Preparation of local catechisms: a direct responsibility of the episcopal ministry

284. Among the aids available to catechesis, catechisms excel all others. (³²⁷) Their importance derives from the fact that the message transmitted by them is recognized as authentic by the Pastors of the Church. If the Bishop presides over the general catechetical activity of a particular Church, it is also true that the publication of catechisms is a direct responsibility of the episcopal ministry. National, regional, or diocesan catechisms, drawn up in co-operation with catechetical workers, are ultimately the responsibility of the Bishops, who are catechists par excellence in the particular Churches.

In drawing up catechisms, the following two criteria must be carefully adhered to.

a) perfect harmony with the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "a sure and authentic reference... particularly for preparing local catechisms"; (³²⁸)

b) due consideration for the norms and criteria for the presentation of the Gospel message contained in the General Directory for Catechesis, which is also a "standard of reference" (³²⁹) for catechesis.

285. The "prior approbation of the Apostolic See" (³³⁰) which is required for catechisms emanating from Episcopal Conferences—signifies that these are documents whereby the universal Church, in the differing socio-cultural contexts to which she is sent, proclaims and transmits the Gospel and "generates the particular Churches by manifesting herself in them". (³³¹) The approbation of a catechism is a recognition of the fact that it is a text of the universal Church for a specific culture and situation.