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Issue 22: Spring 2023
Download the pdf version of this issue by clicking here.
The word ‘CATECHIST’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to echo’. As Catechists or teachers of RE we do not proclaim our own word. We echo the message of Jesus Christ our Lord. This newsletter aims at providing parish catechists and teachers of RE in schools some support in terms of reflections, ideas, useful resources they can use and so on. Feel free to share with other colleagues and friends. There is also a pdf version which you can download by clicking on the thumbnail below.
| In this issue |
| The Modern Areopagi |
| From the General Directory for Catechesis |
| Third International Congress on Catechesis |
| Quote by St George Preca |
| Our Social Platforms |
The Modern Areopagi
Paul preaching in the aeropagus
In the book of the Acts of the Apostles we read about when St Paul found himself speaking at the Areopagus. The Areopagus was the key meeting place where the council and influential people met in Athens at the time.
Fast forward two thousand years and although the world has completely changed and so many things have evolved, the concept of speaking at the ‘Areopagus’ is still relevant for us today as it was for Paul.
Many think that catechesis is something that is only delivered by someone within a parish to prepare children and young people for Holy communion and Confirmation. The way things have evolved, particularly in recent years and decades however, means that there are so many other areas or topics that the Church and particularly catechists and teachers simply cannot ignore.
If we truly believe in the transforming power of the Gospel, we ought to make sure that the Gospel message also arrives to areas or ‘Areopagi’ that have become so important over the years and are now high on everyone’s agenda. Among these are areas and topics such as the environment, human rights and the media to name but a few.
It is therefore crucial for all of us involved in teaching to make sure that our catechesis and formation is relevant and also tackles whatever issues are being discussed in the modern Areopagi. As the Directory for Catechesis puts it, ‘it is important for catechesis to discern and penetrate these environments’ (DfC, 211)
From the General Directory of Catechesis
There are so many sectors to enlighten with the light of the Gospel, especially those cultural areas denominated 'modern areopagi' like COMMUNICATIONS; CIVIL CAMPAIGNS for peace, development and liberation of peoples; THE PROTECTION OF CREATION; the DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, especially of minorities, women and children; SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH and INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.
The General Directory of Catechesis, paragraph 211
Third International Congress on Catachesis
Share a LIVING EXPERIENCE of the Faith
Pope Francis to Catechists
Around 1400 catechists from around the world gathered in Rome last September for the 3rd International Congress on Catechesis.
This gathering focused on the theme of the Beatitudes and how these play such a vital part in Christian life.
Speaking to participants at this congress, Pope Francis exhorted those present ‘never to get tired of their ministry’, acknowledging that catechesis is a challenging ministry as it involves finding the best ways to communicate the faith to people from different walks of life and from different age groups.
Pope Francis also suggested that catechists should avoid the school lecture type of catechesis as this ministry is aimed at achieving an interpersonal encounter that opens one’s heart to hear the Gospel and accept the invitation to live and grow in Christian life.
The next Congress on Catechesis will take place in 2025, the next Jubilee Year of the Lord.
The Lord calls us all to make His Gospel resound in the heart of every person.
Pope Francis
Quote by St George Preca
Those who come forward to teach must strive to be well instructed, exemplary and with the right intention. They should above all pray to God for the ensuing fruits depend only on God.
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