In a pastoral context, Catechesis has been defi ned as the ecclesiastical
action leading Christian communities and the faithful to fullness of faith, and
it has been designed as a pathway to becoming followers of Christ. In order
to accompany the baptized along this path toward maturity and growth in
God’s love, catechists must act with due respect for the principles of fi delity
to Christ and men. This requires a theological-educational style which stresses
the dimensions of listening to both God’s word and “human†words. The
formative mission which was entrusted by Jesus: “go and teach all the nationsâ€
(cf. Matt 28, 18-20) requires educators to be ready to meet others, to welcome
them and to converse with them, following Jesus’ example in the Gospel and
that of other well known educators throughout our history. Challenged by the
phenomenon of pluralism, which has become the background to everyday life,
catechesis must offer a new model of Christian formation, and foster dialogue
with contemporary culture. It should strive to shape disciples of Christ, able to
bear witness to God’s love by promoting peace and interacting with different
religious traditions.
