The catechesis of Christian initiation connects missionary action, which issues a call to faith, with the pastoral action that continually nourishes it.’
Directory for Catechesis, 69
Catechesis is more than instruction—it is an encounter with the living Christ. Through prayer, Scripture, sacrament, and community, we discover the beauty of God’s plan for our lives and learn to walk as disciples in the world. Every moment of learning the faith is an invitation to deeper friendship with Jesus.
Whether you are taking your first steps in understanding the Church’s teaching or continuing a lifelong journey of formation, catechesis helps us grow in clarity, confidence, and joy. It strengthens our ability to live the Gospel in everyday life, to make decisions rooted in truth, and to share God’s love with those around us.
Directory for Catechesis
The Directory for Catechesis (2020), promulgated by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, offers renewed guidance for the Church’s mission of passing on the faith in our contemporary world. Released on 23 March 2020, it builds on earlier documents (1971, 1997) and grounds itself in Pope Francis’s vision to place evangelisation at the heart of catechetical work.
The document serves as a framework for local Churches to adapt catechesis to their cultural and pastoral context, encouraging creative renewal while remaining anchored in Scripture, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church.
A hard copy of the Directory For Catechesis is available to purchase from the Catholic Truth Society (CTS). Order a copy now.
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have produced a summary of the directory. Read more here.
The whole of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available on the Vatican website.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the liturgical and catechetical process designed for adults attracted by Christ and his teaching. It supports them as they seek to respond more deeply and to enter into the Communion of the Church.
Resources
Baptism Preparation
For information about this Baptismal programme produced by the Diocese of Middlesbrough, including details of how to place an order, contact: heidi.cummins@rcdmidd.org.uk or telephone Heidi on 01642 850505 Ext 258
Useful Links
YouCat for Kids – an introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church for children (8-12 years). Cheerful drawings encourage the young readers to explore and ask questions, which helps to initiate an exciting conversation with children about Jesus, the sacraments, prayer, and more.
Sycamore – an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today. It gives you space to meet other people, share ideas, explore your beliefs, and think about questions that really matter. Each session involves a short film and time for discussion.
Cafe – a library of easy to run courses for all ages, to inspire and empower people looking to grow in faith.
Real + True – video resources that help to unlock the beauty and truth of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a new generation and help men and women around the world to encounter the heart of the Catechism: Jesus Christ.
Faith in the Family – a series of videos beautifully produced by St Anthony Communications, featuring families talking about their experience of passing on the faith. These will be a wonderful resource for family ministry in the parish and for parents catechising their children at home.
Light of Truth – Short courses and sessions led by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph, online or in your place of choice, on-demand or on offer. The sisters collaborate with a team of expert lay catechists to offer our live online courses.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – a sensory-rich experience for children from the ages of 3 to 12 years that gives children the opportunity to grow in love and knowledge of God. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori.
Catechism in a Year Podcast – Fr Mike Schmitz takes you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days. During this podcast series you will see how the Church’s teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture, explore over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition, encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness and renew your relationship with Jesus.
The God Who Speaks – a resource created by the Catholics Bishops of England and Wales in collaboration with the Bible Society, providing activities and ideas to help you deepen your faith and love of the Scriptures.