INSTRUCTION. – Under this name is understood, in the language of sacred eloquence and also in the Code of Canon Law, a certain manner of expounding the truths of faith so as to direct them immediately to the practice of Christian morality. Instruction, it is said, aims at Christian practice, whereas conferences are limited to demonstrating the foundations of the truths of faith. Instruction unfolds according to the traditional plan of catechesis with the double aim of instructing and moving to action. It is addressed to all the faithful and must consequently adapt itself to the varying conditions encountered. Hence the almost infinite variety of models.
The chief qualities required are clarity and the authority of a true teacher, together with the delicacy and affection of a good shepherd. But above all, simplicity, joined to unction, remains the fundamental law of instruction.
In the Code of Canon Law, special instructions are prescribed periodically (twice a month) for lay brothers and for the household members (i.e., domestic staff) of religious Orders and Congregations, adapted to their capacity; the local superior is responsible for their execution (can. 509 § 2, n. 2). During the novitiate for lay brothers, an additional instruction must be added (can. 565 § 2). The subject matter of all these instructions must be the catechism itself (*christianae cathechesis... instructio*). Likewise, a weekly religious instruction, not strictly catechetical (*de rebus spiritualibus*), must be given to seminary students, under the direct responsibility of the bishop (can. 1367, n. 5). The choice of the preacher is left to the discretion of the religious superior or the rector of the seminary and presupposes an appointment for a certain period (e.g., *ad annum*), so that an organic development of a program may be possible. For religious instruction to the people, see PREACHING; to children, see CATECHESIS.