Forming Disciples, Not Consumers

Catechesis lies at the very heart of the Church’s mission to make disciples.
It is more than religious instruction—it is the art of handing on the faith, nurturing believers to know, love, and serve Christ in the fullness of His truth.

 

In the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM), catechesis takes on a special urgency. Many of those who come to our communities do so with little formation or with theological ideas shaped by other traditions, media, or personal experience. Others arrive wounded by the institutional church and seeking something familiar yet freer.

 

If we are to grow into a mature and credible expression of Catholic faith, we must take catechesis seriously.
Without it, our clergy and laity risk becoming communities that celebrate sacraments without understanding them, or that borrow teachings uncritically from other churches.
Catechesis ensures that what we celebrate with our hands and hearts is also understood by our minds.

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The Challenge Before Us

Few ISM jurisdictions have formal catechisms or systematic teaching materials.
Many rely on resources from the Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Orthodox traditions. While these can be helpful, they often include teachings, ecclesiologies, or moral frameworks that do not fully align with the theology and pastoral practice of the ISM.

 

This creates confusion both for our clergy and for those preparing to receive the sacraments.
If we are to claim a distinct identity within the broader Catholic family, we must also develop catechetical resources that reflect our theology, our history, and our pastoral mission.

Without catechesis, there can be no authentic sacramental life—only ritual without renewal.

 

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Catechesis for Sacramental Preparation

The first and most immediate context for catechesis is sacramental preparation.
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Marriage, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick each require understanding, intention, and faith.

 

For example:

• Before Baptism, parents or candidates must understand what it means to live as part of the Body of Christ.

• Before Marriage, couples should learn that their union is a sacrament rooted in mutual self-gift, not simply a ceremony.

• Before Eucharist, both children and adults must recognize the Real Presence and the meaning of communion.

 

Catechesis in these contexts should never be rushed or reduced to minimal requirements.
Every sacramental encounter is also an evangelizing opportunity—an occasion to deepen conversion and awaken faith.

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Ongoing Formation for the Baptized

Catechesis does not end once the sacraments are received.
It is a lifelong process of formation, guiding believers to grow in maturity and discipleship.

 

Many in the ISM have a genuine love for the sacraments but only a superficial grasp of theology, Scripture, or Church history. Ongoing formation bridges this gap by helping the faithful see how doctrine shapes daily life.

 

Practical ways to foster ongoing formation include:

• Regular study groups or online courses exploring Scripture, the sacraments, and Church history.

• Seasonal catechesis around Advent, Lent, and Holy Week to connect belief and practice.

• Small-group reflection on encyclicals, saints, and spiritual classics.

• Lay preaching or teaching opportunities (with guidance) to strengthen understanding through sharing.

Catechesis should not simply inform the mind—it should transform the heart and inspire mission.

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How to Catechize When Understanding Is Superficial

Many clergy find themselves teaching people who have faith but lack formation.
The goal is not to overwhelm them with theology, but to meet them where they are and gently lead them deeper.

 

Here are a few practical principles:

1. Begin with experience. Ask people about their understanding of God, prayer, or the Church. Build on what they already know.

2. Connect faith to life. Show how doctrine shapes moral and spiritual choices—why what we believe matters.

3. Teach in small portions. Short, regular conversations are more effective than long lectures.

4. Use accessible language. Avoid academic jargon; teach as Jesus did, through stories and images.

5. Invite participation. Encourage questions, dialogue, and reflection. Catechesis is relational, not one-sided.

 

Remember, catechesis is not about winning arguments—it is about forming disciples who live the Gospel with conviction and joy.

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Developing ISM-Specific Resources

To catechize effectively, we must have materials that speak with our own voice.
This means developing and sharing resources across jurisdictions—catechisms, lesson plans, video series, and booklets—that articulate our theology clearly and charitably.

 

A well-written ISM Catechism would:

• Explain the faith in continuity with historic Catholic and Orthodox teaching, while reflecting the distinct pastoral spirit of the ISM.

• Provide guidance on sacramental theology, moral life, and spirituality.

• Serve as a reference for clergy formation, adult education, and lay leadership training.

 

Such resources would give coherence to our movement, allowing each jurisdiction to remain autonomous yet rooted in a shared foundation of faith.

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Catechesis as Evangelization

Catechesis and evangelization are inseparable.
Through teaching, we proclaim the Good News that faith is not static but living—a relationship that continually draws us into deeper communion with God.

 

When we teach the faith well, we invite others not only to believe, but to belong.
Each catechetical encounter—whether with a child, a couple preparing for marriage, or an adult returning to faith—is an act of pastoral love.

 

Catechesis is not about producing scholars; it is about forming saints—people who know Christ and live His mercy in the world.

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A Closing Reflection

The Independent Sacramental Movement stands at a pivotal moment.
If we are to grow and flourish, we must not only celebrate the sacraments but teach what they mean.
Catechesis is how we nurture faith that lasts beyond the moment of ritual—faith that understands, questions, and transforms.

 

Let us commit ourselves to building a movement that educates as well as celebrates, forms as well as welcomes, and teaches with both conviction and compassion.

 

For in every generation, the Church must do what the apostles first did:
proclaim, explain, and live the faith once delivered to the saints.