I am already excited about the Year of Faith. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recently published a Note with proposals for living the Year. It is a great Note, with some very concrete suggestions for everyone from the universal Church to episcopal conferences, and from dioceses to parishes. What is significant is the frequent mention of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (woo hoo!), given that the Year of Faith begins on the twentieth anniversary of its promulgation. Catechesis is at the heart of the Year of Faith and the Church in this country is like a dry land when it comes to catechesis… Although for the most part she does not know she is dry.
Faith in Christ brings healing and life - From a Roman catacomb, 3rd Century
So, what gifts does God want to give the Church in this Year of Faith, and how best can we be disposed to receive and respond to them?
There are some more general proposals, such as for each diocese to review its reception of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (and this means both its structure and content) particularly in its catechesis. Two big areas arise here – both the materials we use, in schools and parishes; and the theological formation received by our catechists. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful sign if dioceses took this particular call seriously? Not just ticking a box – but looking at the real need for catechetically sound materials and authentic, theological formation of catechists.
I would love to hear your own ideas for the Year of Faith! Here are two very practical suggestions I have taken from the CDF’s note:
1. It is desirable that each Diocese organise a study day on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly for its priests, consecrated persons and catechists. I hope Dr Petroc Willey will be in high demand in this Year of Faith to teach such days – his knowledge of the Catechism is second-to-none (perhaps to the Holy Father 🙂 ) – he is truly an expert on this book and this doesn’t seem to be recognised enough.
2. The Note calls for groups of the faithful to work towards a deeper understanding of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Again, Maryvale offers a fantastic Certificate in Studies in the Catechism which would be a superb undertaking for groups of lay people in parishes.
What other ideas do you have? Both within dioceses and within parishes?
Hannah,
This coming year will be exciting! I think the Catechism is very important. Around here I think some pastors are worried about offering “one more thing” and want to encourage and strengthen what is already going on. I think there is so much potential to cease in the Year of Faith. I think you already saw my link on things I’d like to have considered on the parish level: http://catechesisinthethirdmillennium.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/planning-stages-year-of-faith/
Come Holy Spirit!
God Bless!
William, thanks for the comment! It’s interesting how different your situation is over there regarding concerns of offering “one more thing”… In parishes in the UK, people are lucky if ANYTHING is offered 🙂 I think the Church over here is about 20 years behind you guys! I liked your Year of Faith ideas very much. I hope we will grasp this opportunity!