Traits caractéristiques de la catéchèse française entre 1980 et 2000. Constats et mutations

The catechetical act addresses today an evolving world. This approach is not only in full agreement with Gaudium et Spes Constitution, which considers that the Church needs to adapt to the modern world, taking over its hopes and fears, but it also points to the fact that catechesis is an essential pastoral activity nowadays and, therefore, must be necessarily contextualized. The Church is interested in everything that contributes to the human evolution, to the child’s progress in a society where the spiritual dimension is fading. It does not elaborate a doctrine about Jesus Christ, it lives from his presence and facilitates the encounter with him. By approaching Jesus Christ in this way, with conceptual, pedagogical and relational means, within the Church community, it is possible to seize the mystery of His person and meet Him as He represents for us, today. Thus, the profession of faith is not just an intellectual adhesion, but it is rather an ecclesial commitment based on dialogue and conversion.