Catechesi tradendae

by Juan Pablo

Perhaps no other papal document more eloquently articulates the importance of catechesis in our time — and how to undertake it — than Catechesi Tradendae. Written by Saint Pope John Paul II, this apostolic exhortation describes the important and unique roles the Church, the laity, and the family play in ensuring that all Catholics not only understand the Faith, but are prepared to live it fully. “Saint Pope John Paul II gives the catechist the vision, methods, and roadmap for effective and dynamic catechesis in our modern culture.” Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange

Genres: Catholic, Theology

Paperback

First published October 16, 1979

Reviews

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief, readable, and full of Godly wisdom regarding the purpose of Catechists and how we as a people of God have a mission to teach.

[emmalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

just reread this for work. so good.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The other work of Pope John Paul II, which Sophia Institute Press is responsible for publishing is Catechesi Tradendae or On Catechesis in Our Time. This Apostolic Exhortation was issued exactly one year after his papacy started on October 16, 1979. Part One focuses on Jesus, who is the one, true Teacher. Part Two talks about the history of catechesis, how it started with the Apostles and is still the Church's mission today. Part Three gets down to the more nitty-gritty of catechesis like the aim of it and the need for it to be systematic. Part Four discusses Scripture and Tradition and also focuses on the Creed as an important source of doctrine and tool for catechesis. Part Five emphasizes the need for everyone to be catechized, which is very important to remember, as we tend to only focus on children generally. Part Six and Seven focus on ways to catechize. Part Eight reminds us to be joyful with this task, and Part Nine addresses each group of the Church (from bishops to parents) reminding each one that they too have a part in catechizing the world. This seems like a thick text to read, but it is only about 120 pages.

As a parent and a catechist, this book definitely spoke to me. A lot of people don't realize it, but it can be very discouraging to be a catechist. You see the children you teach once a week, if you're lucky. Most of their parents do little to no catechesis in the home, and you just pray the children walk away at the end of the year remembering some parts of the faith they didn't know before. This book helped remind me of why I became a catechist and re-energized me in a way. With a foreword by Bishop Kevin Vonn and study questions at the end, this is a book for everyone, because everyone is called to be a catechist, either in the home or the world.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow eventually.

[Joshua Lee Fallaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can no longer recommend Catholic content.