interior of "Remember Us with Smiles" book by Grace and Gary Jansen
Books

Catechists as the Keepers of Memories

One of the most inspiring images presented in the new Directory for Catechesis is the image of the catechist as the “keeper of the memory of God.” Here’s what the Directory has to say: The catechist is a witness of faith and the keeper of the memory of God. The faith contains the memory of God’s history with humanity. Keeping this memory, reawakening it in others, and placing it at the service of the proclamation […]

Areas of New Emphasis and Adaptations in the New Directory for Catechesis
Being a Catechist

Areas of New Emphasis and Adaptations in the New Directory for Catechesis

This is part four of a four-part series on the new Directory for Catechesis. Previously, I reviewed the emphasis the new Directory for Catechesis places on the term kerygmatic catechesis and the process of evangelization. In this article, let’s look at some of the areas of added emphasis, adaptations, and changes in the new directory. In the preface to the directory, the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization indicates that this document has “room for […]

The Process of Evangelization
Being a Catechist

The Process of Evangelization in the New Directory for Catechesis

This is part three of a four-part series on the new Directory for Catechesis. Understanding the process of evangelization is critical for all those engaged in ministry. But before we examine the process of evangelization (which is covered in paragraphs #31–#37 in the new Directory for Catechesis), let’s take a look at how evangelization is defined. What is evangelization? Evangelization is “making present and announcing Jesus Christ.” (#29) The ultimate aim of evangelization is nothing […]

kerygmatic catechesis
Being a Catechist

Kerygmatic Catechesis in the New Directory for Catechesis

This is part two of a four-part series on the new Directory for Catechesis. In part one of this series, I provided an overview of the structure of the new Directory for Catechesis. In this post, we will explore one of the central themes at the heart of the new Directory for Catechesis, namely kerygmatic catechesis. What is at the heart of this new directory? The role of catechesis in the dynamic of evangelization is […]

Overview of the New Directory for Catechesis - text on blue and yellow background
Being a Catechist

Overview of the New Directory for Catechesis

This is part one of a four-part series on the new Directory for Catechesis. Anyone who has read Pope Francis’s 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, will be familiar with many of the themes in the new Directory for Catechesis. Let’s begin our exploration of the 2020 Directory for Catechesis with an overview. What is the new Directory for Catechesis? The new Directory for Catechesis was publicly released on June 25, 2020, against the backdrop of […]

New Directory for Catechesis Event with Joe Paprocki and Julianne Stanz (photos of the two presenters)
Being a Catechist

Register Now for a Presentation by Julianne Stanz and Joe Paprocki on the New Directory for Catechesis

The new Directory for Catechesis is here, and it’s time to unpack the wealth of information and inspiration this document offers to all of us in the catechetical ministry. I’d like to help with that and can think of no better catechetical expert to join me than Julianne Stanz, author, speaker, and Director of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Green Bay, WI. Please join us for this exciting experience: How the New Directory for […]

New Directory for Catechesis Event with Joe Paprocki and Julianne Stanz (photos of the two presenters)
Being a Catechist

The New Directory for Catechesis: How It Will Change the Way We Think About, Talk About, and Go About Doing Catechesis

When it comes to catechesis, we not only pay attention to what we are proclaiming (so that it is faithful), but also how we are proclaiming (so that it is effective). When it comes to what we are proclaiming, the Church has gifted us with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. When it comes to how we are to proclaim the Good News most effectively, the Church has gifted us with the Directory for Catechesis. The […]