The modern challenges of catechesis in Amuria Catholic Parish in light of Catechesi Tradendae

Abstract

According to Pope John Paul II Catechesi Tradendae, (1979, no. 1), catechesis has always been considered as the primary task of the Church, for Christ commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to observe all that he had commanded (Mt 28:19-20). This is true and catechesis is and will always be the primary task of the Church. Owing to that, lots of efforts are being put in Amuria Catholic Parish to enhance catechesis through different activities carried out by the catechetical agents. And these activities include: frequent meetings and empowering of the catechists, frequent pastoral visits to the out-stations and homes and preparation of those to receive different sacraments. However, today catechesis is faced with a number of challenges some of which Pope John Paul II had already put forward and they include: the secularized world, original pedagogy of faith and the problem of language suitable to the service of the “credo” among others (Cf. Catechesi Tradendae, 1979, nos. 30-34). I agree with Pope John Paul II on this because these are the very problems catechesis too is facing today in Amuria. With these challenges the teaching results into unfaithfulness on some point to the integrity of the message, meaning a dangerous weakening of catechesis as the Pope stated. Therefore, this prompted the researcher to carry out a study on, “The moern Challenges of Catechesis in Amuria Catholic Parish in light of Catechesi Tradendae”. This study was carried out with the general objective to establish that, the modern challenges of catechesis have resulted into low quality of catechesis hence producing many ignorant Catholics unable to stand firm in their faith and explain it. For the study four specific objectives were conceived to guide the researcher and they are: to give the meaning of catechesis, to cite out the people who are mainly carrying out catechesis, to find out the modern challenges of catechesis and the possible solutions to these challenges. Guided by these, literature related to the study was reviewed and analyzed. The research methodology constructed used both the random and non-random sampling techniques. Various tools that were used for collecting data included: participatory and non-participatory observation, oral interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussion, document analysis, and voice recording. Upon getting the letter of introduction from the Dean of Studies National Seminary Ggaba, the researcher then carried out the field study in Amuria Catholic Parish found in Soroti Diocese. Data from the field was presented and analyzed. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which involved the use of tables, frequencies, percentages, charts and graphs. The study findings were discussed by the researcher, comparing them to the reviewed literature. The researcher then came to a conclusion that, catechesis is an education in faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted in an organized way, with the aim of developing in the hearers the fullness of Christian life. Also from the study findings, lots of relevant information pertaining to the topic of study were brought to light and among these included: the major agents of catechesis, namely; Bishops, Priests and Deacons, Men and Women Religious, and the Lay faithful. Not only that, but also the significant modern challenges of catechesis namely: low levels of Catechists’ training, secularism, poor methods of doing catechesis, religious pluralism, inadequate support for catechists and their programmes. And the possible solutions to these challenges that included: recruiting and training of more catechists, provision of more support for catechists and their programmes, use of diversity of methods and avenues for catechesis, active involvement of parents in catechesis, use of popular devotions, movements, associations and groups and priests personally teaching catechism. Finally, the researcher came to a general conclusion that, there is catechesis being carried out in Amuria but that it is facing a number of challenges that is why many Parishioners in Amuria today are not firm and strong in their faith. Therefore, it is believed that identifying the contemporary challenges of catechesis and working out ways towards overcoming them is very vital since when challenges are overcome, effective catechesis is possible and hence a well-grounded faith can be built.