Inside ML

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you ….” 

Whose task is it to form disciples, to teach, preach, and witness the good news? This is the command, the mandate given to each of us by baptism to imitate Christ in word and action and in so doing to teach others as we have been taught. This work is not solely the domain of clergy and religious, nor of religious educators, despite the fine job they do. It is the responsibility of every believing Christian to share that faith actively in a way that all may see good works and righteousness and so come to know the glory of God. 

In this issue of ML we explore the ways that catechesis is wedded to liturgy and how both are integrated into community life. Daniel Mulhall introduces this issue with an overview of past and present catechesis and shares insight into what the future holds with emerging models of formation. In the second of a two-part article, David Haas challenges conventional roles and presents practical ways by which music ministers may enhance their call to catechize and teach. Monica Lowy suggests an unusual combination of liturgy and service by including foot washing as part of evening prayer preceding service in a community soup kitchen. The catechetical and transformative power of washing and being washed by the destitute and homeless needs no explanation. Finally, our annual Church Technology Resource Guide reviews some of the ways that modern technology makes it easier to reach out to our communities, to manage our resources more efficiently, and to provide formational materials in ways that seem to evolve daily. 

When we all take on the responsibility of sharing the stories, of bearing witness to our faith tradition, of listening to inquirers, of accepting direction, catechesis becomes something far more than a task. Certainly it cannot be contained in a classroom. It is the journey of a lifetime and beyond, one that we share with all who believe in Jesus Christ, those who came before us and those who will follow. 

… And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:19–20).  ML

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