Rome (Italy). From 9 to 15 December 2024, the 5th Webinar on Catechesis in five languages was held, promoted by the Youth Ministry Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
“The identity, vocation, and formation of catechists” is the theme of this event, which will be developed with videos and testimonies, depending on local realities.
The Catechetical Directory for catechesis deepens this theme by emphasizing the vocation of every Christian as a catechist, that is, as a messenger of salvation. All Christians are called to witness to their faith with words, but above all with their lives, with small and great gestures that allow others to encounter Christ.
Among the themes addressed was the great contribution of women in catechesis as it is emphasized in no. 128 of the New Directory for Catechesis: “The Christian communities are constantly animated by the female genius; thus, we recognize their contribution as essential and indispensable in the realization of pastoral life. Catechesis is one of these services that leads to recognizing the great contribution made by the catechists who, with dedication, passion, and competence dedicate themselves to this ministry. In their lives, they embody the image of motherhood, knowing how to witness, even in difficult moments, to the tenderness and dedication of the Church. They are able to understand, with special sensitivity, the example of Jesus: serving in both small and large things is the attitude of those who have understood God’s love for humanity to the full and can only pour it out on their neighbor, taking care of people and of things in the world.”
This is a significant aspect, since among the catechists a large number are women, who with a generous heart and sensitive to the call of the Lord, give their time and talents to the service of faith formation.
Sister Runita Borja, Councilor for Youth Ministry, said in her greeting to the participants, “We must take care, first of all, of our faith life, because it is not only a matter of transmitting content, but of making sure that our faith permeates all of life and that this is our witness, our first and best catechesis. This will only be possible if we allow the Holy Spirit to work in each of us.”
In the various meetings, during the sharing, FMA and catechists expressed their gratitude for the preparation of these webinars and for the importance that the Institute is giving to catechesis, a priority mission in the pastoral commitment of the FMA.
To continue giving a new impulse to catechesis in groups, communities, provinces, and conferences, the International Commission of Catechesis, animated by the motto, “Together for a new impulse to catechesis”, continues to prepare these meetings with dedication and competence. The next appointment will be in March 2025 on the theme: “Methodology in catechesis I”.
Videos in the various languages of this and previous meetings are available on the Youtube channe FMA Ambito PG.
