CATECHETICAL
SUNDAY
THEME
: UNITED IN CHRIST, BEAR WITNESS TO HIM (Col 2:6ff)
DATE
22ND SEPTEMBER 2013
(Reflection
by Fr Mark Michael, Diocese of Penang)
Catechesis is no longer
perceived as a simple teaching of faith formulae, but is focused at the maturing
of faith as a support to witnessing in the world. The marks’ of witnessing to Christian
faith are behaviors, not only ideas. They engage the followers of Jesus in a
spiritual discipline that deepens their relationship with God, grow confident
in the promises of the Savior, and open their lives to the daily transforming
presence of the Holy Spirit. Pope Paul VI wrote, “Modern man listens more
willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if they listen to teachers, it is
because they are witnesses”.[1]
The catechists live in a
community of various backgrounds, traditions and histories where there are a
lot of expectations and pressures. This means that they are called to assist
those being catechized to reflect, choose and decide how to live. They also need
to create a greater awareness and sensibility towards inhumanity and injustice;
to understand the ideals of truth, freedom, equality and respect for oneself,
others and the earth.
Our catechetical approach does
not mean accommodation to current ways of thinking and behaving, but entails
bringing the joy and the light of the truth to contemporary situations in a
manner that is convincing and sensitive to the questions of post-modern society.[2]
As being in the service of the Word, catechesis refers to a constellation of
activities that promote, enhance and challenge believers toward more mature
faith.[3]
5 recommended areas of concern
for catechist are:-
1.
Permanent formation of catechist is of utter
importance.
2.
Formation involves the head, the heart and the hand.
(Integrity of persons & their gifts)
3.
Establishing friendship between catechist &
those being catechized
4.
Rediscovering the meaning of our culture and historical
significance in faith
5.
Appreciating our catechism, which deepens our faith.[4]
A person who turns to Christ is
discovering a new reality everyday. He travels a path of learning (the
catechumenate), in which he/she becomes a new person through conversion
especially through the grace of the sacraments, in the person of Jesus Christ.
Proposals for
Catechetical Sunday
1)
Mass is encouraged to be animated by the
Catechetical Ministry
2)
Catechetical formators are acknowledge and given
appreciation for their commitment in the service of the Word of God.
3)
Exhibition of catechetical collage by the children
in the entrance of the Church.
4)
Getting the catechism children to write or draw
stories of faith.
5)
A day of fellowship or outing with the children or
telematch games.
6)
Organize camps for community living.
7)
Left to the creativity of the Parish Catechetical
ministries.
[1]
EN 41.
[2]
Cf. MURPHY J., Christ Our Joy: The
Theological Vision of Pope Benedict XVI, Ignatius Press, San Francisco
2008, 14.
[3]
Cf. HORAN M.P., Catechesis As An
Evangelizing Moment: Singular Challenge to a Maturing Church, National
Catholic Education Association Publication, Washington 1999, 2.
[4]
Cf. Willey P., Cointet P., Morgan B., The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the
Craft of Catechesis, Ignasius Press Publication, San Francisco 2008, 12-15.
No comments:
Post a Comment