A critical exploration of the distinction between catechesis and religious education in the magisterial documents of the Catholic Church: the theology of communion as a unifying bond between catechesis and religious education

Abstract

The distinction between catechesis and religious education in Catholic schools is an important theme in contemporary Catholic educational thought. A firm and nuanced understanding of the nature of this relationship and its historical roots is essential to understanding both fields of study. The nature of this debate has been recognised by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church as crucial to the mission of the Catholic school. While Religious Education is vital to the unique identity of the Catholic school, too close an association with catechesis can lead to a blurring of distinctions. Contemporary Catholic thinking on this matter suggests the following accommodation: religious education is focussed on knowledge of Catholic thinking in theology and related cultural issues; catechesis explicitly focuses on faith development. The theology of communion (communio) assists Catholic educators to harmonise both concepts. Religious Education is thereby understood as a ‘shared project’ between catechesis and Catholic thinking on education.