Conversation for Students Capable of Conversation
Please read the following passages and ponder them for a few moments.
Jesus Christ not only transmits God’s Word; Jesus is the Word of God,
and all catechesis is completely tied to him.
What does this mean?
First, the heart of all catechesis is not a book. . .but a person – Jesus Christ, who is the Way. The fundamental task of catechesis is to present Christ and everything in relation to him— leading people to follow Jesus in their lives.
The reality of Jesus Christ leads to the Trinity – to a claiming of our faith in God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We pray “ Through Christ to the Father in the Holy Spirit.”
Catechesis leads people to see themselves in light of God, participating in community and respectful of all persons personal dignity. (NDC # 19, B)
Suggestions for Discussion
Tell me your thoughts about Jesus.
How has your Religious Education helped you to form a relationship with Jesus?
What is your understanding of the mystery of the Trinity?
Can you name one of the times in your life when you actually thought, judged or lived like Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Through Christ to the Father in the Holy Spirit, I long to know Jesus more deeply.
Amen
Conversation for High School Students
Please read the following passages and ponder them for a few moments.
The most effective catechetical programs for young persons are integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care and prayer and worship. Such programs aim to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission,, and work of the Catholic faith community; and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. ( Renewing the Vision, 26; 9)
Suggestions for Discussion
How do the events of your everyday life affect your religious development?
Who do you talk to about Christlike values, beliefs and lifestyle?
What more could we do to help young persons recognize Christ’s presence with them.
How does one “Live Jesus” today?
Closing Prayer
Christ, you are the way, the truth and the light, help me to follow you.
Conversation for Adults
Please read the following passages and ponder them for a few moments
Every disciple of the Lord Jesus shares in the mission of catechesis. To do their part, adult Catholics must be mature in faith and well equipped to share the Gospel, promoting it in every family circle, in every church gathering, in every place of work, and in every public forum. They must be women and men of prayer whose faith is alive and vital, grounded in a deep commitment to the person and message of Jesus.
To grow in discipleship throughout life, all believers need and are called to build vibrant parish and diocesan communities of faith and service.
Such communities cannot exist without a strong, complete, and systematic catechesis for all its members. By “complete and systematic” we mean a catechesis that nurtures a profound, lifelong conversion of the whole person and sets forth a comprehensive, contemporary synthesis of the faith, as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
This catechesis will help adults to experience the transforming power of grace and to grasp the integrity and beauty of the truths of faith in their harmonious unity and interconnection-- a true symphony of faith. (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us #2;3;4)
Suggestions for Discussion
How have you experience God’s self-communication to you?
What do I need to do to enable myself to participate in parish and diocesan Adult Faith Offerings?
What do you experience when you identify yourself as a disciple?
How would you describe the meaning of conversion to Jesus Christ?