Catechesis: An indispensable strategy in the new evangelisation of Yerya Parish in the light of Catechesi Tradendae

Abstract

This research is a result of wonder and worry of the increasing number of Christians nowadays who are lukewarm, have lost the faith, hardly consider themselves members of the Church, and live a life far removed from Christ and his Gospel, while others are leaving the Catholic faith and trekking to new religious movements or sects and Islam. This could be attributed to a weakened catechesis. Such a situation calls for a new evangelisation- one geared towards re-awakening and deepening of faith. However, given that catechesis participates in the efforts of evangelisation, such that faith may be supported by an ongoing maturation, and express itself in a way of life of a Christian, the researcher was motivated to undertake a study on the topic: Catechesis: an indispensable strategy in the new evangelisation of Yerya Parish in light of Catechesi Tradendae. The objectives of the study were: To identify the challenges and gaps in contemporary catechesis; to identify solutions to these challenges, and to establish other strategies to employ in a new evangelisation for the purpose of re-wakening the faith of Christians, lead them to practice the faith as mature Christians, with the ability of defending what they believe in. The study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022, a qualitative research design was employed to probe into the problem, and through the use of questionnaire responses from 100 respondents, interview responses of 40 respondents, and direct observation, data was collected from the field. This data was presented and analysed; summarised and discussed and conclusions and recommendations were made. The researcher found out that there are a number of gaps and challenges in contemporary catechesis which must be addressed and bridged for the effectiveness of catechesis in the new evangelisation of Yerya Parish. These include but not limited to: Inadequate training of catechists; failure of priests, religious and parents to do their catechetical mandate; over-reliance on the memorisation method among others. Other supplementary strategies were identified for use in the new evangelisation such as: rejuvenating Small Christian Communities; promoting and regulating lay apostolate movements; regular pastoral home to home visitations; to mention a few. All the same, these must be preceded by and imbued with catechesis. It is on this basis that one can conclude that catechesis is indispensable in the new evangelisation of Yerya Parish. Therefore the Church should take catechesis as a priority in her endeavour to re-awaken the faith of Christians, enable them put their faith into action and be able to give the reason for their belief. With this, St. Paul’s words may suffice to keep resounding in the ears of the all faithful; to remain firm in the faith that we were taught, ‘‘you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walked in him, rooted in him, built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught.’’ (Col 2:6-7 NAB), and elsewhere that, ‘‘Continue in what you have learnt and have firmly believed.’’ (1Tm 3:14 NAB).