As the Catholic Church embarks on the mission of teaching the Christian faith, the Directory for Catechesis (2020) provides the how-to guidelines for catechesis and presents universal norms to guide pastors and catechists in the work of evangelization. The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization presents the Directory to guide the proclamation of the Gospel by the Christian faithful to people of all ages and in all seasons of life.
The Directory places catechetical instruction and formation of catechetical teachers clearly within the realm of evangelization. It offers guidelines to assist in the creation of local directories and catechisms and clarifies the importance of catechetical renewal in Christian communities. The Directory affirms the presentation of the Catholic faith articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a sound point of reference for instruction while drawing deeply from Scripture and the writings of recent popes, especially Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium.
The Directory places catechetical instruction and formation of catechetical teachers clearly within the realm of evangelization. It offers guidelines to assist in the creation of local directories and catechisms and clarifies the importance of catechetical renewal in Christian communities. The Directory affirms the presentation of the Catholic faith articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a sound point of reference for instruction while drawing deeply from Scripture and the writings of recent popes, especially Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium.
Study Guides
Leader's Guide for the Directory for Catechesis![]()
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Participant's Guide for the Directory for Catechesis![]()
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Introduction to the Directory for Catechesis
Catechesis in Our Mission to Evangelize
Chapters 1-4 Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy As catechists, we are sent by Christ to proclaim the Gospel and make the Kingdom of God present in the world. In this overview of Part One of the Directory for Catechesis, we will reflect upon the dynamic and challenges of evangelization in the contemporary world, our goals and tasks, and our identity and privileged vocation to, as did Christ, reach out to others, walk alongside them, and form believers for mission. |
The Process of Catechesis
Chapters 5-6 Petroc Willey, Ph.D. Chapter 5 of the Directory discusses the Pedagogy of the Faith and looks at the relationship between catechesis and human sciences. Chapter 6 takes a look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church including: identity, aim, and audience of the Catechism, the significance of the Catechism, and the sources and structure of the Catechism. This workshop provides an overview of these two central chapters in the Directory. Participants will be provided with ideas for practically applying these themes within their ministry. |
Methodology and Human Development
Chapters 7-8 Joseph White, Ph.D. Chapter 7 of the Directory explores the methodologies used to transmit the faith. This section includes themes such as: the relationship between content and method, human experience, memory, language, and space. Chapter 8 discusses catechesis in the lives of persons. This chapter takes a look at the role of catechesis within a family, and catechesis with specific demographics, such as: children, teens, adults, the elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants, emigrants, marginal persons, and those in prison. |
Catechesis in Particular Churches
Chapters 9-12 Brenda Noriega Chapter 9 of the Directory explores the Christian Community as participants in catechesis. Chapter 10 discusses catechesis in the face of contemporary cultural scenarios (popular piety, shrines, local cultural traditions, etc.). Chapter 11 discusses the nature and goal of inculturation of the faith. Chapter 12 explores the organisms at the service of catechesis, including: the Holy See, the Synod of Bishops, the episcopal conference, the diocese, and the parish. |