Joseph Hollcraft MA
Foundations of Catechetics: CCP 211
Weeks 4: September 25, 2007

III. St. Augustine’s First Catechetical instruction (The possible fruit of the likes of Origen, Tertullian and St. Ambrose): St. Augustine’s timeless work that was in all probability a response to a deacon who needed direction and inspiration. This work was both a manual for methods of Instruction as well as two model catecheses. The models will be noted but explicated in detail next week.

A. Theory of Catechesis (method and disposition):

1. Inadequacy of language: “be not afraid”—words fall short to express thought that floods our mind as light fills darkness. Be in the Spirit, and in of good courage, because when “in the Spirit” the catechumen grabs hold of this Life and Love.

2. Subject matter of Instruction: All of the Old Testament figures were not separated from him but united to Christ in their obedience to the Father’s will. Therefore, these figures offer lessons for us to learn from. They were at the feet of Christ serving his body of Christ.

3. Focal point of instruction: The OT was a convergence to Christ who was made flesh to show the father’s love for us…read Pg.23 article 8

4. What are the candidate’s motives: Is there a feigned sense of purpose? Why does he wish to be Catholic? This needs to be extracted from the heart (challenge).

5. Instruction in the Narration: Show the goodness of God from Creation to present day history and his dealings with man leads to Christ and love as the final cause.

6. Last Things faced by man and the temptation and scandal that await him: Inform the candidate of the hope of the Resurrection that is inside of you. Draw out in Sacred Scriptures the centrality of the resurrection. Remind him that he must not place hope in man but God. In addition, you will be persecuted for being Christian.

7. How to deal with the educated and those who are studied in rhetoric and grammar: Be sure to discern what to touch upon lightly with review and reinforcement while using discretion to the points of greater insight and importance. The catechist must see how to lay the foundation while impressing upon the candidate a real value to the essentials. Moreover, always exhort the students to clothe themselves with humility.

8. The Disposition of the catechist: It is natural to feel that sense of being unequipped to reproduce what came to you so beautifully in silence or a book you read. The catechist needs to exercise a patient calm (with material they have previously worked through) constantly on the lookout for the need to slow down and bring down to the persons level.

9. Correcting mistakes and be an example of Christ when being opposed: Do not hasten to correct error for it is a greater error to do so...Always be calm when you are being opposed and pray for a greater charity of hear to listen and communicate Truth in patience. Remember, it is the Lord who is working through you!

10. Boredom by repetition: Let us have the heart of the loving mother to respect that repetition is the mother skill of all education. Pointing out familiarity with joy breeds great rapport.

11. Apathy of listeners: Drive out timidity by gentle encouragement, inquiry and “brother fellowship”. Ask him, “have you heard of these things before?’ and work in accordance with his answer constantly supplementing your dialogue with Sacred Scriptures. Most importantly have a compassionate spirit. Humorous illusion and storytelling is always captivating, and always be sure to make it personal for the candidate.

12. Interruption, Grief and Depression; concerning interruption, an orderly and organized day offers more space to be “in the spirit” and offers a holy flexibility. Let the prospect of someone coming into the faith bring hope alleviating the grief and despair that may be overcoming you.

13. Style: Adapting religious instruction based upon your audience. Where is the audience in the development of understanding their faith: are they atheistic? Agnostic? What is their background in philosophy? Are you speaking to 20 people or 200 people? How does this change your approach? How is radio different from presenting in front of a group? These and other questions need to be constantly asked!

Homework Assignment: Reflecting upon Catechesi Tredendae, illustrate the interdependence of two chapters (sections) and how this might help us in our understanding of catechetics.