New Trends in Catechetical Ministry - 2015 (BJMM026)

 

New Trends in Catechetical Ministry

On faith formation of present-day youth

[Presented at Syro-Malabar Catechetical Congress - 26 Nov 2015 - Dr Edward A Edezhath] 

On Oct 5, the opening day of the 2015 Synod on the family, Cardinal Peter Erdo of Budapest in his introductory speech spoke on, what he called, 'the verbs of the shepherd': to see, to have compassion and to teach (CAN)[1]. The first and the second are always found together in the attitude of Jesus, as he always gazes with "the eye of the heart". Such a pastoral gaze becomes the first condition to approach the contemporary generation and also to look for relevant approaches for their inner formation. This is first of all an openness that will connect the teacher to another mind-set and culture. But furthermore, it is a desire to search for and discover new and pertinent modes of door opening and creating channels of communicating faith. In JP II’s words “in our pastoral care we ask ourselves: How are we to reveal Jesus Christ, God made man, to his multitude of children and young people” (Catechesi Tradendae, 25).

My sincere congratulations to Syro-malabar Catechetical commission for undertaking a fresh look at Church’s august responsibility of the faith formation of the young generation in the present age. In these reflections I fall back on the hand on experiences from two of my learning bases. Firstly, my decades long experience of youth faith formation in the context of Jesus Youth movement, which has become for me a living source of immense insights and formation, and furthermore a place to try out my own insights and inspirations. Secondly, I am part of a lively rural parish, Sacred Heart parish, Kumbalanghy. In this young ecclesial community for the past many years, I receive daily enrichment and find a platform for pastoral involvement, especially in the catechetical ministry and also in the parish participative set up.

Why search for new modes in catechesis?

Today, more than at any other time, everyone is conscious of the accelerating pace of change in numerous fields. Most of us are out of breath trying to keep pace. Talking about some of the survival techniques that people make use of in order to live a wholesome life amidst this volatility, a periodical article [2] listed 5 new senses that discerning Indians have developed to come to terms with an evolving society. Interestingly, they are i. Sense of Art, ii. Sense of Society, iii. Sense of Technology, iv. Sense of Nonsense, and v. Sense of Self.

The world is changing and as a result of that the context in which our families and youth are living is also rapidly getting transformed. Consequently, the youth mind-set is fast changing. They no more think and act in a way that most of us elders are familiar with. On their home turf of technology and information this generation is extremely confident, and they know that the elders are a big zero there. A large portion of them don’t look up to their elders, clergy included, for guidance or inspiration. With a mind-set molded in the racing field of rushing images and rapid-fire games, these youth very often detest slow-paced and simple looking information transmission. For many of them, ‘solid boredom’ is a demon that they constantly wrestle with. No wonder everything about faith, religion and catechesis appears to them outdated and irrelevant.  Advertisements, a variety of media and info-tech teaching modes have found ways of reaching out to them and keeping them interested. But the field of academics, to a great extent, is trying to cope with the changes, but not yet effective and catechetical communication is generally lagging behind seriously.

Unfortunately, most of us in the arena of faith education often disregard the significance of undertaking a renewed effort to ‘interpret the signs of the times’[3].  But the Church urges us “to trace with the greatest possible precision the complex characteristics of present-day youth; … [as] these young persons speak a language into which the message of Jesus must be translated with patience and wisdom and without betrayal” [4]. Not forgetting, as Pp Paul VI said, “the world ‘language’ should be understood here less in the semantic or literary sense than in the sense which one may call anthropological and cultural” [5].

The present-day generation is an enigma and mystery. They are extremely smart and good natured but many of them extremely withdrawn and aloof. Like Jesus who viewed the youth of his times with interest and love, the youth instructor has to approach them with openness and eagerness to learn new ways. Instead of taking them for granted, today’s young generation must be approached with keen interest and respect.

A Paradigm of Christian Life

              It is important that we view faith formation in the context of some of the other important elements of Christian life. They are: i) Christ encounter (Initiation), ii) Catechesis (Faith rootedness), iii)   Lifestyle (forming faith habits), iv) Community (relationships & culture), v) Personal effectiveness (Self-esteem & Leadership), and vi) Ministry & Mission. Though not identical Catechism Catholic Church also speaks of six similar ingredients: “Catechesis is built on a certain number of elements of the Church’s pastoral missions, . . . , that prepare for catechesis, or spring from it. They are the initial proclamation of the gospel . . ., examination of the reasons for belief, experience of Christian living, celebration of the sacraments, integration into the ecclesial community and apostolic and missionary witness” [6].

i. Leading youth to a Christ Encounter: The first of these, a proper adult initiation or Christ encounter, is the foundation on which the other important elements are to be built up. “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction” [7]. Catechesis in reality begins at this stage and further faith education becomes effective when it is built on this experiential initiation. Today there is a great fallacy of presuming that everyone has had a proper Christian initiation. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI “It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied” [8]. Unfortunately, a regular parish catechetical session is not a setting for an experiential encounter with Christ but could be a very good place to follow up. Familiarity, focus and time constraints, often, come in the way. Practically: Pilgrimages, centres like Taizé, retreats, sessions by movements and a variety of other modes can shake them up and put them face to face with God. This could serve as a significant new beginning for a young person’s faith journey.

ii. Examination of the reasons for belief: Textbook assisted, examination-oriented syllabus transmission serves some teaching purpose, but may fall short of imparting convincing faith formation. JPII talks of “a catechesis capable of leading the adolescent to re-examine his or her life and to engage in dialogue, a catechesis that does not ignore the adolescent’s great questions . . . such a catechesis can be decisive” [9]. Today young people question their beliefs very early. Listening to these, very often raised only among their peers, and effectively accompanying them in their search will have to be an important part of Catechesis. Practically: A general attitude of encouraging search and welcoming questions is crucial. Organising special Q & A sessions and group discussions, holding sessions with a view to respond to some of the current hot topics, etc. are ways of such re-examination.

 iii.   Promoting a lifestyle: Forming faith habits is a corollary to effective catechesis. Four-spoke wheel of CCR or Six Pillars of Jesus Youth are focused ways of promoting essential ingredients of normal life. The four habits taken from Acts 2:42 is represented as a diagram and the Six Pillars comprise of Prayer, Word, Sacraments, Fellowship, Evangelization and Service to the Poor. Such quick listing and creative promotion serve effective teaching tool in a movement context. Practically: Promote simple Catholic habits, list and promote essential faith practices.

iv. Community Context: Surely our faith transmission is done in a very relevant context of a lively parish. Friendship is highly cherished by today’s youth. And a collection of individuals turns into a community when there is enough mutual communication, a distinct culture and they act together. For the past many decades in her wisdom the Church has been promoting SCC or Small Christian Communities where people can know one another and experience living and acting together. Practically: Promoting a general mind-set of sharing and caring in the group, sporadic outreaches, turning a catechism batch into a local action unit are some of the possible ways to promote a sense of communion. It is also important that the whole parish develops familial feeling and caring attitudes towards the catechetical efforts in general and promoting creative interventions from that community.

v. Focus on Personal Effectiveness: Today’s youth spend time and money to equip themselves for a successful career. ‘Soft-skills’ has become a favorite buzzword in academic and youth guidance sessions. Self-awareness, goal setting, positive attitude, joyful habits, effective communication, leadership and similar topics find prominence there. Some of our catechetical lessons already cover some of these. Practically: Some efficient faith formators make their work very relevant be turning walking towards holiness into ways of personal effectiveness. Holding complementary sessions in this line is another way in which some parishes do this.

vi. Leading to Ministry & Mission: Papa Francesco speaks of an urgent need for a missionary twist that can dramatically change all that we do in Church, including catechesis: “I dream of a “missionary option”, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation”[10]. “Go” is the catchword of mission and today it is going to the peripheries: “Each Christian and every community must discern the path that the Lord points out, but all of us are asked to obey his call to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the “peripheries” in need of the light of the Gospel” [11]. Practically: Classes adopting poor homes (vachana veedu), class Eucharist in which provisions for the needy are offered, field trips, home-visits, etc.

Required ingredients for today’s catechesis

The person, ministry and teaching of Pope Francis is a significant challenge to reorient the whole of Church life, especially faith transmission to the young generation. In his words, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: ‘We have always done it this way’. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities” [12].  What could be some of the important points to keep in mind in youth catechesis today?

1. Tackling boredom is real: Reasons for contemporary youth mind set we are aware, but most of us don’t take it seriously. Advice turns them off and reprimand turns them away. And dogmatism is counter productive. Instead appeal to the senses. St. Francis, Don Bosco and all other effective teachers following the mode of Jesus have done it. In teaching start with tangible and move towards the incorporeal. If possible, recreate life and use drama. Use of the media is also significant.

2. Reflection is missing: Today teaching is abounding, but reflection is absent; retreats are growing and personal time we have done away with. “Although the young may enjoy the support of the members of their family and their friends, they have to rely on themselves and their own conscience and must ever more frequently and decisively assume responsibility for their destiny” [13]. Faith formation sessions should have space for youth to think for themselves, discuss with their peers and express seeming disagreement. This is integral to a re-possession of their faith. Group discussions, structured experiences, role plays, all followed by guided reflection can be very beneficial. In this context comes the significance of suitable adoration session and other relevant prayer times.

3. Faith is a culture that is joyfully lived today: The Church eagerly welcome post-synodal Ecclesial Movements as they are able to balance fidelity to core tenets yet enthusiastically living it in the context of contemporary culture. World Youth Days initiated by JPII galvanized it. Youth need meaningful celebration. But somehow noisy Church Feasts don’t find resonance today. Youth need relevant cultural celebrations in consonance with contemporary modes yet rooted in faith.

4. Not exam oriented, but geared to specific Christian commitment and maturing: Youth catechesis has to go beyond textbook teaching and preparation for a test paper. At some point in the past faith instruction was inseparably connected to sacraments and commitments in life, such as, getting ready for first communion, confirmation and marriage. Some of the contemporary movements structure their faith formation in different phases leading to specific anointing and commitment. The stage-by-stage post baptismal adult formation of Neocatechumanates and the 5 phased faith formation each leading to specific commitments in Jesus Youth movement are good examples of this.

5. Never teach hatred nor try divisive approaches: Contemporary generation finds religion as most selfish, unreasonable and divisive. When they look around such instances abound.  It is important that we not only preach forgiveness and reconciliation, but also practice real tolerance and acceptance of difference.

6. Participative and team-based efforts: Involvement of all kinds most of them look forward to. So, provide chances to do interesting projects, do-it-yourself sessions and creative service. There surely is a pedagogy that is full of friendship, fun and play. Yet it is also important to remember that competitions and matches are short sighted route to promote initiative and participation.

7. They need heroes and opportunities for adventure: We hear of youth who are fed up with flavourless spirituality and running to radical forms of religion. Maybe we fail to show that history of the Church is packed with examples of sublime heroism. It is important to connect youth with this, but also there is need to provide activity space today. Age specific relevant forms of projects and trips, service initiatives, etc. could be activities in this line.

8. Caring and mercy are very much in the air: And youth love the spirit of ‘Laudato Si’ as well as the driving spirit of the Year of Mercy. An active faith that looks at nature and life with a sense of commitment and move forward with a motivation for involvement is what youth look forward to.

            “The increase in the number of young people is without doubt a fact charged with hope and at the same time with anxiety for a large part of the contemporary world” [14]. This is true not just for the nations in general, but for Church and each local community. Along with this there is a growing perplexity concerning myriad influences and their impact on the young generation. The Church looks at catechesis as an effective solution, but surely it has to be refocused and reoriented to be the “new wine put into fresh wineskins” [15]. And let us not forget that a community where youth find a space to be creatively active and receive respect, freedom and care that community is in a path of active growth and its future is bright.

 

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[1] Catholic News Agency, “Full text of Cardinal Erdo's introductory report for the Synod on the Family”. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-of-cardinal-erdos-introductory-report-for-the-synod-on-the-family-67404/#

[2] Nanda, Shweta Thakur. “Sense of Change”. Society. The Week, Nov. 22, 2015, 48 – 53.

[3] Mt. 16:3

[4] Catechesi Tradendae, 40

[5] Pp Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 63

[6] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 6

[7] Pp. Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 217.

[8] Pp. Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei, 2.

[9] Catechesi Tradendae, 38

[10] Pp Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 27

[11] Evangelii Gaudium, 20.

[12] Evangelii Gaudium, 33.

[13] Catechesi Tradendae, 30.

[14] Catechesi Tradendae, 35.

[15] Mt. 9:17