Catechesi Tradendae: Bringing It to Life in the Parish

Catechesi Tradendae (On Catechesis in Our Time), written by Pope St. John Paul II in 1979, is a powerful reminder of what catechesis is really about — not just teaching facts or doctrines, but helping people encounter Christ and become His disciples. It’s about forming people who don’t just know the faith but live it. For parishes, this means catechesis isn’t just a program or a class; it’s about creating a culture where people grow in their faith and feel supported in their journey with Christ.

At the heart of Catechesi Tradendae is the idea that Jesus Christ is the center of everything. Catechesis has to be more than passing on knowledge — it should lead people into a real relationship with Christ. If people aren't encountering Jesus personally, the teaching is missing the mark. Pope St. John Paul II also makes it clear that catechesis isn’t the job of just a few trained catechists; it’s the responsibility of the whole parish. The parish should feel like a "school of faith" where people of all ages are growing together. Faith formation can’t stop after First Communion or Confirmation, either. Lifelong catechesis — for adults, families, youth, and everyone in between — is essential if we want people to truly live their faith.

So how does this play out practically in a parish? If you have spent anytime working in the parish context you first know, family-based catechesis needs to be a priority. Parents are the primary teachers of the faith, so we have to give them the tools and confidence to pass on the faith at home. That means offering family faith nights, digital resources, practical formation opportunities, and ongoing communal support. We know the adage “it takes a village”; this applies in the faith context as well. Small group faith-sharing is also key. When people gather to talk about Scripture and faith in a personal setting, it builds connection and makes the faith feel real.

Sacramental preparation is a huge opportunity for evangelization. Too often, it’s treated as a hoop to jump through. It has become the next thing to check off the list, an item in the calendar. But when done right, preparing for Baptism, Eucharist, or Confirmation can be a moment to draw families deeper into the life of the Church. Adult formation matters too. Bible studies, speaker series, and catechism classes help adults keep growing in their understanding of the faith, while retreats and spiritual direction deepen their relationship with Christ. And let’s not forget the young people. Youth and young adult ministry has to be more than just social events — it should mix faith formation with service, leadership opportunities, and authentic relationships with mentors who can model a lived faith.

At the end of the day, Catechesi Tradendae challenges us to make catechesis personal, communal, and lifelong. When a parish makes Christ the center and builds a culture of faith formation, catechesis stops being just another program and becomes part of the fabric of parish life. That’s how people become true disciples — not just knowing about Christ, but walking with Him.