Christ gave the apostles a final command:
Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:16-28:20
The name catechesis was given to the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples and she has therefore always considered catechesis one of her primary tasks.
"Ongoing catechesis fosters the growth of a more mature faith in the members of the community. It aims to make each person's faith 'living, explicit, and active'."
(Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church)
Faith must be known, celebrated, lived, and expressed in prayer. Developing the gift of faith is an ongoing womb to tomb journey that encompasses every state and stage of life. The Secretariat for Faith Development in the Diocese of Gaylord nourishes catechesis that promotes:
- Knowledge of faith
- Knowledge and meaning of the liturgy and the sacraments
- Moral formation in Jesus Christ
- How to pray with Christ
- How to live in community and participate actively in the life and mission of the Church
- A missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society.
National Directory for Catechesis