Enough from our Modern-Day Catholic Pharisees!
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If I had to guess, many when you read the title thought "nope he's not going there," well YES I am. It's important. We have so much to loose if we have poor catechesis. We need to be strong in this area, all of us. Deacons, Priests, and Bishops need to tackle the hard ticket items during our homilies, but with charity. Parents, you too have a serious obligation, one that you promised when you had your child baptized. You promised to raise them in the faith; yet so many parents do not know nor are willing to learn the faith beyond an 8th grade level. Sounds mean, but for the most part it is very true. We need to get better at this.
The Foundations of Catechesis: A Historical Perspective
From the earliest days of Christianity, catechesis has been a fundamental element of the Church’s mission. The very word “catechesis” comes from the Greek katekhein, meaning “to echo down.” This concept was present in the Apostolic Age when the disciples of Christ passed down His teachings through oral tradition before the Gospels were formally written.
One of the earliest accounts of structured catechesis comes from the Didache (c. late first century), a document providing moral and liturgical instructions to new converts. Early Church Fathers such as St. Justin Martyr and St. Cyril of Jerusalem later developed catechetical schools to instruct the faithful systematically. The medieval period saw the introduction of question-and-answer catechisms, culminating in the great work of the Catechism of the Council of Trent (1566). In the modern era, we have had the Baltimore Catechism and there have been numerous developments thoughtout the years. As such, I'm limitiig the historical portion to the very basics and end with as many should know St. Pope John Paul II introduced the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, providing a universal reference for Catholic doctrine.
Who is Responsible for Catechesis?
Catechesis is not solely the responsibility of the clergy; rather, it is a duty shared by parents, godparents, sponsors, and the entire Catholic community. While deacons, priests and bishops play a crucial role in teaching and safeguarding Church doctrine, they cannot be the sole catechists in a world where faith formation begins at home and continues through life. Parents, as the primary educators of their children, must instill the faith through daily prayer, conversations, and example. Godparents and sponsors are called to be active mentors, guiding their godchildren in understanding and living out their Catholic faith. Additionally, the laity, through their witness, parish involvement, and support of faith-based education, contribute significantly to building a well-catechized Church. Catechesis thrives when it is reinforced in all aspects of life, creating a culture where faith is not just learned but lived.
Parents: As the primary educators of their children in the faith, parents have the solemn duty of ensuring their children are properly catechized. The family is called the “domestic Church” because it is in the home that children first encounter Christ.
Clergy: Bishops, priests, and deacons bear the responsibility of ensuring that parishes provide sound catechetical instruction. This includes well-prepared homilies, OCIA (formally known as RCIA) programs, and sacramental preparation courses.
Godparents and Sponsors: These individuals are chosen to help guide their godchildren or confirmands in their faith journey. Their role should not be symbolic but rather one of active involvement.
The Laity: Every Catholic is called to evangelize and support catechesis, whether through teaching in religious education programs or simply by being well-formed witnesses to the faith.
Catechesis: A Lifelong Journey
Too often, Catholics see catechesis as something that ends with Confirmation. However, this is a grave misunderstanding of the faith. Learning about Christ and His Church is an ongoing process, one that should continue throughout a lifetime.
At Baptism, parents and godparents promise to raise the child in the faith. This commitment is renewed during Confirmation, where one receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit. But how many Catholics take these promises seriously beyond the sacramental moment?
Just a Few Essential Topics Every Catholic Should Know
Despite the availability of resources, many Catholics lack fundamental knowledge of their faith. Here are just a few essential topics that every Catholic should understand:
Addressing Controversial Topics in Catechesis
True catechesis requires that we not shy away from difficult or controversial subjects. Many Catholics are misinformed or struggle with the Church’s teachings on LGBTQ+ issues, transgenderism, relativism, the death penalty, and other moral concerns. It is essential that we catechize on these topics with both truth and compassion.
The Church’s Teachings and Approach
The Catholic Church teaches that every human being possesses inherent dignity because they are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This truth is the foundation of the Church’s approach to all moral and social issues. The Church does not discriminate in its love for people—regardless of their background, struggles, or past mistakes, all are welcomed with open arms. However, true love does not mean affirming everything a person does; rather, it calls each of us to something greater. Just as Jesus showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery but commanded her to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11), the Church calls every individual to conversion and holiness. Love and truth must go hand in hand—welcoming sinners (which is all of us) while also guiding them toward transformation in Christ. This applies to every person, no matter their struggles, whether with sexual identity, moral relativism, or other challenges of modern life. True catechesis does not water down the Gospel to accommodate cultural trends; it boldly proclaims that the path to fulfillment lies in aligning our lives with God’s divine plan..
Catechizing with Truth and Love
Effective catechesis on these issues must balance clarity with pastoral care:
The Struggle Between Church Teaching and 21st-Century Lifestyles
In the modern world, Catholic moral and ethical teachings often clash with mainstream cultural values. Issues such as sexuality, gender identity, marriage, and the sanctity of life are increasingly viewed through the lens of personal autonomy rather than divine law. Many people, including Catholics, have adopted secular ideologies that prioritize individual preference over objective truth. This creates a significant challenge for catechesis, as it requires the faithful to stand firm in their beliefs despite social pressures. The call to holiness means resisting cultural relativism and moral compromise while still engaging the world with love and mercy. To navigate this tension, Catholics must be well-formed in their faith, equipped with reasoned arguments, and willing to live counter-culturally when necessary. True catechesis does not bend to societal trends but seeks to illuminate truth in a world that often rejects it.
Age-Appropriate Catechesis on Controversial Topics
In today’s world, children as young as five are encountering messages about gender, sexuality, and moral relativism through media, schools, and even their peers. Many of these messages conflict with Catholic teaching and can create confusion at a crucial stage of moral and spiritual development. Because of this, parents and clergy cannot afford to take a passive approach; they must be prepared to guide children with both truth and compassion. This requires an understanding of Church teaching, the ability to communicate in an age-appropriate manner, and the wisdom to navigate difficult conversations without alienating or overwhelming young minds. Sensitivity is key—children should never feel that faith is about condemnation but rather about discovering God’s plan for them, rooted in love and truth. Proper catechesis equips children with the tools to discern truth from falsehood and to develop a faith strong enough to withstand societal pressures.
How Parents Can Incorporate Catechesis into Daily Life
Faith formation cannot be limited to Sunday Mass or occasional religious education classes; it must be woven into the fabric of daily life. Children learn best by example, and if they see their parents and guardians living out the Catholic faith with sincerity and devotion, they will be more likely to embrace it themselves. This means making prayer a natural part of the home, discussing moral and spiritual topics regularly, and fostering an environment where faith is not just something practiced at church but is integral to everyday decisions and actions. Parents and guardians should seek opportunities to connect everyday experiences with Catholic teachings—whether it’s explaining the value of honesty when a child is tempted to lie, discussing the dignity of human life when social issues arise, or modeling forgiveness and charity in family relationships. By making catechesis an ongoing, organic part of life, children will come to see their faith not as a set of rules but as a relationship with Christ that guides and enriches every aspect of their existence.:
Catechesis is not merely a program or a phase in one’s life—it is a lifelong journey of growing closer to Christ. The crisis of faith many Catholics experience today is largely due to inadequate catechesis. If we truly embrace our role as educators of the faith—whether as parents, clergy, godparents, or mentors—we can transform the Church by ensuring that every Catholic understands, lives, and loves the faith.
However, even when parents and mentors do everything faithfully—teaching the faith with love, providing a strong example, and fostering a deep spiritual life—some children still turn away from the faith. In these moments, it is crucial to remember that conversion is ultimately the work of God’s grace, and our role is to continue praying, trusting in His providence, and witnessing to the faith with patience and love. At times such as these, recall St. Monica—who prayed fervently for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine—can offer guidance, encouragement, and hope to those facing this heartache.
God Bless
Deacon Wally was born and raised in Michigan. In 1987 he joined the United States Marine Corps. Originally, he was not planning on making a career with the Corps, however as time moved on, Calabrese spent 20 years on active duty and retired in 2007 as a Gunnery Sergeant. During his time in the Corps and while stationed overseas in Okinawa Japan, he met his bride, Amy. They married on April 11, 1992, and were blessed with two daughters, Lori (Thomas) and Leeza (Kevin). Both daughters are married and have children. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Calabrese began working for the local community college as the campus chair. Calabrese spent 13 years with the college and decided to leave full-time work to pursue writing and speaking extensively. Deacon Wally was ordained to the diaconate June 26, 2010. He was in the second class for the Diocese of Raleigh. Upon ordination, Calabrese was assigned to Annunciation Parish in Havelock, NC. Calabrese authored The Apostles and Me! Deacon Wally also has authored booklets titled, Confirmed and Ready! and Living a Catholic and Moral Life. Calabrese has a passion for spreading the great love of Christ and the Catholic Faith. Deacon Wally earned his bachelor's degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and he holds a master's degree in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College, Standish, ME. For more information on Deacon Wally Calabrese please visit his website: www.deaconwallycalabrese.com
