By Michael Motes

In discussing the effect of the NATIONAL CATECHETICAL DIRECTORY (NCD) on religious education in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Father James F. Kelly says that the first thing that should be considered is the great value and unique construction of the DIRECTORY itself.

“For the first time in the history of the Church,” the archdiocesan director of religious education commented, “a process-type document has been assembled with input from bishops, clergy, teachers and laity from throughout the country.”

The mandate for such a document originated when the Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of catechetics in the 1960s. In 1971, with the approval of Pope Paul VI, the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy issued the GENERAL CATECHETICAL DIRECTORY, forerunner of the NCD, to the world’s bishops.

Bishop’s Guidelines

In 1975, a series of regional meetings began, with the Bishops receiving specific guidelines and suggestions from their individual areas. The need for a national directory was clearly indicated and such a publication was thrice drafted. Approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the final draft was sent to Rome, which approved it in March 1979.

“The project became a join effort of both Eastern and Western Rites,” says Father Kelly, adding that this resulted in a common document for the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the Melkite and Maronite Rites. “Those directly involved, especially teachers and other laity, came up with almost 50,000 different recommendations before the final document was issued. This shows the tremendous input from all over the country.”

Focus On Christ

Father Kelly continues, “As a directive, the NCD aims to tell us how to lead our lives ever focusing on Christ Jesus. But primarily, it is a planning guide to help us put together a program of catechesis. And catechesis is such a special word, meaning more than structure. It is an esteemed term in Christian faith, the purpose of which is to make a person’s life and faith become more living, conscious and active.”

Through the NCD, teachers of religious education in the archdiocese are stressing that catechesis is a “life-long process for the individual,” Father Kelly adds.

“Our teachers -- the catechists -- must first be aware of their own faith before they can pass this on to others,” he says. “I feel that all of our teachers are doing a remarkable job in this area, whether they are teaching children or adults.”

Although the latest figures of those involved in parish catechetical programs will not be tallied until next month, Father Kelly estimates that in the 54 parishes of the archdiocese approximately 3,500 catechists are teaching Religious Education in all areas. He also estimates that there are approximately 20,000 children enrolled in programs, representing an increase of some 6,000 only in a three-year period.

Life-long Goal

Father Kelly says that the primary goal of the Office of Religious Education is “to make faith living and active. This must be a life-long goal, not something that one just concentrates on through the normal 12 years of school.”

He lists other concerns of his office, as well as religious education in general:

“The person -- the real person of Jesus, of the child and parents, of the parish community.”

“Where catechesis takes place, not just in the classroom, but in the home by living together and sharing together. This is where we can learn a lot.”

“The transition of approach. Parents must understand this new approach and the method that is involved. It is very important to understand the challenges as well as the hopeful signs.”

Power of Father

Father Kelly quotes the NCD directly in summarizing, “Effective catechesis is always a gift of God. It is important, therefore, to pray for this gift. Catechesis goes forward in the light of the risen Christ, energized by the love of the Holy Spirit, drawing creativity from the power of the Father.”

“Yet effective catechesis also depends on a great deal of human effort; on planning, performance, and evaluation, on personal qualities and commitment. Especially does it depend upon the faith, hope, and love of catechists, responding to God’s grace by growing in these virtues and ministering to others. The person of the catechist is the medium in which the message of faith is incarnated. Whether catechists be parents, teachers religious, priests, bishops, or any other of God’s people, their witness to faith plays a pivotal role in catechists -- catechesis.”

Father Kelly is currently preparing a chapter by chapter synopsis of the fundamental teachings of the NCD. This will be serialized in the GEORGIA BULLETIN beginning soon.