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becomes in a certain manner a locus for the manifestation and realization of salvation, where God, consistently with the pedagogy of the Incarnation, reaches” humans with divine grace and saves them (GDC, 152b). It is through reflecting on experience in the light of faith that the reality of God’s loving presence is given shape in our lives. In these times when the ramification of understanding society and culture as socially constructed, the role of adult believers who have the capacity to critically reflect on human experience with
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the eyes of faith becomes ever more crucial. Since Vatican II, Catholics have been enjoined to “read the signs of the times” in light of the Gospel message. Effective faith formation provides adults with the opportunity for sustained, critical conversation though which the skills and confidence for establishing and maintaining effective dialogue between faith and life are honed. This is core to what the GDC means when it says that adults “are capable of an adherence that is fully responsible” (GDC, 59; GCD 1971, 20).
II. THE COMMUNITY
Adult catechesis is oriented toward mission rather than membership.
By looking to the catechumenate as inspiration for all catechesis, the GDC highlights the dynamic relationship between each believer and the community of faith; it makes clear the importance of that relationship for effectively sharing the church’s teachings and vision. While the experience of each person is central, it is understood and given meaning within a community of
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21 C AT E C H E T I C A L L E A D E R
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