Pope John Paul II teaches that 'Catechesis is built
upon a certain number of elements…that prepare for catechesis or spring from
it.'
These include: The initial proclamation of the gospel…to arouse faith
experience of Christian living, celebration of the sacraments, Integration into
the ecclesial community. (Catechesi Tradendae 18 and Catechism of the Catholic Church 6)
Catechesis as is the proper preparation for the sacraments. The responsibility
for this preparation belongs firstly with parents. This reflects the teaching
of the church, that children being initiated into the church should be able
primarily, to look to their parents and family for the necessary nurturing of
their faith. (cf Canon 914)
It should be noted that the responsibility for this
preparation also belongs to the parish priest, in fact 'the pre-eminent place
for catechesis' is the parish. (Catechesi Tradendae 67)
The whole family therefore should receive support from the pastor and the parish community, and in turn parents should be supportive and involved in the parish’s efforts to prepare the children properly. (Catechesi Tradendae 68)
The proper preparation of children who are to receive the sacraments for the first time has rightly been an important issue for parents, Parish Priests and religious educators.