Catechesis, religious education, and faith formation

[EHRAM]

What are the distinctions between these terms: catechesis, religious education, and faith formation?

I know that catechesis was originally used to describe the oral instruction given to persons before baptism or confirmation, but eventually the information was written down into books called catechisms.

And it appears that the term “religious education” is not used as much as in the past, and that “faith formation” is the currently favored term for the process of educating children and adults in the Christian faith.

Could someone please explain the differences between these terms?

 

[KCT]

At our parish, they would be interchangeable terms. —KCT

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What are the distinctions between these terms: catechesis, religious education, and faith formation?

I know that catechesis was originally used to describe the oral instruction given to persons before baptism or confirmation, but eventually the information was written down into books called catechisms.

And it appears that the term “religious education” is not used as much as in the past, and that “faith formation” is the currently favored term for the process of educating children and adults in the Christian faith.

Could someone please explain the differences between these terms?

Catechesis is a technical term used by the Church to indicate the formal process of teaching the Faith after Evangelization has provided exposure to the “Good News”.

Religious Education is an older term which usually included Catechesis as well as education in the disciplines and practices of the Catholic faith and devotions.

Faith Formation is a newer term that basically means the same as Religious Education except with the emphasis on Formation of the whole person. It has more to do with method than content.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

What are the distinctions between these terms: catechesis, religious education, and faith formation?

though the terms can be interchanged

catechism = the official church teachings
religious education = all relevent subjects to religion for example the Canons, Counsels, Church structure, GIRM, catechism, alter service, etc, etc
faith formation - generally used to emphasis a move away from rules and more toward feeling, personal relationships to the God

I know that catechesis was originally used to describe the oral instruction given to persons before baptism or confirmation, but eventually the information was written down into books called catechisms.

sort of. No knowledge is required for baptism only a belief the person is trying to become catholic. Today confirmation requirements are a bit undefined as the new RCIA guides tend to emphasis feeling and often forget to mention rules exist

And it appears that the term “religious education” is not used as much as in the past, and that “faith formation” is the currently favored term for the process of educating children and adults in the Christian faith.

Could someone please explain the differences between these terms?

Catholics were often seen as lacking the faith of Protestants. this was because Protestant focused on scriptures and faith while Catholics were under the Bishop’s guides, currently we are reorienting that issue ( on’t tell anybody as it is a secret)

hope that helps

 

[Joe_5859]

Catechesis is a technical term used by the Church to indicate the formal process of teaching the Faith after Evangelization has provided exposure to the “Good News”.

Religious Education is an older term which usually included Catechesis as well as education in the disciplines and practices of the Catholic faith and devotions.

Faith Formation is a newer term that basically means the same as Religious Education except with the emphasis on Formation of the whole person. It has more to do with method than content.

That’s a good answer! The universal Church primarily uses the term “catechesis” (literally meaning “to echo down” or "re-echo; i.e. to “echo” the faith means to hand it on exactly as you received it, changing nothing).

Particular churches (i.e. parishes and/or individual dioceses) will use the other two terms. Religious Education isn’t used as much any more. Many diocesan offices have changed their name from “Office of Religious Education” to either “Office of Catechesis” or “Office of Faith Formation”.

I think “faith formation” was invented in order to place the emphasis on forming the whole person into a disciple of Christ rather than simply on the passing down of factual information (as many people interpret the term “religious education” to speak only to the passing on of information.)

In any case, they all address the same basic idea (handing on the faith) but from a different point of emphasis. I tend to stick to the term “catechesis”. That’s what the magisterial documents use and it seems far less likely to fall out of fashion.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

Catechesis involves three things. 1. Knowing your faith. 2. Living your faith and 3. Teaching your faith. Religious Ed and faith formation are offshoots of catechesis. You have to know it and live it before you can teach it to others and help them in a sound faith foundation. This may not be text book perfect, but it contains the essentials.
Deacon Ed B