Introduction to Catechesis

Course Details

This course considers the ministry of catechesis within the context of the Church’s mission to evangelize. The General Directory for Catechesis will be used to present the purpose, tasks, and content of catechesis, methodologies for various age groups, the influence of the baptismal catechumenate on the catechetical process, and the importance of the vocation of the catechist.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• Understand the relationship between evangelization and catechesis.
• Articulate the influence of the baptismal catechumenate on the catechetical process.
• Identify the purpose, goals, tasks and essential content of catechesis.
• Learn the importance of appropriate methodology for catechesis of various age groups.
• Understand the role of the catechist and the importance of this vocation.

Course Materials

• Required Book: General Directory for Catechesis $19.95 USCCB Publishing (March 15, 1998) ISBN: 1574552260
• Course Materials available at the VLCFF Amazon Store.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: Evangelization and Catechesis
  • Identify and understand the various influences on our personal faith development.
  • Learn the ways the Church evangelizes.
  • Explain the relationship of evangelization and catechesis.
• Week 2: Tasks and Content of Catechesis
  • Describe the nature and purpose of catechesis.
  • Identify and explain the six tasks of catechesis.
  • Describe how the baptismal catechumenate is the inspiration for all catechesis.
  • Understand the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its implications for catechesis.
• Week 3: Methods in Catechesis
  • Understand what is meant by "divine pedagogy."
  • Learn various methods of teaching the faith for different age groups and learning styles.
  • Articulate the relationship between catechesis and liturgy.
  • Explain what is meant by saying that Catholic social teaching is at the heart of all catechesis.
• Week 4: Those to be Catechized
  • Understand the need for different catechetical approaches for different ages, cultures and life situations.
  • Articulate how catechesis can be called "apprenticeship" in the Christian life.
  • Explain the elements and tasks of catechesis for adults, infants and children, young people, the aged and those in special situations.
  • Understand the relationship between faith and culture.
• Week 5: Roles and Organization of Catechesis
  • Understand the different roles in catechesis: family, faith community, bishops, clergy and catechists.
  • Appreciate the vocation of the catechist as a public ministry of the Church.
  • Understand the organization of catechesis in one's own parish and diocese.

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