Inadequate catechesis: a hindrance to the reception of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. case study: Cathedral parish Soroti Catholic Diocese.

Abstract

The study was carried in a purpose of establishing the fact that proper and effective catechesis is an indispensable avenue to bring about better and frequent reception and celebration of the sacrament of Penance among Christians of Cathedral Parish- Soroti. This study was guided by four objectives: to show that there is low reception of the sacrament of Penance, to show that adequate catechesis is a tool for effective reception and celebration of the sacrament of Penance, to find out other reasons for ineffective reception of sacrament of Penance, and to suggest other strategies that the Church may employ to promote the reception of the sacrament of Penance.

The research designs employed for the case study were qualitative and quantitative approaches and data collection was done through interviews, questionnaires, observation. The study reflected that a majority of Catholics today have inadequate knowledge about the doctrines of their religion. This is due to inadequate catechesis given by poorly trained catechists and their usage of outdated methods of catechesis. The minimal participation of priests, religious, lay leaders and parents in the work of catechesis and was yet another reason for the low reception of this sacrament among Christians today. In as much as other reasons for the low reception of this sacrament were found, the Church is blamed for not taking seriously her very primary duty of catechizing her Christians on important Catholic doctrines.

From the field findings and the explanations attached to them, strategies were suggested and recommendations made to the various stake holders to help bring about adequate catechesis of our Christians. This will bring about better and frequent reception of not only Penance but other sacraments as well. When this is achieved our Christian communities will be better places to live in where love, peace, unity and harmony prevail.