The Diocese of Bordeaux proposes a catechism programme for adults. The aim is to deepen the faith and to properly comprehend the teachings of the Church
France – Bordeaux (01/11/2021, Gaudium Press) Since last September, the diocese of the French city of Bordeaux has created a different catechism course. In the initiative that goes by the name of “Believing and Understanding,” the target audience of the formation course is adults.
The aim of the programme is to help adult Catholics grow in their knowledge of religion. The age of the participants also allows the approach to go deeper, and into more detailed topics of Catholic doctrine.
The course has three levels of study: personal reflection, classes given by a teacher, and finally a joint approach to the topics studied.
In the first phase, the participants are invited to reflect on what faith is, what their particular doubts are, etc. And with the help of texts from the saints and the Magisterium, they can understand more about the subject.
In the second phase, through more in-depth catechism lessons, the participants will be able to progress in their knowledge of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. And try to respond to the current questions of the world through the prism of the Catechism.
In the third part of the formation programme, the students will be able to express which teachings are more difficult to understand and why. And together try to resolve the question.
The course which is already underway is planned to last 15 months. As the participants testify, it has been very useful. “We understand everything we don’t know well and it is fundamental in our faith. I have written down a lot of questions,” said one of the participants.
During the homily at the opening of the course, the auxiliary bishop of Bordeaux, Mgr Jean-Marie Le Vert, explained that the programme is an invitation to explore the faith and that the proposal is fully inserted in the dynamism of the diocesan synod. The bishop concluded with the exhortation: “May the Holy Spirit guide us in God’s call and increase in us the joy of believing” (FM)
