Sr. Catherine (Kate) Dooley, O.P., Ph.D. was a Sinsinawa (WI) Dominican Sister who was a professor of Catechetics and Liturgy at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC for over 25 years.

Rather than being primarily known for holding national leadership roles, she is better remembered within catechetical circles for her theological vision and influence on formation practices.

She increased our awareness of liturgical catechesis which acknowledges the liturgy as a source for catechesis, leading communities and individuals to full, active and conscious faith in the light of instruction and the experience of Christian living. Her vision of liturgical catechesis reminds us that the heart of all catechesis is not a textbook, but the living prayer of the Church. In the liturgy, especially the Eucharist, people do not just learn about God—they experience God’s presence, mercy, and saving action.

For catechists, this is both a challenge and a grace. It asks us to move beyond seeing catechesis as information-sharing and to embrace it as initiation into a way of life. The rhythms of the liturgical year, the symbols, the gestures, the Word proclaimed, and the sacraments celebrated—all of these become our primary “texts.” Sr. Kate’s approach encourages us to help those we serve make connections between what they celebrate on Sunday and how they live on Monday.

Kate also advocated that the formation of catechists should have a catechetical style culminating not in theology or method but in a life of witness and mission. She challenged programs that produced “well-trained teachers” but not necessarily “living witnesses.” She advocated for forming catechists in the same way we hope they will catechize others—through reflection on experience, engagement with Scripture and liturgy, and communal faith-sharing.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• How do I draw from the liturgy as a living source for my catechesis?

• In what ways do I help others connect their participation in the liturgy with daily life?

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/