HONG KONG (SE): “God called us to become catechists. In order to fulfill this ministry, we faced many difficulties. Face-to-face lessons became online and the time for internship is short. But we have overcome them all,” said Kwok Ming-chi, representative of the graduates at a graduation ceremony of the two-year catechetical training course organised by the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.
The event, held at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on July 25, was officiated by John Cardinal Tong Hon, the apostolic administrator of Hong Kong. He encouraged the graduates to reach out from their parishes to show compassion for society and encouraged them to respond to their vocations with love and help people become apostles.
“Many people may think they only make trivial contributions, but they are significant in Jesus’ eyes,” the cardinal said.
A total of 66 people graduated from the catechetical training course this year. During the ceremony, a number of catechists who served the Church for decades were also honoured.
Kwok shared about the challenges they faced during their studies and reminded his classmates of the importance of prayer and continuous learning. He said that he did not have much opportunity to meet his classmates face-to-face given the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, but that they are still united in their mission.
He thanked one classmate for the chance to teach together in his class so that he had a chance at internship and understudy.
Kwok was with the Legion of Mary for 20 years and had visited the homes of the elderly to teach before joining the catechetical training course.
He told the Kung Kao Po that he found that, while he served with love and enthusiasm, he needed more training. Catechists need to continually learn to better explain the faith.
Kwok also believes he needs to be equipped with more teaching methods as, in recent years, he has started to teach children at Sunday school. He plans to receive more biblical training.
Victoria Yeung Yuk-lin, director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, said she was happy to see graduates successfully overcoming the difficulties presented by the limitations of virtual classes and she hoped that they would receive ongoing formation.
Yeung said that the centre has been offering courses for graduates to further their formation. She said she was also glad to see many catechists honoured during the graduation ceremony, which proved their enthusiasm to serve.
Fung Wai-lin, who was presented with an award for long time service of 25 years, said catechists need to show concern for catechumens before and after their baptism.
When she hasn’t seen one of the newly-baptised attend Mass for a while, she will call or send a message to encourage them.
She remembered one young man came to church with some encouragement and later joined the parish council.
Fung said that previously, one catechist was responsible for teaching the whole class, but now there are two to a class to help each other. There are also assistants helping with group discussions. She believes the increase in manpower helps to build closer relationships.
In May, Pope Francis issued Antiquum ministerium [Ancient ministry] formally establishing the ministry of catechist and recognising the importance of laypeople who collaborate in catechesis.
Franciscan Father Stephen Chan Mun-hung said that for the ministry of catechist, the Church needs to carefully choose people who are eager and mature enough to teach as well as offer them a lifetime of formation.
