In September 2022, the Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization came to Ottawa and met the Commission for Evangelization and Catechesis and catechetical leaders in Canada.  The purpose of the meeting was to look at the renewal of catechesis from a missionary perspective in the Catholic Church in Canada. The discussion also focused on how the phases of catechesis (first proclamation, Christian initiation, ongoing formation) are developed in various contexts, including parishes, schools, movements and associations.

But what does it mean to renew the catechesis from a missionary perspective?

A missionary focus for catechesis means that the primary goal is not just to instruct Catholics in the faith, but also to equip them to share the faith with others and to be missionary disciples in the world. This involves helping Catholics to understand the message of the Gospel, to grow in their own faith, and to develop the skills and confidence they need to share the faith with others.

A missionary focus for catechesis also means that one of the important goals of our catechetical efforts is to share the message of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church with others, especially those who have not yet heard or embraced the faith.

A missionary focus for catechesis is rooted in the Church’s understanding of its mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, as well as in the call to all Catholics to be missionary disciples. Sharing Christ’s love with the world and inviting others to encounter him and his saving message are the essential parts of the Church’s mission.

Pierre-Alain Giffard

Other articles:

• What is a Missionary Parish?
• 19 Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth
• The Missionary Renewal of Catechesis
• Characteristics of Missionary Parishes
• Powerful healing prayer attributed to St. Padre Pio
• We are called to share our faith with others
• Should we Seek to Grow the Church?
• Find a Need and Fill It – Revealing God’s Heart in the Community
• 15 Habits to Evangelize on a Daily Basis
• The Church’s Mission
• Three Barriers to Building An Invitational Culture In Your Parish
• The Relational Evangelizer
• Doing Church at Home
• The Blind Girl
• A Group of Frogs
• The Elephant Rope
• A Shared Faith is a Growing Faith
• In The Shoes Of The Unchurched
• Parish Evangelizing Cells
• Six Unique Features of Missional Parishes
• Steps Towards Becoming A Missional Parish
• What Is Evangelization, And How Should It Be Carried Out?
• Discussion And Self-Assessment Questions For Parish Evangelization
• A Missional Church Is A Church That Prays
• The Jesus Prayer: A Method To Pray At All Times
• What can help children raised Catholic continue practicing the faith as adults?
• An Example of a Missionary Parish:  Phoenix First Assembly of God 
• Satan’s Tactics
• Learning to Be a Missionary
• When we cry out to God, he answers
• Presence and Proclamation
• Saving those who are lost
• Saint-Nazaire Parish: The story of a missionary transformation 
• Small Groups and Evangelization
• Evangelizing By Inviting People To Receive Jesus As Lord And Saviour
• You Will Receive Power…
• Have You Heard About the Law of Three Hearings and Seven Touches?
• Three Habits of a Fruitful Christian Life