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Associations, movements and groups of the
faithful
261. The purpose of the
various "associations, movements and groups of the faithful" (273)
which develop in a particular Church is to help the disciples of Jesus Christ
to fulfil their lay mission in the world and in the Church. In such
associations Christians devote themselves to "the practice of piety, the
direct apostolate, charity and relief work, or a Christian presence in temporal
matters". (274) In all of these associations and movements it is
always necessary to provide formation of some kind, in order to cultivate the
fundamental aspects of the Christian life: "In fact they have the
possibility, each with its own method, of offering a formation through a deeply
shared experience in the apostolic life as well as having the opportunity to
integrate, to make concrete and specific the formation that their members
receive from other persons and communities". (275) Catechesis is
always a basic dimension in the formation of the laity. Usually, these
organizations have "special times for catechesis". (276) Such
catechesis is not an alternative for Christian formation. Rather it is one of
its fundamental aspects.
262. When catechesis is given
in the context of these associations and movements, some important aspects of
it must be regarded as fundamental:
a) The "proper nature" (277) of catechesis must be
respected by developing the richness of its content through the threefold
dimension of word, memory and witness (doctrine, celebration and commitment in
life). (278) Catechesis, whatever the "way" in which it is
given, is always a basic organic formation in the faith. It must, however,
include "a serious study of Christian doctrine", (279) and it
must constitute a serious religious formation "open to all the... factors
of the Christian life". (280)
b) This is not an impediment to accomplishing the objectives proper to
the various associations and movements—with their own charisms. With different
emphases, catechesis must always remain faithful to its own nature. Education
in the spirituality proper to a particular movement or association enriches the
Church and is a natural continuation of the basic formation received by all
Christians. Firstly, it is necessary to educate in what is common to all the
members of the Church, before educating in what is particular and diverse.
c) It is necessary to affirm that movements and associations, as far as
catechesis is concerned, are not alternatives to the parish since this is the
educational community to which reference must be made by catechesis. (281)
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