How FORMED can help you accomplish The Six Tasks of Catechesis
The National Directory for Catechesis outlines six essential tasks of catechesis:
- Promote Knowledge of the Faith
- Liturgical Education
- Moral Formation
- Teaching to Pray
- Education for Community Life
- Missionary Initiative
Even if you have never laid eyes on this list from the National Directory for Catechesis, these six categories likely encompass the goal of every program, small group, class, and initiative for both youth and adults in your parish. FORMED wants to help you direct your efforts to specific goals and provide thorough, well-rounded catechesis that includes all six essential tasks for your community. Accordingly, we at FORMED have compiled a categorized list of content available on formed.org which address each of the six tasks of catechesis. This document will help to remind you of your catechetical goals, in addition to providing the resources you need to achieve them!
1) Promote Knowledge of the Faith
Catechists are tasked with teaching the “basics” of the faith as revealed in the signs of creation, Sacred Scripture, Catholic tradition and human experience.
FORMED Resources to help you Promote Knowledge of the Faith:
Video Studies
- SYMBOLON: Knowing the Faith (10 sessions) and Living the Faith (10 sessions)
- ECHO – United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (36 sessions)
- ANIMA (3 sessions)
- YDISCIPLE (90 sessions)
Audiotalks
- Answering Common Objections Series (6 audio talks)
Audiobooks
e-books
2) Liturgical Education
Catholics must be taught about the form and meaning of the Liturgy and the Sacraments, that their minds and hearts may fully enter into these mysteries of our faith.
FORMED Resources for Liturgical Education:
Video studies
- LECTIO: Eucharist (10 sessions)
- REBORN – Baptism Preparation (6 sessions)
- FORGIVEN – Reconciliation Preparation (4 sessions)
- BELOVED – Marriage Preparation/Revitalization (6 sessions)
- YDISCIPLE – Sacraments (5 sessions); Confirmation (5 sessions); Called (5 sessions)
- PRESENCE – Eucharistic Preparation (coming soon)
Audiotalks
- Sacraments Category (11 talks)
- Keep Holy the Sabbath
- The Fourth Cup
Audiobooks
e-books
3) Moral Formation
Instruct all in the moral teachings of the Church, which are the fulfillment of the Commandments.
Video Studies
- Who Am I To Judge (8 sessions)
- SYMBOLON – Living the Faith (Episodes 5-10)
- YDISCIPLE – Human Sexuality (4 sessions)
- YDISCIPLE – Hot Topics (6 sessions)
- How to Talk About Marriage and Same Sex Unions (1 session)
- BELOVED – The Mystery and Meaning of Marriage (12 sessions)
Audiotalks
- Marriage and Family section (15 talks)
- Catholic Life section (20 talks)
- Current Topics section (13 talks)
e-books
- Practical Living section (14 books)
- Parenting section (8 books)
4) Teaching to Pray
When individuals learn to converse with and listen to their God, the entire faith is open to them. We must instill in one another that a “climate of prayer” and participation in prayer invites individuals into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
FORMED Resources to teach people to pray:
Video Studies
- LECTIO: Prayer (6 sessions)
- Forty Weeks – An Ignatian Path to Christ With Sacred Story Prayer (10 sessions)
- Opening the Word (session for every Sunday’s Mass Readings)
Audiotalks
- Prayer section (12 talks)
- Discerning Hearts (16 talks)
Audiobooks
e-books
- Prayer and Devotion section (13 books)
- The Power of Silence
5) Education for Community Life
Teach that the human person needs to live in society. Society is not optional, but a requirement of human nature.
FORMED Resources for Promoting Community Life:
Video Studies
- Wisdom and Works of Mercy (10 sessions)
- SYMBOLON: Living the Faith – Catholic Social Teaching (Session 9 & Session 10)
Audios
- Religionless Spirituality
- Abba or Allah?
- The Face of God
- I’m Not Being Fed
- Encountering the Poor
- Living the Gospel with the Heart of Pope Francis
- Anger and Forgiveness
- Counting Your Blessings
- From Love, By Love, For Love
e-books
- Practical Living Category (14 books)
- Parenting Category (8 books)
6) Missionary Initiative
Teach that all Christian service is an expression of love and is performed by Christians for the purpose of building up the Kingdom of God on earth.
FORMED Resources to Encourage Missionary Initiative:
Video Studies
- LECTIO: Evangelization (10 Sessions)
- How to Win an Argument Without Losing a Soul (1 Session)
Audiotalks
Access a printable version of this content list here.
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