Guidelines bid to boost catechists

Hong Kong diocese has published tentative guidelines detailing clearly who can be catechists and the way they should teach, in a bid to improve the quality of teachers and the formation of adult catechumens. “Only with good teachers can we cultivate good Catholics, and it is especially important to improve the quality of teachers in the Year of the Laity,” said Amelia Lau, director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.

The Diocesan Catechetical Centre's workshop to introduce
the Chinese guideline for catechesis for adult

The local Church began the special year on January 1 with an emphasis on attracting more Catholics and instilling in them their lay ministry. Many of the 580 “catechists” who teach adult catechumen actually do not know there are strict requirements regarding them and their work, and the guidelines are to make them clearer, she said. The guidelines list seven requirements expected of a catechist: To have a mature personality; been baptized at least three years; is actively practicing the faith; is willing to carry out the mission; is obedient to the Church; has had the appropriate training; and has been assigned by a parish priest. Those who do not meet these requirements, can be “companions” to help the catechumen, Lau said.