By Fr Soroj Mullick, SDB –
The six-task framework delineated in the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) emphasizes that integration is essential to catechesis, that catechesis itself serves to develop and maintain a web of relationships of all the dimensions of Christian life. One pastoral activity supports and enhances the others. The task framework can contribute to the vision of Youth Mission in depth and on how catechesis supports and enhances the other aspects of Christian life. We need then to avoid reducing the six tasks to themes or topics for teaching.
Frameworks for pastoral ministry namely the four pillars mentioned in Catechismus Catholicae Ecclesia (CCC), six tasks and dimensions of YM can run the risk of disintegration from the principles necessary for their correct interpretation. The six tasks rooted in the GDC’s overall approach to catechesis, should be incorporated effectively into the vision of comprehensive YM. The four of the six tasks, four-pillar structure derived from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, can contribute to this tendency to view the tasks as topics. The GDC uses the pillars to organize the tasks, corresponding to dimensions of Christian life and therefore, “there is an organic connection between our spiritual life and the dogmas” (CCC 89).
Secondly, it must be remembered that catechesis utilizes the proclamation of the Gospel as well as the experience of the Christian life to accomplish its tasks related to Word and witness, classroom and community, and doctrinal summaries and truths embodied in people’s lives, as well as knowing and doing. These tasks of catechesis relate to comprehensive YM, are a time seen as part of the dimensions other than catechesis.
It is therefore, logical to integrate the six tasks of catechesis into the National Youth Parish Plan’s (NYPP) discussion of catechesis (NYPP 77-78). An alternative is whether an effective integration of the insights of the two documents might be achieved by relating the key concept behind the tasks used in the GDC and NYPP. According to the GDC, catechesis fosters the maturation of Christian life by cultivating it in all its dimensions and a task for catechesis is derived from each of six dimensions. A task for catechesis would be derived from each of the dimensions of YM.
For example, youth catechesis must lead: to prepare youth for the active participation in social development by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to shape society and taking responsibility for the public issues. Both the GDC and NYPP are rooted in the conviction that pastoral efforts are intended to further Jesus’ mission by empowering more and more people and communities to carry it out in the world and the Church’s pastoral activities must achieve this end.
Here are the success measures of a consolidated tasks fulfilled through YM in India. The end result should be: an integral development of faith and life of the young; a more youthful and human Church; a humbler Church in close relation with other religions; a less clerical Church and more of a Church of the young laity; a more inclusive Church (truly Catholic); a more open Church; a Church which finds unity in diversity; a Church which discovers its cultures/ traditions along with other communities; a Church which truly reflects the integral person and the universal values of Jesus.
Fr. Soroj Mullick, SDB is a Salesian priest from the Kolkata Province. He has a Licentiate in Catechetics and a Doctorate (Christian Education) from UPS, Italy. He has number of years of teaching experience in college and in the formation of future priests. Besides, he has written number of research papers and articles, and has 25 years of Ministry in India and abroad as Educator, Formator, Retreat Preacher, Editor and engaged in School, Parish Catechetical & Youth Ministry. He is now an assistant priest in Bandel Basilica, rendering pastoral and catechetical ministry to the parishioners and to the pilgrims. He can be contacted at [email protected].