Katie Diltz | McGrath Institute for Church Life – University of Notre Dame
David Carvalho | Diocese of Fall River
Photo: Diocese of Fall River
This article summarizes insights from Katie Diltz of the McGrath Institute for Church Life and David Carvalho of the Diocese of Fall River, in conversation with parish leaders, focused on the renewed vision of catechesis through the lens of Church teaching, pastoral practice, and lessons learned from a time of disruption. To watch the presentation in its entirety, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@equipcatholics
Returning to the Mission of Catechesis
Catechesis is not simply about imparting religious information. As St. John Paul II writes in Catechesi Tradendae, the “primary and essential object of catechesis is, to use an expression dear to St. Paul and also to contemporary theology, the mystery of Christ.” (n.5.) Catechesis is about leading individuals into an ever-deepening intimacy with Jesus, helping them not only learn about the faith but live it fully. The ultimate goal, as he explains, is “not only to put people in touch, but in communion, in intimacy with Jesus Christ.” (n.5)
This focus on encounter and relationship reframes everything. Knowing all the virtues or naming the prophets is meaningful, but secondary to fostering a life lived in communion with God. We must prioritize practices that lead first to personal transformation—prayer, worship, moral living, and service—alongside doctrinal instruction.
The Parish: A Living, Adaptive Organism
Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, challenges us to see the parish not as an outdated institution but as a “flexible” and “missionary” presence in the community. A parish that is alive and effective must be capable of “self-renewal and constant adaptivity.” It must remain in contact with people’s real lives—not become a “self-absorbed group made up of a chosen few.” (n.28)
To remain relevant and life-giving, parishes must undergo regular reflection. Why are we doing what we’re doing? Is it working? Who are we reaching—and who are we missing? COVID-19 accelerated this urgency. Ministries had to pivot quickly, uncovering creative approaches and revealing gaps that had long been ignored.
Evangelizing Catechesis
While catechesis and evangelization have often been discussed as distinct parts of a catechumenal process (or path for discipleship), there is a realization in our current times that they are deeply interconnected – and at times indistinguishable. As the Vatican’s Directory for Catechesis shares “in the present context it is no longer possible to stress such differences…those today who ask for or have already received the grace of the sacraments often do no have an explicit experience of faith.” (n.56).
As a result, there is a renewed focus on the necessity of engaging in an “evangelizing” or “kerygmatic catechesis”. This is to say a “catechesis that is an entering more deeply into the kerygma [the first proclamation of the Good News]…The proclamation can therefore no longer be considered simply the first stage of faith, preliminary to catechesis, but rather the essential dimension of every moment of catechesis” (DC, n. 57). Put another way, evangelization is not just for non-Catholics, it is for everyone regardless of where they are in the journey of faith so that the Good News never becomes “bland” to us.
Discerning Ministry with Purpose
Considering this, discern programs and ministries in terms of how they may, or may not, be fulfilling their mission to their intended audience(s).
Programs that truly serve people meet them where they are—offering not just religious instruction but community, support, and belonging. For instance, it can be easy to say, “parents should be praying with their kids,” but harder to accompany them in their exhaustion, anxiety, and busyness.
One way to assess if a program is mission-focused is by considering whether it supports the stages of conversion. Using frameworks like Sherry Weddell’s “thresholds of conversion” can be particularly helpful. These distinct stages (initial trust, curiosity, openness, seeking, and intentional disciple), depict how an individual journeys toward “intimacy with Christ”.
For instance, programs may focus solely on individuals who are already committed. But what about those just beginning to trust the Church again? Are there spaces for seekers, skeptics, or those on the fringes?
Events like parish festivals, hospitality ministries, and community outreach may seem “less instructional,” but they often serve as the first point of contact and build initial trust. These are opportunities to build relationships that can lead to deeper discipleship and catechesis.
Holistic Catechesis
There is the temptation to reduced catechesis to a means of simply imparting doctrinal knowledge. But the Church teaches a much richer vision. The “tasks of catechesis” are meant to reflect the “pedagogy of Jesus”, which primarily prepared the disciples for a lifestyle to continue beyond his Ascension.
This means that for catechesis to be mission-focused, it has to be seen more as an apprenticeship in the faith over time. To this end, we can take inspiration for the catechumenal process. Similar to the thresholds of conversion, the catechumenate sees discipleship formation as a gradual process over time, from initial “inquiry” periods to a period of deeper “enlightenment”.
While it has previously been spoken of in terms of adult initiation, the catechumenate is also the model for all catechesis. As the Directory for Catechesis notes, “the catechumenate can also inspire the catechesis directed toward those who, although they have already received the gift of baptismal grace, do not actually taste its richness: in this sense, one speaks of catechesis inspired by the catechumenal model or a post-baptismal catechumenate.” (n.46)
Consider then: what stage(s) of faith may the people whom I serve be in? What do they need in order to move forward on the road of faith? How can I help them along by emphasizing not only moments of catechetical instruction, but also opportunities for encounter, conversion, community, and sacramental life? This takes getting to know the people we serve and adapting ministry to better serve their faith needs.
Photo: Diocese of Fall River
What COVID Taught Us
The pandemic forced every parish to adapt. Some went entirely online, others offered hybrid or outdoor programs. Technology became essential—sometimes clunky, but often a lifeline. And in many cases, ministries found that less was actually more.
Leaders discovered that simple, focused programs—like emphasizing Sunday liturgy or at-home resources—had surprising depth. Many families experienced the liturgy together for the first time in a long time. Parishes called elderly members to check in. Community bonds were renewed.
As one leader put it, “We learned that we can pivot—and survive.” Others reflected that they had finally been “given permission” to make changes they had long dreamed of. While the pandemic brought challenges, it also sparked renewal and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Making One Change
As we look to the future, the question becomes: what now? Based on our evaluation, what is one thing we could change or improve this year? Not everything needs to be reinvented. In fact, focusing on a single strategic change can have far-reaching impact.
This might mean:
- Starting a small group ministry
- Redesigning the confirmation program with a relational focus
- Creating a welcoming team to greet people in the parking lot
- Simplifying the curriculum to make space for prayer and reflection
- Offering parent workshops that affirm and support their role in the domestic church
Photo: Diocese of Fall River
For instance, below are three initial areas for consideration:
- The Importance of Space and Format
The physical and emotional environment of catechesis matters. Parish gathering spaces should be welcoming, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed—not sterile or outdated. Even small touches like warm lighting, attractive wall art, and thoughtful seating arrangements can send a message: “You belong here.”
The format of programs must also reflect the whole person. Are we considering participants’ intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs? Are there breaks, time for reflection, opportunities for movement? Do we balance group sharing with time for personal processing? Good catechesis cares for the person as well as the content.
- Hospitality: The First Evangelization
Hospitality isn’t fluff—it’s foundational. From the parking lot to the front door to the welcome desk, every parishioner and guest should feel seen and valued. As one participant noted, “You can have a great liturgy, but if people have a bad experience in the parking lot, they might never come back.”
We must create environments where people want to be—not just for content, but for connection. This includes greeters, clean and beautiful spaces, and intentional follow-up.
- Embracing the Role of the Connector
Parish leaders are no longer just content deliverers. They are connectors—facilitators of relationships, builders of community. Their job is not just to “teach” but to accompany people on their journey of faith.
As one leader put it, “We are becoming less the sage on the stage and more the guide on the side.” Relationships, not just resources, are what change lives. This is the distinction between engaging in pastoral ministry and managing a program.
As a result, mission-focused catechesis is more easily facilitated by having a team of individuals, even parents, who can aid parish leaders in reaching out to, building relationships with, and mentoring the families they serve.
Conclusion: A Time for Courageous Creativity
Our mission remains the same: to lead others into intimacy with Christ. But how we fulfill that mission must evolve with the needs of our people and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Through evaluation, prayer, and community, we can shape an mission-focused catechesis that is holistic, welcoming, and life-giving—for this generation and the next.