Catechism for Adults - Training Offered!

Many catechetical tools have been developed since publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992. Julianne Donlon, Adult Faith Formation Director for the Diocese of Green Bay, shares some plans that the Diocese intends to unveil that will assist catechists in bringing our faith to our adult Catholics.

"The most valuable gift that the Church can offer to the bewildered and restless world of our time is to form within it Christians who are confirmed in what is essential and who are humbly joyful in their faith. " (Catechesis in Our Time 61).

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is the response of the bishops of the United States to the call of Pope John Paul II to prepare a local catechism based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This catechism would “need to take into account the local situation and culture, while at the same time preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic teaching found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” (USCCA Introduction). The word Catechism comes from the Greek “to echo” and the USCCA intends to echo the teachings of Christ in the present day.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church published in 1992 states that it is intended primarily for those who have the task of catechesis: bishops, catechism writers, priests, and catechists. It only then goes on to say that “it will also be useful reading for all other Christian faithful” (CCC 12).

The USCCA published in 2006, however, is directly intended for the readership of the average Catholic lay person. It is faithful to the content and structure of the universal catechism but is written in more accessible language, and with the culture and situation of twenty first century America in mind.

How is the Catholic Catechism for Adults Structured?
The format of the Catholic Catechism for Adults follows the four pillars of the universal catechism:
* The Creed: The Faith Professed
* The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated
* Christian Morality: The Faith Lived
* Prayer: The Faith Prayer

The presentation of the content lends itself to easy planning for a variety of adult faith formation situations. Most chapters begin with the story of a Catholic from the United States. The teachings engage our culture. Learners are involved in the content through faith sharing discussion questions that connect faith learning to faith living. Each chapter concludes with brief doctrinal statements and suggestions for meditation and prayer. In addition, a helpful glossary at the end of the Catechism provides assistance with unfamiliar terminology.

On May 14th 2008, more than fifty Catechetical Leaders including Pastors, Pastoral Associates, Adult Faith Formation Directors and Directors of Religious Education will come together at the Diocesan Offices to receive training from the Department of Education regarding the USCCA. The hope is that this group of learners will use the Catechism in a variety of parish settings to enrich adult faith formation- in sacramental preparation, working with minority populations, offering in depth studies of the USCCA for certification and more.

In its first year, over 400 people attended USCCA classes throughout the Diocese. The hope for the 2008/2009 year is that this will be expanded to reach many more adults in a variety of situations and in both rural and urban locations. In the coming months watch this space for more information regarding the location, times and dates of these classes throughout the Diocese.