In the section on the formation of catechists, both the General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis stress the need for formation of spiritual development on the three levels

•	human,
•	Christian, and
•	apostolic.

This leads us to an approach to formation which includes

•	the so-called savoir faire or spirituality of the catechist him or herself,
•	doctrinal content, both biblical and theological, and
•	methodology, including skills, techniques, and instructional strategies.

By providing formation in these dimensions, the Into the Fields program follows a solid and up-to-date learning pathway that helps catechists and teachers integrate these dimensions of their life and ministry. In each session, both in personal study and in the large group sessions, the participants experience

•	a powerful spiritual exercise,
•	a comprehensive, Catechism-based review of an aspect of Catholic teaching, and
•	practical skills and teaching methods to apply in faith formation lessons.

In addition, these three components are linked by an overriding theme.