In our archdiocese the month of September is designated Catechetical Month. Over the next few weeks, special liturgies will be prepared to highlight the work of catechists in our parishes.

The more popular aspects of this work include First Communion and Confirmation preparation, conducting the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme, ministry to the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and pastoral formation (doctrinal, moral, spiritual) of children at government primary and secondary schools.

The ministry of catechists is challenging and time-consuming and we salute those who have taken on this responsibility of passing on the faith to adults and children alike.

While the ministry of catechists is indispensable to the life of the Church, we have come to realise more insistently since the publication of the AEC (Antilles Episcopal Conference) document, On the Ministry of Catechesis, that catechesis is not only the responsibility of catechists; it is everyone's responsibility.

This is clear from the definition of catechesis given in that document: “Catechesis is a ministry which is intended to make the faith of people living, conscious and active through the light of instruction based on the scriptures, tradition, liturgy, teaching authority and the life of the Church.” (n 18)

The goal of catechesis, therefore, is to create a life-giving, active, believing community. Creating this believing community begins in the home. Parents must therefore fulfill their role as the first catechists of their children. Herein lies a major problem: parents are often unable to fulfill this role as they themselves need to be catechised.

LAZINESS OF MIND

Too many parents have no more faith formation than what they were exposed to when they were children. This is not good enough. We must remember catechesis is an ongoing task. There are several opportunities available for parents to update themselves in their Christian faith.

Some of these include Liturgy School, the Know Your Faith Series, Catholic News , School of Continuing Studies, the Catholic Bible Institute, courses and workshops offered by our Charismatic communities, the Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ), the Evangelisation Commission, not to mention the numerous catechetical opportunities available in parishes during the seasons of Lent and Advent.

Another problem impeding sound catechesis is a laziness of mind. Over the years a dichotomy between spirituality and knowledge has crept into our Catholic culture: we think that holiness is only a matter of praying. This is not our true tradition. The great monasteries of medieval Europe were places of holiness and learning; study and prayer went hand in hand.

In the secular world people update themselves constantly; indeed, for many companies these update workshops are mandatory. We must have the same attitude towards our faith. We need to wrestle with our faith, understand concepts, clarify positions and “ always have an answer ready for people who ask [us] the reason for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. ” (1 Pet 3: 15)

Finally, the ministry of catechesis would be ineffective if we do not harness all the tools of modern communications available to us today. Pope John Paul II devoted an entire apostolic letter – The Rapid Development – to this issue.

Reaching young children and teenagers in particular demands the use of overhead projectors, PowerPoint presentations and DVD so as to capture their interest and create life-long impressions.

As we celebrate Catechetical Month, may we recognise the role we all have to play in this life-long ministry of catechesis.