The particular Church, in organizing its catechetical activity, must have as its point of departure an analysis of the situation. "The object of this investigation is multiple: included are examination of pastoral action and analysis of the religious situation as well as of the sociological, cultural, and economic conditions, to the extent that these facts of collective life can greatly influence the success of evangelization". 317DCG (1971) 100. This is nothing other than becoming aware of reality from the point of view of catechesis and its needs. More concretely: – there must be a clear awareness, in "examining pastoral action", of the state of catechesis: how, in fact, it is situated in the process of evangelization; a distinct balance between the various catechetical sectors (children, adolescents, young people, adults); the co-ordination of catechesis with Christian education in the family, in schools and elsewhere; its internal quality; the contents imparted and the methodology used; the characteristics of catechists and their formation; – an "analysis of the religious situation" of the Diocese includes three closely related levels: the sense of the sacred, that is those human experiences, which, because of their depth, tend to open to mystery; the religious sense, the concrete ways in which a particular people conceives of and communicates with God; and the situation of the faith, in the light of the various types of believer; in connection with these levels, it also investigates the moral situation as lived, inquiring into its emerging values and evident ambiguities or counter values. – "socio-cultural analysis", about which much has already been said in relation to the human sciences in the formation of catechists, 318Cf. Part Five, chap. 5. is also necessary because catechumens and those being catechized must be prepared to constitute a Christian presence in society.
The analysis of the situation, from these various perspectives, "should also convince those who work in the ministry of the word that, so far as pastoral action is concerned, human situations are ambivalent. Therefore, workers in the service of the Gospel should learn to note the many possibilities that are opening up for their action in new and diverse circumstances... For always possible is a process of change which can make clear the way to the Faith". 319DCG (1971) 102; cf. Introductory explanation, 16. This analysis is a primary working instrument, of an informational nature, offered by the catechetical service to pastors and catechists. Programme of catechetical actions and orientation
Following close study of the situation, it becomes necessary to proceed to the formulation of a programme of action. This will determine the objectives, the means of pastoral catechesis and the norms governing it with reference to local needs and be in complete harmony with the objectives and norms of the universal Church. The programme or plan of action should be effective since its purpose is to orientate diocesan or inter-diocesan catechesis. Because of its nature, it is usually drawn up for a specific period, at the end of which it is revised, taking into account new emphases, objectives and means. Experience confirms the usefulness of such a programme of action for catechesis. By defining certain common objectives it encourages various interests to work together with a common purpose. Thus realism should be the first characteristic of a programme of action, then simplicity, conciseness and clarity.
Together with the programme of action—focused above all on workable options—many Episcopates prepare, at national level, catechetical materials of a orientational or reflective nature which provide criteria for an adequate and appropriate catechesis. These instruments are called by various names: Catechetical Directory, Catechetical Guidelines, Basic Document, Reference Text, etc. These are mainly addressed to those responsible for catechesis and to catechists. They clarify the concept of catechesis: its nature, object, tasks, contents, method and those to whom it is addressed. These directories or general guidelines prepared by Episcopal Conferences or published with their authority are obliged to follow the same process of elaboration and approval as catechisms. That is, such documents, before their publication, must be submitted to the Apostolic See for its approbation. 320Cf. DCG (1971) 117 and 134; PB 94. These catechetical guidelines are a source of great inspiration for catechesis in the local Churches and their elaboration is useful and recommended, because, amongst other things, they are an important point of reference for the formation of catechists. This kind of aid is closely and directly related to episcopal responsibility. Elaboration of instruments and didactic aids for catechetical activity
Along with those instruments dedicated to the orientation and general planning of catechetical activity (analysis of the situation, plan of action, Catechetical Directory), there are other instruments of more immediate use in catechetical activity. In the first place, mention must be made of textbooks, 321With regard to this ensemble of catechetical books Catechesi Tradendae notes: "one of the major features of the renewal of catechetics today is the rewriting and multiplication of catechetical books taking place in many parts of the Church. Numerous very successful works have been produced and are a real treasure in this service of catechetical instruction" (CT 49). DCG (1971) 120 defines textbooks in the following way: "textbooks are aids offered to the Christian community that is engaged in catechesis. No text can take the place of a live communication of the Christian message; nevertheless, the texts do have great value in that they make it possible to present a fuller exposition of the witnesses of Christian tradition and of principles that foster catechetical activity". which are placed directly in the hands of catechumens and those being catechized. Also helpful are the various catechetical Guides for both catechists and, in the case of the catechesis of children, for parents. 322With regard to catechetical manuals DCG (1971) 121 indicates what they should contain: "an explanation of the message of Salvation (constant reference must be made to the sources and a clear distinction must be kept between those things which pertain to the faith and to the doctrine that must be held, and those things which are mere opinions of theologians); psychological and pedagogical advice; suggestions about methods". Audio-visual aids too are important in catechesis and appropriate discernment should be exercised in their use. 323Cf. Part Three, chap. 2, Social communication; cf. DCG (1971) 122. The basic criterion for these work aids should be that of twofold fidelity to God and to man, a fundamental principle for the whole Church. This implies an ability to marry perfect doctrinal fidelity with a profound adaptation to man's needs, taking into consideration the psychology of age and the socio-cultural context in which he lives. In short, catechetical aids must: – be "linked with the real life of the generation to which they are addressed, showing close acquaintance with its anxieties and questionings, struggles and hopes"; 324CT 49b. – try "to speak meaingfully to this generation"; 325Ibid. – "really aim to give to those who use them a better knowledge of the mysteries of Christ, aimed at true conversion and a life more in conformity with God's will". 326Ibid. Preparation of local catechisms: a direct responsibility of the episcopal ministry
Among the aids available to catechesis, catechisms excel all others. 327The question of local catechisms has been dealt with in Part two, chap. II. Here we intend to present only some criteria for their elaboration. By the term "local catechisms" the present document refers to those catechisms which are proposed by particular Churches or by Episcopal Conferences. Their importance derives from the fact that the message transmitted by them is recognized as authentic by the Pastors of the Church. If the Bishop presides over the general catechetical activity of a particular Church, it is also true that the publication of catechisms is a direct responsibility of the episcopal ministry. National, regional, or diocesan catechisms, drawn up in co-operation with catechetical workers, are ultimately the responsibility of the Bishops, who are catechists par excellence in the particular Churches. In drawing up catechisms, the following two criteria must be carefully adhered to. a) perfect harmony with the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "a sure and authentic reference... particularly for preparing local catechisms"; 328FD 3c. b) due consideration for the norms and criteria for the presentation of the Gospel message contained in the General Directory for Catechesis, which is also a "standard of reference" 329CT 50. for catechesis.
The "prior approbation of the Apostolic See" 330DCG (1971) 119, 134; CIC 775 § 2; PB 94. which is required for catechisms emanating from Episcopal Conferences—signifies that these are documents whereby the universal Church, in the differing socio-cultural contexts to which she is sent, proclaims and transmits the Gospel and "generates the particular Churches by manifesting herself in them". 331Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, "Communionis Notio" 9; l.c. 843. The approbation of a catechism is a recognition of the fact that it is a text of the universal Church for a specific culture and situation.