Guide for Catechists (Vatican City 1993)
It is a document of vocational, formal and promotional orientation of
catechists in the territories dependent on the congregation for the Evangelization of
people. This essential guide to catechesis features everything you need to become
an inspiring and effective catechist. In fact, after having looked at formation in
major seminaries (1986) considered the life and ministry of priests (1989), our
Congregation directed its attention to lay catechists, in the Plenary Assembly of
April 1992.
Catechists have always had a very important role in the secular journey of
evangelisation. Even today, they are considered to be irreplaceable evangelisers, as
the encyclical Redemptoris Missio so rightly states. In his message to our Plenary
Assembly, the Holy Father confirmed the uniqueness of their role: "During my
apostolic journeys I have been able observe personally what the catechists offer,
especially in mission territories, an 'outstanding and absolutely necessary
contribution to the spread of the faith and the Church."'
The Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples experiences directly the
undisputed effectiveness of lay catechists. Under the direction of priests, in fact,
they continue with frankness to announce "the Good News" to their brothers and
sisters of other religions, preparing them for entry into the ecclesial community
through baptism. Through religious instruction, preparation for the sacraments,
animation of prayer and other works of charity, they help the baptised to grow in
the fervour of the Christian life. Where there is a shortage of priests, the catechists
are also entrusted with the pastoral guidance of the little community separated
from the Centre. Often, they are called to witness to their faith by harsh trials and
painful [Link] history of evangelisation past and present attests to their
constancy even to the giving of life itself. Catechists are truly the pride of the
missionary Church!
The present Catechists' Guide, fruit of the last Plenary Assembly, expresses the
concern of the missionary Dicastery on behalf of this "deserving band" of lay-
apostles. This Guide contains a vast and precise amount of material, which covers
various topics: the identity of the catechist, his/her selection, formation and
spirituality; basic apostolic tasks and finally, the economic situation.
With great hope I entrust this Guide to the Bishops, Priests and to the Catechists
themselves, inviting them to scrutinise it carefully and to carry out its directives. In
particular, I ask Catechetical Centres and Schools for catechists, to refer to this
document for their formation and teaching programmes, whilst for content they
already have in their hands the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published after
the Plenary Assembly.
The diligent and faithful use of this Catechists' Guide in all the Churches
dependent on our missionary Dicastery, will contribute, not only to bringing about
a renewed image of the catechist but will also guarantee a concerted growth in this
vital sector for the future of mission in the world.
