There is an intimate, essential link between catechesis and liturgy.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us that "the liturgy is . . . the privileged place for catechizing the People of God" (CCC #1075)
The Early Church engaged people in liturgy and catechesis. This type of formation was brought back in 1972 with the reinstituion of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) states that the catechumenate (RCIA) should serve as a model for all catechesis (GDC #90) Catechesis should respect the intimacy between catechesis and liturgy. "Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it and commnicates it in many ways." (GDC#105)
Catechesis goes beyond words and content. Catechists invite children and young people to enter into mystery, helping them to experience it, reflect upon it within a tradition and integrate it into daily living.
Our Canadian Catechetical resources honour this vision. Catechesis and liturgy are closely linked through symbol, scripture, storytelling, celebration and prayer. The catechesis flows out of the Sunday Eucharist and follows the liturgical seasons.
At Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Fredericton, children were encouraged to join the choir. In addition the choir director chose songs from the Catechetical Resources, Born of the Spirit. She used the songs with the children on Sunday morning before they entered their individual catechetical groups. Then during the Sunday Celebration of Eucharist the children were invited forward to sing the songs and do the actions with entire parish community. In doing this, the choir director engaged the entire parish community in singing children's songs from the catechetical resources, Born of the Spirit Series. These songs have messages and teachings which are relevant to all age groups.
During advent, an advent song from the Born of the Spirit Series was chosen and used each Sunday. As the parish community sang the song, the children were gathered in a circle around the advent wreath. They passed the candle as the song was sung. Whoever, was left holding the candle when the song was finished lit the advent wreath. It was a great way to engage the children and the parish community!
