Sacramental Catechesis
The preparation for and celebration of sacraments are an important and privileged encounter with God's grace.
The National Directory for Catechesis (p. 114) states:
Dioceses and parish should present sacramental catechesis that
- Is a comprehensive and systematic formation in the faith, one that integrates knowledge of the faith with living the faith
- Is fundamentally Trinitarian and centers on initiation into the life of the Triune God
- Presents Christian life as a lifelong journey to the Father in the Son and through the Holy Spirit
- Is appropriate to the age level, maturity, and circumstances of those being catechized
- Is intended for all members of the Christian community, takes place within the community, and involves the whole community of faith\
- Involves parents in the preparation of their children for the sacraments
- Is integrated into a comprehensive catechetical program
- Focuses primarily on the symbols, rituals, and prayers contained in the rite for each sacrament
- Enables the believer to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament received by implementing a thorough experience of mytagogia following the celebration.
In light of this, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis provides support for sacramental catechesis in the following areas: