THE WORK 0F RENEWAL

9 In this new state of affairs, it is possible for one to suppose that the apostolic fervor which the Church is now striving to promote is being impeded. Certainly neither the shepherds nor the faithful should be faulted on zeal, which they in fact have in large measure. The impediments seem rather to result either from a widespread failure to prepare suitably for the new and difficult tasks, or from a kind of thinking, as yet not fully developed, which is at times expressed in theories that hinder rather than help evangelisation.

Having duly considered these things, the Sacred Synod of Vatican it lime and again urged renewal of the ministry of the word in the Church. This renewal seems today to be entering a period of crisis, being led there especially by:

—those who are unable to understand the depth of the proposed renewal, as though the issue here were merely one of eliminating ignorance of the doctrine which must be taught. According 10 the thinking of those people, the remedy would be more frequent catechetical instruction. Once the matter has been considered that way, that remedy is immediately seen to be altogether unequal to the needs. In fact, the catechetical plan is to be thoroughly renewed, and this renewal has to do with a, continuing education in the faith, not only for children but also for adults.

—those who are inclined to reduce the Gospel message to the consequences it has in men’s temporal existence.

The Gospel and its law of love do, of course, demand that Christians, each according to his strength, work together—fulfilling their secular duties and responsibilities—to restore justice and brotherhood among men more and more. That, however, does not in any way satisfy the need to give due witness to Jesus Christ, God’s Son and our Savior, whose mystery, which revealed God’s ineffable love (cf. 1 John 4, 9), must be proclaimed openly and in its entirety to those being evangelised, and must be examined by them.

The teaching of the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modem World and the Declaration on Religious Freedom countenance no "minimalism" in explaining the service of the

faith directed through the ministry of the word. Both these documents show concern for providing a remedy for the state of affairs described above. Renewal in the ministry of the word, especially in catechesis, can in no way be separated from general pastoral renewal.

Steps which are effective and indeed of the greatest importance for good results must be taken: promoting the growth of the customary forms 0f the ministry of the word and stimulating new ones; evangelising and catechising men of lower cultural levels; reaching the educated classes and taking care of their needs; improving The traditional forms of the Christian presence and finding new ways; gathering together all the practical aids of the Church and al the same time avoiding forms which are not in accord with the Gospel.

In carrying out this task, the Church places her hope in ail members of the People of God. Everyone—bishops, priests, men and women religious, lay people—should by ail means fulfil his mission, each according to his responsibilities. And indeed each should fulfil his mission with attention 10 the state of the world which profoundly affects the life of faith.

So that effective help may be given these workers in the service of the Gospel, the catechetical renewal ought to use the help which can be given by the sacred sciences, theology, bible studies, pastoral thought, and the human sciences, and also the instruments by which ideas and opinions are spread, especially the social communications media.