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There are two
principal aspects to Faith Formation, Evangelization and
Catechesis. The word ’Evangelization’ comes from the Greek
word for ‘Gospel’ or ‘Good News’. The good news is
proclaimed inviting the hearer to respond in faith. When this
happens an interpersonal relationship is set up between God and
the believer. It is very important to recognize the
interpersonal aspect of this relationship. It is an ‘I/Thou’
commitment not a commitment to a system or body of knowledge.
Like all truly interpersonal relationships it involves body,
mind and spirit and is a total giving of self into the
relationship.
Catechesis refers
to the process whereby we systematically inform the faith formed
in response to evangelization. It is the process where we learn
about the someone (God manifested in Christ) with whom we relate
in faith and what the implications of living the relationship
are. These two terms are reflected in Paul’s writings where he
refers to faith both as a form of commitment and as a body of
knowledge (content).
Both these
aspects are present in parish faith formation programs and have
to be expressed in worship and service if they are to be real.
St James tells us that faith without works is dead. Similarly if
we really believe in God we will experience a need to worship
him.
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