Decree on the missionary activity in the Church, Ad Gentes, (AG, 1965)

Directorium catechisticum generale (DCG, 1971) General Catechetical Directory

Evangelii nuntiandi (EN, Paul VI, 1975) On Evangelisation in the Modern World

Message to the People of God (MPD, 28 October 1977) On modern Catechetics

Catechesi tradendae ( CD, John Paul II, 1979) On Catechesis in Our Time

1 Extraordinary Synod: The Final Report (1977)

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GDC General Directory for Catechesis (GDC 1997)

59 … “The model for all catechesis is the baptismal catechumenate when by specific formation, an adult converted to belief is brought to explicit profession of baptismal faith during the Paschal Vigil”. [Synod, MPD Message to the People of God, 8] This catechumenal formation should inspire the other forms of catechesis in both their objectives and in their dynamism.

“Catechesis for adults, since it deals with persons who are capable of an adherence that is fully responsible, must be considered the chief form of catechesis. All other forms, which are indeed always necessary, are in some way oriented to it.” [DCG 20; CT 43] This implies that the catechesis of other age groups should have it for a point of reference and should be expressed in conjunction with it, in a coherent catechetical programme suitable to meet the pastoral needs of dioceses. …

68 “In summary, initiatory catechesis, being comprehensive and systematic, cannot be reduced to the circumstantial or the occasional. [CT 21c] As it is formation for the Christian life it comprises but surpasses mere instruction. [CT 33 and CCC 1231; AG 14] Being essential, it looks to what is ‘common’ for the Christian, without entering into disputed questions nor transforming itself into a form of theological investigation. Finally, being initiatory, it incorporates into the community, which lives, celebrates and bears witness to the faith. It fulfils, at once, initiatory, educational and instructional functions. [DCG (1971) 31] This inherent richness in the Catechumenate of non-baptised adults should serve to inspire other forms of catechesis.”

90 “ … model of its catechising activity … It is helpful to underline those elements of the catechumenate which must inspire contemporary catechesis and its significance … the difference between the pre-baptismal catechesis and the post-baptismal catechesis …

91 “ … some of the elements of the baptismal catechumenate …

• The baptismal catechumenate constantly reminds the whole Church of the fundamental importance of the function of initiation and the basic factors which constitute it: catechesis and the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The pastoral care of Christian initiation is vital for every particular Church.

• The baptismal catechumenate is the responsibility of the entire Christian community. Indeed “this Christian initiation which takes place during the catechumenate should not be left entirely to the priests and catechists, but should be the care of the entire Christian community, especially the sponsors”. [AG 14d] The institution of the catechumenate thus increases awareness of the spiritual maternity of the Church, which she exercises in every form of education in the faith. [Symposium III, 8; GSC 27, 88]

• The baptismal catechumenate is also completely permeated by the mystery of Christ’s Passover. For this reason, “all initiation must reveal clearly its paschal nature. [RCIA 8] The Easter Vigil, focal point of the Christian liturgy, and its spirituality of Baptism inspire all catechesis.

• The baptismal catechumenate is also an initial locus of inculturation. Following the example of the Incarnation of the Son of God, made man in a concrete historical moment, the Church receives catechumens integrally, together with their cultural ties. All catechetical activity participates in this function of incorporating into the catholicity of the Church, authentic “seeds of the word”, scattered through nations and individuals. [CT 53]

• Finally, the concept of the baptismal catechumenate as a process of formation and as a true school of the faith offers post-baptismal catechesis dynamic and particular characteristics: comprehensiveness and integrity of formation; its gradual character expressed in definite stages; its connection with meaningful rites, symbols, biblical and liturgical signs; it constant references to the Christian community.

Post-baptismal catechesis, without slavishly imitating the structure of the baptismal catechumenate, and recognising in those to be catechised the reality of Baptism, does well, however, to draw inspiration from “this preparatory school for the Christian life”, [DCG (1971) 130] and to allow itself to be enriched by those principal elements which characterise the catechumenate.