​​"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ" (Catechesi Tradendae​, 5). ​The Church must provide people with experiences of the sacred and help them to identify the sacred in their own lives. Catechesis is accomplished in varied, interconnected ways that are inspired by Jesus' example in forming his disciples, by:

• Leading to knowledge of the faith

• Initiating into the celebration of the mystery

• Forming for life in Christ

• Teaching prayer

• Introduction to community life.

These aims are achieved through individual relationships, the community of faith, the liturgy, education, experiential learning, ritual, prayer, discipleship, ​and outreach to the global community. “The whole Christian community is responsible for the ministry of catechesis, but each one according to his [or her] particular condition in the Church…The catechist belongs to a Christian community and is an expression of it. [The catechist’s] service is lived within a community that is the main provider of accompaniment in the faith” (Directory for Catechesis,​ 111).

​Nothing can replace the experience of faith taught, shared, and practiced in the household. Parents/guardians are catechists precisely because they are parents/guardians. Therefore the faith development of the entire household is central to catechesis.

6-16-21, 4-29-22