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I expected the 1997 General Directory for Catechesis would receive little notice and have even less impact on catechetical efforts in the United States. Not so. At least, not if the experience of the participants in the recent National Conference of Catechetical Leaders gathering is any indication. Not only had most of the attendees read the document, many of them had taken concrete steps to implement it in their parishes and dioceses. This is exciting because the GDC calls for three basic reforms in our current catechetical efforts that, if implemented, could have a significant impact on how we see ourselves as church.

The first reform is a shift toward understanding that all the activity of the church, especially catechesis, is first of all focused on evangelization. The second reform is a call to model this evangelistic catechesis on the baptismal catechumenate. The third reform is to recognize that our catechetical efforts have to be primarily oriented toward adults.

The U.S. bishops have also gotten on the bandwagon. Using the GDC as guidepost, they created a pastoral plan for adult faith formation. ML subscribers will want to implement the bishops' plan. Read the critique that begins on page 7. Then read the plan itself. Order it from the United States Catholic Conference (800-235-8722), or read it online at www.nccbuscc.org/education/ourhearts.htm.

Also, check out RPI's Liturgical Catechesis newsletter for more ideas on how to implement the principles of the GDC. Some back issues appear on our website at www.rpinet.com/lc/.

What are you doing to implement adult faith formation in your parish? What do you hope to do in the near future? What are your success stories? Send your thoughts to ML, 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112. Or e-mail them to me at MLeditor@rpinet.com.

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