Category Archives: General Directory for Catechesis

We have arrived at the conclusion of this document. If you ever want to review this series, consult the linked page at the top or on the sidebar. Let’s read: 286. In formulating the present guidelines and directives every possible … Continue reading →

Today we talk about the virtue of a catechism as a genre of written catechesis: 284. Among the aids available to catechesis, catechisms excel all others. The note for this sentence is lengthy: The question of local catechisms has been … Continue reading →

Let’s talk about books. If this document had been prepared today, we might be talking about internet sites, too. Books are seen as supplements to the “live communication of the Christian message.” They do not replace the catechist. 283. Along … Continue reading →

Get with the program: 281. Following close study of the situation, it becomes necessary to proceed to the formulation of a programme of action. This will determine the objectives, the means of pastoral catechesis and the norms governing it with … Continue reading →

Let’s examine “Some responsibilities proper to the catechetical ministry,” specifically, an “Analysis of the situation and its needs.” This analysis is directed for dioceses and other “big” organizations, but a parish should probably be attuned to this: 279. The particular … Continue reading →

The last post on coordination of catechesis: 278. Pastoral care offered by a particular Church in the area of education should establish a necessary co-ordination between the different loci in which education in the faith takes place. It is extremely … Continue reading →

The Church mentions its continuum of missionary proclamation/catechesis/pastoral ministry. Those distinctions have a rough arc, to be sure, but the borders might appear blurred when the Church encounters those who were raised Christian, but have yet to fully awaken in … Continue reading →

What should a diocese offer in terms of catechetical programming connected with Christian Initiation? Today’s sections tell it: 274. The diocesan catechetical programme is the global catechetical project of a particular Church, which integrates, in a structured and coherent way, … Continue reading →

The coordination of catechesis will be the topic of the next few posts covering GDC sections 272 through 278. Today, we start by reading about the “The importance of an effective coordination of catechesis.” 272. The co-ordination of catechesis is … Continue reading →

Diocese–check. Between dioceses and national conference–check, check. What support can catechists and the ministry of formation expect from Rome? Pope John Paul II sees the role of Rome as a service to sister dioceses everywhere, but also something of the … Continue reading →

Let’s review the GDC’s very quick take on cooperation between dioceses and the role of the national conference of bishops: Services of inter-diocesan co-operation 268. This co-operation is extremely fruitful in our time. Shared catechetical endeavour is advisable not only … Continue reading →

We head into Part Five, Chapter IV, “The organization of catechetical pastoral care in the particular Churches,” and we’ll start with a look at dioceses. Over the next several posts (through GDC 285) we’ll cover the last frontier of this document, … Continue reading →

And lastly in this chapter covering “Loci and means of catechesis,” let’s look at base communities. Perhaps not so big in the US, but a significant part of the ecclesial experience in other countries, especially in mission lands: 263. Basic … Continue reading →

What can we say about various associations and movements? Let’s keep in mind this runs the whole gamut: associates of religious orders, associations like the Knights of Columbus, more radical groups like Pax Christi, live-in lay communities, and the like. … Continue reading →

Today’s section explores Catholic schools: 259. The Catholic school (Cf. Congregation for Catholic Education, The Catholic School, Rome 1977) is a most important locus for human and Christian formation. The declaration of the Second Vatican Council, Gravissimum Educationis “makes a … Continue reading →