General Directory for Catechesis

Certain situations and circumstances require special forms of catechesis: – catechesis for the Christian initiation or catechumenate of adults: this has its own express form in the RCIA; – traditional forms of catechesis of the people of God, duly adapted to the liturgical year or in the extraordinary form of missions; – the on-going catechesis of those who have a task of formation in the community: catechists and those involved in the lay apostolate; – catechesis for use in particularly significant events in life, such as Marriage, the Baptism of children and the other sacraments of initiation, at critical times during youth, in sickness etc.: in such circumstances, people are disposed more than ever to seek out the true meaning of life; – is for special events and experiences, such as beginning work, military service, emigration etc.: these are changes which can give rise to interior enrichment or bewilderment and in which the need of God's saving word should be emphasized; – catechesis for the Christian use of leisure time, especially during holidays and travel; – catechesis for special events in the life of the Church and society. These and many other forms of special catechesis, complement, but do not replace, the ongoing, systematic, catechetical courses which every ecclesial community must provide for all adults.