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The Enduring Legacy of the CCC and the
CFC
By Fr. Joseph L. Roche, S.J.
I. Background:
A. Even before Vatican II, a number of different plans
were aired regarding a “universal catechism.”
The desire for such a catechism was sparked by the felt-need
for an effective instrument for creatively handing on
the Catholic Faith, in view of the apparent growing
weaknesses among many Catholics in knowing, understanding,
practicing their Faith.
B. Inspired by Vatican II, many new initiatives were
undertaken with many experiments and trial ventures.
This intensified the need for such a compendium of all
Catholic doctrine regarding both faith and morals, that
would provide a sure norm for teaching the faith, and
thus a valid instrument for ecclesial communion.
C. Together with the 1) renewal of Liturgy and all
the Sacramental Rites, and 2) the revision of the Church’s
Canon Law, 3) this catechism constituted a major step
in renewing the whole life of the Church begun by Vatican
II.
D. One major objective of this universal catechism,
the CCC, was to encourage and assist in preparing new
local catechisms which take into account various situations
and cultures while preserving the unity of faith and
fidelity to Catholic doctrine. Thus the need for our
“national catechism,” the CFC, to accurately
express the Faith of our local Church in a truly inculturated
way.
E. Finally, as the publication of the CCC in 1992-94
required a new revised version of the General Catechetical
Directory of 1971, entitled General Directory for Catechesis,
997, so the publication of the CFC in 1997 has inspired
the revised version of the NCDP of 1985, entitled simply
the Revised NCDP, 2004.
II. Question of the Nature and Role of Universal &
National Catechisms
A. Given 1) the great advance in Biblical studies,
2) the many competing contemporary philosophies in contrast
to the traditional scholastic philosophy-theology, and
3) the great new emphasis on context and communications
media, some have questioned whether a universal or national
catechism is even possible. The six years of intense
work on the CCC, involving nine drafts, and similar
years on preparing the CFC, indicate the time, collaborative
effort, and perseverance needed to overcome the many
difficulties encountered.
B. Quite surprisingly, some obstacles arose from the
experts themselves: the exegetes and professional Biblical
theologians wanted much more detailed Scriptural analysis;
the liturgists wanted much more liturgy, the moral theologians
wanted case studies, the canon lawyers suggested more
background into Church law, etc. What became clear was
the lack of an adequate grasp of what such a catechism
was supposed to do and how – i.e. what is the
inner nature, purpose, and proper use of such catechisms?
C. Therefore it is extremely important to get an adequate,
accurate understanding of what exactly the universal
and national catechisms are trying to do, and how to
use them properly in order to achieve these goals.
III. The Enduring Legacy of the CCC and the CFC
A. Both catechisms provide a presentation of Catholic
doctrine, moral principles and values, and prayer-sacramental
worship that is both biblically and liturgically grounded,
in an updated, integration of the living tradition of
the Church with the present faith-life of Christians
today. Such is the nature of a catechism – a compendium
of the Church’s teaching and practice for the
Catholic religious educator that forms the ground for
the more specialized, on-going creative work of the
theologian, liturgist, moralist, ecumenist, canon lawyer,
etc.
B. Such a presentation is more in the line of a “reference
text” that has to be creatively adapted to the
particular concrete catechetical / religious educational
ministry and context. Neither catechism is proposed
as an immediate text for a specific catechesis and situation.
This is sometimes forgotten by catechists when pressured
by the necessity of coming up with some text
C. But beyond the general significant contribution
catechisms make toward an effective proclaiming/exposing/teaching
of the Faith, there are specific values each catechism
brings out that are an intrinsic part of their “enduring
legacy.” Some of these points are outlined in
the following.
CCC |
CFC |
| Presents “the rule of faith” (regula
fidei) which precedes theological explanations |
Likewise focuses on the regula fidei - but clearer
in distinguishing D/M/W -2fold norm: 1)-common teaching;
2) direct impact on Filipino Faith-life [1st priority:
integral inculturated faith formation] |
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IV. Brief Conclusion
The legacy of both catechisms is more of an open challenge
than an already fixed gift. They both bring before our
eyes --our minds and hearts – and all our catechetical
efforts today, the living tradition and deposit of Faith
of the Catholic Church. This is the gift of God’s
loving Self-revelation, calling for a personal response
of Faith in each and everyone, within Christ’s
own community, the Church. Only with the Spirit’s
graceful inspiration and empowerment, can we respond
adequately in using these aids in bringing the person
and message of Christ Jesus our Lord to all for whom
we are but humble, “unprofitable servants of the
Lord.” (Lk. 17:10).
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