Catechists today stand within a long tradition of women and men who have devoted their lives to proclaiming the Gospel in ways that reach people’s hearts. One of those influential figures is Johannes Hofinger, often called the “father of modern catechetics.”

Born in 1902 and ordained a Jesuit priest, Hofinger dedicated his life to renewing the Church’s approach to teaching the faith. At a time when religious instruction often focused on memorization and formulas, he encouraged catechists to go deeper. For Hofinger, catechists were not merely instructors; they were witnesses who helped others encounter the richness and beauty of the Christian tradition.

Central to his vision was passion—passion for the Gospel and passion for the Church’s living tradition. Hofinger urged catechists to immerse themselves in Scripture, liturgy, and the life of the Church so that their teaching would flow from conviction and joy.

Hofinger also had a global vision for catechesis. An international authority on multicultural catechesis, he understood that the Gospel must be proclaimed in ways that respect the cultures and experiences of people in every part of the world. He emphasized that effective catechesis listens carefully to the lives, questions, and cultures of those being taught.

His theological insights helped shape the Church’s renewal at the time of the Second Vatican Council. Through his scholarship and collaboration with other theologians, Hofinger helped establish the foundation for several of the Council’s most influential documents, including Dei Verbum, Sacrosanctum Concilium, and Gaudium et Spes. These documents reshaped the Church’s understanding of revelation, liturgy, and its relationship with the modern world— realities that deeply influence how catechesis is practiced today.

Hofinger’s legacy offers us an important reminder: teaching the faith is not simply about explaining doctrines but about inviting others into the living mystery of God. Catechesis becomes most fruitful when it connects Scripture, liturgy, tradition, and everyday life.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• How does Vatican II’s emphasis on Scripture, liturgy, and dialogue with the modern world shape the way I teach?

• How do I recognize and honor the cultural and personal experiences of those I teach?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/

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Blog thumbnail portrait photo sampled from: East Asian Pastoral Institute website https://eapionline.org/about-eapi/