Teaching the catechism

Trying to make the catechism meaningful to teens is tough. I think the questions and answers from the catechism become even more meaningful the more you study them and the more you hear them. Of course, it could be that just getting older (and wiser?) helps. Maybe many of us appreciate things like the catechism more as we get older. There is a reassuring sense of oneness to hear other Christians respond to “What is your only comfort in life and death?”

As a denomination, the pastors aren’t preaching from the catechism as often as they used to. Does this mean that catechism study is less valuable than it used to be? Should the catechism still be taught to young people? If so, what is the best place for that, youth group, church school, Wednesday night programs?

If we do think teaching the catechism is important, what format is most effective? Do the same materials work for teens as well as adults? What materials have worked well for you? What format do you use? A catechism weekend retreat? Weekly church school?

I would appreciate hearing from other educators.