What is Catechesis?

• Faithfully teaches the doctorine and traditions of the Catholic Church, which are safeguarded by the bishops, who teach with a unique authority.
• Has Scripture and Tradition as its single source for the Christian message
• Is centered in Christ
• Is trinitarian in nature and content
• Comes from and leads to the Church
• Is sacramental
• Focuses on the moral life
• Focuses on eternal life

Catechesis centered on the Kerygma

Kerygma is a greek word used in the New Testament for “proclamation” and is closley related to the Greek verb κηρύσσω (kērússō) meaning “to cry or proclaim as a hearld.” It is the basic or core proclamation of our faith and the basis for all successful evangelization. You speak it each time you say the Nicene Creed at Mass. So while you may not be familiar with the name that it’s been given, you should be familiar with the points that make up this Kerygma.

1. We were fearfully and wonderfully made...for and with a plan...with a purpose. To love God who is Pure Love.
2. Through sin, we have broken that bond/relationship with God and placed ourselves outside of that plan.
3. Never One to give up, God sent his only Son to restore that bond through His Life, Death, and Resurrection.
4. Jesus invites every single one of us to trust him, to turn from sin and give our lives to him.
5. Jesus has poured the Holy Spirit into our hearts to bring us to new life in His Church and sends His Church on mission so that others can experience that new life.