Document in the form of the Apostolic Exhortation of John Paul, published on October 16, 1979, collecting the interventions and the lines of pastoral action suggested by the members of the Synod of Bishops held in Rome in October 1977.
The contents of the Synod, by the will of Paul VI, focused on catechesis and the educational action of the Church. The Synod of four years earlier had focused on Evangelization and Paul VI with his contributions published the Exhortation “Evangelii nuntiandi”. The theme of catechesis was presented as a complement or second part of the previous vision. The death of the Pontiff left for his successor John Paul II the configuration of the planned exhortation, which was delayed a couple of years for this reason, a factor that influenced better preparation for the meeting.
The context of the document is situated, therefore, in the concern of the Church for educational attention to all ages and the desire to overcome the relationship between catechesis and childhood, forgetting the other ages or the various social circumstances in which the education of the faith is unfolding today. In the Exhortation, the vision of catechesis is broadened and the educational responsibility is projected at all ages and in the diverse human environments in which people’s lives unfold: Christian families, schools, youth groups and, of course, parishes. .
The text remains in principles and general considerations, in the style of a “Treatise on Catechetics”. It does not stop at a deep analysis of the social and ecclesial questions of recent times nor does it give operational instructions. However, it is rich enough to be the best strictly catechetical document of the 20th century, due to its systematization and its stimulating power for reflection and even for action.
In a special way, it has the merit of recalling that today catechesis should not be understood as just childish action and oriented to simple people, but rather it is a task that affects all believers who must undergo opportune processes of education and permanent updating.
In this sense it is an excellent and illuminating document. It does not resolve hierarchically the great unknowns of modern times, but it gives clues for a systematic reflection. Nothing else can be asked of it, given the worldwide reference it is heading towards and the complexity of the educational issues it deals with.
OUTLINE OF THE CATECHESI TRADENDAE INTRODUCTION The last command of Christ I remember the request of Pope Paul VI Reference to the successful Synod and its commands
I. WE HAVE ONLY ONE MASTER: JESUS CHRIST
It is the model of all catechesis, which is the messenger and the message itself.
To catechize is to expose the doctrine of Christ, in communion with Himself.
It is to transmit the doctrine of Christ, the only Teacher.
II. AN EXPERIENCE AS OLD AS THE CHURCH
It was the mission of the Apostles. Catechesis in the apostolic age.
The Fathers of the Church. The first Councils.
Catechesis: right and duty of the Church. It is a priority task.
It is everyone’s responsibility and requires continuous and determined renewal.
III. CATECHESIS IN THE PASTORAL AND MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE CHURCH
Catechesis is the stage and form of evangelization. It is complement.
Specific purpose of Catechesis. Need. It must be systematic Catechesis is based on life experience. Prepare for the Sacraments It is the task of the community and it is acted from the community. IV. ALL THE GOOD NEWS SPRINGS FROM THE SOURCE The message is expressed by the Creed: Privileged doctrinal expression The integrity of the content is required. Pedagogical methods are variable.
Ecumenical and Catholic dimension of Catechesis V. EVERYONE NEEDS CATECHESIS Priority importance in children and young people Each age has its own: Infants, Children, Adolescents, Young People. Adults Adaptation to each situation: Disabled, misguided, catechumens. SAW. METHODS AND MEANS OF CATECHESIS We must use the means of social communication.
And it must be given in multiple places, moments or meetings.
The instruments can be many: homily, writings, catechisms VII. HOW TO GIVE CATECHESIS There are a variety of forms at the service of Revelation and Conversion.
The message must be embodied in cultures. Popular Devotions Memorization. Learning and remembering matter VIII. THE JOY OF FAITH IN A DIFFICULT WORLD Forming for a clear, joyful and personal Christian identity Accommodating languages to the demands of doctrine.
Catechesis must be founded on sound Theology. IX. THE TASK CONCERNS US ALL Everyone is responsible: Bishops, priests, religious, laity Special value of lay catechists: parish, family, school Need for formation institutes. CONCLUSION: The Holy Spirit, interior Teacher and Mary, model in the Church.
Pedro Chico González, Dictionary of Catechesis and Religious Pedagogy, Editorial Bruño, Lima, Peru 2006
Source: Dictionary of Catechesis and Religious Pedagogy