Liturgy in catechesis

Abstract

The search for the answer of the following question is still actual: How to teach pupils religion in order to bring them to the proper participation in liturgy? To fulfil this assignment means to feed the catechised with the word and grace of God. Both the liturgy and catechesis are in their own ways a space for preaching the word of God and experiencing the grace of God. There are close correlations between liturgy and catechesis. Liturgy needs catechesis and catechesis needs liturgy. The Eucharist should be presented in catechesis in an encouraging way to bring the young people to the Holy Mass. Carrying out this assignment should be based on the wisdom of the Church: “Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church […] Therefore no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 22, 1–3). Those recommendations are also applicable in preparing the catechised to the sacraments in particular: First Communion, confirmation and confession. However, if the assignment of bringing the catechised to a mature participation in the liturgy is to be fully achieved the catechists should be taken in care as well. They transfer the teaching of Christ and should have proper traits. “For the noblest human and Christian attributes guarantee more fruitful catechesis than any elaborated methods” (Dyrektorium ogólne o katechizacji, 71).