Catechesis Supplement

Evangelizing catechesis: Inviting people to a disciple relationship with Jesus in the Church

By Ken Ogorek

First it was consubstantial. Then came missionary disciples. Now the Church wants us to become familiar with another phrase: “evangelizing catechesis.”

Official definitions, practical examples

A semi-official definition of this phrase, as it’s currently used, can be found via the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops webpage:

“At the heart of the Church’s mission to all people, an evangelizing catechesis seeks to deepen a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It proclaims the core message of the Gospel, the kerygma. It accompanies people to a response of faith and conversion to Christ; it provides a systematic exposition of God’s revelation within the communion of the Catholic Church; and it sends out missionary disciples as witnesses to the good news of salvation.”

I like to use an example when explaining it: Jesus taught. And when he teaches, he often includes an invitation. “Follow me.” “Be my disciple.”

Evangelizing catechesis, then, teaches the faith in ways that intentionally include invitations to a personal, disciple relationship with Jesus—lived in full communion with his mystical body and spotless bride, the holy Catholic Church.

Lifelong learning, new vocabulary

I’ve heard folks say they prefer the phrases “religious education” or “faith formation” to the word “catechesis.” And while it’s generally good to avoid jargon that can be at least a bit off-putting, it’s also OK to use (or revive) a new word or phrase occasionally.

We’re lifelong learners. And if a phrase catches our attention because it’s a bit unfamiliar, this can be an invitation to explore the meaning and intention behind this specific vocabulary.

What exactly is a missionary disciple? Why is it important to profess that Jesus is of the same substance—consubstantial—as our heavenly Father?

How we support parish ministry

As for evangelizing catechesis, one place you might notice this phrase is in connection to how our archdiocesan offices support ministry in parishes. I often say, “The reason people like me have jobs is to help support parish ministries.”

Several offices supporting ministries in various ways are now enfolded within what’s called the archdiocesan Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis. This small group of archdiocesan staff members stands ready to serve as a resource for your parish—working with parish leaders to help serve God’s people faithfully and effectively, all by his grace and mercy.

As you enjoy this annual Catechesis Supplement of The Criterion, I hope you’ll see that efforts—throughout the archdiocese—to teach the faith are bearing good fruit thanks to the work of dedicated catechists who place themselves in God’s service, striving to do his will by answering the call to catechetical ministry. In central and southern Indiana, an evangelizing catechesis is alive, well and growing—praise God!

Yes, evangelization is still important. So is catechesis. They’re both very much interrelated in the ministry of missionary discipleship. You might even say they’re … consubstantial.
 

(Ken Ogorek is executive director of the archdiocesan Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis. He can be reached at kogorek@archindy.org.) †

 

Read more stories from our 2023 Catechesis Supplement