National Directory for Catechesis
Faith is nurtured and practiced at the heart of the human and Catholic families. Catechesis for life in Christ is led by many different people, requiring a multiplicity of materials. The new National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) is the resource that provides the inspiration for all catechesis in the United States and the reference point for formation of catechists and preparation of catechetical materials. A companion to the General Directory for Catechesis, the NDC builds on its themes and contextualizes catechesis within the life of the Church in the United States, paying close attention to ongoing social and cultural challenges. At its core is a desire to renew catechesis in dioceses, parishes, and schools, to fire a new energy and commitment to proclaim the Gospel. Comprehensive in scope, the NDC provides the fundamental theological and pastoral principles and offers guidelines for applying those principles within the catechetical mission of the Church in the United States.
The NDC is divided into ten chapters that delve into the catechesis and diversity, evangelization, the faith of the Church, methodology, worship and sacraments, moral formation, the settings for catechesis, those who catechize, catechetical ministry, and resources. Throughout the NDC, it is reinforced that Jesus is the heart of catechesis regardless of where catechesis takes place. The NDC is a "must-have" for anyone in catechesis or Catholic education--teachers, principals, directors and coordinators of religious education and youth ministry, catechists, and students in the field.
