To see how you might use one of these points in your catechesis, read “How to lead a 90-minute catechetical session.”
The Way of Faith
Explain that, despite what is often reinforced in popular culture and even at times in the church, women have a primary role in carrying out the mission of the church.
In the news
As International Women’s Day is celebrated, the Vatican had a novel message for the women of the world: give thanks for the washing machine. This humble domestic appliance had done more for the women’s liberation movement than the contraceptive pill or working outside the home, said the the official Vatican newspaper, Osservatore Romano. (http://bit.ly/1nSqv1)
In the readings
The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?” ( Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42)
In the tradition
God created man and woman, equal to each other as persons and in dignity. (US Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 68)
The Way of Faith
Explain that the primary mission of the church is to spread the good news of Jesus’ liberating love.
In the news
A wide-ranging study on American religious life found that the Roman Catholic population has been shifting out o of the Northeast to the Southwest, the percentage of Christians in the nation has declined and more people say they have no religion at all. (http://bit.ly/18PIvf)
In the readings
Do you not say, “In four months the harvest will be here”? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. (Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42)
In the tradition
The Church “exists in order to evangelize,” that is “the carrying forth the good news to every sector of the human race so that by its strength it may enter into the hearts of [humans] and renew the human race.” (General Directory for Catechesis, 46)
The Way of Faith
Hope is a virtue the flows from our trust in Christ. Hope keeps us from discouragement and sustains us in difficult times.
In the news
Gratitude is actually medically proven to lift our spirits and improve our health. (8 Ways to Stay Thankful in Hard Times)
In the readings
[W]e boast in hope of the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom 5:1-2, 5-8)
In the tradition
Hope is a theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help and grace of the Holy Spirit. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1817)
Hope is not a matter of optimism, but a source for strength and action in demanding times (US Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 333)
Have you seen other breaking news this week that needs to be discussed? Click on comments to share your thoughts.
See also these related articles:
