Catechesis means in Greek to teach and instruct. However, it is a term that refers to a specific type of teaching, Christian formation and, more specifically, the teaching of the catechism in Catholicism.
In its strictest sense, the term catechesis refers to the transmission of the faith to the members of the Church. In other words, catechesis is the process of learning Christian doctrine and has traditionally been oriented to baptized children, but it can also be used in the formation of adults.
The members of the Church in the early stages of Christianity were shaping a new knowledge, Biblical Theology. As a section of this general area, the need arose to create a teaching model of the principles of the Christian faith and that model is catechesis which, in practice, is specified in the catechism as a means of dissemination and as a pedagogical system.
Catechism and catechesis in the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a book that collects the main doctrines and teachings of the Bible. It is a compilation of the fundamental elements of Catholicism. Normally the content of the catechism is explained by a priest or by a member of the church, who is addressed to some faithful who want to better understand the principles of their faith. Whoever follows these teachings is known as a catechist.
The purpose of catechesis is to perfect and consolidate knowledge and, in parallel, to guide the faithful towards holiness
The catechist must be confirmed and attend mass regularly. In general, catechism learning is learned in a group and the catechists comment on the different topics that the priest proposes to them.
The knowledge that the catechist is acquiring has a double dimension. On the one hand, it is a set of knowledge (prayers, commandments, biblical passages ...). On the other hand, this knowledge has an instrumental character, since they are tools to consolidate the Christian faith.
The catechism of the Catholic Church is a document structured as follows: the profession of faith, the sacraments, the life of faith and, lastly, the importance of prayer. Regarding its content, the subjects of study are very diverse: the canon of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, the symbols of faith, the revelation of God as Trinity or divine Providence.
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