Religious Education Supplement

‘Words’ is not a four-letter word

By Ken Ogorek

I’m venturing into dangerous territory, but here goes:

When St. Francis of Assisi said those famous words about preaching the Gospel at all times, using words if necessary, he was speaking to very specific people in a very specific context. So even though his advice is generally good to follow, sometimes it’s a cop-out in situations where God wants us to use one of his greatest gifts: words.

The word of God

Catechetical Sunday’s theme this year is the same one that a group of bishops from around the world will consider at an upcoming synod in Rome: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” This theme lends itself to focusing on sacred Scripture.

There are times when along with our good example, we may need to share a few words of sacred Scripture with our friends, family and neighbors—anyone God places before us. Catechists do this all the time. Each of us, though, because we’re baptized, is called to teach the faith by word and deed—or both, depending on the situation.

Sacred Tradition

Sacred Scripture is always read in the context of sacred Tradition. God loves us so much that he reveals truth about himself to us using two essential means: sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition.

The most current, most relevant articulation of sacred Tradition for adults in America is the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA). Every adult in southern and central Indiana should have and use a copy of this profoundly important book.

Let me repeat that: Every adult in southern and central Indiana should have access to and make prayerful use of the USCCA.

One of our most basic human rights, as Pope John Paul the Great observed in his first major writing to the world, is to hear our Catholic faith proclaimed in its entirety, with no gaps and certainly with no error.

What an adult does with that proclamation is, of course, up to her or him. But when catechetical leaders fail to provide the faithful access to an appropriately thorough overview of our faith every few years or so on a regular basis, we are denying them one of their most basic human rights. That’s pretty serious stuff.

The USCCA provides just such an overview of our beautiful Catholic faith. This is the vehicle, in this time and place, that gives adults a fighting chance of having that most basic human right fulfilled.

Not just about a book

Catechesis is never just about a book. Sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition must be read, heard, reflected on and applied in prayerful, engaging and challenging contexts.

When good catechesis like this occurs, people grow closer to Jesus by the

Father’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power. People deepen their participation in his one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Lives change. Relationships are healed. Souls are saved.

For good catechesis to occur, at least occasionally, words must be used.

So let us preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary using words. And let us acknowledge that, at times, words are indeed necessary.

(Ken Ogorek is the archdiocesan director of catechesis.) †