An ancient and yet existent ministry

“In our days, when there are so few clerics to evangelize such great multitudes and to carry out the pastoral ministry, the role of catechists is of the highest importance” (cf. Ad Gentes, 17).

The celebration of the National Catechetical Day, September 14, reminds us of our first teachers of the faith, of our concerns on how to keep growing in Catholic teachings, and of settling our worries for the future of our children in the practice of the faith. The vast number of population, the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s world and the economic demand for parents that lessen their time in teaching their children the truths of our belief puts a burden and expectation on the ministry of catechists.

“In our own day too, many competent and dedicated catechists are community leaders in various parts of the world and carry out a mission invaluable for the transmission and growth of the faith” (Antuquum Ministerium 3). Narcisa Gulben, a catechist in the Ascension of the Lord Parish, GSIS, Matina for 22 years now, says: “Hagit sa mga bata karon lisod maminaw kay naay cellphone nga babag. Kinahanglan ang catechists mohaum sa estilo karon sa iyang pagtudlo, ug dili puro estorya, kondili naay pictures ug sagolan og action.”

How many of our priests, religious, and even bishops today have become who they are partly because of the teachings of catechists at their early stage of life.

“Without prejudice to the Bishop’s mission as the primary catechist in his Diocese, one which he shares with his presbyterate, or to the particular responsibility of parents for the Christian formation of their children, recognition should be given to those lay men and women who feel called by virtue of their baptism to cooperate in the work of catechesis” (Antiquum Ministerium 5).

Joanna Siodina Bernardo, who started being a catechist at 16 years old and now still serving for 30 years in San Pablo Parish, Matina, quips: “Ang pagkakatekista dili sayon pero dako ang kalipay ug ganti nga nakaambit ko sa pagpananom sa pagtoo sa mga tawo. Kalipay nga magpadayon ko isip katekista mao ang pagpaambit sa Ginoo ngadto sa mga kabataan. Malipay ko nga mahimong instrumento sa iyang gugma ug pagtudlo bisan usahay lisod ug kapoy.”

Edith Asis, who has been serving in her capacity as school, GKK, and parish catechist, formator for catechists and many other positions for 46 years now, sees that the challenge is: “ang pagdapit o recruit og mga batan-ong Katekista kay daghan na ang mga edaran. Anaa ang kakulang sa on-going formation in terms of theological, pedagogical and spiritual training aron mahimong epektibo sa pagtudlo ug nga makadasig sa uban.” As one of the staff of the John XXIII Catechetical Center of the Archdiocese of Davao, she helps in implementing the programs of the center like monthly meetings and formation for head catechists, introduction and enhancement of Evangelization 2033, and recognition of catechists, especially for those serving for so many years, in this catechetical month of September.

If the Church felt the need to tell the Good News of Jesus’ presence after His resurrection, she feels all the more to exert a double time effort to make our children today see that God journeys with us in this troubled times. “Catechist will emphasize even more the missionary commitment proper to every baptized person, a commitment that must however be carried out in a fully “secular” manner, avoiding any form of clericalization” (Antiquum Ministerium 7).

The Church celebration of Catechist’s Day is an expression of believing and thanking the gift of catechist, an ancient and yet existent ministry in the Church. “It is fitting that those called to the instituted ministry of Catechist be men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion.” (cf. Antiquum Ministerium 8).