Since their minds are increasing in capability, catechesis for adolescents makes clear the rational bases for faith, the inner coherence of the truths of the faith, and their relation to one another. It should also help adolescents to articulate the beliefs and teachings of the Church and to apply them to their lives. The study of Sacred Scripture, the Church, the sacraments, and the principles of Christian morality—both personal and social—should characterize the catechesis of adolescents. Since they are better able to experience faith as a deeper relationship with God than are younger children, prayer and service to others in the name of Christ become more meaningful to them. This is an opportune developmental time to stress their baptismal commitment to evangelization. Because the example of adults is so important to them, their participation in the Mass, the sacraments, and other rituals alongside adults incorporates them further into the life of the Church. They will be invited to take a more active part in planning and celebrating liturgical experiences, especially the Eucharist. They will be given frequent and regular opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Catechesis for Christian initiation, catechesis on special themes, group activity, membership in youth associations, the personal accompaniment of young people, retreats, and spiritual direction are useful approaches for the effective catechesis of adolescents. Adolescence is a time to learn how to pray vocal and liturgical prayers, to read and meditate upon the Sacred Scripture texts, and to evangelize their peers and invite them into the Catholic Church. Adolescence is also a time for developing ecumenical relationships, since it is an age when friendships are especially important and inquiry into the faith and traditions of others is lively.
A special challenge in the catechesis of adolescents is catechesis for Christian vocations. The foundation for accepting the call of Christ to marriage, chaste single life, priesthood, consecrated life, or lay ecclesial ministry is laid within the family and nurtured throughout childhood. Careful and serious consideration of these Christian vocations becomes even more important in adolescence. Parents, pastors, teachers, and catechists should help adolescents to address the vocational question directly and study the possibilities thoroughly. They should provide the best examples of each of the distinctively Christian vocations to young people and be willing to become personally involved with them as they struggle with their choice. They should encourage adolescents to listen carefully to the voice of the Holy Spirit within them and to respond generously to God's call to service in the Church and in the world.
The ministry of catechesis with adolescents has several distinct features that give direction to catechetical programming. Specifically, catechesis with adolescents:
- Teaches the core content of the Catholic faith as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church—the profession of faith, celebration of the Christian mystery, life in Christ, and Christian prayer—in order to provide a solid foundation for continued growth in faith
- Recognizes that faith development is lifelong and therefore provides developmentally appropriate content and processes around key themes of the Catholic faith that respond to the age-appropriate needs, interests, and concerns of younger and older adolescents
- Integrates knowledge of the Catholic faith with liturgical and prayer experiences and the development of practical skills for living the Catholic faith in today's world
- Utilizes the life experiences of adolescents, fostering a shared dialogue between the life of the adolescent—with his or her joys, struggles, questions, concerns, and hopes—and the wisdom of the Catholic Church
- Engages adolescents in the learning process by incorporating a variety of learning methods and activities through which adolescents can explore and learn important religious concepts of the Scriptures and Catholic faith—a v