by Jo Ann Borchert

A consultation on the draft of a national document for catechesis is under way. The National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) will be a basic statement of what should be done in religious education in the United States in the years to come. It is to be a guide for those who have catechetical responsibilities in the United States’ dioceses and parishes, especially those responsible for organizing and supervising diocesan and parish catechetical programs.

The Second Vatican Council prescribed that a directory for catechetical instruction be drawn up. The result was the "General Catechetical Directory." The GCD was approved by Pope Paul VI in 1971. This document led to a renewal in catechesis and was a point of reference for content and methodology. It was followed by a national directory for the U.S. in 1977. The National Catechetical Directory (NCD) was prepared with wide consultation from around the country.

After thirty years, a new general directory was prepared and published in 1998. The General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) responded to the developments in catechetics since the GDC and set a tone for the future. In the years between we have received the Catechism of the Catholic Church, have implemented the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA,), and have become more aware of the activity of evangelization. In response to the GDC a new national document is being developed. Across the country consultations are being conducted on the draft for the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC). This document is to be completed in 2003 after approval of the Bishops of the United States. It is to create a renewed energy around the ministry of catechesis in this country.

The consultation is to include pastors, pastoral administrators, diocesan staff, directors of religious education, principles, parish staffs, catechists, religion teachers, campus ministers, youth ministers, young adult ministers, adult education leaders, RCIA team members, liturgy directors, social concerns, special religious education, parents, and Hispanic ministry. Participants will be asked to respond to the document and share significant comments.

This consultation is an opportunity for discussion and critique of the major sections of the draft and conversation on this important ministry of the church. This will provide feedback to the Editorial Oversight Board of the Bishops for revision of the draft. There are ten chapters that address adult faith formation and all age groupings to be catechized, catechesis in the U.S. Church, evangelization and catechesis, methodology, worship and spiritual life, social mission, the Christian message, resources, and those who catechize and their various roles.

The large group consultation will take place at St. Aloysius Parish in Olivia on March 19 from 9:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. If you are interested in being involved with this consultation call the Office of Religious Education at (507) 359-2966 for information. Each parish has a copy of the document.