By Fr Soroj Mullick, SDB –
A catechesis reflecting a “primary” or missionary form of evangelization is no longer helpful. We need a sharply focused catechesis that goes deeper into the spiritual hungers of the youth within the social context and existing culture that believes in discipleship, following the Guru, the person of Jesus Christ. We need to provide concrete ways by which being a disciple of Jesus Christ can be personally experienced. This calls us to move beyond catechetical approaches that gears to self-esteem-building or on preaching to the uninitiated. People already have faith. The focus should be on how to live it.
We need, as John Paul II stated, a Church for young people, which will know how to speak to their heart and enkindle, comfort, and inspire enthusiasm in it with the joy of the Gospel. Through an evangelizing ‘outreach’ program, as Pope Francis puts it, “we attract new young people to an experience of the Lord” (CV 209). Within the young human heart a deep experience of faith is awakened (CV 210). As for ‘growth’, beyond formal “formation meetings” (catechesis) on doctrinal and moral issues (injustice, social doctrine, chastity, marriage, birth control etc.), we need “to awaken and consolidate the great experiences that sustain the Christian life” (CV 212) especially “through fraternal love, community life and service” (CV 213).
Three Dimensional Spiritual Growth against Developmental Theories
The understanding of faith as a process consisting of certain progressive phases, stages, levels coinciding with one’s increased age and ability, perhaps is no longer useful. Spiritual growth consists of three dimensions: (1) the way one relates to God through prayer, worship and religious practices (vertical); (2) the way one relates to God through moral interactions with others (horizontal); and (3) the way one experiences God’s ability to help deal with internal pain, stress, loneliness, fear, sadness, anger, and other emotions (internal). One needs a balance among these three different yet overlapping dimensions, a balance spirituality that helps them exercise religious faith, moral living, and emotional management.
Therefore, a suitable catechetical environments have to be created, and Catholic institutions (schools, parish, youth centres etc., cf. NCD 264) be equipped to welcome the young people, with openness, love, affirmation and growth (CV 216) for an inclusive, multi-dimensional, all round and integral development. This is possible by creating a “home”, a ‘family bonds’ in communion through everyday acts, and this communitarian approach “requires confidence and trust nurtured daily by patience and forgiveness.”(CV 217)
The Youth Synod document encourages young people to seek an authentic encounter with God, instead of adopting a morally relativistic outlook on life. As “forms of alternative religiosity are on the rise” (YS 48) the spiritual and religious experiences of the youth stand as witness of faith and hope to their peers with the Christian community and outside. Such “religious experience of the young is strongly influenced by the social and cultural context in which they live” (YS 48) and they live it with joy. In the midst of religious syncretism, authentic communities of faith are needed to lead the young out of moral and religious relativism, and foster an active faith and effective evangelization, through movements, associations and religious congregations that can offer “opportunities for commitment and co-responsibility.” Such engagement helps, “to mature the faith of those who engage in it” (YS 56).
Catechetical Youth Language
We need to apply an appropriate language for youth catechesis (GDC 185), simple, concrete, narrative, visual including personal witness and experiences, without theological jargon, – a question worthy of the most thoughtful, imaginative, responsible, and committed minds in youth catechesis. It is the duty of youth catechesis “to speak a language suited to today’s children and young people in general and to other categories of people – the language of students, intellectuals and scientists” (NCD 135, GDC 208). We need to emphasize more on discipleship (NCD 89) than on the communal membership to capture the spiritual interest of young people. This means youth catechesis be Christocentric:
The fact that Jesus Christ is the fullness of Revelation is the foundation for the “Christocentricity” of catechesis: the mystery of Christ, in the revealed message, is not another element alongside others, it is rather the center from which all other ele¬ments are structured and illuminated. [. . .] The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ (GDC 41, 80).
One of the difficult tasks of catechesis is to transmit Christian teaching to the young people. This is an invitation to discipleship, lived out in a community of disciples. Therefore, necessary adaptation would include the spiritual resources of Christian faith like hope, strength, truth, compassion, love, freedom, irony, imagination, mystery, moral principles and service. The YouCat which is accessible, with contemporary expression and explanation, and with its innovative style of the presentation of the content, especially designed for the youth, can be an effective tool for youth catechesis (NCD 117).
In the midst of noise and youth’s hyper active engagement with social media (NCD 63) and music, a youth catechesis would help them to appreciate silence and closeness to God, by silent prayers before the Blessed Sacrament, and praying with the Word of God (CV 224). Such prayer opportunities and sacramental celebrations i.e. Eucharist, Reconciliation (CV 229), through joyful liturgy and the witness of saints and their teachings, can speak to their daily lives (YS 51) particularly during the Holy Week, Pentecost and Christmas. Similarly, arts (theatre, painting), sports (CV 227) and music (CV 226) can also arouse spiritual ‘emotion’ that shape one’s identity. Besides, “Christian service represents a unique opportunity for growth and openness to God’s gifts of faith and charity” (CV 225).
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].