The priest as catechetical leader

Dec 13, 2024

Echoing the Faith - Dr Steven Selvaraju
In the previous article, entitled The Role of the Priest in Catechesis, I had examined the role of the priest, and especially the parish priest, as educator of the Faith and catechetical leader of the community. In this article, I will focus specifically on his role as the catechetical leader in the parish.

The parish as a locus for catechesis
According to the General Directory for Catechesis (1997), the parish is, without doubt, the most important locus (context) in which “the Christian community is formed and expressed” (GDC, 257). The Directory for Catechesis (2020) states that the parish is the ideal place of formation since most Catholics experience the power of faith, love and charity, live and bear witness within the parish community. As the most visible form of community in the Church, the parish is also where many Catholics truly become aware of themselves as being the People of God.

In relation to catechesis, both directories state that the parish is the prime mover and pre-eminent place for catechesis, while recognising that it is not the only locus for the ministry. Catechesis is expected to take place in the family, schools, basic ecclesial communities and in other forms of Christian communities too. In the parish, catechesis is to be organised not only for children and young people, but also for adults. Adult catechesis may include Bible studies, theological and spirituality courses, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and others. It is also where catechesis for the family, the elderly, migrants and other groups of people may be held.

The Directory for Catechesis also points out that the parish is “the womb in which for some of its members, the specific vocation to the service of catechesis is born and grows…”. It means it is within the parish community that new vocations to the ministry of catechists are “born” and where lay catechists are formed to grow and become mature in their ministry. In light of the above, as the catechetical leader of the community, the parish priest has several responsibilities.

Here, I wish to highlight the responsibilities as stated in the Code of Canon Law (1993) and Directory for Catechesis (2020).

Code of Canon Law (1983)
According to the Code of Canon Law (CIC, 776- 777) the parish priest is “bound to ensure the catechetical formation of adults, young people and children”. He has to carry out the responsibility with the help of other priests attached to the parish, deacons, the religious, lay members of the parish and especially lay catechists. For his part, the priest has to ensure that: 

-- Proper catechesis is given to children, young people and adults for the reception and celebration of the sacraments. 

-- Children are adequately prepared for first Confession and First Holy Communion, and young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

-- After having received first Holy Communion, children are to be given a “richer and deeper catechetical formation”. 

-- As far as their conditions allow, catechetical formation is to be provided to those with Special Needs, such as the mentally and physically disabled. 

-- The faith of young people and adults is “strengthened, enlightened and developed” by continuous catechetical initiatives and ongoing formation.

It can be seen that CIC mainly emphasises the responsibilities of the parish priest in relation to the sacramental preparation of the members of the community. However, a point to note is the importance of catechesis for persons with Special Needs. As such, where possible, classes have to be organised for this purpose.

Directory for Catechesis (2020)
The Directory provides a more pastoral thrust when speaking about the responsibilities of the parish priests in catechesis. These require priests to: 

Dedicate themselves with “competent and generous commitment” to the catechesis of the faithful in the parish. This means the priests themselves must have a certain amount of knowledge and competency in the field of catechesis. 

-- To keep the connection between liturgy, catechesis and charity in the parish. In this regard, the Sunday Mass serves as an excellent means by which the priest may achieve this, as he celebrates, teaches and leads by example to serve others. 

-- Elicit a sense of responsibility from the whole community for the ministry of catechesis. He is to remind them that by virtue of the Sacrament of Baptism, all members of the parish are responsible for the task. 

-- Help members who feel called to become lay catechists in their discernment and to assess their capability and preparedness for the ministry, as well as, to give their utmost attention to the formation of the lay catechists. 

-- Show a sense of gratitude and give support to those who are offering themselves to serve as lay catechists. The priest has to encourage the parish community to do the same. 

-- Seek the assistance and advice of the lay catechists when organising and implementing the catechetical plan of the parish. 

-- Take into consideration the catechetical ministry and all its aspects when drawing up the overall pastoral plan of the parish. 

-- Ensure a close link between catechetical plan and programs in the parish and those of the diocese so as to avoid all forms of subjectivism with regards to catechesis.

Conclusion
The responsibilities of parish priests as stated in the CIC and Directory for Catechesis indicate the necessity of their active and regular commitment to the ministry. While a priest may depend on the catechetical coordinator and lay catechists to perform their duties faithfully and effectively, it is imperative that he himself, as the catechetical leader, is fully involved too. It is a task of immense importance that St John Paul II once said: “… with all my strength I beg you, ministers of Jesus Christ: Do not for lack zeal or because of some unfortunate preconceived idea, leave the faithful without catechesis. Let it not be said that “the children beg for food, but no one gives to them”.” (Catechesis Tradendae, 64).                                           -------------------------------

The key ideas in the article are presented in a simple illustrated format below.



(Dr Steven Selvaraju, STD, STL, holds a Doctorate in Theology with Specialisation in Catechetics and Youth Ministry from Pontifical Salesian University, Rome. He serves as Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Centre, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.)