The Lay Ministry of Catechist BY JOSÉ AMAYA, DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION
Pope Francis “established the lay ministry of Catechist” on 10 May 2021 (Apostolic Letter “Motu Proprio,” Antiquum Ministerium, Instituting the Ministry of Catechist, 8). Through the centuries the Church recognizes the essential service of the catechist in the mission to proclaim and teach the person of Jesus Christ to adults, youth, and children. Together with the new Directory for Catechesis, this apostolic letter recognizes the importance of inviting, inspiring, and training catechists who respond to a call. By virtue of their baptism and confirmation, and imbued with an apostolic spirit, catechists are called to serve as teachers of the Catholic faith in the process of evangelization. It is necessary to encourage fully initiated and practicing adult Catholics to embrace the ministry of Catechist. Having a vision and a plan to help prospective catechists grow and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ in the Church is vital. A volunteer will quit, but a catechist is invited by the Lord Jesus Christ and moved by the Holy Spirit to share the gift of faith and to give an account for the gift of faith received. Pope Francis clearly states that “Today, too, the Spirit is calling men and women to set out and encounter all those who are waiting to discover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Christian faith
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