Catechetics Online

liturgical catechesis

[ Taken from notes during "Catechetical Methods", a senior level catechetics course at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The course was taught by Prof. James Pauley, M.A. ]

"In Christ religion is no longer a blind search for God, but is the response of faith to God who reveals himself."
- JPII, Tertio Millennio

We are redeemed by what Christ wins for us on the cross, but there has to be a way that the graces are communicated to us. There has to be a way in which the graces are communicated on the cross. It happens through the sacramental life. Through baptism we are united to the graces of Calvary and we are redeemed. The objective act of redemption, and the subjective redemption of every individual who has to say yes.

"The word liturgy originally meant a public work or service on behalf of the people. The participation of the people of God in the work of God." - CCC 1069

Through the liturgy Christ our redeemer and high priest continues the work of our redemption. In with and through His Church. We have the opportunity to receive and be sanctified by grace. The liturgical life is the source and summit of the Christian life.

"It is in the sacraments especially in the Eucharist that Christ Jesus works in fullness for the transformation of men." - Catechesi Tredendae, 23

Through the liturgy we are made holy, and we can be made fully who we are as adopted children of God. No matter how hard Christ works in the liturgy, if we are not disposed to receive it, it will have little to no effect on us. It is the place of catechesis to give people access to the font of grace in the sacraments. Catechesis helps and mentors people to come to a place where they can fully and actively participate in the sacramental life.

You need to be convinced that as a result of the class that you teach they will be more prepared to fully, consciously and actively participate in the liturgical life. Catechesis always needs to be oriented towards the liturgy. They need to be comfortable living sacramentally. We need to be convinced that liturgy does far more to draw people to conversion than even the very best catechesis.

When we use the word liturgy it is very important that we are referring to more than just the mass. When we are speaking of liturgy we are speaking of the whole sacramental church.

"The sacramental life is impoverished and soon turns into hallow ritualism if it is not based on a serious knowledge of the meaning of the sacraments." Catechesi Tredendae, 23

If we are in a place of hallow ritualism it will be very difficult to be converted at mass. Catechesis becomes intellectualized. If it fails to come alive in sacramental practice. If you are teaching them about baptism and don't help them to understand what holy water has to do with baptism every time you walk into a church it can become a ritual. The more you make this connection and become a liturgical catechist the more effective you will be as a catechist.

Elements of Liturgical Catechesis

1) The liturgy itself catechizes.
      a. The faith is passed on faithfully in the liturgy.
      b. Lex orandi, lex credendi - the Church prays what she believes.
      c. If the Church prays as she believes then not only do we have the scriptures and the catechism as primary sources, we can go to the heart of the liturgy to understand the deposit of faith. We ought to be able to point our students towards an understanding of the liturgy.
      d. The words of blessings, prayers, petitions, sacramental rites, clearly and beautifully express the faith of the Church.
      e. As you read through the rite of confirmation is thee rite of maturity where we become adults in the faith. See what is the rite of confirmation.
      f. The liturgy consoles and the liturgy teaches us about our role in the mystical body of Christ during death and that transition. And yet there is a lot of confusion about what goes on.
      g. We can be the best catechists in the world and our best catechesis will never approach what people can learn if they actively participate in the Tridium liturgy.
      h. The liturgy gives us a Christian consciousness.
      i. A catechesis for the liturgy should arouse amazement in the liturgy.
      j. GDC 71 "Liturgical catechesis prepares for the sacraments by promoting a deeper understanding and experience of the liturgy." It therefore explains the content of the prayers.
      k. Give people a copy of the rite and teach from the rite if possible.
      l. Liturgical catechesis explains the rites.
      m. Examine the content of the prayers. Teach to/from the rites themselves.
      n. The liturgy is going to help us understand the deposit of faith more. In Penance we learn a lot about the mercy of God. We need to do it in such a way that it evokes wonder and awe.
      o. The catechesis is going to help us learn about the liturgy more.
2) Liturgical catechesis explains the meaning of signs and gestures.
      a. There are many liturgical symbols that can be utilized in the faith. The steps leading up to a church show us that we are ascending to the heavenly liturgy.
      b. The more that we can bring symbols and gestures into our teaching the more we can connect faith and life.
3) Educates to active participation, contemplation, and silence.
      a. Allow students to be taught by the mystery.