As Canadian Catholics, we tend to associate catechesis with children.   Older children often think catechism should be for even younger children.  We struggle with a notion that sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) are somehow an end rather than a beginning.

 Yet, the Church regards catechesis as being primarily for adults.

 In the General Directory for Catechesis that followed the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we are reminded:

“Catechesis for adults, since it deals with persons who are capable of an adherence that is fully responsible, must be considered the chief form of catechesis.   All other forms, which are indeed always necessary, are in some way oriented to it” [59].

The Archdiocese of Regina - The Implementation of the Vision

“The consultation carried out in the diocese strongly called for programs of adult education and catechesis.”

“The Deaneries will be asked to undertake programs of adult education, catechesis and Scripture study with the goal that these programs will be available to each parish.  This will allow the faithful of the Archdiocese to better know the teachings of our faith, and thus become better witnesses of the Gospel and take up more effectively their part in the mission of the Church.  To help realize this goal, the Archdiocesan staff will develop programs that teach the beliefs of the Catholic Church that can be used in the deaneries and will help to train leaders who can carry out these programs in the parishes.”

To help achieve this goal, the John Paul II Office of Adult Education and Faith Formation is implementing a resource called the Growing Faith Project.  Training for the use of this resource will be conducted in each of the deaneries.

Download: Growing Faith Project Materials Exchange