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

Policy:

The policy for the Diocese of Fargo is:

Section II, page 5: Adult Catechesis.
Catechesis should be first directed towards adults.  For most parishes, this effort will entail a dramatic change in priority.  There is no easy way to begin this change.

Section II, page 8: Adult Catechesis is Primary.
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.  To read entire article, click on:  Adult Parish Catechesis is Primary.

CATECHETICAL DOCUMENTS:

Catechetical Documents pertaining to specifically to adult catechesis are located in Appendix D of the Diocesan Parish Catechetical Manual.

          1.  Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community

            2.  Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us (beginning on page 21)

RESOURCES:

There are many resources for adult catechesis and Scripture study.  Every adult who is serious about knowing what Catholics believe should have a Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC.  Following is a short list of other possibilities:

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
Contact us

© 2002-2009 by the Diocese of Fargo. The Catholic Diocese of Fargo takes full responsibility for the content of this Web site. Although sincere efforts have been made to offer links only to other Web sites whose content is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Fargo is not responsible for the content of other Web sites accessible via links from this Web site. Web site last modified: January 7, 2009.