This Book is Exciting

By Rev Dr Elio Capra SDB

Would you be able to name the book that is described in the following ways: “the melodious symphony of truth”; “a witness to unity in diversity”; a book capable of “form (ing) a single choir from many voices because we had the same score”; a resource “… showing carefully the content and wondrous harmony of the catholic faith” and “exciting”? Which book inspires such musical images? Did you guess it yet? These are some of the quotes in the introduction of “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” and of its two adaptations: “The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church” and “Youcat, Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church”.

In his Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum on the publication of the Catechism (FD), Pope John Paul II declared that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is “a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion and a sure norm for teaching the faith”. That is why Pope Benedict XVI in Porta Fidei, the Apostolic Letter for the launching of the Year of Faith (PF), declared: “In order to arrive at a systematic knowledge of the content of the faith, all can find in the Catechism of the Catholic Church a precious and indispensable tool”. (#11) It is therefore important, during the Year of Faith, to reflect on how these three forms of the Catechism can help us in our ministry of catechesis.

For Whom Is The Catechism Intended?

This is a resource aimed at both the leaders and the faithful within the Church to promote and encourage a shared vision in their missionary and apostolic ministry:

Therefore, I ask all the Church’s Pastors and the Christian faithful to receive this catechism in a spirit of communion and to use it assiduously in fulfilling their mission of proclaiming the faith and calling people to the Gospel life. (FD 3)

The Christian community is called to use this document as a reference point. We can only have a communion in our mission if we also have a shared vision. A shared vision does not imply rigid uniformity. This document is meant to be a “reference text for teaching catholic doctrine and particularly for preparing local catechisms”. (FD 3) In other words, Christian (Catholic?) communities around the world are encouraged to use this document as a reference text, but to use teaching strategies and cultural adaptations suitable to their local situation and circumstances.

The Catechism “is also offered to all the faithful who wish to deepen their knowledge of the unfathomable riches of salvation”. (FD 3)

There is also an ecumenical dimension. Our dialogue with our Christian brothers and sisters will be deepened and enhanced, if we can clearly understand and share the reasons for our Christian faith: “It is meant to support ecumenical efforts that are moved by the holy desire for the unity of all Christians, showing carefully the content and wondrous harmony of the catholic faith.” (FD 3)

Finally this is a document for the whole of humanity. The mission of the Church is towards all men and women. All baptised Catholics are called to share in this wonderful ministry of leading others to Christ. We can only carry out this important mission if can share with others the reasons and foundation of our faith: “The Catechism of the Catholic Church, lastly, is offered to every individual who asks us to give an account of the hope that is in us (cf. 1 Pt. 3:15) and who wants to know what the Catholic Church believes.” (FD 3)

The Structure of The Catechism Of The Catholic Church (CCC)

The CCC is arranged in four principal parts, referred to as the Four Pillars of Faith:

• the first part deals with what the members of the Church believe and uses the Apostles’ Creed as its source;
• the second part explores how the members of the Church worship and uses the Christian liturgy and especially the Seven Sacraments as its source;
• the third part explores how the members of the Church live their life in Christ and uses the Ten Commandments as its source;
• the fourth part explores how the members of the Church pray and uses the Lord’s Prayer as its source.

Where does this structure come from? We need to go back to the Acts of the Apostles to answer the question. After the Pentecost experience, Peter stood before the crowd and boldly gave witness to his faith in the crucified and risen Lord. After this three thousand people were baptised (Acts 2:41). Then we have the description of the ideal life of this new Christian community: “These remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles [the Church’s belief], to the brotherhood [the Church’s way of life]; to the breaking of the bread [the Church’s worship] and to the prayers [the Church’s prayer].” (Acts 2:42)

The Content and Process Of Catechesis

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, “an authentic fruit of the Second Vatican Council, was requested by the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 1985 as an instrument at the service of catechesis”. (PF 4) The content of catechesis is described in Catechesi tradendae, the Apostolic Exhortation on Catechesis in Our Time issued by Pope John Paul II in 1979 (CT), in this way:

“Quite early on, the name catechesis was given to the totality of the Church’s efforts to make disciples, to help men believe that Jesus is the Son of God so that believing they might have life in his name, and to educate and instruct them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ.” (CT 1;2)

But this can only take place if we respect and follow a process. This process is outlined in Catechesi tradendae which names the same four areas used in the structure of the CCC. But it goes one step further. It explores the relationship between these four areas and uses them to outline the process of catechesis. It mirrors the four parts of the Gospel and at the same time it deepens our understanding of the four parts by including an outline of the catechetical process and the ultimate aim of the catechetical process:

While not being formally identified with them, catechesis is built on a certain number of elements of the Church’s pastoral mission which have a catechetical aspect, that prepare for catechesis, or spring from it. They are: the initial proclamation of the Gospel or missionary preaching to arouse faith; examination of the reasons for belief; experience of Christian living; celebration of the sacraments; integration into the ecclesial community; and apostolic and missionary witness. (CT 9)

It is important to notice that this quote emphasises the ultimate aim of catechesis. It cannot be limited to knowledge of our faith. It aims at forming individuals to become apostolic and missionary witnesses of their Christian faith.

How To Use The Catechism For Catechesis Today

We will now explore the four parts of the Catechism, each of which is divided into two sections, and look at practical suggestions for using it.

Part One: The Profession of Faith.

The first section of Part One deals with God’s revelation to humanity and the faith by which human beings respond to God. Faith is first and foremost a gift: a gift from a loving God who is the “Author of all that is good; as Redeemer; and as Sanctifier”. We are called to share in this divine and Trinitarian life through our baptism. The CCC “develops these [gifts] in the three chapters on our baptismal faith in the one God: the almighty Father, the Creator; his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour; and the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, in the Holy Church.” (CCC14)

Part One is theologically dense and not an easy read. I would use it as the starting point for answering questions about our faith. When you hear the questions “What does the Church believe about ….?” or “What is the Church’s position on ….?”, my first instinct would be to say: “Let’s go and see what the Catechism says”. At the back of your Catechism you can find a very comprehensive and easy to follow index which will lead you to find an answer to the question. When answering these questions it is important to remember that the answer must not be abstract speculation but must always lead us to a deeper relationship with God. Any questions about Jesus and the Trinity are ultimately questions about our own identity, mission and destiny as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The second section of Part One is based on the text of the Apostles’ Creed. It explores very clearly and thoroughly every phrase of the Apostles’ Creed. We can make use of this section in two ways: 1) Every Sunday we proclaim our faith. This section could provide an excellent catechesis for preaching and for prayer groups wanting to deepen their faith in the Year of Faith. 2) The catechumenal process also provides a very opportune moment to make use of this section. During Lent the catechumens are presented with the Creed and asked to recite the Creed during the preparation rites on Holy Saturday. This section of the CCC provides a very rich and thorough catechetical resource during the period.

Part Two: The Celebration of The Christian Mysteries

The second part of the Catechism explains how God’s salvation, accomplished once for all through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is made present in the sacred actions of the Church’s liturgy (Section One), especially in the seven sacraments (Section Two). (CCC 15)

Part Two is easier to read and to use as catechesis. Section One provides excellent material for responding to questions about the nature and purpose of Christian worship and the role of the Trinity and of the Paschal Mystery. Section Two is based on the seven sacraments: the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist); the sacraments of healing: Penance/Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick; the sacraments at the service of communion: (Holy Orders and Matrimony). The last two chapters are dedicated to Sacramentals and Christian Funerals.

Part Two is a rich catechetical resource with many possibilities:

• to help adults who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of initiation. It is important that these adults are exposed to all the sacramental beauty and wealth in the Church;
• for adults after they have received the sacraments. This is referred to as mystagogical catechesis: reflecting, pondering on the meaning on the sacraments received and the implication for their way of life;
• for catechists and teachers preparing young children for the sacraments;
• the chapter on marriage contains great catechetical material for those preparing for marriage;
• the chapter on Christian funerals could be used as a catechetical resource for parish communities during the month of November to deepen the understanding of dying, death and funerals;
• the chapter on Sacramentals will extend our understanding of Christ’s sacramental presence to us beyond the seven sacraments and into our daily life.

Part Three: Life in Christ

The third part of the Catechism deals with the way Christians are called to live their life in Christ. Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God. Through baptism we become sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. We are therefore called to live our lives in a Christ-like way based on the Beatitudes (Section One). We live as sons and daughters of God through conduct that fulfils the twofold commandment of charity, specified in God’s Ten Commandments (Section Two). (See CCC16)

Section One deals therefore with the area of moral theology. This will prove to be invaluable in answering questions about conscience, sexual morality, sin, virtues and social justice. These are questions often asked and very challenging in our Australian context. The CCC provides very clear and direct guidelines and responses. Section Two is an excellent exposition in a positive and concrete way on the Ten Commandments. The CCC does not limit itself to the negative aspects of the commandments. It provides the positive and Christian reasons for the way we are called to live our lives as followers of Christ. Christians have always been called to embrace the local cultures, but at the same time we are also called to be counter-cultural: to stand against anything which is not according to the will of Christ and to the Gospel. Teachers and catechists will find the starting point and the framework for the many moral questions people are asking today. This knowledge, matched with a deep sense of compassion and creativity, will prove a great means of evangelisation and catechesis.

Part Four: Christian Prayer

The last part of the Catechism deals with the meaning and importance of prayer in the life of believers (Section One). It concludes with a brief commentary on the seven petitions of the Lord’s Prayer (Section Two), for indeed we find in these the sum of all the good things which we must hope for, and which our heavenly Father wants to grant us. (CCC 17)

For me personally, I find this section the most inspiring and easiest to read. In fact, it is a source of frequent meditation and reflection. Interestingly, it makes abundant use of writers from both the East and the West. I would not be surprised if some sections of Part Four lead you into prayer, meditation and contemplation.

Use Section One to explore the role, the meaning and the power of prayer in the life of the Church and her members. Use it to renew some of the ancient prayer practices: meditation and Lectio Divina. Paul tells us that Christians must “pray and pray at all times”. (Eph. 6:18) This section is the complement to Part Two of the CCC: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery. God’s loving presence is there for us not only in the sacraments but every moment of our lives, or as we proclaim in the Preface: “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.” (Eucharistic Prayer II). This section will open up for all readers many pathways to enjoy this communion with God in every moment of their lives.

Section Two is based on the text of the Lord’s Prayer. It systematically and prayerfully outlines the meaning of each of the phrases of the Lord’s Prayer, exploring its scriptural background and its various and profound Patristic interpretations. This is not a very long section and it will prove an invaluable resource in understanding a prayer that we are invited to pray so very often. It will also provide an excellent basis for catechesis for those preparing to receive the sacraments during the period before and after the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can state the following. The CCC and its adaptations:

• are not resources to be used against anybody; on the contrary they are to be used to promote ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and communion.
• are to be used in an adapted and creative way as the basis and guide for all the baptised, called to lead all people to Christ as their privilege and responsibility.
• are valuable tools offered by the Church to all the faithful to ongoing deepening of their love for God and for neighbour.

All of this is very well summarised in the following quote from the prologue to the Catechism:

The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love. (CCC 25)

This is truly an exciting book because it is a tool leading us not only to know Christ but also to become more and more Christ-like during our earthly journey until we meet Christ face to face.

Rev Dr Elio Capra SDB
19 May 2013
Feast of Pentecost