Maynooth College Reflects on Catechesis in the Life of the Church

How do we share the Good News in an era when older models of catechesis are under threat? This volume includes diverse reflections on some of the current challenges. The impetus for the volume came from the 2021 publication of Antiquum Ministerium, in which Pope Francis reintroduced the ministry of catechist within the universal church. This document was a fresh invitation for Christians to re-commit to catechesis.

In exploring the catechetical task in today's world, the first part of the book considers wider aspects of catechesis, including insights from the psychology of human development, the mission of the catechist, and the major resources at hand for the catechist, such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Share the Good News. The book's second part explores ways of bringing catechesis alive. It includes both theoretical chapters (on beauty and the harmony of Catholic teaching) and practical chapters that exhibit diverse approaches to catechesis, such as attention to creation, 'Catechesis of the Good Shepherd', and the use of literature in the communication of the truths of the faith. The third part discusses some neglected aspects of catechetical content, including the Church's social teaching, theological anthropology, as well as contemporary lessons for catechists from St Augustine. The final section on the spirituality of catechesis focuses on prayer and the scriptures as nourishment for the catechetical task.