THE SIX TASKS OF CATECHESIS (7)

Introduction

In the previous article, I examined the centrality of Christ in catechesis. I mentioned that the main goal of catechesis is “to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ” (Catechesi tradendae, 5). Therefore, the goal of catechesis is to accompany people towards a loving relationship with Jesus. In this article I will look at the ways by which, according to the Church, the goal can be achieved.

The six tasks of catechesis

The Directory for Catechesis (DC) states that to achieve its goal, “catechesis pursues several interrelated tasks that are inspired by the way in which Jesus formed his disciples. He got them to know the mysteries of the Kingdom, taught them to pray, proposed to them gospel values, initiated them into the life of communion with him and among themselves, and into mission” (DC, 79). It means that catechesis consists six major tasks, all of which have their basis in the way Jesus formed his disciples. Below, we will examine the six tasks of catechesis.

Leading to the knowledge of the faith

Catechesis has to lead the person towards a gradual understanding of the entire truth about God’s plan of salvation as revealed by Jesus, that is, by helping him or her to know the teachings of the Catholic Church.  This is done by introducing him or her to the knowledge of Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Magisterium. This task not only helps the person understand his or her faith but also explain it to others.

Initiating into the celebration of the liturgy

Catechesis must lead a person to the awareness and celebration of Christ’s presence in the liturgy and the Sacraments, most especially the Holy Mass. The Church desires that all the faithful participate consciously and actively in the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations. To do this they must not only to understand the significance of the liturgy and the Sacraments, but also the importance of these celebrations for their personal lives and for the community.

Forming for life in Christ

Catechesis can help the person be transformed interiorly and exteriorly in his or her way of life. It helps him or her to become more and more conformed to the way of Christ. The inner and outer transformation of the person must show itself in one’s behavior, attitudes, choices and in his or her relationship with God and neighbour.

Teaching prayer

Catechesis helps a person assume the attitude of prayer and contemplation as Jesus did. It can assist the growth of his or her life of prayer. This can be done through the “handing on” of prayers, such as, the ‘Our Father’, ‘Hail Mary’ and others, as well as, by teaching the learner the meaning of prayer, the different types of prayer and how to overcome difficulties with prayer.  

Introduction to community life

Jesus too lived in community with his disciples. To live in community is not easy. Often it is not something that happens spontaneously. Catechesis can help the person grow in certain attitudes and values that enable him or her to become a better member of the community. These include the spirit of simplicity and humility (Mt. 18:3); to care for others in the community (Mt. 18:6), to care for those who feel isolated or lonely (Mt. 18:12), willingness to give and receive correction (Mt. 18:15), common prayer (Mt. 18, 19) and mutual forgiveness (Mt.18:22).

Initiation into mission

The call to mission has its foundation in Baptism, by which members of the Church share in the threefold ministry of Christ, namely, as priest, prophet and king. The task of catechesis is to equip the learner to be present as a Christian in society through his or her professional, cultural or social life, by promoting human and social development, justice and peace, works of charity and care for the environment. It also prepares him or her to participate in different forms of service, according to their proper vocation, in the family and parish.

Some observations

Firstly, each of the six task is necessary if catechesis is to be carried out effectively. They are interdependent and inter-related. They help develop the cognitive, as well as, moral and behavioral, and spiritual dimensions of the learner. Therefore, they address the person in a holistic manner. The lack of or failure to pay attention to any one of these dimensions may have a negative implication to the growth of his or her faith.

Secondly, the six tasks are not aimed only at children or teenagers. We must ensure that the tasks are also found in adult formation or adult catechesis. All members of the Church - children, teenagers and adults - have to continually learn and understand the teachings of the Church (knowledge of the faith), to participate fully in the liturgy, especially in the Holy Mass (liturgical education), to live according to the values of Christ by loving God and neighbour (forming for life in Christ), to learn to deepen one’s prayer life (teaching prayer), to be a responsible member of the community (community life) and to serve others (missionary initiation).

Thirdly, the responsibility for the six tasks of catechesis cannot be left solely to the catechists in the parish. All members of the community have to carry them out, each according to his or her particular condition in the Church: ordained ministers, the religious or members of the laity; and within the context where they are called to carry out this responsibility, such as, in the family, parish, groups, small communities and others.

Conclusion

The six tasks, which have their source in Jesus, are aimed at the formation of a holistic Christian life. Together, they distinguish catechesis from all other ministries in the Church. These are the actions that catechesis carries out to call in order to accompany learners towards an intimate relationship with Jesus and in supporting them to become part of a learning, worshipping, praying, and serving community, whether it be at home, basic ecclesial community, lay groups and associations or the parish.

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