Implementing new National Directory for Catechesis

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 6, 2005

Three members of the staff of the Diocese of Sioux City recently attended a regional workshop in Minneapolis for diocesan personnel relating to the implementation of the new National Directory for Catechesis.

Attending the workshop were Linda Anderson, diocesan director of catechesis; Linda Ebel, diocesan curriculum director; and Kevin Vickery, superintendent of Catholic schools.

The 314-page directory, published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is intended to serve as a guide for all people who have catechetical responsibilities in U.S. dioceses and parishes, especially those responsible for organizing and supervising catechetical programs.

"This is a valid piece that ties in well with other resources we've had for catechesis such as the General Directory for Catechesis," noted Anderson.

For Vickery, he said the new directory reinforced that concept that as teachers in Catholic schools they are called to be catechists.

"Our primary function is to bring the word alive for our children and the families and to be witnesses of who we are in Christ," he said.

The information on the back of the book describes this new national directory as a companion piece to the General Directory for Catechesis. The cover describes, the new directory "builds on the core themes of the GDC, serves as a reference point for forming catechists and developing resources and provides practical tools for doing catechesis well."

Published in the wake of the Catechesis of the Catholic Church, the new directory also refers to the catechism and summarizes what it teaches.

Anderson pointed out that Vatican II stressed the importance of catechesis and the need to broaden its scope.

"One reason we are very interested in the new directory and learning about the implementation of it is because it ties in so well with the concept of whole community catechesis and intergenerational ministry that we want to promote more in the diocese," she said. "We know from this document as well as other pieces that the primary emphasis should be on adult faith formation."

Vickery pointed out that the directory helps remind people of the close relationship between evangelization and catechesis. The directory also helps people realize that "what we do to catechize has to be part of a plan and it needs to be well laid out."

The directory not only addresses things such as the signs of a vital catechetical ministry, the nature and purpose of catechesis as well as the tasks of catechesis but it offers practical suggestions and a list of resources in order for it to be done well.

"The directory also helps us understand that many of us are catechists - all of us are catechists," said Vickery. "We need to sit down and determine how all of our efforts are coordinated so that it can have an impact on the whole community."

Presenters at the Minnesota workshop were Dr. Michael Steier, assistant secretary for Catechesis and Leadership Formation of the USCCB and Daniel S. Mulhall, assistant secretary for Catechesis and Inculturation of the USCCB.

The diocesan staff members said it was good to attend the workshop because they were able to dialogue with other diocesan people and learn possible ways to disseminate this information to parishes and schools.

"Within our offices, at our Christian Formation and Worship department meetings, every time we meet we are studying one chapter of the new directory," noted Anderson. "We want to familiarize more people within the chancery offices with this, but knowing that the next step is to address how we can get the word out to parishes to help them become familiar with the National Directory for Catechesis."

She mentioned that in addition to the main directory, people can purchase a Leader's Guide to the National Directory for Catechesis as well as a Summary of the National Directory for Catechesis. The leader's guide, Anderson added, could be used for such things as catechist formation.

Vickery mentioned that the Office of Education in the diocese provided all Catholic schools with a copy of the National Directory for Catechesis. Over the course of the school year, as part of the formation of the administrators, this resource will be studied.

"I think this document will help us realize that Catholic schools have many missions, one of which is catechesis," he said. "We have to make sure that stays in the forefront because that is the one piece that differentiates us from other schools. At the same time, it is the one thing that unifies us with all other church ministries."

While there is no requirement for parishes to obtain a copy of the new directory, they are urged to do so. In the meantime, the diocesan personnel will look at ways to get the word out about the new resource. They may consider ICN presentations or inservices.

"This is a useful tool, you will learn from it," said Anderson. "And what you learn from it, you will be able to integrate with other things in your ministry - whether it be school or parish."

The U.S. bishops adopted this new directory in the summer of 2003. The Vatican approved its publication this January.

Editor's note: The National Directory for Catechesis costs $19.95; the English and Spanish summaries, $3.95; English or Spanish bulletin inserts, $10 per pack of 100; the Leader's Guide, $15.95; shipping and handling costs depend on the total amount of the order. Materials can be ordered by phone at: (800) 235-8722; by fax at: (202) 722-8709; or by mail at: USCCB Publishing, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 3211 Fourth St., NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194. Ordering details and order forms are available online by clicking on the "Bookstore" link at: www.usccb.org.