Difference between Evangelization and Catechesis

[Ana_v]

In the effort of trying to organize my evangelization ideas (for Facebook, for family conversations, what to say to complete strangers, acquaintances, friends, distribution of papers, brochures, etc), instruction in the Catholic faith often comes to mind, and I end of feeling overwhelmed, imagining/fearing that in attempts at evangelizing, I will not say or cover enough information because there is so much to be said of any one doctrine of the faith (let alone morals)! And there are so many doctrines! As Catholics, when we use the term “Gospel” we are referring to the fullness of the Catholic faith. How do we preach the entirety of it?

Now back to the evangelization/catechesis question:

Let me use hypothetical and simple example: You explain to someone that the Trinity is one God, who is a communion of three co-eternal and distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

But … there’s more to it than that. There are various terminologies pertinent to this Dogma: essence, nature, substance, hypostasis, generation, begotten, procession, spiration, Logos, Incarnation, etc. Then there are the heresies which consist of false and distorted understandings of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit (e.g. Modalism). Now one reading this might wonder, why bring up the heresies when evangelizing – especially to newbies – is this not counterproductive? Well no, the heresies would not be brought up as propositions to be believed, but as examples/clarifications of what the Trinity is NOT.

How does one distinguish between envangelization and catechesis (though I am sure there are some gray areas)?

 

[bzkoss236]

If you have a smart phone, do what I do, keep a list of shortcuts to tracts on Catholic answers in your browser’s bookmarks, so you can look up things that you can’t remember off the top of your head. I went through and bookmarked all the tracts they put into the book The Essential Catholic Survival Guide, so it’s like I have the book with me at all times. I want to go a step further and create a website (mobile friendly) with various links to all kinds of sources pertaining to all the different kinds of topics, so I’ll always be prepared. I plan on adding my own sorts of information, like allegories I’ve used that I feel might explain a certain belief better. Maybe you could do something similar (but on a less technical scale if you do not have those kinds of skills or equipment).

As to a difference between Evangelization and Catechesis, I would say that there essentially the same with Catechesis pertaining to teaching those of the same faith as you, and Evangelization teaching those of a different faith. There is probably more technique surrounding Evangelization, because you don’t only have to be familiar with your own beliefs, but with that of the person you are evangelizing to, including common misconceptions and attacks of your beliefs.

It’s a rough world out there, and there’s a lot of information to cover, so it’s best to be prepared with whatever tools you have.

Just remember, if you don’t know something, don’t make something up. Acknowledge that you don’t know, and ask if you can go do some research and get back to them at another time. Not only do you get a chance to answer the question, but you get the chance to continue dialogue and, potentially, make a convert.

 

[latingirl]

I personally think there is a fine line between them. Catechesis for me would be more of instructing a Catholic or someone who wishes to be Catholic whereas Evangelization connotates teaching someone outside the faith or a non-Catholic. Both are desperately needed ministries and both draw from alot of the same sources.

 

[rcwitness]

Use your heart bro. The Spirit will guide you. With the stuff you have been taught, you can use discretion and wisdom applying it appropriately. Dont be anxious.

I say that as advice but definately know the dificulties. Never say anything you dont understand well yourself. And say only what you feel will benefit the person.

God Bless,
Thanks for evangelizing.
Michael