CongregationfortheEvangelizationofPeoples

GUIDEFORCATECHISTS
Documentofvocational,formativeandpromotionalorientation
ofCatechistsintheterritoriesdependent
ontheCongregationfortheEvangelizationofPeoples
VaticanCity1993

VenerableBrothersintheEpiscopacy,
DearlybelovedPriests,
BelovedCatechists,
Inthishistoricalperiod,whichforvariousreasonsisverysensitiveandfavorable,totheinfluenceofthe
Christianmessage,theCongregationfortheEvangelisationofPeopleshasmaintainedaspecialinterestinsome
categoriesofpeople,whoplayadecisiveroleinmissionaryactivity.Infact,afterhavinglookedatformationin
majorseminaries(1986)consideredthelifeandministryofpriests(1989),ourCongregationdirectedits
attentiontolaycatechists,inthePlenaryAssemblyofApril1992.
Catechistshavealwayshadaveryimportantroleinthesecularjourneyofevangelisation.Eventoday,theyare
consideredtobeirreplaceableevangelisers,astheencyclicalRedemptorisMissiosorightlystates.Inhis
messagetoourPlenaryAssembly,theHolyFatherconfirmedtheuniquenessoftheirrole:"Duringmyapostolic
journeysIhavebeenableobservepersonallywhatthecatechistsoffer,especiallyinmissionterritories,an
'outstandingandabsolutelynecessarycontributiontothespreadofthefaithandtheChurch'"(AG17).
TheCongregationfortheEvangelisationofPeoplesexperiencesdirectlytheundisputedeffectivenessoflay
catechists.Underthedirectionofpriests,infact,theycontinuewithfranknesstoannounce"theGoodNews"to
theirbrothersandsistersofotherreligions,preparingthemforentryintotheecclesialcommunitythrough
baptism.Throughreligiousinstruction,preparationforthesacraments,animationofprayerandotherworksof
charity,theyhelpthebaptisedtogrowinthefervouroftheChristianlife.Wherethereisashortageofpriests,
thecatechistsarealsoentrustedwiththepastoralguidanceofthelittlecommunityseparatedfromtheCentre.
Often,theyarecalledtowitnesstotheirfaithbyharshtrialsandpainfulprivations.Thehistoryofevangelisation
pastandpresentatteststotheirconstancyeventothegivingoflifeitself.Catechistsaretrulytheprideofthe
missionaryChurch!
ThepresentCatechists'Guide,fruitofthelastPlenaryAssembly,expressestheconcernofthemissionary
Dicasteryonbehalfofthis"deservingband"oflayapostles.ThisGuidecontainsavastandpreciseamountof
material,whichcoversvarioustopics:theidentityofthecatechist,his/herselection,formationandspirituality;
basicapostolictasksandfinally,theeconomicsituation.
WithgreathopeIentrustthisGuidetotheBishops,PriestsandtotheCatechiststhemselves,invitingthemto
scrutiniseitcarefullyandtocarryoutitsdirectives.Inparticular,IaskCatecheticalCentresandSchoolsfor
catechists,torefertothisdocumentfortheirformationandteachingprogrammes,whilstforcontentthey
alreadyhaveintheirhandstheCatechismoftheCatholicChurch,publishedafterthePlenaryAssembly.
ThediligentandfaithfuluseofthisCatechists'GuideinalltheChurchesdependentonourmissionary
Dicastery,willcontribute,notonlytobringingaboutarenewedimageofthecatechistbutwillalsoguaranteea
concertedgrowthinthisvitalsectorforthefutureofmissionintheworld.

ThisismysincerewishconfidedinprayertoMary,"MotherandModelofCatechists",sothatshemaybecome
moreandmoreaconsolingrealityinalltheyoungChurches.
TheHolyFather,informedofthiscommitmentofourDicasteryandhavingseenthetextoftheGuide,greatly
appreciatedandencouragedtheinitiative,wholeheartedlygivinghisapostolicblessing,mostparticularlytothe
catechists.
Rome,FeastofSaintFrancisXavier,3rdDecember1993

JozefCard.Tomko
Prefect
INTRODUCTION
1.Anindispensableservice.TheCongregationfortheEvangelizationofPeoples(CEP)hasalwayshada
specialconcernforcatechists,convincedasitisthattheseare,underthedirectionoftheirPastors,afactorof
primeimportanceinevangelization.InApril1970itpublishedsomepracticaldirectivesforcatechists,andnow,
consciousofitsresponsibilityandofradicalchangesinthemissionaryworld,theCEPwouldliketocall
attentiontothepresentsituation,theproblemsthatarise,andprospectsforthedevelopmentofthis
"praiseworthyarmy"oflayapostles.ItisencouragedinthisprojectbythemanypressinginterventionsofHis
HolinessPopeJohnPaulII,who,duringhisapostolicvoyages,makesuseofeveryopportunitytostressthe
importanceandrelevanceoftheworkofcatechistsasa"fundamentalevangelicalservice".
Ourtaskisademandingbutalsoanecessaryandanattractiveone,seeingthat,fromtheverybeginningof
Christianityandwherevertherehasbeenmissionaryactivity,catechistshavemade,andcontinuetomake,"an
outstandingandindispensablecontributiontothespreadofthefaithandoftheChurch".
Andso,havingexamined,initsPlenaryAssemblyof2730April1992,theinformationandsuggestionsthat
cameinfromawiderangingconsultationwithBishopsandcatecheticalcentresinmissionterritories,theCEP
hasdrawnupthisGuideforCatechists,whichtreatsinadoctrinal,existentialandpracticalwaytheprincipal
aspectsofthecatechists'vocation,identity,spirituality,selectionandtraining,missionaryandpastoraltasks,
andremuneration,alongwiththeresponsibilityofthePeopleofGodtowardsthem,intoday'sconditionsand
thoseoftheimmediatefuture.
Undereachheadingwewilltrytogivetheidealstobeaimedat,alongwiththeessentialconsiderations,while
takingaccountofthedifficulty,incertainmissionarysituations,ofdefiningwhoexactlycanbecalleda
catechist.Thedirectivesaredeliberatelygiveningeneralterms,soastobeapplicabletoallcatechistsinthe
youngChurches.ItisuptotherespectivePastorstomakethemmorespecific,inkeepingwiththerequirements
andpossibilitiesoftheindividualChurches.
TheGuideisaddressedfirstofalltothelaycatechiststhemselves,butalsototheBishops,priests,religious,
formatorsandthefaithful,byreasonofthestronglinksbetweenthevariouscomponentsoftheecclesial
community.
BeforethisGuidecouldseelight,theHolyFatherJohnPaulIIhadapprovedtheCatechismoftheCatholic
Churchorderingitspublication.Theextraordinaryimportance,fortheChurchaswellasforeverymanofgood
will,ofthisrichandsynthetic"expositionofthefaithoftheChurchandofcatholicdoctrine,verifiedand
enlightenedbytheSacredScripture,bytheapostolicTraditionandbytheMagisterium"iswellknown.Even
thoughthisisadocumentofdifferentaimandcontent,itbecomesimmediatelyevidentthatthenewcatechism
couldoffersomespecialenlightenmentatdifferentpointsoftheGuideand,aboveall,thatitcouldbeasureand
authenticpointofreferencefortheformationandfortheactivitiesofthecatechists.Inthefinaleditionofthe

text,therefore,carehasbeentakentopointout,particularlyinthenotes,theprincipalconnectionswiththe
themesexposedinthecatechism.
ItisourhopethatthisGuidewillbeusedasareferencebookandwillbeasourceofunityandencouragement
forcatechistsand,throughthem,fortheirecclesialcommunities.TheCEPoffersit,therefore,totheEpiscopal
ConferencesandtoindividualBishopsasanaidtothelifeandapostolateoftheircatechistsandasabasisfor
therenewalofnationalanddiocesancatecheticalprogramsanddirectors.
PARTI
ANAPOSTLEEVERRELEVANT
I.THECATECHISTINAMISSIONARYCHURCH
2.Vocationandidentity.EverybaptizedCatholicispersonallycalledbytheHolySpirittomakehisorher
contributiontothecomingofGod'skingdom.Withinthelaystatetherearevariousvocations,ordifferent
spiritualandapostolicroadstobefollowedbybothindividualsandgroups.Withinthegeneralvocationofthe
laitythereareparticularones.
Attheoriginofthecatechist'svocation,therefore,apartfromthesacramentsofBaptismandConfirmation,
thereisaspecificcallfromtheHolySpirit,a"specialcharismrecognizedbytheChurch"andmadeexplicitby
theBishop'smandate.Itisimportantforthecatechistcandidatetorecognizethesupernaturalandecclesial
significanceofthiscall,soastobeabletorespond,liketheSonofGod,"HereIcome"(Heb10:7),or,likethe
prophet,"HereIam,sendme"(Is6:8).
Inactualmissionarypractice,thecatechist'svocationisbothspecific,i.e.forthetaskofcatechizing,and
general,forcollaboratinginwhateverapostolicservicesareusefulforthebuildingupoftheChurch.
TheCEPinsistsonthevalueanddistinctivenessofthecatechist'svocation.Eachone,therefore,shouldtryto
discover,discernandfosterhisorherownparticularvocation.
Fromthesepremisesitcanbeseenthatcatechistsinmissionterritorieshavetheirownidentity,which
characterizestheminrespecttothoseworkingintheolderChurches,astheChurch'smagisteriumand
legislationclearlyrecognize.
Inshort,thecatechistinmissionterritoriesisidentifiedbyfourelements:acallfromtheHolySpirit;an
ecclesialmission;collaborationwiththeBishop'sapostolicmandate;andaspeciallinkwithmissionaryactivity
adgentes.
3.Role.Closelylinkedtothequestionofidentityisthatoftheroleofthecatechistinmissionaryactivity,arole
thatisbothimportantandmanysided.ApartfromtheexplicitproclamationoftheChristianmessageandthe
accompanimentofcatechumensandnewlybaptizedChristiansontheirroadtofullmaturityinthefaithandin
sacramentallife,thecatechist'srolecomprisespresenceandwitness,andinvolvementinhumandevelopment,
inculturationanddialogue.
ThustheChurch'sMagisterium,whenitspeaksofcatechists"inmissionlands",treatsthesubjectasan
importantoneandgivesspacetoit.TheEncyclicalRedemptorisMissio,forinstance,describescatechistsas
"specializedworkers,directwitnesses,indispensableevangelizers,whorepresentthebasicstrengthof
Christiancommunities,especiallyintheyoungChurches".TheCodeofCanonLawhasacanononcatechists
involvedinstrictlymissionaryactivityanddescribesthemas"laymembersofChrist'sfaithfulwhohave
receivedproperformationandareoutstandingintheirlivingoftheChristianlife.Underthedirectionof
missionaries,theyaretopresenttheGospelteachingandengageinliturgicalworshipandinworksofcharity".

ThisdescriptionofthecatechistcorrespondswiththatoftheCEPinits1970PlenaryAssembly:"Thecatechist
isalaypersonspeciallyappointedbytheChurch,inaccordancewithlocalneeds,tomakeChristknown,loved
andfollowedbythosewhodonotyetknowHimandbythefaithfulthemselves".
Tothecatechist,asindeedtoothermembersofthefaithful,maybeentrusted,inaccordancewiththecanonical
norms,certainfunctionsofthesacredministrywhichdonotrequirethecharacterofHolyOrders.The
executionofthesefunctions,whenapriestisnotavailable,doesnotmakeapastorofthecatechist,inasmuchas
heorshederiveslegitimationdirectlyfromtheofficialpermissiongrantedbythePastors.However,wemay
recallaclarificationmadeinthepastbytheCEPitself:inhisorherordinaryactivity,"thecatechistisnota
simplesubstituteforthepriest,butis,byright,awitnessofChristinthecommunity".
4.Categoriesandtasks.CatechistsinmissionterritoriesarenotonlydifferentfromthoseinolderChurches,but
amongthemselvesvarygreatlyincharacteristicsandmodesofactionfromoneyoungChurchtoanother,so
thatitisdifficulttogiveasingledescriptionthatwouldapplytoall.
Therearetwomaintypesofcatechist:fulltimecatechists,whodevotetheirlifecompletelytothisserviceand
areofficiallyrecognizedassuch;andparttimecatechists,whoofferamorelimited,butstillprecious,
collaboration.Theproportionbetweenthetwocategoriesvariesfromplacetoplace,butingeneraltherearefar
moreparttimethanfulltimecatechists.
Varioustasksareentrustedtobothtypesofcatechist,anditisinthesetasksthatonecanseethegreatdiversity
thatexistsbetweendifferentareas.Thefollowingoutlinewouldseemtogivearealisticsummaryofthemain
functionsentrustedtocatechistsinChurchesdependentontheCEP:
Catechistswiththespecifictaskofcatechizing,whichincludeseducatingyoungpeopleandadultsinthe
faith,preparingcandidatesandtheirfamiliesforthesacramentsofChristianinitiation,andhelpingwithretreats
andothermeetingsconnectedwithcatechesis.CatechistswiththesefunctionsaremorenumerousinChurches
thathavestressedthedevelopmentoflayservices.
Catechistswhocollaborateindifferentformsofapostolatewithordainedministers,whosedirectionthey
willinglyaccept.Thetasksentrustedtothemaremultiple:preachingtononChristians;catechizing
catechumensandthosealreadybaptized;leadingcommunityprayer,especiallyattheSundayliturgyinthe
absenceofapriest;helpingthesickandpresidingatfunerals;trainingothercatechistsinspecialcentresor
guidingvolunteercatechistsintheirwork;takingchargeofpastoralinitiativesandorganizingparishfunctions;
helpingthepoorandworkingforhumandevelopmentandjustice.Thistypeofcatechistismorecommonin
placeswhereparishescoveralargeareawithscatteredcommunitiesfarfromthecentre,orwhere,becauseofa
shortageofclergy,parishpriestsselectlayleaderstohelpthem.
ThedynamismoftheyoungChurchesandtheirsocioculturalsituationgiverisetootherapostolicfunctions.
Forinstance,therearereligionteachersinschools,teachingbothbaptizedandnonChristianstudents.These
canbefoundingovernmentschools,wheretheStateallowsreligiousinstruction,aswellasinCatholicschools.
TherearealsoSundaycatechists,whoteachinSundayschoolsorganizedbytheparish,especiallywherethe
Statedoesnotallowreligiousinstructioninitsschools.Andinlargecities,especiallyinthepoorerquarters,
therearelayapostlesdoingexcellentworkamongthedestitute,immigrants,prisonersandothersinneed.Such
functionsareconsidered,accordingtothesensibilitiesandexperienceofthedifferentChurches,aseitherproper
tothecatechistorasageneralformoflayservicetotheChurchanditsmission.TheCEPconsidersthe
multiplicityandvarietyofthesetasksasanexpressionoftherichnessoftheSpiritatworkintheyoung
Churches,andrecommendsthemalltotheattentionoftheBishops.Itasksthemtofosterespeciallythosethat
bestrespondtopresentneedsandtotheimmediatefuture,insofarasthiscanbeforeseen.
Thereisanotherconsideration.Catechistsmaybeoldoryoung,maleorfemale,marriedorsingle,andthese
factorsshouldbetakenintoaccountinassigningtasksinthevariousculturalsettings.Thus,amarriedman
seemsmostindicatedtobethecommunityleader,especiallyinsocietieswheremenstillhaveadominantrole.

WomenwouldseemtobethenaturalchoiceforeducatingtheyoungandworkingfortheChristianpromotion
ofwomen.MarriedadultshavegreaterstabilityandcangivewitnesstothevaluesofChristianmarriage.The
young,ontheotherhand,aretobepreferredforcontactwithyouthandforactivitiesthattakeupmoretime.
Finally,oneshouldbearinmindthat,besidethelaycatechists,thereisagreatnumberofreligiousmenand
women,whocarryoutcatechesisand,becauseoftheirspecialconsecration,areabletobearauniquewitnessin
thecapacityoftheirmissionandconsequentlyarecalledtobeavailableandpreparedintheirownwayforthis
task.Inpracticetheytakeonmanyofthetasksofthecatechistand,becauseoftheirclosecooperationwiththe
priests,oftenplayadirectingrole.TheCEP,therefore,stronglyrecommendstheinvolvementofreligiousmen
andwomen,asisalreadythepracticeinmanyplaces,inthisimportantsectorofecclesiallife,especiallyinthe
trainingandguidanceofcatechists.
5.Prospectsfordevelopmentinthenearfuture.Thetendencyingeneral,andonewhichtheCEPapprovesof
andencourages,isforthefigureofthecatechistassuchtobeaffirmedanddeveloped,independentlyofthe
tasksheorsheperforms.Thevalueofcatechistsandtheirinfluenceontheapostolatearealwaysdecisivefor
theChurch'smission.
Basingitselfonitsownworldwideexperience,theCEPoffersthefollowingsuggestionstohelppromote
reflectiononthissubject:
Absoluteprecedencemustbegiventoquality.Acommonproblemiscertainlythescarcityofproperly
trainedcandidates.Thecharacterofthecatechistisofprimeimportance,andthismustinfluencethecriteriafor
selectionandtheprogramfortrainingandguidance.ThewordsoftheHolyFatherareilluminating:"Forsuch
afundamentalevangelicalserviceagreatnumberofworkersarenecessary.But,whilestrivingfornumbers,
wemustaimabovealltodayatsecuringthequalityofthecatechist".
Inviewofthepresentimpetustowardsarenewedmissionadgentes,thefutureofthecatechistintheyoung
Churcheswillcertainlybemarkedbymissionaryzeal.Catechists,therefore,shouldbeevermorefullyqualified
aslaypioneersoftheapostolate.Inthefuture,asinthepast,theyshouldbedistinguishedbytheirindispensable
contributiontomissionaryactivityadgentes.
Itisnotenoughtofixanobjective,butsuitablemeansmustbechosenforattainingthegoal,andthisholds
truealsoforthetrainingofcatechists.Concreteprogramsshouldbedrawnup,adequatestructuresandfinancial
supportprovided,andqualifiedformatorssecured,soastoprovidethecatechistswithasolidformation.
Obviouslythescaleofthefacilitiesandthelevelofstudywillvaryaccordingtotherealpossibilitiesofeach
Church,butcertainstandardsshouldbeattainedbyall,withoutgivingintodifficulties.
Thecadresinchargetobestrengthened.Everywherethereshouldbeatleastafewprofessionalcatechists
whohavebeentrainedinsuitablecentresandwho,placedinkeypostsofthecatecheticalorganizationunder
thedirectionoftheirPastors,seetothepreparationofnewcandidates,introducethemtotheirfunctionsand
guidethemintheirwork.Thesecadresshouldbefoundatalllevelsparish,diocesanandnationalandwillbe
aguaranteeofthegoodfunctioningofsuchanimportantsectoroftheChurch'slife.
TheCEPexpectsthatinthenearfuturetheworkofcatechistswillbestillfurtherdeveloped,andweshould
trytoseefromnowhowtomorrow'sprotagonistswillact.
Specialencouragementwillbegiventocatechistswithamarkedmissionaryspirit,who"willthemselves
becomemissionaryanimatorsintheirecclesialcommunitiesandwouldbewilling,iftheSpiritsocallsthem
andtheirPastorscommissionthem,togooutsidetheirownterritorytopreachthegospel,prepare
catechumensforbaptismandbuildnewecclesialcommunities".
Catechistswhoareinvolvedinthecatechesiswillhaveadevelopingfuture,because,theyoungChurchesare
multiplyingtheservicesofthelayapostolate,whicharedistinctfromthoseofthecatechists.Henceitwillbeof

greatusetohavespecializedcatechists,forinstance,thosewhopromotechristianlifewherethemajorityofthe
peoplearealreadybaptizedbutwherethelevelofreligiousinstructionandofthelifeoffaithisnothigh.
Catechistsshouldalsobetrainedforchallengeswhichalreadyfaceustodayandwillbecomeevengreaterin
future:urbanization,increasingnumbersgoingontothirdleveleducation,theworldofyoungsters,migrants
andrefugees,growingsecularization,politicalchanges,theinfluenceofthemassmedia,etc.
TheCEPdrawsattentiontothesefutureprospectsandtheneedtofaceuptothem,whilerealizingthatitisup
tothelocalPastorstoseehowbesttogoaboutit.EpiscopalConferencesandindividualBishopsshoulddraw
upaprogramforthepreparationofcatechistsforthefuture,givingspecialattentiontothemissionary
dimensioninboththeirtrainingandactivity.Theseprogramsshouldnotbevague,butspecificandadaptedto
localconditions,sothateachChurchwillhaveboththecatechistsitneedstodayandthosethatwillbe
necessaryinthenearfuture.
II.THECATECHIST'SSPIRITUALITY
6.Necessityandnatureofspiritualityforthecatechist.Catechistsmusthaveadeepspirituality,i.e.theymust
liveintheSpirit,whowillhelpthemtorenewthemselvescontinuallyintheirspecificidentity.
Theneedforaspiritualitypropertocatechistsspringsfromtheirvocationandmission.Itincludes,therefore,a
newandspecialmotivation,acalltosanctity.PopeJohnPaulII'ssaying:"Thetruemissionaryisthesaint",can
beappliedwithouthesitationtothecatechist.Likeeverymemberofthefaithful,catechistsare"calledto
holinessandtomission",i.e.toliveouttheirownvocation"withthefervourofthesaints".
TheirspiritualityiscloselyboundupwiththeirstatusaslayChristians,madeparticipants,intheirowndegree,
inChrist'sprophetic,priestlyandkinglyoffices.Asmembersofthelaity,theyareinvolvedinthesecularworld
andhave,"accordingtotheconditionofeach,thespecialobligationtopermeateandperfectthetemporal
orderofthingswiththespiritofthegospel.Inthisway,particularlyinconductingsecularbusinessand
exercisingsecularfunctions,theyaretogivewitnesstoChrist".
Formarriedcatechists,matrimoniallifeformsanintegralpartoftheirspirituality.AsthePopejustlyaffirms,
"marriedcatechistsareexpectedtobearwitnessconstantlytotheChristianvalueofmatrimony,livingthe
sacramentinfullfidelityandeducatingtheirchildrenwithasenseofresponsibility".Thismatrimonial
spiritualitycanhavegreatimpactontheiractivity,anditwouldbegoodforthemtoinvolvetheirspouseand
childreninthework,sothatthewholefamilyradiatesapostolicwitness.
Catechists'spiritualityisalsoconditionedbytheirapostolicvocation,andthereforeshouldbearthemarksof:
opennesstoGod'sword,totheChurchandtotheworld;authenticityoflife;missionaryzeal;anddevotionto
Mary.
7.OpennesstotheWord.TheofficeofcatechistisbasicallythatofcommunicatingGod'sword,andsothe
fundamentalspiritualattitudeshouldbeoneofopennesstothisword,containedinrevelation,preachedbythe
Church,celebratedintheliturgyandlivedoutinthelivesofsaints.ThisisalwaysanencounterwithChrist,
hiddeninhisword,intheeucharistandinourbrothersandsisters.Opennesstothewordmeansopennessto
God,totheChurchandtotheworld.OpennesstoGodUnoetTrino,whoisinthemostintimatedepthsof
eachpersonandgivesmeaningtohisorherlife:convictions,criteria,scaleofvalues,decisions,relationships,
behavioretc.CatechistsshouldallowthemselvestobedrawnintothecircleoftheFather,whocommunicates
theword;oftheSon,theincarnateWord,whospeaksonlythewordsHehearsfromtheFather(cf.Jn8:26;
12:49);andoftheHolySpirit,whoenlightensthemindtohelpitunderstandGod'swordsandopenstheheartto
receivethemwithloveandputthemintopractice(cf.Jn16:1214).
Itisaspirituality,therefore,thatisrootedinthelivingwordofGod,withaTrinitariandimension,likethe
universalmissionitselfwithitsofferofsalvation.Itrequiresacorrespondinginteriorattitudewhichsharesin
theloveoftheFather,whowishesthatallshouldcometotheknowledgeofthetruthandbesaved(cf.1Tim

2:4);whichseekscommunionwithChrist,soastosharehisown"mind"(Phil2:5)andexperience,likePaul,
hiscomfortingpresence:"Donotbeafraid...becauseIamwithyou"(Acts18:910);whichallowsoneselftobe
moldedbytheSpiritandtransformedintoacourageouswitnessofChristandenlightenedpreacheroftheword.
OpennesstotheChurch,ofwhichcatechistsarelivingmembers,whichtheystrivetobuildup,andfrom
whichtheyreceivetheirmandate.ThewordisentrustedtotheChurch,sothatitmaykeepitfaithfully,deepen
itsunderstandingofitwiththehelpoftheHolySpirit,andproclaimittothewholeworld.
AsPeopleofGodandtheMysticalBodyofChrist,theChurchrequiresfromcatechistsadeepsenseof
belongingandresponsibility,inasmuchastheyarelivingandactivemembersofit;asuniversalsacramentof
salvation,itelicitsthewilltoliveitsmysteryanditsmanifoldgracesoastobeenrichedbyitandbecomea
visiblesigntothecommunity.Thecatechist'sserviceisneveranindividualorisolatedact,butisalwaysdeeply
ecclesial.
OpennesstotheChurchexpressesitselfbyfiliallove,dedicationtoitsserviceandawillingnesstosufferforits
cause.Inparticular,itisexpressedintheattachmentandobediencetotheRomanPontiff,thecentreofunity
andthebondofuniversalcommunion,soalsototheBishop,thefatherandguideoftheparticularChurch.
CatechistsshouldshareresponsiblyintheearthlyvicissitudesofthepilgrimChurch,whichisbynature
missionary,andaspirewithittowardsthefinalreunionwithChristtheSpouse.
Theecclesialsensethatispropertothecatechist'sspiritualityexpressesitself,therefore,insincereloveofthe
Church,inimitationofChrist,who"lovedtheChurchandsacrificedhimselfforher"(Eph5:25).Itisanactive
andtotallove,whichbecomesasharingintheChurch'smissionofsalvationtothepointevenofgivingone's
lifeforitifnecessary.
Missionaryopennesstotheworld,finallytheworldwhichisofferedthesalvationthatspringsfrom"that
fountainofloveorcharitywithinGodtheFather";theworldinwhichhistoricallyGod'sWordcametolive
amongustoredeemus(cf.Jn1:14),andinwhichtheHolySpiritwaspouredouttosanctifymenandwomen
andgatherthemintotheChurch,tohaveaccesstotheFatherthroughChristintheoneSpirit(cf.Eph2:18).
Catechists,therefore,willbeopenandattentivetotheneedsoftheworld,knowingthattheyarecalledtowork
inandfortheworld,withouthoweverbelongingcompletelytoit(cf.Jn17:1421).Thismeansthattheymust
bethoroughlyinvolvedinthelifeofthesocietyaboutthem,withoutpullingbackfromfearofdifficultiesor
withdrawingthroughloveoftranquillity.Buttheymustkeepasupernaturaloutlookonlifeandtrustinthe
efficacyofGod'sword,whichdoesnotreturntoHimwithout"succeedinginwhatitwassenttodo"(Is55:11).
Opennesstotheworldisacharacteristicofthecatechist'sspiritualityinvirtueoftheapostolicloveofJesusthe
GoodShepherd,whocame"togathertogetherinunitythescatteredchildrenofGod"(Jn11:52).Catechists
mustbefilledwiththislove,bringingittotheirbrothersandsistersastheypreachtothemthatGodlovesand
offershissalvationtoall.
8.Coherenceandauthenticityoflife.Theworkofcatechistsinvolvestheirwholebeing.Beforetheypreachthe
word,theymustmakeittheirownandlivebyit."Theworld(...)needsevangelizerswhospeakofaGodthat
theyknowandwhoisfamiliartothem,asiftheysawtheInvisible".
Whatcatechiststeachshouldnotbeapurelyhumansciencenorthesumoftheirpersonalopinionsbutthe
Church'sfaith,whichisthesamethroughouttheworld,whichtheythemselvesliveandwhosewitnessesthey
are.
Hencetheneedforcoherenceandauthenticityoflife.Beforedoingthecatechesisonemustfirstofallbea
catechist.Thetruthoftheirlivesconfirmstheirmessage.Itwouldbesadiftheydidnot"practicewhatthey
preached"andspokeaboutaGodofwhomtheyhadtheoreticalknowledgebutwithwhomtheyhadnocontact.

TheyshouldapplytothemselvesthewordsofSt.Markconcerningthevocationoftheapostles:"Heappointed
twelve,tobehiscompanionsandtobesentouttopreach"(Mk3:1415).
Authenticityoflifemeansalifeofprayer,experienceofGodandfidelitytotheactionoftheHolySpirit.It
impliesacertainintensityandaninternalandexternalorderliness,adaptedtothevariouspersonalandfamily
situationsofeach.Itmightbeobjectedthatcatechists,beingmembersofthelaity,cannothaveastructured
spirituallifelikethatofreligiousandthatthereforetheymustcontentthemselveswithsomethingless.Butin
everylifesituation,whetheroneisengagedinsecularworkorintheministry,itispossibleforeveryone,priest,
religiousorlayperson,toattainahighdegreeofcommunionwithGodandanorderedrhythmofprayer,
includingthefindingoftimesofsilenceforenteringmoredeeplyintothecontemplationofGod.Themore
intenseandrealone'sspirituallifeis,themoreconvincingandefficaciouswillone'switnessandactivitybe.
ItisalsoimportantforcatechiststhattheygrowinteriorlyinthepeaceandjoyofChrist,sothattheymaybe
examplesofhopeandcourage(cf.Rom12:12).ForChrist"isourpeace"(Eph2:14),andHegiveshisapostles
hisjoythattheir"joymaybefull"(Jn15:11).
Catechists,therefore,shouldbebearersofpaschaljoyandhope,inthenameoftheChurch.Infact,"themost
preciousgiftthattheChurchcanoffertothebewilderedandrestlessworldofourtimeistoformwithinit
Christianswhoareconfirmedinwhatisessentialandwhoarehumblyjoyfulintheirfaith".
9.Missionaryzeal.Inviewoftheirbaptismandspecialvocation,catechistswholiveindailycontactwithlarge
numbersofnonChristians,asisthecaseinmissionterritories,cannotbutfeelmovedbyChrist'swords:"Other
sheepIhavethatarenotofthisfold,andthesetooImustlead"(Jn10:16);"goouttothewholeworldand
preachthegospeltoeverycreature"(Mk16:15).Tobeabletoaffirm,likePeterandJohnbeforetheSanhedrin,
"wecannotbutspeakofwhatwehaveseenandheard"(Acts4:20),andtorealizewithPaultheidealof
apostolicministry:"theloveofChristoverwhelmsus"(2Cor5:14),catechistsshouldhaveastrongmissionary
spiritaspiritthatwillbeallthemoreeffectiveiftheyareseentobeconvincedofwhattheysayandare
enthusiasticandcourageous,withouteverbeingashamedofthegospel(cf.Rom1:16).Whilethewiseones
accordingtothisworldseekimmediategratification,thecatechistwillgloryonlyinChrist,whogivesstrength
(cf.Col1:29),andwillwishtoknowandpreachonly"ChristthepowerofGodandthewisdomofGod"(1Cor
1:24).AstheCatechismoftheCatholicChurchrightlyaffirms,from"thelovingknowledgeofChristsprings
outtheirresistibledesiretoannounce,to'evangelize'andtoleadotherstothe'yes'ofthefaithinJesusChrist.
Atthesametime,onealsofeelstheneedtoknowthisfaitheverbetter".
Catechistswilltrytobeliketheshepherdwhogoesinsearchofthelostsheep"untilhefindsit"(Lk15:4),or
likethewomanwiththelostdrachmawhowould"searchthoroughlyuntilshehadfoundit"(Lk15:8).Their
convictionsshouldbeasourceofapostoliczeal:"Ihavemademyselfallthingstoallinordertosavesomeat
anycost.Idoitallforthesakeofthegospel"(1Cor9:2223;cf.2Cor12:15).AndagainSt.Paulsays:"Woeto
meifIdonotpreachthegospel"(1Cor9:16).TheburningzealofSt.Paulshouldinspirecatechiststostirup
theirownzeal,whichshouldbetheresponsetotheirvocation,andwhichwillhelpthemtopreachChristboldly
andworkactivelyforthegrowthoftheecclesialcommunity.
Finally,oneshouldnotforgetthatthestampofauthenticityonthemissionaryspiritisthatofthecross.The
Christwhomcatechistshavecometoknowis"acrucifiedChrist"(1Cor2:2);hewhomtheypreachis"Christ
crucified,astumblingblocktoJewsandfollytoGentiles"(1Cor1:23),whomtheFatherraisedfromthedead
onthethirdday(cf.Acts10:40).Theyshouldbeprepared,therefore,toliveinhopethemysteryofthedeath
andresurrectionofChristinthemidstofdifficultsituations,personalsuffering,familyproblemsandobstacles
intheirapostolicwork,astheystrivetofollowtheLordonhisowndifficultroad:"inmyownbodyIcomplete
whatislackinginChrist'safflictionsforthesakeofhisbody,theChurch"(Col1:24).
10.DevotiontoMary.Throughherownspecialvocation,MarysawtheSonofGod"growinwisdom,inage
andingrace"(Lk2:52).Shewastheteacherwho"trainedHiminhumanknowledgeoftheScripturesandof
God'slovingplanforhispeople,andinadorationoftheFather".Shewasalso"thefirstofhisdisciples".AsSt.

Augustineboldlyaffirmed,tobehisdisciplewasmoreimportantforMarythantobehismother.Onecansay
withreasonandjoythatMaryisa"livingcatechism","motherandmodelofcatechists".
Thespiritualityofcatechists,likethatofeveryChristianandespeciallythoseinvolvedintheapostolate,willbe
enrichedbyadeepdevotiontotheMotherofGod.BeforeexplainingtootherstheplaceofMaryinthemystery
ofChristandtheChurch,theyshouldhaveherpresentintheirownsoulandshouldgiveevidenceofasincere
Marianpiety,whichtheywillcommunicatetothecommunity.TheywillfindinMaryasimpleandeffective
model,forthemselvesandothers:"TheVirginMaryinherownlifelivedanexampleofthatmaternalloveby
whichallshouldbefittinglyanimatedwhocooperateintheapostolicmissionoftheChurchonbehalfofthe
rebirthofhumanity".
Thepreachingofthewordisalwaysconnectedwithprayer,thecelebrationoftheeucharistandthebuildingof
community.TheearliestChristiancommunitywasamodelofthis(cf.Acts24),unitedaroundMarythemother
ofJesus(cf.Acts1:14).
III.THECATECHIST'SATTITUDETOSOMECONTEMPORARYISSUES
11.Servicetothecommunityasawholeandtoparticulargroups.Therearevariousgroupsinthecommunity
thatmayrequiretheservicesofcatechists:youngpeopleandadults,menandwomen,studentsandworkers,
Catholics,otherChristiansandnonChristians.Itisnotthesamethingtobeacatechistforcatechumens
preparingforbaptismastobecommunityleaderforavillageofCatholics,withresponsibilityforvarious
pastoralactivities,ortobeareligionteacherinaschool,ortobechargedwithpreparingpeopleforthe
sacraments,ortobeassignedtopastoralworkinaninnercityarea,etc.
Catechistswilltrytopromotecommunicationandcommunionbetweenthemembersofthecommunity,and
willdevotethemselvestothegroupscommittedtotheircare,tryingtounderstandtheirparticularneedssoasto
helpthemasmuchaspossible.Astheneedsdifferfromgrouptogroup,sothetrainingofcatechistswillhave
tobeadaptedforthegroupsenvisaged.Itwouldbeuseful,therefore,forcatechiststoknowinadvancethesort
ofworktheywillbecalledtoandmakeacquaintancewiththegroupsconcerned.Someusefulsuggestionsin
connectionwiththishavealreadybeenofferedbytheMagisterium,especiallyintheGeneralCatechetical
Directory,nos.7797,andtheApostolicExhortationCatechesiTradendae,nos.3435.
Specialattentionshouldbepaidtothesickandaged,becausetheirphysicalandpsychologicalweaknesscalls
forgreatercharityandconcern.
Thesickshouldbehelpedtounderstandtheredemptivevalueofthecross,inunionwithJesus,whotookupon
himselftheweightofourinfirmities(cf.Mt8:17;Is53:4).Catechistsshouldvisitthemfrequently,offering
themthecomfortofGod'swordand,whencommissionedtodoso,theEucharist.
Theagedtooshouldbefollowedwithspecialcare,fortheyhaveanimportantroleinthecommunity,asPope
JohnPaulIIrecognizeswhenhecallsthem"witnessesofthetraditionoffaith(cf.Ps44:1;Ex12:2627),
teachersofwisdom(cf.Sir6:34;8:1112),workersofcharity".Familiesshouldbeencouragedtokeeptheir
elderlymemberswiththem,to"bearwitnesstothepastandinstilwisdomintheyoung".Theagedshouldfeel
thesupportofthewholecommunityandshouldbehelpedtobearinfaiththeirinevitablelimitationsand,in
certaincases,theirsolitude.CatechistswillpreparethemfortheirmeetingwiththeLordandhelpthem
experiencethejoythatcomesfromourhopeineternallife.
Catechistswillalsoshowsensitivityindealingwithpeopleindifficultsituationssuchasthoseinirregular
marriages,thechildrenofbrokenmarriages,etc.Theymustbeabletoshareinandexpresstheimmense
compassionoftheheartofJesus(cf.Mt9:36;Mk6:34;8:2;Lk7:13).
12.Needforinculturation.Likeallformsofevangelization,catechesistooiscalledtobringthegospelintothe
heartofthedifferentcultures.Theprocessofinculturationtakestime,asitisadeep,gradualandallembracing

process.Throughit,asPopeJohnPaulIIexplains,"theChurchmakesthegospelincarnateindifferentcultures
andatthesametimeintroducespeoples,togetherwiththeircultures,intoherowncommunity;shetransmitsto
themherownvalues,atthesametimetakingthegoodelementsthatalreadyexistinthemandrenewingthem
fromwithin".
Catechists,likeallmissionarypersonnel,willplayanactivepartinthisprocess.Theyshouldbespecifically
preparedforit,withcoursesontheelementsofculturalanthropologyandontheirownculture,andshouldbe
awareoftheguidelinesthattheChurchhaslaiddownonthismatterandwhichmaybesummarizedasfollows:
Thegospelmessage,thoughitcanneverbeidentifiedwithanyoneculture,isnecessarilyincarnatedin
cultures.Fromitsverybeginningsitwasincarnatedincertainspecificcultures,andonemusttakeaccountof
thisifoneisnottodeprivethenewChurchesofvalueswhicharenowthepatrimonyoftheuniversalChurch.
Thegospelisaforceforrenewal,andcanrectifyelementsincultureswhichdonotconformtoit.
Thelocalecclesialcommunities,whicharetheprimarysubjectsofinculturation,liveouttheirdaily
experienceoffaithandcharityinaparticularculture,andtheBishopshouldindicatethebestwaystobringout
thepositivevaluesinthatculture.Theexpertsgiveincentiveandsupport.
Inculturationisgenuinewhenitisguidedbytwoprinciples:itmustbefoundedonthewordofGod,revealed
intheScriptures,andmustfollowtheChurch'straditionandtheguidanceoftheMagisterium;anditmustnever
goagainsttheChurchunitythatwaswilledbytheLord.
Popularpiety,understoodasanexpressionofCatholicdevotioncoloredbylocalvalues,traditionsand
attitudes,whenpurifiedofdefectscausedbyignoranceandsuperstition,expressesthewisdomofGod'speople
andisaprivilegedformofinculturationofthegospel.
Followingtheabovedirectives,catechistsshouldcontributetoinculturationbyfittingintotheoverallpastoral
plandrawnupbythecompetentauthoritiesandavoidingadventuresintoparticularexperimentsthatmight
upsetthefaithful.Theyshouldbeconvincedthatthegospelisstrongenoughtopenetrateanycultureandenrich
andstrengthenitfromwithin.
13.Humandevelopmentandoptionforthepoor.Thereisa"closeconnection"betweenthepreachingofthe
gospelandthepromotionofhumandevelopment.TheyarebothincludedintheChurch'smission."Throughthe
gospelmessage,theChurchoffersaforceforliberationwhichpromotesdevelopmentpreciselybecauseitleads
toconversionofheartandofwaysofthinking,fosterstherecognitionofeachperson'sdignity,encourages
solidarity,commitmentandserviceofone'sneighbor,andgiveseveryoneaplaceinGod'splan,whichisthe
buildingofhiskingdomofpeaceandjustice,beginningalreadyinthislife.Thisisthebiblicalperspectiveof
thenewheavensandanewearth(cf.Is65:17;2Pt3:13;Rev21:1),whichhasbeenthestimulusandgoalfor
humanity'sadvancementinhistory".
ItiswellknownthattheChurchclaimsforitselfamissionofa"religious"nature,butthishastotakeplace,to
beincarnated,inthereallifeandhistoryofhumanity.
Totakethevaluesofthegospelintotheeconomic,socialandpoliticalfieldsisataskespeciallyforthelaity.
Catechistshaveanimportantroleinthefieldofhumandevelopmentandthepromotionofjustice.Livingaslay
peopleinsociety,theycanwellunderstand,interpretandtrytobringsolutionstopersonalandsocialproblems
inthelightofthegospel.Theyshouldthereforebeclosetothepeople,helpthemtounderstandtherealitiesof
sociallifesoastotrytoimproveit,and,whennecessary,theyshouldhavethecouragetospeakoutforthe
weakanddefendtheirrights.
Whenitisnecessarytotakepracticalinitiativesinthisarea,theyshouldactinunionwiththecommunity,ina
programdrawnupwiththeapprovaloftheBishop.

Connectedwithhumandevelopmentisthequestionofthepreferentialoptionforthepoor.Catechists,
especiallythoseengagedinthegeneralapostolate,haveadutytomakethisecclesialoption,whichdoesnot
meanthattheyareinterestedonlyinthepoor,butthattheseshouldhaveapriorclaimontheirattention.The
foundationoftheirinterestinthepoormustbelove,for,asPopeJohnPaulIIexplicitlysays,"lovehasbeen
andremainsthedrivingforceofmission".
Bythepoorshouldbeunderstoodespeciallythemateriallypoor,whoaresonumerousinmanymission
territories.ThesebrothersandsistersofChristshouldbeabletofeeltheChurch'smaternalloveforthem,even
whentheydonotyetbelongtoit,soastobeencouragedtoacceptandovercometheirdifficultieswiththehelp
ofChristianfaithandthemselvesbecomeagentsoftheirownintegraldevelopment.TheChurch'scharitable
activity,likeallpastoralactivity,"bringslightandanimpulsetowardstruedevelopment"tothepoor.
Apartfromthefinanciallydeprived,catechistsshouldpayspecialattentionalsotoothergroupsinneed:those
whoareoppressed,persecutedormarginalized,thehandicapped,theunemployed,prisoners,refugees,drug
addicts,thosesufferingfromAIDS,etc..
14.SpiritofEcumenism.DiscordamongChristians"openlycontradictsthewillofChrist,providesastumbling
blocktotheworld,andinflictsdamageonthemostholycauseofproclaimingthegoodnewstoeverycreature".
AllChristiancommunitiesshould"participateinecumenicaldialogueandinotherinitiativesdesignedto
promoteChristianunity".InmissionterritoriesthistaskassumesspecialurgencysothatJesus'prayertohis
Fathershouldnotbeinvain:"maytheybeoneinus...sothattheworldmaybelieveitwasyouwhosentme"
(Jn17:21).
Catechists,bytheirverymission,arenecessarilyinvolvedinthisaspectoftheapostolateandshouldpromotean
ecumenicalspiritinthecommunity,beginningwiththecatechumensandnewlybaptized.Theyshouldhavea
deepdesireforChristianunity,shouldwillinglyengageindialoguewithChristiansofotherdenominations,and
shouldcommitthemselvesgenerouslytoecumenicalinitiatives,keepingtotheirparticularroleandfollowing
theChurch'sdirectivesasspecifiedbytheEpiscopalConferenceandthelocalBishopTheircatechetical
activity,therefore,andtheirteachingofreligioninschoolsshouldinstilanopennesstoecumenicalcooperation.
Theiractivitywillbetrulyecumenicaliftheycanbothcourageously"teachthatthefullnessoftherevealed
truthsandofthemeansofsalvationinstitutedbyChristisfoundintheCatholicChurch"andalso"givea
correctandfairpresentationoftheotherChurchesandecclesialcommunitiesthattheSpiritofChristdoesnot
refrainfromusingasmeansofsalvation".
Theyshouldtrytohavegoodrelationswithcatechistsandleadersofotherdenominations,inaccordwiththeir
Pastorsand,whensocharged,astheirrepresentatives.Theyshouldavoidstirringupuselessrivalries;should
helpthefaithfultoliveinharmonywithandrespectforChristiansofotherdenominations,whilefully
maintainingtheirownCatholicidentity;andshouldjoinotherbelieversinworkingforpeace.
15.Dialoguewiththoseofotherreligions.InterreligiousdialogueformspartoftheChurch'sevangelizing
mission.Likepreaching,itisalsoawayofmakingChristknown,anditisessentialthattheCatholicChurch
maintaingoodrelationsandcontactwiththoseofotherfaiths.Itshouldbeasavingdialogue,approachedinthe
spiritofChristhimself.
Catechists,withtheirtaskofcommunicatingthefaith,shouldbeopentothiskindofdialogueandbetrainedto
takepartinit.Theyshouldbetaughttorealizeitsvalueandputitintopracticeinaccordancewiththe
guidelinesoftheMagisterium,especiallythoseofRedemptorisMissio,ofthesubsequentdocumentDialogue
andProclamation,whichwasdrawnupjointlybythePontificalCouncilforInterreligiousDialogueandthe
CEP,andoftheCatechismoftheCatholicChurch.Theseguidelinesinclude:

ListeningtotheSpirit,whoblowswhereHewills(cf.Jn3:8);respectinghisworkinsouls;andstrivingfor
innerpurification,withoutwhichdialoguecannotbearfruit.
Accurateknowledgeofthereligionspracticedinthearea:theirhistoryandorganization;thevaluesinthem
which,like"seedsoftheWord",canbea"preparationforthegospel";theirlimitationsanderrorswhicharenot
inconformitywiththegospelandwhichshouldberespectivelycompletedandcorrected.
AconvictionthatsalvationcomesfromChristandthat,therefore,dialoguedoesnotdispenseonefrom
proclamation,thattheChurchistheordinarywayofsalvationandthatonlyshepossessesthefulnessof
revealedtruthandsalvificmeans.AsPopeJohnPaulIIconfirmed,whilereferringtoRedemptorisMissio:
"OnecannotplaceonthesamelevelGod'srevelationinChristandthescripturesortraditionsofother
religions.AtheocentrismwhichdidnotrecognizeChristinhisfullidentitywouldbeunacceptabletothe
Catholicfaith.(...)Christ'smissionarycommandremainspermanentlyvalidandisanexplicitcalltomake
disciplesofallnationsandtobaptizethem,inordertobringthemthefullnessofGod'sgift".Dialogueshould
not,therefore,leadtoreligiousrelativism.
PracticalcooperationwithnonChristianreligiousbodiesinfacingthegreatchallengestohumanitysuchas
thebringingaboutofpeace,justice,developmentetc..Thereshouldalwaysbeanattitudeofesteemand
opennesstowardspersons.GodistheFatherofall,anditishislovethatshouldunitethehumanfamilyin
workingforgood.
Intakingpartinsuchdialogue,catechistsshouldnotbeleftontheirownbutshouldbeintegratedinthe
community.InitiativesinthisareashouldbeundertakeninthecontextofprogramsapprovedbytheBishop
and,whennecessary,bytheEpiscopalConferenceortheHolySee.Catechistsshouldnotactunilaterally,and
especiallyshoulddonothingagainstthenormslaiddown.
Finally,oneshouldcontinuetobelieveindialogue,evenwhenitseemsdifficultormisunderstood.Incertain
conditions,itisindeedtheonlywaytobearwitnesstoChrist;itisalways"apathtowardstheKingdomand
willcertainlybearfruit,evenifthetimesandseasonsareknownonlytotheFather"(cf.Acts1:7).
16.Attentiontothespreadofsects.TherapidspreadofsectsofbothChristianandnonChristianorigin
presentsapastoralchallengefortheChurchthroughouttheworldtoday.Inmissionterritoriestheyareaserious
obstacletothepreachingofthegospelandtheorderlygrowthoftheyoungChurches,becausetheydamagethe
integrityoffaithandcommunion.
Certainregionsandpersonsaremorevulnerableandmoreexposedtotheinfluenceofthesesects.Whatthe
sectsofferseemstoworkintheirfavour,astheypresentapparentlysimpleandimmediateanswerstothefelt
needsofthepeople,andthemeanstheyuseareadaptedtolocalsensibilitiesandcultures.
Asiswellknown,theChurch'sMagisteriumhasoftengivenwarningsaboutthedangersposedbysects,and
calledfor"seriousreflection"inviewoftheirrapidspread.Ratherthanapositivecampaignagainstthem,
however,whatiscalledforinmissionterritoriesisarenewalofmissionitself.
Catechistswouldseemtobeparticularlysuitableforcounteractingtheinfluenceofthesects.Astheyhavethe
taskofteachingthefaithandoffosteringthegrowthofChristianlife,theycanhelpbothChristiansandnon
Christiansunderstandwhattherealanswerstotheirneedsare,withouthavingrecoursetothepseudosecurities
ofthesects.Also,beingmembersofthelaity,theyareclosertothepeopleandcanknowtheirdirectandlived
situations.
Thepreferentialworklinesforthecatechistsshouldbe:tostudyfirstofallwhatexactlythesectsteachandthe
pointsonwhichtheyparticularlyattacktheChurch,soastobeabletopointouttheinconsistenciesintheir
position;toforestalltheirencroachmentbygivingpositiveinstructionandencouragingtheChristian
communitytogreaterfervour;andtoproclaimclearlytheChristianmessage.Theyshouldgivepersonal

attentiontopeopleandtheirproblems,helpingthemtoclarifydoubtsandtobewaryofthespeciouspromises
ofthesects.
ItmustnotbeforgottenthatmanyofthesectsareintolerantandareparticularlyhostiletoCatholicism.
Constructivedialogueisoftennotpossiblewiththem,eventhoughheretooonemusthaverespectand
understandingforpersons.TheChurch'spositionmustbemadeclearinthisandalsoinanecumenicalway,for
thespreadofthesectsposesadangertotheotherChristiandenominationsaswell.Here,asinotherareas,
catechistsshouldremainfirmlywithinthecommonpastoralprogramapprovedbytheChurchauthorities.
PARTII
CHOICEANDFORMATIONOFCATECHIST
IV.CHOICEOFCANDIDATES
17.Importanceofaproperchoice.Itisdifficulttolaydownrulesastotheleveloffaithandthestrengthof
motivationthatacandidateshouldhaveinordertobeacceptedfortrainingasacatechist.Amongthereasons
forthisare:thevaryinglevelsofreligiousmaturityinthedifferentecclesialcommunities,thescarcityof
suitableandavailablepersonnel,sociopoliticalconditions,pooreducationalstandardsandfinancialdifficulties.
Butoneshouldnotgiveintothedifficultiesandlowerone'sstandards.
TheCEPinsistsontheprinciplethatagoodchoiceofcandidatesisessential.Rightfromthebeginning,ahigh
qualitymustbeset.Pastorsshouldbeconvincedofthisasthegoaltobeaimedatand,eventhoughitmaybe
achievedonlygradually,theyshouldnoteasilysettleforless.Theyshouldalsopreparethecommunity,and
especiallytheyoung,byexplainingtheroleofcatechists,soastoawakenaninterestinthisformofecclesial
service.Itshouldnotbeforgotteneitherthatthecommunity'sesteemforthisservicewillbedirectly
proportionaltothewayinwhichpastorstreattheircatechists,givingthemworthwhiletasksandrespectingtheir
responsibility.Afulfilled,responsibleanddynamiccatechist,workingenthusiasticallyandjoyfullyinthetasks
assignedappreciatedandproperlyremunerated,isthebestpromoterofothervocations.
18.Criteriaforselection.Inchoosingcandidates,somecriteriashouldbeconsideredessentialwhileothers
mightbeoptional.ItisusefultohavealistofcriteriaforthewholeChurch,whichcouldbereferredtobythose
withthechargeofchoosingcandidates.Thesecriteria,whichshouldbesufficient,precise,realisticand
controllable,couldbeadaptedtolocalconditionsbythelocalauthorities,whoaretheonesbestabletojudge
theneedsandpossibilitiesofthecommunity.
Thefollowinggeneralconsiderationsshouldbekeptinmind,sothattheremaybeacommonpolicyinall
missionareas,whilerespectinginevitabledifferences.
Somecriteriaconcernthecatechist'sperson.Abasicruleisthatnooneshouldbeacceptedasacandidate
unlessheorsheispositivelymotivatedandisnotseekingthepostsimplybecauseanothersuitablejobisnot
available.Positivequalitiesincandidatesshouldbe:faiththatmanifestsitselfintheirpietyanddailylife;love
fortheChurchandcommunionwithitsPastors;apostolicspiritandmissionaryzeal;lovefortheirbrothersand
sistersandawillingnesstogivegenerousservice;sufficienteducation;therespectofthecommunity;the
human,moralandtechnicalqualitiesnecessaryfortheworkofacatechist,suchasdynamism,goodrelations
withothers,etc.
Othercriteriaconcerntheactualprocessofselection.Asitisaquestionofecclesialservice,thedecision
belongstothePastor,whichinthiscaseusuallymeanstheparishpriest,butthecommunityshouldbeinvolved
intheproposalofcandidatesandtheirevaluation.Atalaterstage,theparishpriestshouldpresentthe
candidateschosentotheBishoporhisrepresentative,toconfirmthechoiceandeventuallygivethemtheir
officialmandate.

Thereshouldalsobespecialcriteriafortheacceptanceofcandidatesincatecheticalcentres.Apartfromthe
generalcriteria,eachcentre,inkeepingwithitscharacter,willhaveitsownrequirementsconcerningthelevel
ofscholasticachievementneededforentry,itsconditionsforparticipation,itsformationprogram,etc.
Thesegeneralguidelineswillhavetobemademorespecificforlocalconditionsandappliedtotheparticular
circumstancesineacharea.
V.PROCESSOFFORMATION
19.Needforproperformation.Inordertohaveasufficientnumberofsuitablecatechistsforthecommunities,
besidesacarefulselection,itisindispensabletostressonthetrainingtowhichthequalityisconnected.This
hasoftenbeenstressedbytheMagisterium,becauseeveryapostolicactivity"whichisnotsupportedby
properlytrainedpersonsiscondemnedtofailure".
TherelevantdocumentsoftheMagisteriumrequirebothageneralandaspecificformationforcatechists:
general,inthesensethattheirwholecharacterandpersonalityshouldbedeveloped;andspecific,withaviewto
theparticulartaskstheywillbechargedwithinasupplementaryway:preachingthewordtobothChristians
andnonChristians,leadingthecommunity,presidingwhennecessaryatliturgicalprayers,andhelpingin
variouswaysthoseinspiritualormaterialneed.AsPopeJohnPaulIIsaid:"Tosethighstandardsmeansboth
toprovideathoroughbasictrainingandtokeepitconstantlyupdated.Thisisafundamentalduty,inorderto
ensurequalifiedpersonnelfortheChurch'smission,withgoodtrainingprogramsandadequatestructures,
providingforallaspectsofformationhuman,spiritual,doctrinal,apostolicandprofessional".
Itwillbeademandingtrainingprogram,therefore,bothforthecandidatesandforthosewhohavetoprovideit.
TheCEPentrustsitsrealizationtotheBishopsaspartoftheirpastoraltask.
20.Unityandharmonyinthepersonalityofcatechist.Inlivingouttheirvocation,catechists,likeallmembers
oftheCatholiclaity,"mustbeformedaccordingtotheunionwhichexistsfromtheirbeingmembersofthe
Churchandcitizensofhumansociety".Therecannotbeseparateparallellives:a"spiritual"lifewithitsvalues
anddemands,a"secular"lifewithitsvariousformsofexpression,andan"apostolic"lifewithitsown
requirements.
Tobringaboutunityandharmonyinone'spersonality,certainobstaclesofatemperamental,intellectualor
emotionalnaturemustfirstofallbeovercome,andanorderedlifestyleestablished.Butwhatwillbedecisive
willbetheabilitytoreachintothedepthsofone'ssoulandfindtheretheprincipleandsourceofthecatechist's
identity,namelythepersonofChristhimself.
Thefirstandessentialobjectofcatechesisis,ofcourse,thepersonofJesusofNazareth,theonlybegottenof
theFather,"fullofgraceandtruth"(Jn1:14),"theway,thetruthandthelife"(Jn14:6).Itisthe"mysteryof
Christ"(Eph3:4)initsintegrity,"hiddenforagesandgenerations"(Col1:26),whichmustberevealed.It
followsthatthecatechists'concernshouldbetotransmit,throughtheirteachingandbehavior,thedoctrineand
lifeofChrist.TheirmodeofbeingandofworkingshoulddependentirelyonthatofChrist.Theunityand
harmonyintheirpersonalitiesshouldbeChristocentric,builtupon"adeepintimacywithChristandwiththe
Father",intheSpirit.Thiscannotbetoostronglyinsistedupon,whenthereisquestionofthecatechist'srole
andimportanceinthesedecisivetimesfortheChurch'smission.
21.Humanmaturity.Fromthebeginningitshouldbeclearthatthecandidatepossessesbasichumanqualities
thatcanbefurtherdeveloped.Whatistobeaimedatisapersonwithhumanmaturity,suitableforaresponsible
roleinthecommunity.
Thefollowingqualitiesshouldbetakenintoconsideration:inthepurelyhumansphere:psychophysical
equilibrium;goodhealth,asenseofresponsibility,honesty,dynamism;goodprofessionalandfamilyconduct;a
spiritofsacrifice,strength,perseverance,etc.;withaviewtothefunctionsofacatechist:goodhuman

relations,abilitytodialoguewiththoseofotherreligions,graspofone'sownculture,abilitytocommunicate,
willingnesstoworkwithothers,leadershipqualities,balancedjudgement,opennessofmind,asenseofrealism,
acapacitytotransmitconsolationandhope,etc.;withaviewtoparticularsituationsorroles:aptitudesfor
workinginthefieldsofpeacemaking,development,socioculturalpromotion,justice,healthcare,etc.
Theaimofcatecheticalformationwillbetobuildonthehumanqualitiesalreadypresent,todevelopthemand
addthenecessaryskillsforafruitfulministry.
22.Deepspirituallife.Tobeabletoeducateothersinthefaith,catechistsshouldthemselveshaveadeep
spirituallife.Thisisthemostimportantaspectoftheirpersonalityandthereforetheonetobemoststressedin
formation.Therealcatechistisasaint.
TheirspirituallifeshouldbebasedonacommunionoffaithandlovewiththepersonofJesus,whocallsthem
andsendsthemonhismission.LikeJesus,theonlyMaster(cf.Mt23:8),catechistsservetheirbrothersand
sistersbytheirteachingandworks(cf.Acts1:1),whicharemanifestationsoflove.Todothewilloftheir
Father,whichisanactofsalvificloveforothers,istheirfood,asitwasthatofJesus(cf.Jn4:34).Sanctityof
life,livedasalayapostle,istheidealtobestrivenfor.
Spiritualformationshouldbeaprocessoflistening"toHimwhoistheprincipleinspiringallcatecheticalwork
andallwhodothisworktheSpiritoftheFatherandoftheSon,theHolySpirit".
Thebestwaytoattainthisinteriormaturityisanintensesacramentalandprayerlife.
Basingitselfontheactualexperiencesofcatechists,theCEPproposesthefollowingpracticesaskeyelements
intheprayerlifeatleastofthecatechistswhoguidethecommunityinasupplementaryway,fulltime
catechistsandthoseworkingcloselywiththeparishpriest,especiallyofthecadres:
Regular,evendaily,receptionoftheEucharist,soastonourishoneselfwiththe"breadoflife"(Jn6:34),to
form"asinglebody"withthecommunity(cf.1Cor10:17)andofferoneselftotheFatheralongwiththeLord's
bodyandblood.
Livedliturgyinitsvariousdimensionsforthepersonalgrowthandforthehelpofthecommunity.
RecitalofpartoftheDivineOffice,especiallyLaudsandVespers,inunionwiththesongofpraisethatthe
ChurchaddressestotheFather"fromtherisingofthesuntoitssetting"(Ps113:3).
Dailymeditation,especiallyonthewordofGod,inanattitudeofcontemplationandresponse;experience
showsthat,evenforlaypeople,regularmeditationandlectiodivinabringordertoone'slifeandguarantee
spiritualgrowth.
Personalprayer,whichensurescontactwithGodduringone'sdailyoccupations,withspecialattentionto
Marianprayer.
Frequentreceptionofthesacramentofpenance,toaskpardonforfaultscommittedandrenewone'sfervour.
Participationinspiritualretreats,forpersonalandcommunityrenewal.
Itisthroughsuchalifeofprayerthatcatechistswillenrichtheirinteriorlifeandattainthespiritualmaturity
requiredbytheirrole.Prayerisalsonecessaryfortheirministrytobefruitful,forcommunicationofthe
Christianfaithdependslessonthecatechist'sabilitythanonGod'sgraceworkingintheheartsofthosewho
hearthemessage.

Ifasufficientnumberofsuitablecandidatescannotbefound,theremaybeariskofsettlingforcatechistswho
arenotspiritualenough,buttheCEPwouldnotencouragesuchpragmaticsolutions,formissionintheworld
todayrequiresthatthecatechistholdaplaceofhonourintheChurch.
Tohelpcatechistsintheirspirituallife,spiritualdirectionshouldbemadeavailable.Diocesesareencouraged
tonamespecificprieststointerestthemselvesinthecatechistsandtheirworkandprovidespiritualguidance.
Butitisimportantthateachcatechistshouldchooseapersonalspiritualdirectorfromamongthepriestswhoare
easilyaccessible.Parishpriestsinparticularshouldbeclosetotheircatechistsandhelpthemevenmoreintheir
spiritualgrowththanintheirwork.
Alsotobeencouragedareparishordiocesaninitiativesforcatechists,suchasprayergroups,daysof
recollectiontogether,orspiritualretreats,whichwillhelpthemtosharewitheachotheronaspirituallevel.
CatechistsshouldalsorealizethattheChristiancommunityitselfisaplacewheretheycancultivatetheirown
interiorlife.Whiletheyleadothersinprayer,theywillreceivefromthemastimulusandexampletomaintain
theirownfervourandgrowinapostolicspirit.
23.Doctrinaltraining.Theneedfordoctrinaltrainingisobvious,ascatechistsmustfirstunderstandthe
essentialsofChristiandoctrinebeforetheycancommunicateittoothersinaclearandinterestingway,without
omissionsorerror.
Allcandidatesshouldhaveattainedacertainlevelofeducation,inkeepingwiththestandardsofthecountry.As
mentionedabove,therecanbeproblemswherethegeneralstandardisnothigh,butfacilesolutionsshouldbe
resisted.Onthecontrary,standardsforadmissionshouldbeaboveaverage,ascandidatesshouldbeableto
followacourseof"higherreligiouseducation".Withoutthis,theywouldfeelinferiortothosewhohavedone
higherstudiesandwouldbeillateaseineducatedcirclesandunabletofacecertainissues.Asforthecontents
ofthecourse,theyshouldbebasedontheprogramfor"doctrinal,anthropologicalandmethodological
formation"presentedintheGeneralCatecheticalDirectory,publishedbytheCongregationfortheClergyin
1971.Formissionterritories,however,thereshouldbecertainadaptationsandadditions,astheCEPhad
indicatedinpartatits1970PlenaryAssemblyandwhichitnowsummarizesanddevelopsonthebasisofthe
encyclicalRedemptorisMissio:
Inviewofthespecificaimsofmissionaryactivity,thedoctrinalformationofcatechistswillbebased
especiallyontheologyofTrinity,ChristologyandEcclesiology,presentedinasystematicandprogressive
synthesisoftheChristianmessage.AstheyhavethetaskofmakingChristknownandloved,theywillstriveto
knowHimdoctrinallyandonapersonallevel;andinordertomaketheChurchknownandloved,theywill
studyitstraditionandhistory,andthewitnessofitsgreatfigures,theChurchFathersandtheSaints.
Thelevelofreligiousandtheologicaltrainingwillvaryfromplacetoplaceandwillalsodependonwhetherit
isgiveninacatecheticalcentreorinshortcourses.Aminimumstandard,however,willbesetbytheEpiscopal
ConferenceorindividualBishops,toensurethatthetrainingwillqualifyashigherreligiouseducation.
SacredScripturewillalwaysbethemainfieldofstudyandwillbethesouloftheprogram.Arounditwillbe
structuredtheotherbranchesoftheology.Itshouldbeborneinmindthatthecatechistmustbequalifiedinthe
biblicalpastoral,alsoinviewofthecomparisonwiththenoncatholicconfessionsandwiththesectswhich
oftenusetheBibleinanincorrectway.
ThemainelementsofMissiologywillalsobestudied,asthisisanimportantsubjectforthemission.
Liturgymustalso,obviously,begivenaprominentplace,ascatechistsaretobeleadersofcommunityprayer.
Accordingtolocalcircumstances,itmaybenecessarytostudythebeliefsandpracticesofotherreligionsor
Christiandenominationsinthearea.

Attentionshouldalsobegiventoothersubjectsconnectedwithlocalconditions:theinculturationof
Christianityinthecountryorregion;thepromotionofjusticeandhumandevelopmentinthelocalsocio
economicsituation;thehistoryofthecountry;thereligiouspractices,language,problemsandneedsofthearea
inwhichthecatechististowork.
Regardingthemethodologicaltrainingoneshouldbearinmindthatmanycatechistswillbeworkingin
variouspastoralfields,andalmostallwillbeincontactwithpeopleofotherreligions,theywillbetaughtnot
onlyhowtoteachthecatechismbutalsohowtogoaboutthevarioustasksconnectedwiththeproclamationof
theChristianmessageandthelifeofanecclesialcommunity.
Itwillalsobeimportanttograntthecatechistcontentsandmaterialsconnectedtotheirnewandemerginglife
situations.Theprogramsofstudy,whichhasastartingpointintheactualrealityandfromforesight,canalso
includesubjectsthathelpthemtofacethephenomenaofurbanization,secularization,industrialization,
emigration,sociopoliticalchanges,theworldofyoungsters,etc.
Inspiteofthediversityofsubjects,oneshouldaimataglobalandnotcompartmentalizedtheological
formation,i.e.thereshouldbeanoverallvisionoffaiththatbringsunityandharmonytotheknowledge
acquired,tothecatechists'personalitiesandtotheirapostolicservice.
Atthispoint,itisnecessarytoemphasizethespecialimportancetheCatechismoftheCatholicChurch
assumesforthedoctrinalpreparationofthecatechists.Init,infact,iscontainedanorderlysynthesisofthe
Revelationandoftheperennialcatholicfaith,astheChurchwouldproposetoherselfandtothecommunityof
menofourtime.AstheHolyFatherJohnPaulIIaffirmsintheApostolicConstitutionFideidepositum,inthe
catechismthereare"newthingsandoldthings(cf.Mt13:52),sincethefaithisalwaysthesameandatthe
sametimeitisthesourceofthelightswhichareevernew".Theservicewhichthecatechismaimsatpertains
andisrelevanttoeachcatechist.ThesameApostolicConstitutionatteststhatitisofferedtothePastorsandto
thefaithful,sothatitmayhelpthemtofulfil,insideandoutsidetheecclesialcommunity,"theirmissionto
announcethefaithandtocalltotheevangelicallife".Moreover,it"isofferedtoeachmanwhomayaskusthe
reasonforthehopeinus(cf.1Pt3:15)andwhomaydesiretoknowwhattheChurchbelieves".Thereisno
doubtthatthecatechistswillfindinthenewCatechismasourceofinspirationandamineofknowledgefor
theirspecificmission.
Trainingcoursesforcatechistsarebestgivenincentresbuiltforthispurpose.Wherethesearenotavailable,
shortercoursesmaybeprovidedinotherlocationsbydiocesesorparishes,andindividualinstructioncouldbe
givenbyapriestoranexpertcatechist.Thecoursesshouldincludelectures,groupdiscussionsandpractical
exercises,aswellaspersonalstudyandresearch.
Toprovideadequatetrainingisnoteasyandwillrequirepersonnel,structuresandfinancialsupport.But,in
viewoftheimportanceofcatechists,thechallengeshouldbefacedcourageously,withrealisticandintelligent
planning.
Catechistsshoulddedicatethemselvestotheirstudiessoastobecomelampstolightthewayoftheirbrothers
andsisters(cf.Mt5:1416).Theyshouldbejoyfulintheirfaithandhope(cf.Phil3:1;Rm12:12),withthe
wisdomtotransmittheauthenticteachingoftheChurch,infidelitytotheMagisterium,withoutdisturbing
consciences,andespeciallythoseoftheyoung,withtheoriesthat"areonlylikelytoraiseirrelevantdoubts
insteadoffurtheringthedesignsofGodwhicharerevealedinfaith"(1Tim1:4).
TheyshouldsubmittheirmindsandheartstoChrist,whoistheoneTeacher,andbeawarethat"anyoneelse
teachestotheextentthatheisChrist'sspokesman,enablingChristtoteachwithhislips".
24.Pastoralspirit.Thepastoraldimensionofformationconcernstheexerciseoftheprophetic,priestlyand
royalfunctionsofthebaptizedlayperson.Catechistswillbetaught,therefore,howtoproclaimtheChristian

messageandteachit,howtoleadothersincommunityandliturgicalprayer,andhowtocarryoutvariousother
pastoralservices.
Qualitiestobedevelopedforthesetasksare:aspiritofpastoralresponsibilityandleadership;generosity,
dynamismandcreativity;ecclesialcommunionandobediencetoPastors.
Thetheoreticalpartofthepastoralcoursewilldealwiththedifferenttypesofpastoralworktobeundertaken
andalsowiththedifferentgroupsofpeopletobeaddressed:children,adolescents,youngpeopleoradults;
studentsorworkers;baptizedorunbaptized;healthyorsick;richorpoor;individualsormembersofparticular
movementsorgroups,etc.
Thepracticalpartofthecoursewillincludepracticalexercises,especiallyatthebeginning,underthedirection
oftheteacherorapriestoranexperiencedcatechist.
Specialattentionwillbepaidtothesacraments,sothatcatechistswilllearnhowtohelpthefaithfulto
understandthereligiousmeaningofthesesignsandapproachthemwithfaithintheirsupernaturalefficacy.The
sacramentoftheanointingofthesickshouldnotbeforgotten,ascatechistswilloftenhavetohelpthesickand
dyingtoaccepttheirsufferingsinaspiritoffaith.
Fortraininginthespecificfieldofcatechesis,itwouldbewelltoconsulttheGeneralCatecheticalDirectory,
particularlythesectionon"elementsofmethodology".
25.Missionaryzeal.Themissionarydimensionisanessentialpartofacatechist'sidentityandwork,andso
shouldbegivenaprominentplaceintheformationprogram.Catechistsshouldbetaught,theoreticallyand
practically,howtodevotethemselvesaslayChristianstothemissionaryapostolate,whichincludesthe
followingelements:
Beingactivelypresentinsociety,offeringtrueChristianwitness,enteringintosinceredialoguewithothers,
andcooperatingincharitytoresolvecommonproblems.
Proclaimingboldly(cf.Acts4:13;28:31)thetruthaboutGodandhisSonJesusChrist,whomHesentinto
theworldforthesalvationofall(cf.2Tim1:910),sothatthoseofotherreligionswhoseheartsareopenedby
theHolySpirit(cf.Acts16:14)maybeabletobelieveandbefreelyconverted.
Meetingfollowersofotherreligionsinaspiritofopennessanddialogue.
Introducingcatechumenstothemysteryofsalvation,thepracticeofevangelicalnorms,andthereligious,
liturgicalandcommunitylifeofthePeopleofGod.
Buildingcommunityandhelpingcandidatesprepareforthereceptionofbaptismandtheothersacramentsof
Christianinitiation,astheybecomemembersoftheChurchofChrist,whichisprophetic,priestlyandroyal.
WithdependenceonthePastorsandincollaborationwiththefaithful,fulfillingthosepractices,which
accordingthepastoraldesignaredestinedtothematuringoftheparticularChurch.Theseservicesare
connectedwithvariousnecessitiesofeachChurchandmarkthecatechistofthemissionterritories.Asaresult
theformativeactivitymusthelpthecatechisttoimprovehisownmissionarysensibility,enablinghimto
discoverandbeinvolvedinallthefavorablesituationsatthefirstproclamation.
WehavealreadyquotedwordsofPopeJohnPaulIIconcerningcatechistswhoarewelltrainedinamissionary
spiritandwhothemselvesbecomemissionaryanimatorsintheircommunity,workfortheevangelizationof
nonChristians,andarewillingtodosooutsideoftheirownregionornationwhensentbytheirPastors.Pastors
willmakethemostofthesezealousapostlesandencouragethemintheirmissionarywork.

26.AttitudetotheChurch.ThefactthattheChurchismissionarybynatureandissenttoevangelizethewhole
worldmeansthatapostolicactivityisnotsomethingindividualorisolated,butisalwayscarriedoutin
communionwiththelocalanduniversalChurch.
ThisremarkwasmadebyPopePaulVIconcerningevangelizers,butitalsocanbeappliedfullytocatechists,
whoseroleiseminentlyecclesial.TheyaresentbytheirPastorsandactinvirtueofamandategiventhemby
theChurch.TheiractivityispartoftheChurch'sactivityandsharesinitsgrace.
Thefollowingpointsshouldbestressedwhentrainingcatechistsinthisarea:
Anattitudeofapostolicobediencetoone'sPastors,inaspiritoffaith,justasJesus"emptiedhimself,taking
theformofaservant...andbecameobedientuntodeath"(Phil2:78;cf.Heb5:8;Rm5:19).Obedienceshould
beaccompaniedbyasenseofresponsibility,ascatechistsintheirministryarecalledupontorespondtothe
graceoftheHolySpirit.
Inviewofthis,thecanonicalmandateormissionwhichisconferredincertainChurchesissomethingtobe
encouraged,asitbringsoutthelinkbetweenthecatechist'smissionandthatofChristandhisChurch.Itshould
takeplaceduringaliturgicalorliturgicallyinspiredceremony,atwhichtheBishoporhisdelegatewillconfer
themandate,accompaniedbysomesuitablesign,suchasthepresentationofacrucifixorabible.Therecould
bedifferentgradesofsolemnityforfulltimeandparttimecatechists.
Anabilitytoworkwithothersatalllevelsisessential.Catechistsshouldworkinharmonywiththelocal
priestsandreligious,andespeciallywithothermembersofthelaityinvolvedintheapostolate.Theyshouldfit
intotheoverallpastoralplanandshouldmeetfromtimetotimewiththeotherstodiscussmattersofcommon
interestandreviewthework.TheBishopsshouldpromotethistypeofworkincommon.
CatechistswillbepreparedtosufferfortheChurch,acceptingthedifficultiesofworkincommonandthe
imperfectionsofothers,andimitatingChrist,who"lovedtheChurchandgavehimselfupforher"(Eph5:25).
Traininginthiscommunityspiritwillbepartofthecatechists'trainingcoursefromthebeginning,with
practicalexercisescarriedoutingroups.
27.AgentsofFormation.Oneoftheproblemsofparamountimportanceinthefieldofformationofcatechistsis
thatofhavingsuitableandsufficientformators.Whenwespeakabouttheagentsofformation,weshouldkeep
inmindallpersonsinvolvedinformation.
Thecatechistsshouldbeconvincedthat:themostimportantformatorisChristhimself,whoformsthem
throughtheHolySpirit(cf.Jn16:1215).TohearGod'svoicerequiresaspiritoffaithandanattitudeofprayer
andrecollection.Theeducationofapostles,infact,isprimarilyasupernaturalactivity.
Thecatechiststhemselvescanalsobeconsideredformators,inthattheyareresponsiblefortheirowninterior
growththroughtheirresponsetoGod.Theyshouldbeawareofthisandshouldstrivetolistenalwaystothe
DivineMastersoastogrowinwisdomandlove.
Catechistsworkincommunionwith,attheserviceofandwiththehelpoftheecclesialcommunity.The
communityasawhole,therefore,iscalledtocooperateintheformationofitscatechists,providingthemwith
anatmosphereofacceptanceandencouragement,welcomingthemforwhattheyareandofferingthemhelp.In
thecommunity,theBishopandparishpriestsholdaspecialplaceasformators.Theywilltakeaninterestin
thecandidates,whointurnwillbehappytolearnfromthem.
Formatorsinthestrictsense,i.e.thosedesignatedbytheChurchtotrainthecatechists,haveamostimportant
roleentrustedtothem.Theymaybedirectorsandstaffofcatecheticalcentresormaybechargedwithproviding
initialorongoingformationoutsideofthesecentres.Theyshouldbechosenwithcare,andshouldbegood

Christians,loyaltotheChurch,withproperintellectualqualificationsandpersonalexperienceinthe
catecheticalfield.Itwouldbegoodiftheycouldworkasateam,madeupofpriests,religiousandlaymenand
women,chosenespeciallyfromamongexperiencedcatechists.Candidatesshouldbeabletotrusttheir
formatorsandrespectthemasguidesofferedbytheChurchtohelpthemintheirgrowth.
28.Initialformation.Theinitialorbasictrainingperiodthatprecedesthebeginningofacatechist'sministryis
notthesameineveryChurch,onaccountofthevaryinglocalconditions,but,whetherthetrainingisgivenina
catecheticalcentreorinotherways,itshouldmeetcertainrequirements.Thefollowingcriteriashouldbeborne
inmind:
Knowledgeofthecandidates:theyshouldbeknownpersonallyandintheirculturalmilieu,notonlysoasto
avoidmakingmistakenchoices,butalsofortheformationtobepersonalizedandadaptedtotheneedsofeach
one.
AttentiontotheactualconditionsofthelocalChurchandsociety.Thetraininggivenshouldbenotonly
theoreticalbutpracticalandrootedinthereallifesituationsofthepeople.
Astepbystepapproach.Theprogramshouldbemethodicalandgradual,respectingeachcandidate's
progressandgrowth.Oneshouldnotpretendtohaveaperfectcatechistfromthebeginning,butshouldassist
himtogrowwithoutinterruptionandincompleteness.
Orderlyandcompletemethod:takingintoconsiderationthesituationsofmissionandofthepedagogy,the
trainingshouldbebasedonexperience;shouldaimatdevelopingthewholepersonality;shouldpromotea
continuousdialoguebetweenthecandidateandGod,theformatorsandthecommunity;shouldbeliberating,
freeingthecatechistfromconsciousorunconsciousobstaclestoGod'saction;andshouldpromoteunityand
harmony.
Thecandidatesshouldbehelpedtodrawupalifeprogram,withgoalstobeaimedatandmeanstoachieve
them,butinarealisticspirit.Thegoalsshouldincludeidentityandlifestyle,andalsothequalitiesneededfor
theapostolate.
Thereshouldbecontinualpersonaldialoguebetweenthecandidatesandformators,whoshouldbelooked
uponnotmerelyasteachersbutasfriendsandguides.Asmentionedabove,spiritualdirectionisvery
important,asittouchesthedepthsofaperson'ssoulandhelpsopenittoGod'sgrace.
TheChristiancommunityinwhichthecatechistsliveandworkwillalsocontributetotheirformation,forno
trueapostoliceducationcantakeplaceoutsideofit.TheywillbeconstantlydiscoveringhowGod'splanfor
salvationisbeingworkedoutinthecommunity.
Theseguidelinesshouldbetakenintoaccountwherethereareproperstructuresforinitialformation,buteven
wherethesehavenotbeenestablishedtheycanserveasastimulusforbothPastorsandcandidates.Thetraining
shouldnotbeimprovisedorlefttotheinitiativeofthecandidatesthemselves.
29.Ongoingformation.Thefactthatpersonsshouldneverstopgrowinginteriorly,thedynamicnatureofthe
sacramentsofBaptismandConfirmation,theprocessofcontinualconversionandgrowthinapostoliclove,
changesinculture,theevolutionofsocietyandconstantupdatingofteachingmethods,allmeanthatcatechists
shouldkeepthemselvesinaprocessofongoingformationduringthewholecourseoftheirservice.Itshould
includehuman,spiritual,doctrinalandapostolicformation,andtheyshouldbehelpedinthisandnotmerelyleft
totheirowndevices.
Intheearlyperiodoftheirapostolate,ongoingformationwillbelargelythereinforcementofthebasictraining
anditsapplicationinpractice.Lateritwillentailupdatingonvariouspoints,soastokeepintouchwith

developmentsintheologyandchangingcircumstances.Inthisendeavoronecanensurethequalityofcatechists,
avoidingtheriskofwearingdown.Incertaincasesofspecialdifficulty,suchasdiscouragementorachangeof
work,itwillentailaprocessofrenewalandrevitalization.
Ongoingformationisnottheresponsibilityofthepastoralcentresonly,butshouldbeattendedtoineachlocal
community,especiallyasneedsdifferfrompersontopersonandplacetoplace.
Besides,oneshouldguaranteetheuseofthemeansoftheongoingformation.Obstaclestoongoingformation
maycomefromlackoffunds,ofbooksandotherteachingaids,ofqualifiedpersonnel,oftransportfor
distancesthatcanoftenbeconsiderable,etc.But,aswithinitialformation,everyeffortshouldbemadeto
overcomesuchobstacles,asitisimportantthateachcatechistshouldbehelpedtowardscontinualprogressand
growth.Thecatecheticalcentresarecertainlythemostsuitableagenciesforpromotingongoingformation.They
shouldfollowuptheirformerstudents,especiallysoonaftertheygraduate,throughcircularsandindividual
letters,teachingaids,visitsfromformators,refreshercoursesormeetingsatthecentres,etc.
Wheretherearenocentres,thediocesanauthoritieswilltrytoensureongoingformationbymeansofshort
coursesorrenewaldaysdirectedbyqualifiedpersonnel.Likewiseindividualparishes,orgroupsofparishes
cooperatingwitheachother,shouldorganizesuchcourses.
Forproperongoingformation,haphazardindividualinitiativesarenotenough.Thereshouldbeanorganized
program,coveringthevariousaspectsofcatechists'work,thedevelopmentoftheirpersonalitiesand,aboveall,
theirspiritualgrowth.
Inspiteofgoingfromtimetotimetocatecheticalcentresorothermeetingplaces,catechistswillnecessarily
accomplishmostoftheirongoingformationintheirlocalcommunitiesandwillderivesupportfromthem.But
widerhorizonsshouldalsobeopened,withopportunitiesforcatechiststomeetthoseofotherlocalChurches.
Finally,ongoingformationwilldependtoalargeextentonthecatechiststhemselves.Theyshouldbeawareof
theneedforconstantrenewalandupdating,andshouldseekoutthemeansforthisinreading,prayerand
contactswithothers.
30.MeansandStructuresofFormation.Wherepossible,catechistsshouldbetrainedintheirownspecial
centresorschools.ChurchdocumentsfromAdGentestoRedemptorisMissiostresstheimportanceofmaking
efforts"toestablishandsupportschoolsforcatechists,whicharetobeapprovedbytheEpiscopalConferences
andconferdiplomasofficiallyrecognizedbythem".
Thecentresareverydifferententitities:someofthembeinglargeresidentialcentreswithateamofformators
andwellorganizedtrainingprograms,whileothersaresmallercentresforrestrictedgroupsorshortcourses.
Mostcentresarediocesanorinterdiocesan,someofthemnationalorinternational.
Therearecommonelementstothesecentres,suchasaformativeprogram,whichmakesthecentreaplaceof
growthinfaith,apossibilityofresidence,schoolteachingcombinedwithpastoralexperiencesand,aboveall,
thepresenceoftheteamofformators.Therearealsosomeproperelementswhichdistinguishesonecentre
fromtheother;amongthem,forexample,theminimumqualificationandotherconditionsforentry,thelength
ofthecourse,themethodsemployed,withaviewtolocalconditions,andthecategoriesofstudents:menor
womenorboth;youngpeopleoradults;marriedorunmarriedpeopleorcouples.Somecentreswillinclude
trainingforthewifeorhusbandofthecandidateandissuingofdiplomas.
Itisimportanttopromotecontactsbetweencatecheticalcentres,especiallyatanationallevel,underthe
guidanceoftheEpiscopalConference.Formatorsfromthedifferentcentresshouldmeetfromtimetotimeto
exchangeideasandteachingmethodsandlearnfromtheexperiencesofothers.

Centresshouldaimnotmerelyattrainingtheirstudentsbutatbeingplacesofresearchandreflectiononthemes
connectedwiththeapostolate,suchas:catechesisitself,inculturation,interreligiousdialogue,pastoralmethods,
etc.
Besidesthecentresorschools,thereshouldalsobecoursesandencountersofdiversedurationand
composition,organizedbythediocesesandparishes,particularlythoseinwhichtheBishopandtheparish
priestsparticipate.Theseareverysignificantmeansoftrainingand,incertainzonesandsituations,they
becometheonlywayofformation.Thesecoursesdonotcounteracttheprogramsofthecentres,buthelpthem
keepontheimpactor,asveryoftenhappens,compensatefordeficiency.
Eachdioceseshouldmakesurethatitprovidesthebooks,audiovisualmaterialandotherteachingaids
necessaryforcatecheticaltraining,anditwouldbegoodiftherecouldbeapoolingofideas,informationand
teachingaidsbetweencentres,diocesesandneighboringcountries.
TheCEPinsistsonthefactthatitisnotsufficienttoproposehighobjectivesinformation,butoneshould
identifyanduseefficaciousmeans.Therefore,besidesconfirmingtheabsolutepriorityofformators,whomust
bewellpreparedandsustained,theCEPasksthatastrengtheningofcentresshouldbeatworkeverywhere.
Heretoo,ahealthyrealismisessentialinordertoavoidatheoreticaldiscourse.Theobjectiveistodothingsin
suchawaythatallthedioceseshavethepossibilitytotrainacertainnumberoftheircatechists,atleast,the
cadresinacentre.Besidesthis,fosteringtheinitiativesonthepost,particularlytheguidedandprogrammed
meetings,becausetheyareindispensableforthefirsttrainingofthosewerenotabletofrequentacentre,andfor
thepermanentformationofall.
PARTIII
THERESPONSIBILITIESTOWARDSCATECHIST
VI.REMUNERATIONOFCATECHISTS
31.Thefinancialquestioningeneral.Thequestionofproperremunerationforcatechistsisgenerallyagreedto
beoneofthemostdifficulttosolve.Theproblem,obviously,doesnotariseforreligionteachersinschools
wheretheirsalariesarepaidbytheState.ButwhencatechistsarepaidbytheChurch,especiallywhenthey
haveafamilytosupport,theirsalarymustbeadequateandmusttakefullaccountofthecostofliving.Ifthe
salaryisnothighenough,therewillbeseveralnegativeconsequences:onthechoiceofcandidates,because
capablepersonswillpreferbetterpaidjobs;oncommitment,becauseitmightbenecessarytotakeonother
worktomakeupthedeficit;onformation,becausesomemightnotbeabletoattendthetrainingcourses;on
perseveranceandonrelationswiththePastors.Also,inmanyculturesajobisrespectedonlyifitisawellpaid
one,soifcatechistsarenotwellpaidtheyriskbeinglookeddownupon.
32.Practicalsolutions.Remunerationforcatechistsmustbeconsideredamatterofjusticeandnotof
benevolence.Bothfulltimeandparttimecatechistsmustbepaidaccordingtoprecisenorms,drawnupat
diocesanandparishlevels,takingaccountofthelocalChurch'sfinancialsituation,thatofthecatechistandhis
orherfamily,andthegeneraleconomicconditionsofthecountry.Specialconsiderationhastobegiventoold,
invalidandsickcatechists.
TheCEP,foritspart,willcontinue,insofarasitcan,toraiseanddistributesubsidiesforcatechists,buteach
dioceseshouldtrytoarriveatamorestablesolutionoftheproblem.
Diocesesandparishes,therefore,shouldsetasideareasonableproportionoftheirbudgetsforcatechists,andin
particularfortheirformation.Thefaithfultooshouldcontributetotheirsupport,especiallywhenitisaquestion
ofthevillageleader.Thequalityofpersons,inparticularthoseinvolvedindirectapostolate,takesprecedence
overstructures,andsofundsearmarkedforcatechistsshouldnotbedivertedtootherpurposes.

Moneyputintocatecheticalcentreswillbewellspent,asthesewillcertainlycontributetothe"activeand
effectivecatechesis"ofthecommunityandthereforetoitsspiritualgrowth.
Thegoodwillofvoluntarycatechists,whohaveanotherjobbutarewillingtodevotepartoftheirfreetimeto
catecheticalwork,iscertainlytobeencouraged,andindeedmanysuchgenerousworkersaretobefoundinthe
moredevelopedChurches.Thefaithfulshouldbetaught,infact,tolookuponthevocationofacatechistasa
missionratherthanajob.Furtheritmaybenecessarytorethinktheorganizationanddistributionofcatechists.
Theproblemofremuneration,therefore,isonethathastobesolvedbasicallybythelocalChurch.Subsidies
fromabroadcanhelp,butitisuptothelocalChurchtofindaplaceinitsbudgetforthisimportantapostolic
workandtoeducatethefaithfultocontributetoitssupport.
VII.RESPONSIBILITYOFTHEPEOPLEOFGOD
33.Responsibilityofthecommunity.TheCEPwouldliketomakeapublicdeclarationofgratitudetothe
Bishops,priestsandcommunitiesoffaithfulforthecareandsupporttheyhavegiventocatechists.Their
attitudeisaguaranteeforthefutureofevangelizationandthegrowthoftheyoungChurches.Forcatechistsare,
indeed,frontlineapostleswithoutwhom"Churchesthatareflourishingtodaywouldnothavebeenbuiltup".
TheyareessentialtotheChristiancommunityandarerootedinitthroughtheirBaptism,Confirmationand
specialvocation.Theyshouldbegivenrespectandresponsibilityintheirworkandshouldbeabletoachieve
personalgrowththroughit.
ItisimportanttonotethatinhisencyclicalletterRedemptorisMissio,PopeJohnPaulII,says:"Amongthelaity
whobecomeevangelizers,catechistshaveaplaceofhonour...Evenwiththeextensionoftheservicesrendered
bylaypeoplebothwithinandoutsidetheChurch,thereisalwaysneedfortheministryofcatechists,aministry
withitsowncharacteristics".AndinhisapostolicexhortationCatechesiTradendaethesamePontiffremarked
that"theterm'catechists'belongsabovealltothecatechistsinmissionlands".Catechistsareamongthosewho
havereceivedChrist'scommandto"goandteachallnations"(Mt28:19)and,accordingtoVaticanII,theyare
"legitimatelyactiveintheministryoftheword".
Theyshouldhaveaplaceofhonour,therefore,intheircommunitiesandshouldbewellrepresentedinpastoral
councilsandotherorganizationsoftheparishanddiocese.TheyaregrowinginnumberthroughouttheChurch,
andthefutureofChristiancommunitieswilldependonthemtoaconsiderableextent.Inthesecularized
atmosphereofthemodernworld,aslaypeopletheywillhaveaparticularroletoplayinbringingthelightof
thegospeltobearonvarioussituations.Inanydiscussiononthetheologyofthelaity,catechistswillnecessarily
occupyaspecialplace.
Alltheseconsiderationsconvergeontheurgencytostrengthenthecatechistswithanadequatevocational
promotioninnumberaswellas,andaboveall,inquality,whichcallsforacarefulandglobalformation
program.
34.ResponsibilityoftheBishopsinparticular.TheBishops,as"theonesprimarilyresponsibleforcatechesis",
arealsothoseprimarilyresponsibleforcatechists.RecentdocumentsoftheMagisteriumandthenewCodeof
CanonLawstressthisresponsibility,basedontheBishops'roleassuccessorsoftheApostles,bothcollegially
andaspastorsoflocalChurches.
TheCEPurgesindividualbishopsandtheEpiscopalConferencestocontinueandevenincreasetheirattention
andcareforcatechists,makingsurethattherearedefinitecriteriaforselection,developingprogramsand
structuresforformation,seeingtoquestionsofremuneration,etc.Theyshouldtakeaninterestintheircatechists
and,asfaraspossible,haveapersonalrelationshipwitheachofthem.Wherethisisnotpossible,anepiscopal
vicarshouldbenamedforthem.
Fromitsownexperience,theCEPsuggeststhefollowingpointsforspecialattention:

Makingthefaithful,andespeciallypriests,awareoftheimportanceandroleofcatechists.
Drawinguporrenewingcatecheticaldirectoriesonanationalordiocesanlevel,soastoapplyandadaptto
localconditionstheguidelinesoftheGeneralCatecheticalDirectory,theApostolicExhortationCatechesi
TradendaeandthepresentGuideforCatechists.
Guaranteeingaminimumofteachingaidsandequipmentfortheformationofcatechists,sothattheywillbe
properlytrainedfortheirtask;also,ifpossible,foundingorimprovingcatecheticalcentres.
Encouragingthepreparationandselectionofcadresi.e.catechistswhohavebeenwelltrainedinacentreand
whohavehadacertainamountofexperience,toworkcloselywiththeBishopandpriests,tohelpinthe
trainingandguidanceofvolunteercatechists,andtotakeleadingrolesintheapplicationofthecatechetical
program.
Providing,withthehelpofthecommunity,abudgetforthetraining,activitiesandmaintenanceofcatechists.
Aboveall,Bishopswillexpresstheirresponsibilityforcatechiststhroughpaternallove,attentiontotheirneeds
andpersonalacquaintancewiththem.
35.Responsibilityofthepriests.Priests,andparishpriestsinparticular,asteachersofthefaithandimmediate
collaboratorsoftheBishop,haveaspecialresponsibilityforcatechists.Aspastors,whoshouldrecognize,
promoteandcoordinatethevariouscharismsinthecommunity,theyshouldhaveaparticularinterestinthatof
catechists,whosharewiththemthetaskofinstructingpeopleinthefaith.Theyshouldlookonthemas
cooperators,responsiblefortheministryentrustedtothem,andnotassubordinatescarryingoutinstructions.
Theyshouldencouragethemtobecreativeandshowinitiative.Theyshouldalsoeducatethecommunityto
respecttheircatechists,helpthemintheirworkandcontributetotheirsupport,especiallyiftheyhaveafamily.
Futurepriestsshouldbetaughtintheseminarytovalueandrespectcatechistsasapostlesandfellowworkersin
theLord'svineyard.
36.Responsibilityoftheformators.Thetrainingofcatechistsisusuallyentrustedtoqualifiedpersons,eitherin
specialcentresorintheparishes.Theseformatorshaveanimportantroleandmakeavaluablecontributionto
theChurch.Theyshouldbeaware,therefore,oftheresponsibilitythatistheirs.
Whenapersonacceptsthemandatetotrainthecatechists,heshouldconsidertheconcreteexpressionofthe
careofPastorsandshouldseriouslyfollowtheirdirectives.Inthesameway,heshouldlivetheecclesial
dimensionofthismandate,realizingitinacommunitarianspiritandfollowingtheprogramstherein.
Aswasmentionedabove,formatorsshouldbechosenfortheirspiritual,moralandpedagogicalqualities.They
shouldbeexemplaryChristians,abletoeducateothersbythewitnessoftheirownlives.Theyshouldbeclose
totheirstudentsandshouldcommunicatetheirownfervourandenthusiasmtothem.
Everydiocesewilldoitsbesttohaveateamofformators,madeuppossiblyofpriests,brothers,sistersandlay
people,whocouldbesenttoparishestohelpintheselectionandtrainingofcatechists.
CONCLUSION
37.Ahopeforthemissionofthethirdmillennium.ThedirectivescontainedinthisGuideareproposedasa
generalmodel,toserveasanidealandbeadaptedwherenecessary.
Thecatechistsareheldingreatesteemfortheirparticipationinmissionaryactivitiesandfortheircharacteristics
whicharerarelyfoundintheecclesialcommunitiesoutsidethemission.

Theirnumbercontinuestogrowandinrecentyearshasbeenbetween250,000and350,000.Formany
missionariestheyhavebeenabsolutelyindispensable,servingastheircloseassistantsandattimesinterpreters.
Theyhaveoftenbeenabletokeepthefaithofacommunityaliveduringtryingperiods,andtheirfamilieshave
givenpriestlyandreligiousvocations.Wecannotbuthavethegreatestrespectforthese"fraternalanimatorsof
youngcommunities",andfeelthatweshouldplacethehighestidealsbeforethem,whilerecognizingthat,
becauseofobjectivedifficultiesorpersonallimitations,idealsarenotalwaysattained.
Bywayofconclusion,wemayquotethewordsofPopeJohnPaulIItothecatechistsofAngoladuringhisvisit
tothatcountry:"SomanytimesithasfallentoyoutostrengthenandbuilduptheyoungChristiancommunities,
andeventofoundnewonesthroughthefirstproclamationofthegospel.Ifmissionariescouldnotbetherefor
thisfirstproclamationorhadtoleavebeforeitcouldbefollowedup,itwasyou,thecatechists,whoinstructed
thecatechumens,preparedpeopleforthesacraments,taughtthefaithandwereleadersoftheChristian
community(...).GivethankstotheLordforthegiftofyourvocation,throughwhichChristhascalledyoufrom
amongothermenandwomentobeinstrumentsofhissalvation.Respondwithgenerositytoyourvocationand
yournameswillbewritteninheaven(cf.Lk10:20)".
TheCEPhopesthat,withGod'shelpandthatoftheVirginMary,thisGuidewillgivenewimpulsetothe
promotionofcatechists,sothattheirgenerouscontributionwillcontinuetobearfruitfortheChurch'smission
inthethirdmillennium.
ThesupremePontiffJohnPaulII,duringthecourseoftheAudiencegrantedtotheundersignedcardinalPrefect
onthe16thJune1993,approvedthepresentGuideforCatechistsandgaveconsenttoitspublication.
Rome,fromtheOfficeoftheCongregationfortheEvangelizationofPeoples,3rdDecember1993,Feastof
SaintFrancisXavier.
JozefCard.Tomko,Prefect
GiuseppeUhac,Arch.tit.ofTharros,Secretary