Transmission of faith to youths

“Witnesses of the Lord”, the Catechism for Christian initiation, was adopted during the 51st Plenary Meeting of the Spanish bishops’ Conference (CEE), held April 15-19 2013. It was presented to the public a few days ago, following the Vatican’s “recognitio”. The document, that follows the wake of the catechetic itinerary of “First steps in the faith” and “Jesus is the Lord” was presented a few days ago by the bishop of Plasencia, president of the Episcopal sub-committee for catechesis, Monsignor Amadeo Rodríguez Magro, by the Secretary General, CEE spokesperson Fr José Maria Gil Tamayo, by the director of the Secretariat of the same sub-committee, Fr Juan Luis Martín Barrios, and by the priest of Girona (member of the Secretariat), Fr Joan Amich. “Witnesses of the Lord” – they explained – is catechism “for the growth of faith”; in fact, “it brings together the faith of the Church and presents it in an accessible way” to “youths and adolescents aged 10-14, whom the new catechism is mainly addressed to. Bearing Christian witness in all places. “A special Church document”, said Fr José Maria Gil Tamayo, CEE Secretary General, describing the new Catechism. For Joan Amich, this catechism “has the merit of being accessible also by youths over 14”, as it encapsulates the core of Catholic faith. Amich highlighted the importance of “visual language”, given that 34% of the content of “Witnesses of the Lord” consists of images. The first edition of the document was printed in 25 thousand copies. Fr Juan Luis Martín Barrios explained the ecclesial nature and the structure of the new catechism “Witnesses of the Lord” that “follows the development of the Pascal vigil”. Monsignor Amadeo Rodríguez Magro remarked: “Catechism is seen as an internal tool in the life of the Church”, but “it is of great interest as it offers guidance in terms of the contribution of Christian faithful to society”. From this perspective, the bishop of Plasencia said that the purpose of the document, “as stated in its title, is simple, namely, that our boys and girls should be witnesses of the Lord wherever they are”. The goals. The goal of “Witnesses of the Lord” is to serve as a tool providing continuity to catechesis after the First Communion, for preparation to the sacrament of Confirmation, as it helps to deepen one’s faith. Its compilation and its diffusion are envisaged in CEE’s current Pastoral Plan (2011-2015), titled “The new evangelization starting from the Word of God. On your Word I will extend my nets”. Thus, “Witnesses of the Lord” is the continuation and the expansion of “Jesus is the Lord” (2008), the catechism for children aged 6-10, while “The first steps in faith” (2006) is aimed at rekindling faith within the family and in the parish, whose recipients are children under 6. The three documents represent the pillar for catechesis in the Christian initiation of children and adolescents. The publication of “Witnesses of our Lord” completes the renewal of CEE catechisms, following the teaching of catechism of the Catholic Church (1992) and the current needs in the field of evangelization and religious formation. Structure of the new text. “Witnesses of the Lord” consists of 50 subjects divided into 5 parts, inspired by the most significant moments in the Pascal vigil: Jesus Christ is the light; Jesus Christ is the word; Jesus Christ is the truth; Jesus Christ is the life; Jesus Christ is the way. To facilitate its use, each chapter has a different colour linked to a specific theme: orange, is the colour of the light of Christ, characterizing the first part, in which is explained who is God and who we are. The second part is marked in green, the colour of the hope transmitted through the Word of God. Colour crimson in the third chapter is invitation to welcome the truth of Christ, our Saviour and Lord. In the first chapter, light blue refers to the water of Baptism that gives access to a new life. The fifth and last chapter are in red, the colour of the Holy Spirit, that helps us to lead a Christian life. The publication is presented with a cover that integrates a large image with a Biblical text. “Witnesses of the Lord” closes with a set of known prayers, passed down from one generation to the next and that Christians continue reciting still today.