Catechists reflect on the “pastoral challenges” of the ministry – Archive – News

The “Identity and Ministry of the Catechist: Pastoral Challenges” is the theme of the 61st edition of the National Catechesis Meeting, which begins today, the 2nd, and runs until the 4th of April and brings together in Ferragudo, in the Algarve, diocesan officials of Portuguese catechesis.

“We want to reflect together on the importance of the institution of the Ministry of the Catechist among us at a time when we are implementing the Becoming a Catechist route and we have already developed in terms of the fundamental training of these pastoral agents”, explains Sister Arminda Faustino, coordinator, to EDUCRIS of the Department of Catechesis at the National Secretariat for Christian Education (SNEC).

“We all need to grow and solidify the building that is the Church of living stones. It is the opportune time that today the Lord offers us and invites us to embrace so that the joy of the Gospel reaches everyone”, he adds.

The work begins tonight, at the Pastoral and Social Center of the Diocese of the Algarve, in Ferragudo, with a greeting from the president of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Education and Doctrine of the Faith (CEECDF), D. António Augusto Azevedo, from 9 pm .

“This is a meeting with tradition. It exists as a meeting space, for sharing between those responsible and I am sure that it will be another moment rich in experiences and that will allow us to delve deeper into fundamental aspects in such an important phase of launching and implementing the Itinerary for Catechesis”, explains the president of CEECDF and bishop of Vila Real.

About the subject

At 9:10 pm, Father Manuel Queirós, from the Diocese of Vila Real, brings to reflection the theme “The identity of the catechist in the Directory and today of Evangelization”.

On April 3rd, work begins at 10am, with the conference “The ministry of the catechist in the Documents ‘Antiquum Ministerium’ and ‘Lay Ministries for a Ministerial Church’ and in today’s Church”, with Canon Luís Miguel Rodrigues, from Archdiocese of Braga.

After a break, participants reflect on “The catechist established in the liturgy and in the life of the community… based on the Ritual of Institution of Catechists”, with the intervention of Father Carlos Aquino, from the Diocese of Algarve.

The afternoon is filled with a moment of group work that culminates in a panel of “Reflection and sharing on the institution of the ministry”, moderated by Eunice Lourenço, from Expresso and Olímpia Mairos, from Renascença.

“This will be a space for synodal dynamics to share joys and hopes, which can serve as inspiration for the path to follow. We want the various secretariats to share, reflect and help diocesan bishops to discern the ministry of the catechist in diocesan churches. It will be time to listen to us, to think about ways to carry out the ministry in Portugal”, adds sister Arminda Faustino.

The organization asks participants to have with them the “Institution of Catechists – format for use by the faithful” and the “Directory for Catechesis”.

The day ends with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by D. Manuel Quintas, Bishop of the Algarve, at the Cathedral of Faro.

Monitoring on the website and social networks

EDUCRIS is present at the meeting through the social networks Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.