Chapter II

Catechesis in the Pastoral

Mission of the Church

(Nature, Purpose, Efficacy)

MINISTRY 0F THE WORD IN THE CHURCH

17 The ministry of the word takes many forms, including catechesis, according to the different conditions under which it is practised and the ends which it strives to achieve.

There is the form called evangelisation, or missionary preaching. This has as its purpose the arousing of the beginnings of faith (cf. CD, 11, 13; AG, 6, 13, 14), SO that men will adhere to the word of God.

Then there is the catechetical form, "which is intended 10 make men’s faith become living, conscious, and active, through the light of instruction" (CD, 14).

And then there is the liturgical form, within the setting of a liturgical celebration, especially that of the Eucharist (e.g., the homily) (cf. SC,, 33, 52; Inter Oecum. 54).

Finally, there is the theological form, that is, the systematic treatment and the scientific investigation of the truths of faith.

For our purpose it is important b keep these forms distinct, since they are governed by their own laws. Nevertheless, in the concrete reality of the pastoral ministry, they are closely bound together.

Accordingly, ail that has so far been said about the ministry of the word in general is to be applied also 10 catechesis.