This virtual study on the Directory for Catechesis was conducted live over 12 weeks in the Fall of 2020, shortly after the Directory was released.  The videos below are from presentations on each of the chapters in the Directory.  Each presentation was originally followed by small group reflections.  The reflection questions are also provided below and can be used for both personal or group reflection.

To receive 30 minutes of catechist certification credit per presentation, submit your answers to the reflection questions via the link provided.  Your answers will be reviewed and you will receive your certificate of attendance via email within 10 working days.

If there are any questions or if any needs arise, please contact our office at catechesis@charlestondiocese.org.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

In paragraph 28, the Directory cites Paul VI’s Evangelii Nuntiandi in emphasizing the need for the Church herself to constantly be evangelized.  Why is this important?  In what ways does this happen?

How does viewing catechesis through the lens of evangelization and mission affect how we carry out this ministry?

What does catechesis as a ’laboratory for dialogue’ look like in practice?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

What do you think are the essential points of the ‘identity’ of catechesis?  Did this chapter challenge you in this regard? How?

In paragraph 80, the Directory says: “A catechesis, in fact, that sets up an opposition between the content and the experience of faith would show itself to be worthless.”  What do you think this means and why is it important?

What are your thoughts on the many sources for catechesis? Did any surprise you? How do we make sure to be in touch with these sources in our ministry?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

What themes or ideas resonated most with you regarding this chapter?  Why?

What does it mean to conceive of catechesis as an ‘ecclesial’ task, something for which the whole Church bears the responsibility?

This chapter outlines the variety of persons called to catechesis in different ways.  Which categories do you fall into and how does that influence how you carry out your ministry?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

With the Directory’s vision of formation of catechists in mind, what would you identify as the most pressing needs of catechists within your community?

The image of the ‘laboratory’ of catechesis keeps coming up.  What does this mean in practice?  How does it affect how we envision what we do in this ministry?

Much of the vision of the formation of catechists presented in this chapter involves fostering the ability to incorporate others into the story of salvation?  Why is this important and how do we prepare ourselves and our catechists to do this?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

The Directory talks about the ‘reciprocity between content and method’.  What does this close relationship look like and why is it important?

What aspects of divine pedagogy inspire you and how do you desire to implement them in your ministry?

Why is ‘gradualness’ something important to keep in mind methodologically?  What does it look like in your ministry?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

Why are catechisms important for those in catechetical ministry?  Why do we have both universal and local catechisms?

How do we utilize the Catechism in our ministry?

Why is the clarification that the Catechism is not in itself a method important to remember?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

Why it important to employ a methodology that values human experience?

In what ways can we bring all the forms of ‘language’ discussed in this chapter together in catechesis?

What are some creative and effective ways to utilize space in catechesis?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

With which group of people do you typically minister? What from this chapter was insightful or helpful?

What did you find challenging about this chapter?  How does that change how you view your ministry?

Why is it so essential to remember the importance of catechesis with those who are frequently left to the margins?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

How does/should catechetical ministry connect with other ministries within a parish and the overall parish vision?  What are ways to make sure this happens?

The portion of the chapter on Catholic schools essentially describes them as a ministry of the Church (an ‘ecclesial subject’).  In what ways can bridges be built to connect schools to other Church ministries either within a parish or in the same geographic area?

In this chapter, much focus is given to the dialogical nature of catechesis.  What does that look like in practice?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

In what ways do you find the encounter with other religious traditions (even including some of the ‘new’ spiritual movements) impacts your ministry?

What impact has ‘digital culture’ had on your ministry?

When we look at what is presented in this chapter, our job can seem pretty daunting.  How do we begin to put some of this into action?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

Which cultural realities do you encounter regularly?  How do you respond?

The idea of reciprocity in catechesis and evangelization is a major theme of the directory.  In what ways does this play out in the process of inculturation?

This chapter contains a section on national catechisms.  Why is it important to pay attention to documents such as that and the guidance that comes from national episcopal conferences (like the USCCB)?

Reflection/Discussion Questions

In what ways do these various ‘organisms’ impact your ministry on a regular basis?

What themes from the Directory resonate with you?  Why?

As we conclude this study, what do you think is the immediate and enduring impact the Directory will have on your ministry?