Liturgy as source of catechesis
Diana Macalintal and I will be copresenting a workshop in Orlando this weekend at the Fashion Me a People conference. Our topic is the Liturgy of the Word as a source of catechesis. Our goal is to help participants learn techniques for drawing out and extending the catechetical content of the Liturgy of the Word. We also hope they will learn how to grow more aware of the mystery of revelation that infuses the living Word of God.
We’re going to base the workshop on the opening liturgy of the conference. Now here’s the tricky part. We don’t know what the liturgy will entail. We don’t know the music, the readings, the structure of the rite, or the prayers that will be prayed. So how can we possibly create a “catechesis” based on the prayer?
There are two ways to understand the process of catechesis. The most common is to equate catechesis with education. Resources abound for those who want to catechize from a classroom model. The models can be set up in a scope and sequence format, and teachers can very efficiently plan out the content of their classes for the upcoming semester.
However, a more traditional understanding of catechesis is to see it as a process of entering into the mystery of Christ. The liturgy is the primary way in which we enter into the paschal mystery. And catechesis is a deep, systematic reflection on that paschal encounter with Christ.
So, from that perspective, we cannot determine ahead of time what the content of our catechesis will be this weekend. We cannot do so because we have not yet had this weekend’s encounter with the mystery of Christ along with all our brothers and sisters who will be gathered in Orlando.
If Christ is really present in his word and really present in the gathered assembly of believers, we should learn a powerful lesson from our encounter with that Presence this weekend. I’m looking forward to finding out what it is.
Hi Nick,
Happy New Year.
I love that you won’t know the specifics of the liturgy. It really speaks to that “planned or familiar surprise”. We always know the logistics of the liturgy – ie: there will be a procession , there will be a eucharistic prayer. We don’t know how they will speak to us, what will compel us to lean in a listen a bit more closely.
Sometimes the catechesis comes from preparing ahead of time, other times, it’s in the moment, and still other times in the reflection and practice after. The echoes of this faith experience are similar to real echoes.
Blessings to you and Diana as you enter into prayer with the assembly.
Bonnie
Thanks for your terrific insights Bonnie. Happy New Year!
Hi, Nick.
I am heading to Orlando too for Fashion Me a People. What you and Diana will offer us is the opportunity to discover/notice/ encounter the living revelation of Christ present and to unpack that experience.
Hi Michele. I hope that’s what we’ll all be offering each other! See you there.
Hi Nick,
Even in the classroom model, Catechists should also be prepared for the surprises.You never know what someone is carrying with them as they enter the classroom. Sometimes, we need to just be still and look to the other for the “answer”.
I find that the “Mystery” reveals itself in the most unusual ways and places. Isn’t it wonderful that we can gather each week to celebrate this with others!
Blessings on your presentation. You both always do such great work! Wish I could go!
Tish
Excellent piece Nick. Wish I were going to Orlando!
Your article reminds me of the distinction between a methodology and an approach. Methods are more rigid whereas an approach is flexible. We need both, for sure. Either cannot stand alone. But when we’ve honed our approach to catechesis, we are able to respond effectively, creatively to what, or who is before us at the time.
Hi Roy. I hadn’t heard that distinction before. Very helpful insight. The workshop is in about an hour. Keep us in your prayers.