(We are sharing a series on Adolescent Faith Formation.  Catch up on the whole series.)

The term “catechesis” comes from the Greek verb katechein, which means “to resound” or “to echo.”  The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) states, “At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth . . . Catechesis aims at putting ‘people. . . in communion with Jesus Christ’” (n. 426).  The National Directory for Catechesis (2005) states that catechesis should present Christ as: the Son of God, friend, guide, and model who can be not only admired, but also imitated” (p. 199).

Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry  describes and situates adolescent catechesis within Catholic comprehensive youth ministry.  “The Ministry of catechesis helps adolescents develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community, and increase their knowledge of the core content of the Catholic faith.  The ministry of catechesis also helps young people enrich and expand their understanding of the Scriptures and the sacred tradition and their application to life today, and live more faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ in their daily lives, especially through a life of prayer, justice, and loving service.  (p. 29).

Catechesis leads us into a life long relationship.