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.

Maynooth College Reflects on Catechesis in the Life of the Church, edited by Jeremy Corley, Andrew Meszaros, and John-Paul Sheridan, is an anthology of diverse reflections on some of the current challenges for catechesis, divided into four sections. The first part, The Catechetical Task 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. The theme of part two is Bringing Catechesis Alive and has both theoretical and practical chapters on animating the gospel message to touch hearts and spark imagination. Part three, The Good News in Catechesis discusses the Church’s social teaching, theological anthropology, as well as contemporary lessons for catechists from St Augustine. Finally part four, Spirituality of Catechesis focuses on prayer and the scriptures as nourishment for the catechetical task.

Dedicated to reflecting on how all the faithful can more effectively participate in the catechetical endeavour, this volume is an ideal resource for both commissioned catechists and parish volunteers, as well as teachers, priests, parents transmitting the faith to children or those seeking to witness to the faith in the workplace.