Whole community catechesis does just what it says. It involves the whole community/parish (young through adult) in the faith formation of all members. It is based on the premise that through the community's support, example, and worship, both individually and communally, a person's relationship with God is formed. Our call, through Baptism is to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. The evolving intimacy within the community enhances relationships to both God and neighbor.

Some common characteristics of whole community catechesis are:

1. celebrating together at weekend Eucharistic liturgies; the gathering of the assembly; proclamation of God's word; leadership of the presider, especially the homilist; and communion with Jesus' body and blood, compelling us to go forth and serve one another
2. engaging every age in the parish family from baby through adult; sharing their faith and life experiences
3. supporting and enhancing each family in their role as domestic church
4. viewing faith formation, not as seasonal, optional or classroom driven; but as continual, multi-dimensional and cooperative, based on the gospel and the needs of each particular community
5. acknowledging that catechesis happens in a variety of ways.

Based on conversion to Jesus and gospel values, whole community catechesis is an ongoing process by which a person is introduced to Christ and helped to develop a relationship with him. Once introduced to Christ, this person is helped to also develop a relationship with community members -- disciples all!

Some formation elements include:

• The Mass, especially the homily
• Liturgy of the Word with Children, perhaps one Sunday a month at an assigned Liturgy
• Sacramental preparation involving the candidates and their families and sponsors
• Scheduled classes set up as small Christian communities governed by principles of cooperative and adult learning
• Awareness of everyday life and its connection to spiritual growth
• Reading current articles that enrich the understanding of the faith; discussing some of the issues that arise from that reading with others
• Spending time on web sites for children, youth and adults that enhance their lives and faith
• Performing ongoing service for others, individually or as a group, within the parish or larger community

In the third part of this series, the theme of Stewardship will offer practical ways to engage whole community catechesis within the local parish.

Stewardship, as considered here, involves themes of creation, service, prayer, and sharing. As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, and share them lovingly in justice with others. By doing these things, we return them with increase to God. Bishop Pedro Casaldaliga of Brazil has said, "In the third millennium, Christians will either be poor, or friends of the poor or they will not be Christians at all."

In Baptism, Jesus calls us to be his disciples. The church community is intended to be a community of mature disciples. Stewardship is a complete lifestyle involving caring for creation, doing ongoing service, praying daily and sharing resources and selves. Both discipleship and stewardship are ongoing journeys.