St. Aidan's Anglican Church, Kansas City - Weekly Talks

What is catechesis? Catechesis simply means to teach by word of mouth. In its principle parts it literally means to echo forth or resound down. Christian catechesis, then, is an echo of the Word of God spoken through a teacher, the catechist, that resounds into the minds and hearts of those who hear it, the catechumen. This echo is a passing or handing on of the faith and teachings of the Church to adults and children alike. Formal catechesis developed in the first few centuries of the Church, and over time the content of this teaching came to include four pillars or four movements of a great symphony: what the Church believes (the Apostle’s Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she prays (the Lord’s Prayer), and what she lives (the Commandments and fruits of the Spirit). Catechesis is not information but formation into a way of life, the life of Christ and his Body, the Church. Why catechesis? The ultimate purpose of catechesis is communion with the triune God. Practically and more specifically