The six tasks of catechesis as outlined in the GDC are:
Catechesis…

1. promotes knowledge of the faith
2. promotes knowledge of the meaning of the liturgy and the sacraments
3. promotes moral formation in Jesus Christ
4. teaches the Christian how to pray with Christ
5. prepares the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the church
6. promotes a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society (pg. 6062)

These tasks are imparted through individual relationships, the community of faith, liturgy, instruction, experiential learning, ritual, prayer, and outreach to the global community. “Continuing education in the faith is a question which concerns the whole community; catechesis, therefore is an educational activity which arises from the particular responsibilities of every member of the community, in a rich context of relationships” (GDC #220). Nothing can replace the experience of faith taught and practiced in the household. “Parents are catechists precisely because they are parents” (NDC pg, 203). Therefore central to elementary catechesis is the faith development of the entire household.

Catechesis in the Catholic Schools and Parish Faith Formation Programs are guided by:

• Catholic Schools – Religion Course of Study for Catholic Schools and Curriculum Guidelines
• Parish Religious Education Programs – Resounding the Good News
• USCCB Conformity Listing of Catechetical Texts and Series – http://usccb.org/catechism/document/Currentlist.pdf

For more information regarding elementary or sacramental catechesis,
please contact Mrs. Joanne F. Haney at jhaney@archbalt.org or 410-547-5403.