Catechism definition

Catechism

from

Forms of the word "catechism"

Catechesis

the instruction of the Catholic faith and life in Christ
- Catechesis is for "building up the body of Christ" (CCC 4)
from the Catechism (CCC 5):

"Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life."

Catechism

a compendium (collection, catalog, summary) of Catholic faith and morals used for catechists (teachers of the faith) and catechumens (those undergoing catechesis, or learning of the Catholic faith)

Catechist

one who teaches the Catechism; a teacher of the faith and morals

Catechumen

technically, one who is preparing for baptism
"catechumen" is used generally to mean anyone undergoing the process of learning about the Catholic faith in preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation, usually Confirmation (and the Eucharist if not baptized) and life in Christ.

St. Pope John Paul II's Catechesi Tradendae

From Catechesi Tradendae] by Saint Pope John Paul II:

The primary and essential object of catechesis is, to use an expression dear to St. Paul and also to contemporary theology, "the mystery of Christ." Catechizing is in a way to lead a person to study this mystery in all its dimensions: "to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery...comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth ...know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge...(and be filled) with all the fullness of God." It is therefore to reveal in the Person of Christ the whole of God's eternal design reaching fulfillment in that Person. It is to seek to understand the meaning of Christ's actions and words and of the signs worked by Him, for they simultaneously hide and reveal His mystery. Accordingly, the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.