138 Secondly, just as the catechumenate prepares for Christian initiation (baptism—confi rmation—Eucharist), the post-baptismal catechesis prepares to release the grace of the previously received sacraments of initiation. In this way the catechesis does not fl oat in mid-air, but pertains to the existing sacramental reality. Many young people and adults do not receive an adequate introduction into Christianity and the graces received from the sacraments, in many cases, they remain rudimentary. Thirdly, catechumenal catechesis points out the central character of the paschal mystery of Christ. Fourthly, being divided into stages, catechumenal formation foresees a gradual development. It is worthwhile mentioning in this context, that the structure of religious formation also arose from a catechumenal inspiration. For this reason, it is in fact spiritually related to us in some way. Communal Character One of the most characteristic traits of our times is, on the one hand, fragmentation and the experience of solitude and loneliness; and on the other hand striving for intimate relationships. In this context, it is more and more apparent that expanded and anonymous pastoral work is inadequate. This impacts catechesis, as well. Catechesis is effective in the measure that a Christian community becomes a reference point on the path of faith for its individual members. It happens only when the Christian community becomes the source, site, and goal of catechesis (cf. Directory, art. 158-159). It is the source—because the community is the place for the Christian witness which attracts someone to the faith. It is the site and goal—because community is the natural environment to grow in faith. It appears that Religious, due to the particular nature of their vocation, are especially called to participate in the building up of Christian communities, which is the environment for growing in faith. I have sketched certain characteristic features of the Church’s present thought on catechesis. As Marians, we are asked to be involved in the faith formation of our brothers and sisters. It is not a question of creating some sort of special Marian catechesis or of using it for some marketing or promotional end. It is a matter of offering our charism for the work of catechesis which is being done by the Church.
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