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.