Catechesis — central to the mission

Every year, the third Sunday of September is recognised as Catechetical Sunday, casting a spotlight on the ministry of catechists. The entire month of September is designated Catechetical Month, and in the Antilles, the theme this year is Renewed by Christ, Renewing the Church Through Missionary Discipleship.

It is an appropriate theme, but it must not become another worthy slogan that is displayed, discussed and then quickly forgotten. It should force the Caribbean Catholic Church to confront a question: Is the Church prepared to reach people who are no longer coming to us?

The message is clear: the Church can no longer remain inside its buildings waiting for children, young people and adults to come. Missionary disciples must go out—into communities, streets and schools.

In many parishes, fewer people are stepping forward to serve as catechists. We thank and honour those who for years have stood in the gap. Catechesis is not simply another parish activity to be maintained when enough volunteers are available. It is central to the Church’s mission of handing on the faith and leading people towards an encounter with Christ.

The challenge is particularly serious when it comes to children and teenagers. Young people today are being formed constantly. They are surrounded by social media, influencers, entertainment, gaming and online communities. Their ideas about identity, relationships, success and morality are being shaped by a digital culture that never switches off.

The Church cannot simply complain about this influence. Nor can it tell young people to put down their phones and come to church as though the world outside the church doors does not exist.

The Church must learn to communicate the Gospel in the world young people live. It does not mean reducing the faith to entertainment or imitating influencers. It means being present, credible and willing to engage young people where they are, listening to their questions and taking seriously the issues shaping their lives.

Young people have difficult questions—about God, suffering, relationships, sexuality, justice, hypocrisy and the Church itself. If we offer them only formulae without conversation, we should not be surprised when they look elsewhere for answers.

Ongoing formation important

This is why the role of the catechist must be understood more seriously. Catechesis is not simply preparation for First Communion or Confirmation. It should lead people towards a personal encounter with Christ and form them for mission. That requires catechists who are themselves formed and continually renewed.

Faith formation does not end when a course is completed, or someone is formally recognised as a catechist. It is lifelong. Parishes and dioceses have a responsibility to support catechists through continuing formation and practical resources.

We cannot lament the loss of young people while remaining unwilling to invest our time in reaching them. We cannot complain about declining participation while expecting a shrinking number of volunteers to carry the responsibility indefinitely.

This is not simply a problem for priests, bishops or catechists. Parents have a major responsibility too. The parish cannot provide religious education while children are formed by an entirely different culture.

The story of St Francis of Assisi offers a reminder. When Francis heard Christ’s call to “rebuild the Church”, he eventually understood that the task was not merely to repair a building but to reach people.

May we be renewed by Christ, go out in mission and thereby renew the Church by bringing the Gospel to where people are.