Catechesis

Oversimplified

• The Church's instruction of those preparing for baptism (and the ongoing formation of the faithful) in the faith, the Scriptures, and the Christian life.
• Not mere information but formation — learning to live and pray as a member of the Body of Christ.

Summary

Catechesis (Greek katēchēsis, "instruction by word of mouth") is the teaching given to the catechumens — those under instruction before baptism — and, more broadly, the lifelong deepening of the faithful. The ancient Church took this with great seriousness, as the catechetical lectures of St. Cyril of Jerusalem show: candidates were led through the Creed, the moral life, and finally the mysteries.[^1]

Formation, not just information

Catechesis aims at conversion of life, integrating doctrine, Scripture, prayer, fasting, and participation in the community, culminating in baptism and Chrismation at Pascha. See Catechumen, Baptism, St. Cyril of Jerusalem.

[^1]: St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures; on early baptismal practice.