About the Programme
Managed by the Office for Catechesis (OFC), the aim of the programme is to help the candidates build up a relationship with the Holy Trinity, and to enable them to live the Christian life in a state of conversion. It uses the baptismal catechumenate as the inspiration for catechesis which ensures that catechesis encompasses elements of Paschal, initiatory, liturgical, community, kerygmatic and progressive characters (as directed by the General Directory for Catechesis #90-91 and new Directory for Catechesis #61-65).
This programme includes preparation for the reception of the sacraments, namely Baptism, Penance & Reconciliation and the Eucharist. More info here!
"All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children." Isaiah 54:13
The name of catechesis was given to the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God...and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ. (Catechesi Tradendae (1979) #1)
The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning "to echo the faith" meaning that catechesis or the handing down of the faith is an interactive process in which the Word of God re-sounds between and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the Holy Spirit! More info here!
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
The RCIA is a period of spiritual journey, learning and reflection for adults, who are interested or show interest in the Roman Catholic faith, and in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
It is open to non-Christians, and baptized Christians seeking to join the Catholic Church. It is supported by baptized Catholics who want to be a sponsor to accompany someone in their RCIA journey. Read more
"Every one of the baptized, called to maturity of faith, has the right to adequate catechesis. It is therefore reasonable to offer pathways of catechesis that vary based on the participants’ different needs, ages and states of life." Catechism of the Catholic Church 224-225
Special Needs Catechesis is…
“A way to convey God’s love to individuals with special needs and help them build a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit."
Deacon Larry Sutton, How to Welcome, Include and Catechize Children with Autism and Other Special Needs
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The way we think about the purpose a behaviour serves, affects the way we react to the behaviour. If we think the child throws things because he is “frightened or hungry”, we become more empathetic. However, if we think he did it because he was “defiant”, we would surely react differently. Read more