The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ
Parish Sacramental Preparation in a Time of Pandemic
Each Parish will face a different set of challenges in 2021, including the provision of Sacramental programmes. These might be from the size of the group, the physical suitability of the space available, the number of schools the participants attend, to the availability of your catechists in this time of pandemic. We are glad to offer this resource, which will not solve all your problems, but will hopefully go some way to enabling you to begin to plan, or complete your plans, for 2021.
Echoing our Faith in Jesus Christ
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Mrs Ingrid La Trobe (Catechesis Advisor)
Ingrid is the Agency’s Advisor for Family, Child & Youth Catechesis. She has over 20 years of extensive parish catechetical experience supporting families pass on their faith to their children. She holds the Diocesan Catechetical Certificate (which she now oversees) as well as a BA in History and Linguistics and a post-graduate diploma in Journalism, both from Rhodes University in South Africa. Married for over 30 years and a mother of five, Ingrid is an avid walker, completing the Camino Frances in 2016, and the Camino Portugues with her 3 sons in 2019, she frequently walks parts of the Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury which runs through her parish of St Thomas of Canterbury, Sevenoaks.
What is Catechesis?
With St Paul’s advice to the Ephesians that we must ‘speak the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15) ringing in our ears catechists cast their nets, proclaiming the Kingdom of God so that those they encounter will come to ‘feel, think and act like Christ’ (Directory for Catechesis, 77).
The chief task of all catechists is to ‘echo’ Christ. Catechesis (to ‘echo’ faith) teaches a knowledge of the faith, including Sacred Scripture and the Church’s living tradition.
Catechesis helps the believer understand the Church’s liturgy, all of which lead one to Christ present in the Eucharist. Catechesis shows what it means to be holy in daily life, particularly in the ‘domestic church’ where ‘children receive the first proclamation of faith’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1666).
Catechesis teaches believers to ‘pray with Jesus Christ and like him’ (DC, 86) in personal, liturgical and community prayer. Catechesis fosters a sense of belonging to the Church with the aim of creating missionary disciples.
How is it served?
The Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis serves parishes and deaneries (groups of parishes) across the diocese through the provision of training and resources for Catechesis. These include sessions for parish catechists who are preparing children and parents for the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Should parishes wish for an advisor's visit or simply to discuss issues relating to catechesis they are welcome to contact us via email catechesis@rcaos.org.uk
The Agency offers an annual diocesan day for catechists, study days for new and potential catechists and the Archbishop’s Certificate.
Southwark Catechists can also participate in an online forum via Facebook where ideas and resources are exchanged. This can be accessed via the link in the navigation bar at the top of this page or by clicking here. This is a private group and two questions will need to be answered prior to access being granted.
Read more
For more on what the Church teaches about Catechesis download Catechesis in Our Time (known by its Latin title Catechesi Tradendae) via the link below. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have also developed a study guide available via the link below.
Catechists in Southwark parishes should also make regular reference to the Guidelines, Becoming More Like Christ, published in 2009.
