The Six Tasks of Catechesis

1. Promote knowledge of the faith
2. Promote knowledge of the meaning of the liturgy and the sacraments
3. Promote moral formation in Jesus Christ
4. Teach the Christian how to pray with Christ
5. Prepare the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the church
6. Promote a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society

These tasks are imparted through individual relationships, the community of faith, liturgy, instruction, experiential learning, ritual, prayer, and outreach to the global community. Continuing education in the faith is a question which concerns the whole community. Catechesis, therefore is an educational activity which arises from the particular responsibilities of every member of the community, in a rich context of relationships. Nothing can replace the experience of faith taught and practiced in the household. Parents are catechists precisely because they are parents

The General Directory of Catechesis
 

"Imparting a Catholic world view, faith formation seeks to open all adults, youth and children to discovering the beauty and goodness of God through His Word and Sacrament by helping them experience and respond to their world within the Catholic Christian community. It seeks to help all the faithful to strengthen their Catholic identity and, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, grow and mature in the practice of the Faith, deepen their unity in Christ and live out their call to holiness." 

Guidelines for Parish Religious Education and Faith Formation Programs in the Diocese of Providence

CATECHESI TREDENDAE

“The aim of catechesis and faith formation is a personal relationship with God characterized by a sacramental life, a lifelong pattern of prayer, Christian service, and growth in understanding the Catholic faith.   All catechesis is to be Christ centered.  It is intended to stress that “at the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth” (CT 5).

“The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity” (CT 5).