Chapter VI

Co-ordination of Pastoral Catechetics

with ail Pastoral Work

CATECHESIS AND PASTORAL ACTION

129 Since every important act in the Church participates in the ministry of the word, and since catechesis always has a relation in the universal life of the Church, it follows that catechetical action must necessarily be co-ordinated with the overall pastoral action. The aim of this co-operation is to have the Christian community grow and develop in a harmonious and orderly fashion; for, surely, although it has distinct aspects because of the various functions, if nevertheless strives toward a single basic goal.

If is necessary, therefore, that catechesis be associated with other pastoral activities (cf. Motu proprio, Ecc!esiae sanctae, n. 17), that is, with the biblical, liturgical, and ecumenical movements, with the lay apostolate and social action, and so on. Besides, it must be kept in mind that this co-operation is necessary from the very outset, that is, from the time that studies and plans for the organisation of pastoral work are started.