By Father Peter Choy Wai-man
In his apostolic letter, Antiquum Ministerium [Ancient Ministry], Pope Francis affirms the importance of the establishment of the ministry of catechist in the present day. The document points out that, from the beginning of history, the Church, in response to the needs of the community, discerned the gifts of God in the community of the faithful and set up ministries to involve the lay faithful in the mission of the Church and to give expression to the nature of synodality, which is a natural development.
For this reason, the diocese set up an ad-hoc working group last year to look at the need for a ministry of catechist in the Diocese of Hong Kong. After nearly a year of intensive exchanges and discussions, the conclusions of the group were positive.
Firstly, there are now many enthusiastic catechists and Sunday school teachers in the diocese who volunteer their time to serve the Church. Many of them have served for 10 years or more. Some of them feel that God is inviting them to deepen their call and make good use of the gifts of God. They are willing to devote themselves more closely to the Church, to develop their catechetical ministry, to accompany the laity in their growth, to help them live out their baptismal call and to share in the mission of evangelisation of the Church.
In addition, the establishment of the ministry of catechist in the diocese will meet the long-standing demand for catechists and Sunday school teachers, and will also provide greater flexibility in responding to the challenges posed by the changing times.
Existing catechists and Sunday school teachers generally serve only in their own parishes, while the authorised catechists will be appointed by the diocesan bishop to “go out” to serve at the diocesan level, or outside their own parishes in the premises of diocesan institutions or organisations. The commissioned catechists will, according to the pastoral needs of the diocese and the actual situation in other places of service, work together under the leadership of the clergy to fulfill the mission of evangelisation and build up a synodal Church which is collaborative and connected.
On the whole, the establishment of the ministry of catechist in the diocese is a way for the Church to discern the gifts of the lay people within the community and to invite them to explore more diverse ways of teaching and development, so that the Church can better respond to the needs of evangelisation in the present age. At the same time, it will also enhance the genuine cooperation between clergy and lay people, demonstrating the communion of the Church in serving to build up the body of Christ.
Therefore, a teacher who has served in the catechumenate and Sunday school for many years will not naturally or necessarily take up the role of catechist. The key is whether he or she has the gift of being a catechist in his or her personal discernment. Is he or she clearly aware of God’s call to a permanent and stable commitment and is willing to accept a bishop’s commission to serve in various communities and settings? This is not a personal wish, plan or arrangement, but a response to the call of God with the approval of the Church.
