That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, touched with our hands, concerning the word of life...we testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:1-4

The Diocesan Catechesis Manual addresses issues related to adult catechesis in several places.

Catechesis should be first directed towards adults. In light of the Church’s wisdom, every parish is to begin or continue adult catechesis as the primary focus. This catechesis must not be limited to liturgy and homilies, but a systematic effort to grow in understanding of the entire Deposit of the Faith.  Read more.

CATECHETICAL DOCUMENTS:

Catechetical Documents pertaining to specifically to adult catechesis are located in Appendix D of the Diocesan Parish Catechetical Manual.
         - Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community
         - Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us (beginning on page 21)

 RESOURCES:

A listing of adult programs and Bible Studies is available on the Adult Programs webpage.
For additional resources, please call the office for Catechesis at 701-356-7908 or your local pastor.

ADULT Parish Catechesis Is Primary

(taken from Diocesan Catechetical Manual, Section II, page 6)

The Church has asked that an emphasis be placed on adult catechesis in our parishes (cf. GDC 171-176).  Catechesis of adults is the principal (first) form of catechesis because it is “addressed to the persons who have the greatest responsibility and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form”  (CT 43).  Adults govern the world that youth live in.  Adults must be witnesses.  Catechesis is gravely insufficient if it is stopped in the adolescent years.  (cf. CT 43)  “Catechesis proves no less necessary for adults” (CT 43).

In light of the Church’s wisdom, every parish is to begin or continue to establish adult catechesis as the primary focus.   This catechesis must not be limited to liturgy and homilies, but a systematic effort to grow in understanding of the entire Deposit of the Faith.  There should be regular classes/periods of instruction provided, study and discussion groups, prayer groups, and retreats for adults.  Every adult should naturally assume that they will make efforts to grow spiritually just as they make efforts to progress in their respective careers, hobbies, and other interests.

Making adult catechesis the primary focus is a new endeavor for many parishes and many adults.  The current age has little experience in adult catechesis.  The methodologies are still being tested.  There are limited resources available including texts, catechists and finances.  Guidelines are few.  The success stories are rare.  Mistakes will be made.  Yet, the effort must begin.

One way to begin is for the pastor along with a few adult parishioners to work towards this goal of establishing adult catechesis through a committee.  This committee should:

            1.  pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit

            2.  assess their parish situation.

            3.  read and study Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community (found in the appendix)

            4.  create and implement a plan for their parish.

Diocese of Fargo
5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A
Fargo, ND 58104-7605
Phone: 701-356-7900
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website last modified: January 31, 2012.