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Characteristics of catechesis for young
people
(81)
184. Given the extent of this
task, the Catechetical Directories of particular Churches and national and
regional Episcopal Conferences must, taking into account different contexts,
determine more specifically suitable measures for these areas. Some general
directions, however, may be indicated.
– The diversity of the religious situation
should be kept in mind: there are young people who are not even baptized,
others have not completed Christian initiation, others are in grave crises of
faith, others are moving towards making a decision with regard to faith, others
have already made such a decision and call for assistance.
– It should also be remembered that the most
successful catechesis is that which is given in the context of the wider
pastoral care of young people, especially when it addresses the problems
affecting their lives. Hence, catechesis should be integrated with certain
procedures, such as analysis of situations, attention to human sciences and
education, the co-operation of the laity and of young people themselves.
– Well organized group action, membership of
valid youth associations (82) and personal accompaniment of young
people, which should also include spiritual direction as an important element,
are useful approaches for effective catechesis.
185. Among the diverse forms
of youth catechesis, provision should be made, in so far as circumstances
permit, for the youth catechumenate during school years, catechesis for
Christian initiation, catechesis on specific themes, as well as other kinds of
occasional and informal meetings.
Generally youth catechesis should be
proposed in new ways which are open to the sensibilities and problems of this
age group. They should be of a theological, ethical, historical and social
nature. In particular, due emphasis should be given to education in truth and
liberty as understood by the Gospel, to the formation of conscience and to
education for love. Emphasis should also be placed on vocational discernment,
Christian involvement in society and on missionary responsibility in the
world.(83) It must be emphasized, however, that frequently contemporary
evangelization of young people must adopt a missionary dimension rather
than a strictly catechumenal dimension. Indeed, the situation often
demands that the apostolate amongst young people be an animation of a missionary
or humanitarian nature, as a necessary first step to bringing to maturity
those dispositions favourable to the strictly catechetical moment. Very often,
in reality, it is useful to intensify pre-catechumenal activity within the
general educational process. One of the difficulties to be addressed and
resolved is the question of "language" (mentality, sensibility,
tastes, style, vocabulary) between young people and the Church (catechesis,
catechists). A necessary "adaptation of catechesis to young
people" is urged, in order to translate into their terms "the message
of Jesus with patience and wisdom and without betrayal".(84)
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