GROUPS

76 in catechesis, the importance of the group is becoming greater and greater.

In the catechesis of children, the group helps to further their education for social Life, both in the case of children who attend catechism classes together, and in the case of those brought together in a small number to engage in some activities.

For adolescents and young adults, the group must be considered a vital necessity. In a group, the adolescent or the young adult comes to know himself and finds support and stimulation.

In the case of adults, the group can today be considered a requisite for catechesis which aims at fostering a sense of Christian co-responsibility.

In groups which include adolescents or adults, catechesis takes on the character of a joint study.

Such joint study aims at exploring the mutual relationships and ties between the content of the Christian message, which is always the norm for believing and acting, and the experiences of the group.

The catechist should take part in the joint study, but in such a way as to maintain his particular place in the group. For in the name of the Church he acts as a witness of the Christian message, one who ministers to others, shares with them the fruits of his own mature faith, and wisely orders the joint study toward the accomplishment of its purpose.

This function of the witness of the message does not necessarily mean that the catechist must be set over the group as its director.

A group which has achieved a high degree of perfection in carrying out its task will be able to give its members not only an occasion for religious education, but also an excellent experience of ecclesial life.

Catechesis performed in this way will be able to show the young that the Church is not at ail something unrelated to their own existence, but is rather a great reality for which all, each in keeping with his own calling and service, have some responsibility.