The National Directory for Catechesis

On October 3, I had the opportunity to attend a regional in-service sponsored by the USCCB on the new National Directory for Catechesis. The gathering was for diocesan catechetical leaders, including directors of religious education and catechetical ministry, directors of youth ministry, directors of ministry formation, and superintendents of Catholic schools. The focus of the in-service was two fold:

• The in-service enhanced our understanding of the structure and key components of the NDC.
• It provided insights into implications and applications of the NDC to develop a diocesan strategy in order to implement a catechetical plan for our diocese.

I came away from this gathering with a few reflections I would like to share with you.

Youth Ministry Leader = Catechetical Leader? Perhaps

For many years, many youth ministry leaders, myself included, adamantly stated that youth ministry was not religious education. This essentially came from the fact that we did not use a classroom model for faith formation with youth. Yet in having this attitude, we often equated catechetical ministry with old religious education models, and thus distanced ourselves from being considered catechetical leaders. When we examine the principle tasks of catechesis as articulated in both the National Directory for Catechesis and the General Directory for Catechesis, we see that these tasks are found in many sections of Renewing the Vision, and closely correlate to the ministries of youth ministry:

Principle Tasks of Catechesis	Ministries of Youth Ministry
Knowledge of the Faith	Ministry of Catechesis (RTV p 28+)
Participation in Liturgical and Sacramental Life	Ministry of Prayer & Worship (RTV p 44+)
Moral Formation	Ministry of Catechesis, Ministry of Pastoral Care(RTV P 42+)
Learning to Pray	Ministry of Prayer & Worship (RTV p 44+)
Preparation and Participation in Faith Community	Ministry of Community Life (RTV p 34+)
Developing a Missionary Spirit	Ministry of Justice & Service (RTV p 37+)

When we consider what catechetical leaders are called to do, we discover that youth ministry leaders are also catechetical leaders.

Developing a Catechetical Plan

The National Directory for Catechesis calls on dioceses and parishes to develop a life-long catechetical plan for the faithful. The NDC recognizes the unique faith formation needs of individual generational groups. As youth ministry leaders, we have knowledge and understanding of effective adolescent catechesis. Our voices are integral in developing the catechetical plan for our dioceses and parishes. We must take the initiative to be included in this process, or even to be the initiators of the process. We recognize that young people who come to us from an effective children’s catechetical program are more effectively engaged in youth ministry. We know that young people who experience an effective youth ministry program inclusive of adolescent catechesis are often hungry for something more when they move on to young adulthood. Our participation in developing an effective catechetical plan for our dioceses and parishes will have a positive impact on our ministry with young people.

Embracing Our Role as Youth Ministry/Catechetical Leader

The NDC utilizes much of the content of its adolescent catechesis section from Renewing the Vision. It affirms that adolescent catechesis is the most effective approach when presented within a comprehensive youth ministry.

The NDC also challenges youth ministry leaders to “have theological formation along with competence and experience in catechesis.” This is a challenge we need to actively embrace. As youth ministry leaders, it is vital for us to commit to our own on-going formation and faith growth. If we are not certified catechists or do not have theological training, we need to take advantage of diocesan programs, online programs, or other Catholic college or university programs to gain this foundation.

I urge all youth ministry leaders to find, read and work to implement the National Directory for Catechesis. (Available from the USCCB www.usccbpublishing.org/ )