Catechesis: response to Patrick, Michael M. and Steve

Patrick and Michael M., I’d agree that catechesis, and specifically the work of helping Catholics “translate” what CST means for political and social structures is indeed a challenge of the first order. Steve S., based on my own work in adult and young adult catechesis, I’m still holding out in the hope that this work of “translation,” when done in an atmosphere of listening, love, understanding and trust, can still help regular folks in and out of the pews (include students) not only to trace the work of the Holy Spirit in Church teaching, but also to connect the dots between that teaching and their ordinary lives.  More narrowly (and I don’t think anyone on our blog is suggesting this, but just as a general comment), I don’t think we can draw a reliable inference between lack of catechesis and the outcome of the election or the exit polls.  Patrick and Michael M., I see how the CARA data (“only 18% of Catholics "strongly" agree with the statement: "In deciding what is morally acceptable, I look to the church teachings and statements by the pope and bishops to form my conscience”) can be read as pointing toward a general lack of catechesis, but I also wonder if there’s another dimension to this, too—the comment could reflect not so much a neglect of church teaching, but that their primary vehicle for forming their consciences might not be "document" based (e.g., they may be more drawn to conversation with trusted friends?).  And with this I come back to the beginning: the urgency of our common task not only to help open people’s minds to the depths of CST, but also to help open their hearts to its connection with their daily lives, and to this end, to explore all of the vehicles that can help to reach people where they are.  I think no matter where we come out on the political spectrum, we can work together on that task.