The “C” words:
Catechesis – an ecclesial activity which aims at helping adults, youth and children develop a living, conscious, and active faith relationship with Jesus Christ (and with the Christian community) through systematic instruction in the faith and the experience of Christian living. Catechesis is a ministry of the Word and is part of the process of evangelization.
Catechetics – the study of catechesis – its principles, content, methods, agents, etc.
Catechist - the person who is commissioned by the Church to pass on the faith through teaching, witness and formation activities and experiences. Catechists are “educators in the faith” in a broad sense. In the process of catechizing others, the catechist grows in his or her own faith.
Catechism - a book or resource. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a compendium of the content of the faith of the Church. It contains no teaching methodology and needs to be adapted to different cultures and age levels.
Catechetical - of or pertaining to catechesis.
More “C” words:
Catechumenate – the name used in a general way for the whole process of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation. Often called the RCIA. Specifically, however, the catechumenate refers to the period of preparation which follows the period of inquiry.
Catechumen – Unbaptized person preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation.
Candidate – Person who has been baptized in another Christian faith and who now is preparing to be received or someone who is preparing to complete the Sacraments of Initiation..
Mary, Star of Evangelization
O Mary, Star of Evangelization,
Intercede with your Son
to bring about in each of us
a renewed enthusiasm for our faith.
Inspire in us the courage and zeal to live the Gospel
and to bring Christ to everyone we meet.
Open our hearts to the gift of the Holy Spirit,
the agent of evangelization,
and enable us to transform the world
in the image of your Son.
O Mary, Star of Evangelization,
enlighten us with the radiance of your Son,
walk with us in faith,
strengthen us in hope,
and unite us in love
as we strive to become disciples in mission.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.
Amen.
Evangelization and Catechesis – 2012 Jeannine Leichner