The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition: Catechesis for the Third Millennium

by Francis D. Kelly

Catechesis is a unique form of teaching that intends not merely to pass along facts but to hand on the faith received from Christ, the apostles, and the living magesterium of the Church. The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, is an invitation to all involved in this God-ordained work to reflect and examine the importance of their ministry in light of the revealed mystery of faith we all profess. Reflecting both the spirit and the content of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the vision of the General Directory for Catechesis, The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, uses the riches of these resources to guide catechists into the third millennium with greater clarity, confidence, and effectiveness. Today is, as Monsignor Kelly points out, "a promising and exciting time in which the 'new evangelization' offers many rich possibilities for catechesis" Divided into five parts that analyze and evaluate the catechetical movement of the past as well as providing direction for the future, The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, helps consolidate and highlight themes of both the Catechism and the General Directory. Its five major sections are as Catechesis in the New Context, The Heritage and Challenge of Catechesis, The Goals of Catechesis, The Content of Catechesis, and A Methodology for Catechesis. Everyone from pastors to DREs, to religion teachers, catechists, and principals--in fact, anyone involved in religious education--will find The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, an encouragement to continued vigor and renewed enthusiasm for transmitting the living faith from one generation to the next.

Genres: Catholic

158 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

Reviews

[Zach de Walsingham]

Calling people who disagree with some elements of contemporary teaching methodologies, “right-wing ideologues” isn't helpful and is simply a form of detraction. The classical question and answer format for catechesis also is much older than the author seems to be aware of. The rest of the book was ok.

[Emma Showalter Webs]

As a millennial/Gen Z, this book provided a very interesting look into the state of catechesis in the Catholic church in the late 80's and early 90's. As a youth minister, catechists, and otherwise baptized Catholic, I appreciated how the book defined my role and provided a guideline on how to effectively lead young people into a discipleship with Christ.

[Margaret Mary]

The last chapter on catechetical methodology is outstanding (five stars!). I attended 2 seminars on this method at Franciscan U, Steubenville and was attracted to its relevance to family catechesis. The book has met my expectations and I hope to distill it into practical ways it can be used in application to Family Formation.