Reclaiming the Heart of Adult Catechesis: A Case Study in Search of Processes that Empower Mature Christian Disciples

Abstract

This Doctor of Ministry thesis explores the need to reclaim the heart of adult catechesis as a ministry that exists for the purpose of empowering mature Christian disciples. The encounter on the road to Emmaus provides an inspiring example of a transformative experience that shaped the vision and practice of the early Church. 1 The fifty years since the Second Vatican Council have seen an attempt to reclaim effective adult catechesis modelled in the early Church. However, a disconnect exists between the vision of adult catechesis expressed in the Church’s documents and its practice. Lacunae in empirical research in adult catechesis confound this problem. A central goal of this study is to contribute to a needed body of empirical research that studies adult catechesis. Using a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative instruments, I conducted a case study of Putting Out into the Deep, an adult catechetical series that I designed and led, in collaboration with an Advisory Committee, in the Archdiocese of Ottawa. Using case study methodology allowed me to study the series as a bounded system. I gathered a mix of quantitative (a 50 item random sample survey sent to 50 participants in the catechetical series) and qualitative evidence (small group semi-structured interviews with 10 participants and 7 pastoral leaders associated with the series) using multiple data collection techniques. This allowed me to search for 1 I use “Church” to denote the “Roman Catholic Church.” I use “church” and “churches” to refer to all of the Christian denominations. The Roman Catholic Church is one of the Christian denominations and is included among the “churches.” processes that empower mature Christian disciples and to identify some obstacles to effective adult catechesis. The Church’s normative documents regarding adult catechesis provide a foundation for theological reflection in this research, and literature from adult catechesis, adult development (and faith development), transformative learning, sociology of religion and practical theology provide the conceptual framework. The case study presents one model of collaborative curriculum building that demonstrates that it is possible to construct adult catechesis that honours both comprehensive adult catechesis, and the significant faith and life questions of participants. The findings from this study both corroborate and expand some current theories related to effective adult catechesis. The findings regarding effective adult catechesis include: it is characterized by processes, such as those used for theological reflection, that engages critical thinking; it is marked by authoritative support, competent leadership and a commitment to the empowerment of mature Christian disciples; it invites the whole community to take responsibility, and involves participants in the ongoing planning and evaluation of the process; it is impeded by pastoral leaders lay and ordained – who may support it verbally but not in practice; it is impeded by indoctrination. The need to embrace the expertise of transformative learning and adult development theory is particularly evident from the findings. As a work in practical theology seeking renewed praxis, reflection on the Church’s normative texts in dialogue with the research findings emphasizes the duty of those who are responsible for this ministry to engage in critical reflection that identifies obstacles, renews vision, and strengthens commitment to providing effective adult catechesis that empowers mature Christian disciples. APPENDICES 275 1 Approval of the Research Project from the Ethics Research Board, Saint Paul University 2 Permission from the Archdiocese of Ottawa to conduct the Research 3 Covering Letter Inviting Participants to Complete the Survey 4 Informed Consent form for the Small Group Interview Participants 5 Survey 6 Outline for the Semi-structured Interview with Participants 7 Outline for the Semi-structured Interview with Small Group Pastoral Accompaniers 8 Outline for the Semi-structured Interview with Pastors and a Pastoral Associate 9 Archdiocese of Ottawa, Putting Out into the Deep! A Proposal for the Steps Ahead in Lay Formation in the English Sector, August, 2003 10 Moving Toward a Lay Formation Program, Archdiocese of Ottawa, English Sector: A Summary of Focus Group Session on the Future of Lay Formation, June, 2003 11 A Proposed Process for the Small Group Gathering following the session of May 12 th , 2007 (1.5 hrs) and Questions for Reflection Papers for Certificate Participants 12 A Brief Report on the Activities of 2005-06 13 Evaluation Summary, June, 2004 14 Topics Chosen for Adult Catechetical Sessions: Putting Out into the Deep 15 “Mike’s” Speaking Notes 16 A Report on a Symposium on Adult faith Development and Leadership Formation, Archdiocese of Ottawa, Saturday, June 17 th , 2006