New vision for catechesis signals growth
Since beginning my new position as diocesan director in early June, I’ve experienced a number of transitions that I am still trying to navigate. I miss my colleagues from the parish and the catechists and families for whom I ministered for 20 years. I am certainly trying to adjust to the different rhythms of diocesan life and the proper protocol. (The second week I was here I managed to call Bishop Bootkoski “Monsignor” when he stopped by my office one afternoon to ask how I was doing — oops!) But ministering on the diocesan level is a new challenge that fills me with enthusiasm and much hope for the church of Metuchen. In light of the norms promulgated by our bishop as a result of our first diocesan synod, there are exciting changes we need to celebrate that will better serve our people!
The General Directory for Catechesis states, “It should not be overlooked that the recipient of catechesis is the whole Christian community and every person in it” (168). Since 1999, the U.S. bishops have prioritized lifelong faith formation in their pastoral plan, Our Hearts Were Burning within Us and in the National Directory for Catechesis. Looking at the ministry of catechesis in our diocese, it is obvious that the name of our diocesan Office of Religious Education has outgrown the narrower perimeters of religious education, which for many implies a “school model” approach to faith formation.
“Catechesis” includes religious education and faith formation for children and youth and adults — the whole community from birth to death. Information, formation and transformation are necessary for a relationship with Jesus Christ. In quite a few parishes all over our diocese, whole community catechesis is taking root. Faith is being caught, not taught. Families are being transformed into disciples. There is a new-found spirit that permeates parish life, and people of all ages are growing closer to the Lord.
Our diocesan office needs to reflect, support and help parish communities share this light of faith. Consequently, the Office of Religious Education has been renamed the Office for Catechesis. This more encompassing title is truer to our mission. Catechesis is much bigger that religious education or CCD. We want to help all parishes understand that lifelong faith formation promotes understanding of shared values and a common faith, as well as respect for individuals in all stages and ages of life. “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ” (GDC 80).
Catechesis is from a Greek word meaning “echo.” The Office for Catechesis takes seriously our role to “echo” the faith to those we catechize — from the youngest members of our parishes to the elderly. This echoing is important to our parish catechetical leaders, catechists and lifelong faith formation teams who also continue on their faith journey. Our monthly opportunities for prayer, spirituality, formation, education and community building will now be called “Echo Enrichment.” While the format will be similar to our MORE (Metuchen Office for Religious Education) meetings, we hope to bring these gatherings to a new level. Additionally, we will continue to offer Adult Faith Formation Seminars, which we hope will motivate parishes to widen their “catechetical lens” to include people of all ages in lifelong faith formation. Please check the diocesan Web site, www.diometuchen.org, or call our office at (732) 562-1990 ext. 1310 for topics, presenters, dates and times. Events are held at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in
Piscataway and all are welcome!
The Office for Catechesis hopes that our wider vision will signal new beginnings and a renewed enthusiasm for catechetical ministry to all the people of our diocese. Stay tuned for more opportunities to grow in faith.
Let us continue to pray for each other as we spread the good news!
