolic action to be truly systematic and pastoral. It should be obvious, but even to bishops and experienced catechists, it is sometimes not.