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In what way does the phrase “The model for all catechesis is the baptismal catechumenate”, affirmed by the Synod Fathers in 1977 and cited in the General Directory for Catechesis, renew catechesis? That is the question addressed by this article. To begin with, the author elucidates the concept of a model, and conceives of it in terms of a “pattern” and system of relations among different representations. After presenting the models underlying the tripartite catechisms and a catechesis centred on the subject of faith, he presents the catechumenate as a model for contemporary catechesis, based on five elements:contemporary challenges of missionary action,representation of the framework and content of catechesis, centred on the catechising community and on the tasks (munus) of the community which this involves,predominant representation of the act of faith as fidelity, lived out in a threefold perspective: horizon, memory and relationship,predominant representation of the subjects of catechesis based on the idea that we can no longer think of parish catechesis according to a categorisation of subjects as children, young people and adults,representation of the catechetical process as one of companionship.